The Taube Museum of Art is honoring Veterans Day today with a public reception being held for the artist showing in the Lower Gallery.
Scott Nelson of Solen, N.D., has an exhibition of his oil paintings of the airplanes of World War II, including a detailed history behind each scene depicted.
"Scott enlisted during the war, but when his father was killed, he had to return to do the farming," said Nancy Walter, Taube executive director. "He was always fascinated with aviation, and this is his way to give back to his country."
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Terry J. Aman/MDN - - “Dakota Kid” is one of the pieces by Solen, N.D., artist Scott Nelson on display in the lower level of the Taube Museum of Art. Nelson will be on hand for an artist reception today at the Taube.
The planes are shown on the ground, in battle, in formation and in correct detail. These he confirmed with the aviators who lived through the events, and he submitted his canvases to them for any suggestions they'd have. Many signed the paintings to authenticate them.
Nelson's work has been donated to the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot, and has been displayed in the Heritage Center in Bismarck as well.
"Several people have come in, family members and friends, to say they were sent here by the veterans to see the paintings," Walter said. "That makes this a very special exhibit."
The storyboards that accompany each painting add depth to the narrative of the paintings and are well worth reading.
Also, Nelson will be present at the reception, set to run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.
Otherwise the gallery is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by special appointment.