Silversmith Jean Menden is featured artist
Appleton, Minn. Greater Minnesota’s premiere place-based arts event celebrates its 20th year this coming September 29, 30 & October 1 as thousands of visitors take part in the Meander Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl. Stretching from the shores of Big Stone Lake north or Ortonville to the historic Roebling walking bridge in Granite Falls, the free, three day event will feature the work and studios of 43 artists, 10 of which are new to the Meander this year.
Studios will be open from 12 pm-6 pm on Friday, September 29, from 9 am-6 pm on Saturday, September 30, and from 9 am-4 pm on Sunday October 1.
Multiple events will also take place throughout the Meander weekend. A full list of these events, the participating artists, a digital version of the brochure, and other information can be found at www.artsmeander.com. To obtain a free paper copy of the brochure call 1-866-866-5432 or request one from the website. Interested arts tourists can also visit the Meander Facebook page – facebook.com/MeanderArtCrawl – for more details.
This year’s brochure and letterpress printed poster features the artwork of silversmith Jean Menden. Menden has been creating fine jewelry for more than 22 years. This is her 19th Meander. “The work of being a craftsperson combines technical skill and creative design,” Menden said. “I like using two parts of my brain.” Menden said she was surprised to be chosen as the Meander featured artist because “it is hard to feature three dimensional artwork on a poster.” But with the help of experienced linocut carver Brad Hall and letterpress printer Andy Kahmann, the image on the poster “turned out beautifully.” To make the necklace featured on the poster artwork, Menden used a piece of turquoise she has owned for more than 20 years. “I bought it from my silversmithing instructor Tom Johnson of the Milan Village Arts School who in turn had secured it from the legendary Number 8 mine in New Mexico. “I worked to have the design of the necklace compliment this special stone,” Menden explained. “The silver leaves that adorn it are hand formed.”
New artists exhibiting in this year’s Meander include wood wall artist Cindy Walter, exhibiting at the Chippewa County Historical Society in Montevideo, mixed fiber artist Jenniver Conrad, exhibiting at the EcoArts studio in Ortonville, woodworker Micheal Stegner of Appleton, Ironworker Talon Cavender Wilson of Granite Falls, multi-media artist Jamie Kalvestran exhibiting at the Java River Cafe in Montevideo, rosemaler Kathy Dantzler Olson exhibiting at Lac qui Parle Vineyards near Dawson, the Prairie Piecemakers Quilt Guild exhibiting at the Madison Mercantile, Pottery and mixed media artists Chuck & Leasa Thompson exhibiting at the Madison Mercantile and illustrator Kristi Ninneman exhibiting at the Red Barn near Ortonville.
The Meander is organized by the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission (UMVRDC). The UMVRDC works with local governments and helps implement programs in the region that stretch across city and county boundaries. Started in 2004 by a collective of local artists to spur economic development and showcase the region’s arts scene, the Meander draws more than 2500 visitors each year to Chippewa, Big Stone, Swift, Yellow Medicine, and Lac qui Parle Counties. Its name originates both from the region’s many rivers— and from the fact that the local and national attendees are encouraged to spend the weekend, well, meandering from studio to studio with family and friends.