GALLERY
About the Anima Mundi Exhibit
by Tina Appleby
In what often seems to be an ever-increasing state of chaos in this planet, what is our relationship with “place” and our inner psyche? How do our personal values - and very identities - relate to place… - a sense of place? What role does recollection play, and how/why do we attach value to our memories? These are the sorts of things that prompt artist Paul LaJeunesse to create the paintings you can see in our October exhibition. These works depict at least a part of the artist’s identity/relationship to the world.
But they also serve as “vehicles” to promote deeper reflection upon our own “place” - our own individual and specific values, memories, and, ultimately, our own connection to theanima mundi.
As he reconstructs space, LaJeunesse’s works have always revolved around the concept of “place," albeit with different foci at various times in his life. “I do not (now) attempt to depict a scene," he explains. “The concept of place has neither subject nor object, rather it is the experience of responding to, and associating with, the physical environment.” In quoting human geographer Yi-fu Tuan, LaJeunesse seems to recognize that any thought about a present experience necessarily results in distance from the experience, yet - also, necessarily - results in a resurrection of memory. Thus, what might otherwise be an elusive moment is preserved, becomes permanent. Such a process, likely repeated in various physical places at various times, builds our sense of place. And meaning to our life then surfaces, becomes more apparent, and, probably, more savored.
The importance that Paul LaJeunesse ascribes to the connection of place to people is represented in many different manners including, more recently, murals made to create a sense of place and identity for an entire community.
LaJeunesse obtained his Master of Fine Arts Degree from Bowling Green University in 2006. He has since been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and grants. Mr. LaJeunesse has permanent works in Minnesota and Tennessee and has exhibited all over the United States, as well as in the countries of Iceland and Japan. Several universities have welcomed him as an instructor, including the University of Minnesota - Duluth, which is where he now lives.
Ancient Greek and Roman philosophy held that the world soul is animated, infusing the cosmos with life and intelligence. So don’t miss this show! It is indeed an opportunity to
drink in - and contribute to! - the anima mundi!
Exhibit Opportunities
Are you an artist interested in an exhibition at the Edge Gallery? We'd love to talk to you. To be considered, please submit the following:
5-8 digital images of your work
a 50-word artist statement, and
a short biography or resume
These can be emailed to lynn@edgecenterarts.org or mailed to:
Edge Center Gallery
P.O. BOX 303
Bigfork, MN 56628
Gallery Layout
Get Involved
The Edge Center Gallery is staffed by community volunteers who feel passionately that visual arts enhance our quality of life in the Edge of the Wilderness.
Do you have bookkeeping, carpentry or computer skills? We could use you. Would you like to help hang exhibits or organize workshops? We could use you. Are you good at writing grants? We could really use you!
Volunteers plan and select exhibits, set up and take down shows, and publicize exhibits in surrounding communities. They welcome visitors as friendly gallery hosts, prepare food for exhibit opening receptions, and help to bring out the best in the artwork in our gallery.
Looking to get involved at the Edge gallery? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us here or flag down any member of the Gallery Committee when you see us around town.
Your level of your commitment is up to you!
Artists in (their) Residence
Postponed gallery exhibits were hard on artists and audiences alike, but our artists (virtually) let us into their homes and studios while they continued to create. We are happy to announce our series: Artists in (their) Residence. Our first two episodes feature demonstrations by Duluth clay artist Ashley Hise and Bovey watercolor artist Keith Thompson.