Friday November 2nd the BCAC hosted a reception for PaulaSwenson, Bridget Riversmith and Susan Kedzie-Webb as a part of the monthly First Friday Art Walk in Bemidji. In an artist lecture, Paula Swenson presented her story about a boy in her exhibit entitled “Interlude”. “This colorful trip to the world of Grandmother Moon is a story told in words and metaphors about the circle of life, a child’s journey to adulthood and lessons learned along the way. The story follows a boy through a magical childhood into a youth that becomes less about magic and more about friends, study and work to manhood and an eventual balanced understanding and appreciation of the physical world and it’s mysteries.”
With Bridget Riversmith in “No Shrinking Violets” we explore the theme of young female protagonists having adventures in this series of gouache and acrylic paintings. ”The artwork is intentionally devoid of Disneyfying and Barbiesque elements, which hang 
corrosively in the skies of young girls’ lives like thick, fluffy pink sparkly smog. Present instead are their private feelings, insights and motivations, sagaciousness and resiliency. Not all the characters are what they seem to be at first glance. The worlds they live in may be fantastic and beautiful, but interwoven throughout are inherent unpredictability, chaos, duplicity, and cruelty. These girls are all in the midst of tapping a deeper source within upon discovering that trusting in themselves, believing in their dreams, and following their stars are woefully not enough.”
Susan Kedzie-Webb presents us with “The Mother of Nature”, an original poem with mix-media illustrations rich in color and symbolism. “Mother of Nature represents my personal struggle to connect with my very special, intense and challenging daughter. In disclosing such a personal struggle, my hope is to open up the discussion among mothers, families and the greater community about the stress parents face raising children, the active support they need and the struggle to avoid violence within families.
We would like to thank Paula, Bridget and Susan for sharing their stories with us. Exhibit runs through Nov 1st.
Photos top to bottom: “Communion” by Paula Swenson, “Violet” by Bridget Riversmith, Panel two of four by Susan Kedzie-Webb.
