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Watermark Art Center

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    • 2022 – 23 Spoken Word Series
      • 2021 Spoken Word Series
      • 2019 Spoken Word Series
      • 2018 Spoken Word Series
      • 2017 Spoken Word Series
      • 2015 Spoken Word Series
      • 2014 Spoken Word Series
      • 2013 Spoken Word Series
      • 2012 Spoken Word Series
      • 2011 Spoken Word Series
    • It’s Only Clay
      • It’s Only Clay 2023
        • Brad Bachmeier, Jury & Featured Artist
      • It’s Only Clay – Awards
      • It’s Only Clay 2022
        • Delores Fortuna, 2022 IOC Jury & Featured Artist
      • It’s Only Clay 2020
      • It’s Only Clay 2019
        • Marion Angelica 2019 IOC Jury & Featured Artist
      • It’s Only Clay 2018
      • It’s Only Clay 2015
      • It’s Only Clay 2014
      • It’s Only Clay 2013
      • It’s Only Clay 2012
      • It’s Only Clay 2011
      • It’s Only Clay 2010
      • It’s Only Clay 2009
      • It’s Only Clay 2008
    • Bi-Annual Members Show
    • Online Art Auction Fundraiser
    • First Friday Art Walk-Bemidji
    • Studio Cruise
    • Friends of the Arts
    • Past Events
  • Support
    • Membership
    • Member Benefits
    • Planned Giving
    • Donate
    • Supporting Business Partners
  • Press
  • DONATE Today!
  • Home
  • About
    • - About
    • - Accessibility
    • - This Month at WAC
    • - Watermark Board & Staff
    • - I.D.E. & A. Statement
    • - Land Acknowledgement Statement
    • - COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
    • - Volunteer
    • - Contact Watermark
    • - Pollinator & Rain Gardens
    • - Download Forms
  • Exhibits
    • - Current & Upcoming Exhibits
    • - Virtual Exhibits
    • - Past Exhibits
    • - Call for Art
    • - Request to Exhibit
    • - Galleries
    • - Request Gallery Tours
  • Education
    • - Workshops | Classes | Camps
    • - Teach at WAC
    • - Gallery Tours
    • - Class Cancellation Policy and Other Requirements
  • Shop 505 Gifts
    • - Previously Featured Artists
  • Programming
    • - Upcoming Events
    • - Watermark Art Festival
    • - 2022 – 23 Spoken Word Series
      • - - 2021 Spoken Word Series
      • - - 2019 Spoken Word Series
      • - - 2018 Spoken Word Series
      • - - 2017 Spoken Word Series
      • - - 2015 Spoken Word Series
      • - - 2014 Spoken Word Series
      • - - 2013 Spoken Word Series
      • - - 2012 Spoken Word Series
      • - - 2011 Spoken Word Series
    • - It’s Only Clay
      • - - It's Only Clay 2023
        • - - - Brad Bachmeier, Jury & Featured Artist
      • - - It’s Only Clay – Awards
      • - - It’s Only Clay 2022
        • - - - Delores Fortuna, 2022 IOC Jury & Featured Artist
      • - - It’s Only Clay 2020
      • - - It's Only Clay 2019
        • - - - Marion Angelica 2019 IOC Jury & Featured Artist
      • - - It’s Only Clay 2018
      • - - It’s Only Clay 2015
      • - - It's Only Clay 2014
      • - - It’s Only Clay 2013
      • - - It’s Only Clay 2012
      • - - It’s Only Clay 2011
      • - - It’s Only Clay 2010
      • - - It’s Only Clay 2009
      • - - It’s Only Clay 2008
    • - Bi-Annual Members Show
    • - Online Art Auction Fundraiser
    • - First Friday Art Walk-Bemidji
    • - Studio Cruise
    • - Friends of the Arts
    • - Past Events
  • Support
    • - Membership
    • - Member Benefits
    • - Planned Giving
    • - Donate
    • - Supporting Business Partners
  • Press
  • DONATE Today!

