Submitted Photo The Taube Museum of Art in Minot welcomes Ryan Stander, Minot State University art associate professor, as the first artist for the Taube’s new artist in residency program.

The Taube Museum of Art announces the creation of an artist in residency program.

The Taube is adapting the third floor into an artist in residency space. Previously just used for storage, this part of the building is being reinvented into a working artist studio, the first of its kind for the Minot area.

“Our vision is to bring in artists to utilize this space as a studio. We are working diligently to create an area in our facility for working artists that will connect our community more directly with the arts,” said Rachel Alfaro, executive director for the Taube. “With the addition of this studio, Taube visitors will get to visit with the artist, see them work, and enjoy classes, demos, and workshops in a more personal setting. We truly believe this will be a one-of-a-kind opportunity in our area.”

The Taube’s first working artist is Ryan Stander, Minot State University art associate professor, in December. Originally from the farmlands in northwest Iowa, Stander’s education includes art and theology with a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Dakota; a Master of Arts in Theology from Sioux Falls Seminary, South Dakota; and a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Northwestern College, Iowa.

As a printmaker and photographer, his work has been exhibited internationally in South Africa, China, Central and South America; nationally in New York, New Jersey, and Texas; and across the upper Midwest. At Minot State, he teaches photography, a little printmaking, and book arts. He also directs the Bachelor of Fine Arts program and co-directs the Flat Tail Press.

The Taube still has much to do before they welcome Stander, and their staff has volunteered much of their time preparing the space to the best of their ability. However, there is much they cannot do on their own and they are looking to raise funds for electrical work, securing the staircase railing to ensure a safe pathway for guests, a sink installation, and to finish the floors and walls. Their goal is to fundraise $10,000 to help take care of these needs, which are vital to creating a workable space for all future artists.

Those who donate $250+ will be recognized on a plaque that will hang in the new studio space, and anyone who make a $500+ contribution will get a tintype photo session with Stander, which includes two formal 5×7 portraits or couple shots.

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A Day of Merrymaking

A holiday celebration will be held at the Taube Museum of Art in Minot on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 1-4 p.m. The Taube will also be hosting a Festival of the Arts Sale, featuring local artists and crafters.

Plenty of goodies will be available for both adults and kids, including mulled wine, a hot chocolate bar, make and take ornaments, popcorn, a silent auction, and a gift card tree raffle with over $500 worth of gift cards. A vintage photo booth with Stander will also be available.

Tickets purchased before the event will automatically come with one free raffle ticket. Tickets are $16 for Taube members and $20 for non-members and can be purchased at the Taube Museum of Art or online at EVENTBRITE. All proceeds from the event will go toward the artist in residency program.