Studio 176

My Garden: Flowers in Black and White

These beauties have been blooming all summer, and their elegance never ceases to amaze me. Even in black and white, the variation in texture and form is truly captivating. I'm so glad I planted them—plus, the bees seem to be loving them too!

Flowers are more than just a visual delight; they play a vital role in supporting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, which are essential for plant reproduction and maintaining biodiversity. By planting a variety of flowers, you create a thriving habitat for these important creatures and contribute to the health of our ecosystem. Plus, gardening can be a wonderful boost to mental health.

I hope you enjoy this glimpse of my garden. Until next time!

📷By Jeremy Simonson with Lean 2 Studio

Betty’s Spaghetti update. The last couple of days I finished the binding of the covers to the spine using a Secret Belgian Binding process. I really enjoyed that part of the book. I also finished the loop part of that process. The loops will be used to secure the pages when I hand sewn them onto the covers. What’s left? Fold that stack of pages (first pic), glue book cloth strips onto the inside of the covers to secure binding, glue the tabs onto the cover sheets (not pictured) that support the recipe pages, punch holes into both of those and then the binding starts!

I’m thinking about holding a workshop teaching this particular binding. If this is something you’re interested in, comment below and I might start planning that for a winter workshop. Or send a message. -Dawn

This project has been funded through a grant provided by Five Wings Arts Council and The McKnight Foundation.

Super excited to finally have new work from Project Unincorporated MN in the gallery 🎉! It took a big mess (check out the photo) & 12 hours of figuring out how to hang everything with my other pieces😅🤣, but it’s done—whoohoo!

Also have some new prints coming in--from Project Uninc. MN, some from other travels, a zen tree frog, & even some unexpected mini prints featuring cool chickens 🐓 from Puerto Rico. I’ll have those into the studio by tomorrow—signing and packaging them up today. YAY! Have a fab day everyone! 🤩

Northern Lights on Fishhook Lake

A touch of magic realism for my Tuesday. I'm amazed at what my camera's sensor can capture. To the naked eye, the aurora appeared delicate and wispy, but with a long exposure, the camera unveils the magic.

Magic realism, or marvelous realism, is a style that blends a realistic view of the world with magical elements, often blurring the line between fantasy and reality. But this time, mother nature is the artist.

Till next time...

📷 By Jeremy Simonson with Lean 2 Studio - Photography

Here's a little update from Studio 4:13.

While sitting for hours in Fargo last week (waiting on my oldest daughter who was at Writing Camp), I was able to catch up on a few online mosaic courses I've been meaning to watch for the past year. It was just the shot in the arm I needed to get motivated to start something new.

Much like at home, I knew I had all the "ingredients" needed at my studio, I just had to do a little digging to find them (see photo). This piece will included glass tile, smalti glass, found objects, china, beads, jewelry, and whatever else I can find in my "stash". The photo with all my nippers (a girl can never have enough nippers) is holding down the metal edges of my next project.

Can you guess what it will be?

WOW! What a FANTASTIC day! We had some amazing cake, mocktails, flowers, fans and YOU to help celebrate our FIVE years of being Studio 176! Here’s just a few highlights! Thank you for coming to celebrate with us, your support and friendship is hard to put into words, but so appreciated! -Dawn, Laura, and Jeremy! (More pics to come!)

What are we doing on a rainy day in the studio? Decorating and saving kitties! You can hear the story when you stop by for cake for our birthday, tomorrow August 8th!! 3-6!

Seasons Bounty
I was driving to the lake when I noticed the fields of grain glowing yellow while the storm clouds brewed above. The light was just too perfect to not stop. Next time, I need to explore the fields of wildflowers.
Till next time...
📷 By Jeremy Simonson with Lean 2 Studio - Photography

I just finished polishing up the clock mosaic tonight. I'm always amazed how grouting bring the piece together! Now, just have to decide what to do with it? I had big plans to paint or mosaic the frame, but the more I'm around it, the more I like the wood? Running through my mind...wall hanging or add legs and make into a cool coffee table? Oh, the possibilities!

Here are photos from Start to Finish (well almost). :)

Elizabeth

I completed this yesterday. For the full story, click on the link below. Dawn

Full Circle. An Ode to the Hautman Bros. I love puns, kitsch, and Minnesota. Combine them and you have none other than my crop art entry this year “The Minnesota Duck Stamp.”How I came to this idea has a bit of a back story, with a back s…

SOLD!
This image by Jeremy Simonson found a new home this week! The buyer is moving from Minnesota and wanted something to remember this beautiful state of 10,000 lakes.

Blue Moon over Strawberry Lake, taken last August just as the moon rose above the treeline. Taken with Nikon Z8 with a 100-400 mm lens.
Thanks for purchasing our work, it is truly an honor, and allows the artist to keep moving forward with their craft. THANK YOU!

📷: Jeremy Simonson with 2 Studio - Photography

Finally got this beauty into Studio 176 this weekend.
Made with black glass and ceramic tiles along with MANY feet of glass beads! I love the mix of glossy, matte and iridescent glass.
Ready for just the right spot in your space!

Buffy

(P.S. This is a steal of a deal! - D)

Let’s give it up for the amazing artists who have shared their work at Studio 176 over the past five years 👏! It’s because of these incredible artists that our studio has become such a unique and inspiring space for both artists and the community 😊. We’re so grateful for all the artists who have been part of our journey—this wouldn’t have been possible without you! Thank you, thank you, thank you ❤! 🔥Come celebrate our 5th Year Anniversary – Open House Thurs, Aug 8th 3-6pm 🎉🎉🎉!

