“Custom Guitars,” by Williston artist Beau Theige, will be featured Aug. 15 through Sept. 27 in the center’s Walter Piehl Gallery. A public reception with the artist is scheduled for Aug. 30 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Theige creates handmade guitars from everyday utilitarian objects, antiques, or just “plain old junk.” He describes his creations as “half art, half instrument.” And they are playable.

Theige’s instrument display will share the gallery with “Americas 2018: All Media,” an annual juried art competition sponsored by the center. The All Media exhibit runs Aug. 21 through Oct. 6.

“Americas 2018: All Media” represents contemporary artists from across the United States as well as entrants this year from Canada, Greece, and Russia. The juror was Scott Parsons, Sioux Falls, S.D. Parsons selected works for the exhibit and designated awards from a field of 195 submitted images.

Submitted Photo “American Friday,” a metal sculpture by Benjamin Jackson is featured at the Northwest Arts Center’s Walter Piehl Gallery at MSU.

In addition to paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, and a handmade artist’s book, the exhibit includes a video installation, “Dust,” by Russian artist Maria Agureeva. The presentation incorporates five views of a filmed performance, and will showcase the new gallery’s multimedia capabilities.

“The All Media show is a great opportunity for our local audiences to see outstanding contemporary art,” said Northwest Arts Center Director Avis Veikley, “and Beau’s guitars are totally unique. If you haven’t been to our new facility yet, this would be a perfect time.”

The exhibits and reception are free and open to the public.

Submitted Photo Still image from the video “Dust,” by Maria Agureeva is featured at the Northwest Arts Center’s Walter Piehl Gallery at MSU.