Submitted Photo In the “Art in the Parks” exhibit is on display in Minot Public Library.

A partnership between the Northwest Arts Center and the Minot Public Library is bringing “ART in the PARKS” to Minot Public Library during August. The display features artwork created by artists who have participated in the North Dakota State Parks Artist in Residence Program.

Each year the North Dakota Parks & Recreation Department and North Dakota Council on the Arts offer artists the opportunity to stay and work in unique environments where they draw inspiration, demonstrate their skills and assist park visitors of all ages in discovering their artistic side.

The program’s goal is to continue creating works of art that showcase, document and celebrate North Dakota’s state parks while providing opportunities for visitors to become stewards while gaining a deeper appreciation of artistic works inspired by the parks.

The exhibition features artworks from a variety of North Dakota artists participating in the program since 2009. After each residency, the artist donates one work from their time at the respective park. Touring over the summer, “ART in the PARKS” is the first time the pieces have been brought together for an exhibition.

“This show highlights North Dakota artists, while also bringing more awareness to the N.D. State Parks residency program,” said Greg Vettel, Northwest Arts Center director. “The partnership with the Minot Public Library also allows the exhibition to be experienced by community members who may not normally have the opportunity.”

Valerie Huseth, Minot Public Library instruction and outreach associate, worked with Vettel to plan the exhibition.

While at the library, the exhibition will be available for viewing Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. -9 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. -5 p.m. The library is located at 516 2nd Ave SW. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

This exhibition is sponsored by the Northwest Arts Center at Minot State University and is touring through the North Dakota Art Gallery Association, a statewide service organization for non-profit museums and galleries, and supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.