An encaustic painting on paper titled “Putting Down Roots: Mary,” by Becky Grismer, is included in ‘Americas 2020: Paperworks’ in the Walter Piehl Gallery on Minot State University campus

The Northwest Arts Center on Minot State University campus is holding two exhibitions: “Americas 2020: Paperworks” and “Cataclysm.’

“Americas 2020: Paperworks’ is the 49th juried exhibition organized by MSU and is made of 54 pieces of art that are either made of or on paper. They originate from 29 states, two Canadian provinces and Malaysia, according to a press release. The juror for the show is Christina Z. Anderson from Bozeman, Mont. She was the one that chose the pieces to be put on display at the Minot gallery. The Paperworks show has paintings on canvas, drawings of graphite on paper, paper sculptures and handmade artist books, and is much more varied than “Cataclysm.”

“Cataclysm” is a collection of invitational printmaking exchange pieces that were made in response to a doomsday event. It was started in 2012 by Nicole Geary, an artist and printmaker who gathered artists to make the pieces and portray “the ebb and flow of angst and hope.”

A closing reception is being held on Feb. 13 at the Walter Piehl Gallery from 6:30-8 p.m. It is free to attend and open to the public. While students and other guests enjoy free food and refreshments, Anderson will talk about why she chose the 54 pieces for ‘Americas 2020: Paperworks.’ She will give a juror’s talk, award best of show and merit awards. Also presented will be purchase awards chosen by MSU art faculty.

Among those artists chosen was Rayson Renfrow, an MSU art student. Two of his pieces were chosen to be exhibited. Greg Vettel, the Northwest Art Center director and MSU art instructor, said that art students are encouraged to enter exhibitions as practicing artists. In addition, Vettel said that several students in the art program entered the all media show last fall and two of them were chosen to have their pieces displayed.

Vettel liked both shows equally. He said, “The pieces included in the exhibits offer both humorous and serious portrayal of experiences that many can relate with. The themes expand the gamut to disasters and humourous political satire.”

“Americas 2020: Paperworks” will be on display in the Walter Piehl Gallery until Feb. 24. “Cataclysm” will be on display until Feb. 17.