BEMIDJI, Minn. — Local artist Paula Swenson will present an exhibition entitled “River of Time” in the Talley Gallery of the Education Arts Complex on the campus of Bemidji State University from Tuesday, Jan. 13 through Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Swenson’s show will present a collection of paintings dating back to the 1990s. They reflect her thoughts and reactions to philosophical questions or to a deeper awareness of everyday events in life.

Swenson’s work is simple in form but uses bold shapes and patterns presented with dynamic color.

“It is important to me that my art be more than manipulation of paint on canvas,” Swenson says. “Art needs truth, beauty and substance. Aesthetics and beauty are integral to my art; color, line and composition create order and understanding.

“I look for the essential element or elements of a subject and find visual symbols for these elements and create a narrative,” she said. “Some symbols are obvious universal symbols, some are personal symbols that I hope speak to the universal psyche, and many introduce themselves intuitively and can only be understood on an emotional level.”

An opening reception for the show will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13 beginning at noon.

Swenson’s exhibit will be open until 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, allowing Talley Gallery to participate in Bemidji’s First Friday event. On the first Friday of each month, the Bemidji arts community has open art exhibitions with people walking from gallery-to-gallery. Other open exhibitions for First Friday gallery viewings can be found at Bemidji Community Art Center, the Northern Gallery and Wild Hare. Parking behind the Education Arts building is free after 6 p.m.

Located in room 212 of the Education Arts building on the campus of Bemidji State University, the Talley Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is barrier-free and is open at no charge to the public.

For more information, contact Talley Gallery Director Laura Goliaszewski at (218) 755-3708.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Jan. 13 – Feb. 10 – Bemidji State University’s Talley Gallery presents “River of Time,” an exhibit of works by local artist Paula Swenson. Opening reception Jan. 13 at noon. Call (218) 755-3708 for gallery hours or for more information.