Gackle, ND

Summer Arts Programming – The “Capture the Coteau” Program series will occur in association with this Summer’s Farmers Market. Programs will start July 19th. Like the title, the idea is to look at all the wildlife and flora which surrounds Gackle, study it, draw it, sculpt it, photograph it and then use those designs, drawings, and pottery tiles to create or adorn banners, planters, benches or whatever we can think of to help beautify the town. A naturalist will tell us about local wildflowers and wildlife. An art historian will talk about the history of botanical illustration. Local and regional artists will assist us with drawing lessons and photography lessons. These artists will also bring their artwork to Gackle for an exhibition. The artwork created by Gackle artists will also be displayed.

We received a Community Access Grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts for $1275 which will cover materials costs (lumber, paint, clay, film, drawing pencils), mileage and small artist honorariums for the out-of-town artists. $500 dollars will need to raised locally in matching money.

This program is for all ages, young and old. The only cost is the purchase of a $5 sketch book which will be used throughout the 9 week series of activities. This project is designed to be multifaceted, non-cumulative and accessible to everyone. Different sessions will attract different folks–would-be artists, collectors, nature lovers, designers and builders will all find something of interest during the series.

Look for more information here on the blog as well as in the Tri-County News. Image at right from the web page: www.answers.com/topic/echinacea

Hopefully you were able to catch the ad in last week’s Tri-County News and saved the date on your calendar, if not, you better get to it! We may not have the same catchy title as last year’s “Rock the Park,” because miraculously, the park got completely rocked. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t repeat the great time we had! This year’s goal is to make Gackle the 4th of July “Destination of Choice.” And why shouldn’t it be? Haven’t you ever gone on vacation and were glad to return home? We have it all here with great parks, swimming pool, RV park, nearby lake area, and don’t forget the wonderful people! With gas prices so high, lets take advantage of what’s local and celebrate!

So here we go…I’m just getting started with all the organizing, but what I do know is that I need help! The day of the event will need the most help with set up, serving, and clean up, but I am also looking for a couple of people to take charge of the kids activities. We are also looking for donations to cover the cost of the event. As you may remember, last year was all donations and volunteers. So if you can help in anyway, please contact me at 485-3385 or mail donations to me at 205 Spruce St E, Gackle, ND 58442. We already have some great entertainment lined up with the group “Raw Sugar” coming from Lisbon, ND to perform for us. I also hear that our finally of fireworks is going to be “bigger and better.” If you saw last years show, it’s hard to imagine how they are going to do that. Gail has been hard at work getting things together and he also has an account set up at Dakota Heritage Bank for any donations.

We can’t forget that Horizon’s is what “sparked” our energy last year and continues to be a positive charge for change in our community. The Horizon’s project will be ending in June and deserves some celebration for all of the motivation and direction it will leave us with. Stay tuned for updates and I expect to hear from you all!