Artists, shared experiences at heart of NOTSTOCK
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Minot State University's annual NOTSTOCK arts festival returns Sept. 24-26, inviting students, faculty, staff, families,and community members to explore the arts through hands-on activities, artist demonstrations, exhibitions, presentations, music, poetry, storytelling, theatre and workshops.
Hosted throughout Hartnett Hall, Pioneer Hall and the Northwest Arts Center, all NOTSTOCK events are free and open to the public.
What makes NOTSTOCK unique is its emphasis on participation. Visitors are encouraged not only to experience the arts, but to become part of them by watching artists at work, asking questions, and trying creative activities themselves alongside professional artists, faculty and students.
"NOTSTOCK is built around the idea that creativity belongs to everyone," said Laurie Geller, Minot State vice president for Academic Affairs and NOTSTOCK co-organizer. "Our guest artists don't just display their work. They invite people into the process. Whether you're an artist, a student or simply curious about creativity, NOTSTOCK offers opportunities to learn, explore and connect."
This year's featured print artists, Jake Rathkamp and Max Wesoloski, have created artwork for nationally known musicians, including Willie Nelson, Elton John, Billy Strings, Wilco, Greta Van Fleet, My Morning Jacket, Tedeschi Trucks Band and The Avett Brothers. Throughout the festival, visitors can watch live screen-printing demonstrations, print their own T-shirts, attend artist presentations and view the artists' work in the NOTSTOCK exhibition at the Northwest Arts Center.
Featured ceramic artist Heather Lepp will lead POTSTOCK activities and demonstrations in Pioneer Hall, while poet, essayist, collage artist and educator grace (ge) gilbert will host live poeming sessions, workshops and a featured presentation during Thursday evening's artist reception at the Northwest Arts Center.
Adding a theatrical dimension to the festival, Scriptless in Seattle will lead improv workshops on Thursday and Friday before presenting a family-friendly improv comedy performance Friday evening in Aleshire Theater. Known for performances inspired by audience participation and spontaneous storytelling, the troupe creates a different show every night.
NOTSTOCK also features STORYSTOCK sessions, where writers, historians, artists and community members share creative and real-life stories that highlight the power of storytelling to connect people and build community.
A highlight of the festival is Community Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Visitors can print T-shirts, create pottery, hear stories, enjoy live music, explore exhibitions, meet guest artists and participate in a variety of do-it-yourself creative activities across campus.
The festival concludes Saturday evening with the NOTSTOCK Closing Reception at the Blue Rider, featuring food, artist conversations and live music by Liam Keeney and Joshua Gagne & Marigold.