The Taube Museum of Art will be exhibiting large scale oil paintings and hand-built ceramic pieces by local artist Susan Brekke beginning Thursday. Brekke’s exhibition, “To Make a Prairie” will be on display in the upper gallery through Aug. 27.

Susan Brekke, a Minot native, is known for creating what is important to her. She uses paint and clay to help her express the joy she feels when she sees the first flowers of spring blooming. She infuses her paintings and hand-built ceramics with emotion, so it is more than just a colorful canvas or a bright bowl; she wants her artwork to be a testament to the best, most beautiful things this world has to offer.

Through her paintings, Susan brings the outside in. She strives to create an immersive, emotional experience. According to Brekke, “Real life has texture and dimension and emotion!” She paints on large canvases to suggest the immersive, emotional experience you feel when squinting at an electric sunset or opening the curtains on a gentle snowfall. Susan works with acrylics when painting and a variety of tools, including her own fingers and hands, to capture movement and life. Although an added dimension, her approach to ceramics is identical to that of painting. Her hand-built ceramics are expressive and colorful.

There will be a reception for Brekke’s artwork on July 29 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Taube Museum of Art.

Regular museum and gift shop hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by special appointment. There is no charge for admission, but contributions are accepted. These exhibitions are made possible with support from the North Dakota Council on the Arts.