Nature is a common thread in the art exhibits featured at M State in Fergus Falls this winter, with the fiber creations of Mary Jo Wentz and watercolor batiks of Ruth Hanson tied together by the two artists’ appreciation for the natural world.

“I am influenced by nature, farm life and people,” said Hanson. “I strive to bring beauty and peace to those who view my work.”

Hanson specializes in watercolor batik and calligraphy but is also skilled at gouache, oil pastel and drawing, among other talents. She says she is thankful for her artistic gifts and considers it a privilege and responsibility to develop and use those gifts.

Her collection, “Wending through Watercolor Batik (and a few other things)” will be exhibited at the Beck Gallery from January 16 through March 13.

“It means a lot to me to have a show in the Beck Gallery,” Hanson says, explaining that her first year of college was spent at Fergus Falls State Junior College (now M State), where she was a student of Charles Beck, for whom the gallery is named. “I had the pleasure of learning painting, poster and lettering techniques from Charles Beck. I feel privileged to have a few pieces of his work in our home.”

Hanson has a bachelor’s degree in art education and taught high school art for several years before continuing her studies at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. For the past 16 summers, she has owned and operated a small art and gift shop in Vining. She teaches workshops on various art mediums and is an active member and former board member of several regional galleries, including Art of the Lakes in Battle Lake.

Like Hanson’s watercolors, Wentz’s exhibit, “The Fusion of Fiber and Nature,” will be on display beginning January 16. Featured at the Waage Gallery at M State, this exhibit will extend through May 11.

Wentz, who was born and raised in Nebraska but spent her summers vacationing at Blanche Lake in Otter Tail County, now resides
at the lake with her husband, where they enjoy visits from their children and grandchildren. Wentz’s interest in art began later in life, after retirement.

“Pursuing my interest in art after raising a family and retiring from teaching elementary school was a natural progression for me,” she says. “In 2012, I began painting with alcohol inks. I continue this art medium while now exploring the world of felting with wool. Needle felting, wet felting and ‘painting’ with fiber have opened yet another way of seeing the world. Sharing these mediums through exhibits and teaching classes allows others to explore, and perhaps pursue, art through these experiences. Through my artwork, I can share stories that touch the lives of others and provide a common thread which connects us.”

M State will host a joint reception with both Wentz and Hanson on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 2-4 p.m., with an artist talk beginning at 2:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome.

Gallery exhibits are free and open to the public during regular M State Fergus Falls campus hours.

For more information about Fine Arts at M State, visit minnesota.edu/fine-arts.