Heidi Jeub Studio , Paint and Hike (Tammy Nara), Joe Hobson, Deane Johnson , Bickey Bender, Elisa Jean, Kent Estey Estey Paintings , Jessica Gloege , Elizabeth Rockstad Studio 4:13 Mosaics Barry Simonson Ramona Howey , Jay Ross, Kay Rossbach, Brian Wiggins Jill Odegaard Tiffany Besonen Jesica Smith

Eleven down, two to go! ...and a billion down, 1000 to go!

Making progress on both the Betty's Spaghetti book project and the crop art piece. I have printed 11 of the 13 DPS (double page spreads) using the text blocks and the linoleum blocks for the book.

And for those of you who don't know, I am again entering into the crop art competition held every year at the Minnesota State Fair. The last time (and only other time) was in 2017. The full reveal will come later and we will link to that then, but for now I'll give you a couple of teaser photos.

Quite a few of you are disqualified from playing here because you already know, but bonus points for figuring out what I'm making!

Yes, this is crazy!

And speaking of - it's CrAZy DaYs again today in Park Rapids! Stop in the gallery to browse, or take advantage of some of the discounted items! Open 11 - 3ish!

We are THRILLED to announce our 5th Year Anniversary – Open House celebration 🎉! Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 8th, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM–your all invited 😆! We will be serving cake and creative refreshments---its going to be a BLAST🔥!!!

Since our founding on August 8, 2019, Studio 176 has blossomed into a vibrant space where creativity and community thrive. As co-owners, Dawn, Jeremy, and I (Laura) have worked hard to create a dynamic creative hub where artists can pursue their dreams, refine their art, and showcase their diverse range of artistic works. This year’s artist members include Bickey Bender, Elizabeth Rockstad, and Jesica Smith.

We want you to know that this anniversary is more than just a milestone for us; it’s a heartfelt celebration of the passion and creativity of all the artists who have made Studio 176 what it is today❤️. We have had the privilege and honor of working with so many amazing artists and building a supportive community around them, all thanks to your incredible support—whether through buying artwork, engaging with us, or just being part of our journey. This celebration is our way of saying a BIG, sincere THANK YOU to everyone who has helped us grow and succeed 😊.

All are invited to come and celebrate with us. Let’s make this anniversary a day to remember, filled with art, FUN, creativity, and community spirit. See you there! 🔥

You gotta love when the art sells on the days your not even open! These treasures of Laura’s will be heading to Victoria, MN!

I didn't have much time this week in the studio, but making progress...slow, but sure! One row left, then I'm hoping the frame will tell me where to go next. - Elizabeth

SOLD! These ladies are in town from Grand Forks, St. Paul, and New York on a girls weekend.

Happy New ART day to them, thanks for stopping by!

How long does the cord need to be to bind one cover of a Betty's Spaghetti book? I'm holding the threaded needle in one hand and the other end of the cord is on that desk! It's not quite the length of the gallery, but close! And yes, that is surgical tape. It's the only tape I found that doesn't tear the mulberry paper or the Lokta paper (the black and gold endpapers). I have 4 more pages to print, finish the binding of the book covers, some cosmetic additions to the inner pages and covers, then will be able to finally sew in the printed pages. I would guess I'm about 2/3 of the way done with this project that started in January!

This project was made possible by a grant provided by the Five Wings Art Council with funds from the McKnight Foundation.

An easy way to help support the Heartland Arts which will use the funds to offset costs for their publication of Art Beat! Looks like it runs all day on Tuesday!!

The Oak Tree - January, February & March Sunrise of 2024

Since the pandemic, Jeremy has been photographing this same oak tree for the past three years. Often, the reason a photographer chooses a particular subject, such as this tree, is simply inspiration. Photography allows one to showcase their perspective of the world, and subjects that hold personal significance often make the best photographs. This oak tree, with its intricate branches and varying light conditions, offers endless opportunities for capturing nature's beauty.

Jeremy's work captures the glorious color variations of nature when the light or silhouette is just right. These three stunning images, taken at sunrise in January, February, and March of 2024, showcase the tree's transformation through the seasons.

These images are available in the gallery as Float Framed Canvas Wraps for $185 each or as prints for $35. Stop by to see them in person and experience the beauty of nature through Jeremy's lens.

Photography by Jeremy Simonson.

This beautiful watercolor by Bickey Bender titled “Fungus Amongus” is headed to Lincoln NE! We love our Nebraska friends! (See other post).

This lovely lady and her husband will be bringing a little bit of Minnesota back to Omaha with them! “The Spirit Tree in Pink” is an oil on canvas. Fun fact: As they exited and walked by the studio window, they stopped and she had the biggest smile on her face as she told him “thank you” and kissed him holding her new treasure. You gotta love romantic moments!

I was gifted this non-working clock by Dawn R (studio 176 star artist!) a few weeks ago. It has been sitting on my workbench patiently waiting for some love. I knew right away I wanted to play on the shape and size, so what better than more circles (one of my favorite themes). Digging through some of my Duluth agates, I found just the right one to get me started. I love the natural circular shapes ages make on their own, so I'm just following what it shows me. I am almost to the frame/edge of the clock and not really sure how or what I'm doing to do once I get there? Stay tuned! - Elizabeth

Artist Reception Saturday 4-6 PM