NEW YORK MILLS — Three Wadena artists are in a new gallery exhibit that is free for all to enjoy at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center.
“I was honored to be included,” said Lina Belar, executive director of the Wadena County Historical Society. “Most of my photography is local. I’m interested in the beauty that is just right here. Sometimes you really have to get a know a place before you can make great art.”
New York Mills Regional Cultural Center’s newest gallery exhibit “Local Legends” runs through March 2 and features the art of 11 local artists. A reception will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 23.
Contributed / Lina Belar
“Each artist in this show has a unique and deep connection to the Cultural Center,” according to Betsy Roder, executive director. “Many of the artists featured worked at the Center in its earlier years and continue to volunteer, show their work and teach workshops.”
Works of art in the show vary greatly in style, materials, and techniques, and feature many early works from some of the most well-known artists in our area according to a news release.
“This show will captivate your imagination and inspire you to continue to create or explore your own creativity,” Roder stated.
Since its incorporation in 1990, the Cultural Center has been passionate about connecting people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, “celebrating the local and being a window to the world,” according to the nonprofit.
“These artists have been working artists their entire life and have been on the Cultural Center staff or on the board of directors or have taught at the Center, and all of them have been involved with the Center since its early days,” said Cheryl Bannes, Cultural Center artistic director.
Green Island owner Kent Scheer (sculptures), former Cultural Center Executive Director Jamie Robertson (photography) and Belar (poetry and photography) are Wadena-area residents in the Cultural Center show.
Michael Denny / Wadena Pioneer Journal
“The art in the gallery was produced from 1961 to 2024 and the show features art from two artists in their 90s,” Bannes said. “Batik artist Sher Elkin has on display the first batik garment she ever made in 1979!”
Other artists in this show include Tim Cassidy, metal; Jerry Mevissen, art; Pam Robinson, painted and assembled works; John Peeters, wildlife carving and paintings; Shirlee Aho Daulton, mixed media pieces; Linda Koutsky, photography; and Lynn Kasma, mixed media pieces.
“I hope this show inspires people to explore their own creativity as it is never too late to learn an art form and inspires artists to keep on creating,” Bannes said.
Contributed / New York Mills Regional Cultural Center
Several artists will be on hand to discuss their work, techniques and styles at the free and public Feb. 23 reception. Artist talks will begin at 5 p.m. Refreshments will be available.
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality and lifelong learning in the arts located about 13 miles from Wadena. The gallery is free to see and open to the public.
“For those who have been creating art for their whole life, art is not something they do,” Bannes said. “It is who they are.”’
This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
“This show is a great way for visitors to see the long history and quality of arts in this part of West Central Minnesota,” Bannes said.
Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Private viewings can be arranged anytime by calling Cheryl Bannes at 218-385-3339 or emailing
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For more information about the New York Mills Cultural Center, call 218-385-3339 or visit
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FRANK LEE is the features writer for the Wadena Pioneer Journal. He may be reached at 218-631-6470 or at
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I cover the community of Wadena, Minn., and write features stories for the Wadena Pioneer Journal. The weekly newspaper is owned by Forum Communications Co.
