the arts center

I am here visiting my Dad and I dropped in to the JFAA Art Show. I didn't have enough time, so I am going back, but I have to say, it's terrific. And there is a perfect example of why we need to experience art in person whenever possible. The Best in Show piece, "Exposed" by Sue Morrissey was pictured on a leaflet advertising the exhibit, and I was puzzled by it's having received the award. But when I actually stood in front of it...well, I am now sockless. It is a masterpiece of color and texture that can't really be photographed. Last year I saw an exhibit on the "Coteau", or landscape and terrain around Jamestown, and that was also very moving. I thank the people who work to make this happen and I know it is not easy. Keep up the great work!

Jamestown has a population of ~15,000 within 12+ square miles. The streets are full of bars and several churches with various apartment/furniture stores and such in between. In the middle of it all lays the Art Center, which coincidentally rest right in between of 2 bars (at least when I visited last).Attending a comedy of nuns making wine, the Art Center went all out to make people feel welcome there. Dining tables were laid out well for a good view of the stage and performers. Food was excellent and they even had bottles of wine on each table to go with the theme of the show. Everything was just perfect!I don't recall the name of the show, nor the actors or even the specific dish I ate... What I do remember, that has since been the lasting impression were the people. There was an atmosphere of comfort, kind of like going to a big family reunion where everyone was excited to be there. The hosts, servers, performers and the several strangers I was able to converse with, laugh with and enjoy the evening and experience with still make me smile thinking about it. Having The Arts Center in the middle of an isolated town in North Dakota, is like finding a almost random seeming daisy in the middle of a desert. It serves the purpose of enhancing the view of the surrounding landscape as well as providing an alternative to going to a bar to hang out. With it's many classes, performances and activities, The Art Center is definitely a place you'll want to check out.