Gackle, ND

During the Art in the Park orientation many people commented, “I’m not and artist, I couldn’t do that!” But you don’t have to be an artist to do any of these activities. It’s about people of all ages getting together to have some fun, maybe learn something new and collectively working to develop attractive projects to beautify Gackle’s Main Street (see illustration at right below).

Next week, July 26, 3-5 pm, Linda Whitney, art teacher from Valley City State University will be teaching drawing. Since the idea is to Capture the Coteau - there will be many collected wildflowers, bugs, butterflies, bird and fish decoys to sketch. If you would like to bring something to sketch, appropriate to the theme, particularly if you have a decoy, please do!

The following week, August 2, 3-5 pm, people can use their new drawing skills to go sketching, as the French say, en plein air. We’ll take our sketchbooks and head “into the wild” to sketch the plants and animals where they live. We won’t go far, just south of town a couple blocks.

Download the Coteau Flyer. We will need to know if you are planning to participate in the August 9th photography workshop or 16th sketching in clay, both these activities will require some preparation so knowing how many people plan to participate will be helpful. Look for more information on these and the other activities in upcoming Blog posts.

September is the Planning Phase of this project. During the Farmers Market meetings we will combine different aspects of our artworks into designs to “decorate” Main Street projects (see illustration at right). During this phase we will need “idea” people, “builder/carpenter” people, and “artists (painters, stencilers, seamstresses, etc.)” to make this happen. So if you want to bring a little “color” to Main Street your help is needed.

All materials (lumber, paint etc.) for the final projects will paid for with a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts. The North Dakota Council on the Arts is the state agency responsible for the support and development of the arts throughout North Dakota, and is funded by the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

If you have questions or would like more information please call Sally Jeppson, 701-485-3454, or email sjepp@daktel.com.

The 2008, 2nd Annual Gackle Farmers Market kicked off with an “official” whistle by Mayor Ritchie Jacobson. There were eight vendors present and despite the short growing season there were many fresh selections, tasty baked goods and delicious jams. The just-picked onions, spinach, lettuce, and new potatoes drew enthusiastic buyers. There were also fruits available, cherries, grapes, peaches and other selections.

Some vendors specialized in baked goods–kuchen, buns, sweet breads and cookies galore, and canned goods–jams and preserves of all kinds. There were also handmade items for sale.

The orientation for the Capture the Coteau – Art in the Park project gave visitors to the Market a glimpse of what’s coming throughout the summer. These art activities and classes are free and open to all ages. They will take place in the park every week during Farmers Market.

Thanks to all the hard work, A.F. Lehr Park was in tip-top shape and everyone appreciated the attractive and shady setting. If you didn’t have a chance to visit Saturday – don’t miss the Market next week – word’s out that the snow peas and sugar snap peas will be available!