Social Media

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Need something to deck the halls? SHOP 505 has pho Need something to deck the halls? SHOP 505 has photography, prints, original paintings, and multimedia pieces. LOOK: Abstract painting by M.E Fuller, contemporary animal abstracts by Tracy Miller, bold multimedia tapestry by B.E. Jolly, prints/photography by many artists - "Yellow Grain Elevator (Bemidji) is by Weston Holland, multimedia by Marlon Davidson, and Plein Air original by Amara Bedford.
Share, Share! Watermark is open from 10 to 5pm tod Share, Share! Watermark is open from 10 to 5pm today. In addition to our galleries, our gift shop is filled with original work by local and regional artists. If you are looking for something unique and shopping local today (or any day) come down and check out SHOP 505. LOOK: original Gordon Coons painting, Lake Superior sourced stone jewelry from Handlaget, ceramics by April Keilen, Upcycled eco-friendly earrings from Linda Banning, carved stone Indigenous-themed sculpture by Gordon VanWert. There's so much more to see. The talent in our area is amazing!
SHOP 505 has been receiving many MANY new items fr SHOP 505 has been receiving many MANY new items from our wonderfully talented artists for the last couple weeks. Here's more photos from the shelves. Ceramic bowl from Butch Holden, nestled carafe set and bowls from Cyrus Swann, acrylic still life by Joan Wilson, glass nightlights from Dream Lights.
Come down and see for yourself... More quick pics Come down and see for yourself... More quick pics from the shelves of SHOP 505. Plus ALL our greeting cards are 20% off for everyone! Photos: handmade soap from AM Soaps, kiln-fired metal clay jewelry from Jan Cartier, Ojibwe floral and laser cut earrings from Zazegaa Designs, earrings, birch pattern rings, and fine stone necklaces from Seven Sister Designs, Indigenous beadwork from Dee Croaker, wooden utensils and decor from Pat Riley, Don Wattenhoffer, and Kathy Towley.
Here's some quick Black Friday photos from the she Here's some quick Black Friday photos from the shelves of SHOP 505. Earrings from Lily Winter, lamp glass wine stoppers and bottle openers from Kat Sanders, lavender basket from Eve's Weaves, knit scarves from Lori Forshee-Donnay & Cindy Stenberg, and Batik & painted scarves from Pat Shough and Mary Therese. Shall I keep the pics coming?
Watermark's gift gallery, SHOP 505, exists to prov Watermark's gift gallery, SHOP 505, exists to provide an outlet for local and regional artists to sell their work in the community. Help us make it a BIG DAY for them! Watermark is open today Friday, Nov 24 and tomorrow Saturday, Nov 25 from 10 - 5pm. Galleries are free and open to the public.
Are you picking up a tree this week? These fun gla Are you picking up a tree this week? These fun glass ornaments are in SHOP 505 right now! In fact, the holiday ornaments have been rolling in and we have many styles and mediums for trees, windows, or wherever you like to set up your seasonal display. Pictured here are 3-D glass from Brian Dean Miller, lampwork figurines by Kathy Sanders and stained glass compilations from JoMcFarlin. Get them while you can! We'll be closed on Thanksgiving, but open the rest of the week including Friday and Saturday the 24th & 25th.
Watermark Art Center will host a reception for exh Watermark Art Center will host a reception for exhibiting plein air artist Gillian Bedford on December 1 from 5 to 7pm. Bedford will speak at 6pm. Bedford's plein air paintings have an expressive quality while also abstract in nature. For this exhibit, "Lake Itasca:True Source of My Inspiration", she challenged herself to paint with a limited palette built from 5 - 6 colors. Color is her inspiration. She is an artist who has deftly described the loud and quiet passion of the lakes, trees, and bogs of northern Minnesota. She has developed her own style and original body of work. There is no charge for this event. The exhibit will be on display from December 1 - February 24, 2024. Watermark galleries are free and open to the public Monday - Saturday from 10 to 5pm and located at 505 Bemidji Avenue N. in Bemidji, Minnesota, 218-444-7570. Visit WatermarkArtCenter.org for detailed exhibit, event and class information.
Time to stock up on greeting cards! The sale runs Time to stock up on greeting cards! The sale runs through the end of November. Many themes and sizes to choose from.. wintery, nature, indigenous, photography, etc. The shop is starting to look like Christmas!
Open Beading Circle with Nancy Kingbird is happeni Open Beading Circle with Nancy Kingbird is happening NOW in the Watermark Education Studio! All are welcome to join the circle to practice, learn and share in this special opportunity. 10am - 2pm every Wednesday, now through Dec. 13th!
Just in time for the fall break! Gelli Printmakin Just in time for the fall break! Gelli Printmaking Kit Giveaway 11/18! Watermark Art Center is providing 100 Art to Go Kits targeted for kids 14 and under. Each kit will contain everything your young artist will need to create a gallery of colorful monoprints. Included in the kits are printmaking supplies such as a gel printing plate, printing paper, ink, a brayer, a texture plate, and other textural doo dads. Kits will be distributed at Watermark Art Center Saturday, November 18th between 10am-5pm on a first come first served basis.
MAKER MEET IS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16th! 5:00 – 7 MAKER MEET IS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16th! 5:00 – 7:00p Are you looking for a place to connect with and be inspired by other creatives? Come by to network, chat, or create. Bring a project you’ve already been working on or try our *project of the day provided by Watermark (intro’d by a guest artist), or just hang out and soak up some inspiration. No fee to attend. OUR *PROJECT OF THE DAY WILL BE ABSTRACT ACRYLIC MINI PAINTINGS! During this meet, makers will have the opportunity to explore the qualities of acrylic paint, various ways to apply paint, texture additives, and color mixing while working on a small canvas. Working abstractly allows us to have fun with color and application!
While you are out enjoying the sunshine this week, While you are out enjoying the sunshine this week, be sure to stop in for Amber Jensen's "Illuminated Terrains" textile show - up through Saturday, November 25 and Kent Estey's "Endanakiiyann - Where I am on the Earth" that opens this Saturday, November 18. Kent's reception is scheduled later, on December 9 from 2 to 4pm.
CALLING ALL POETS! The November Poetry SLAM is liv CALLING ALL POETS! The November Poetry SLAM is live at Fozzies in downtown Bemidji November16 at 7pm. It has been well attended, so you better come early if you want to watch or perform. Pre-register to perform by calling Watermark at 218-444-7570 or take your chances at the door as space allows. CASH PRIZES!!!!!! Fozzie's Smokin Bar B Q LLC #poetryslam
Last day to see Joyce Arndt's exhibit "Ninanda-min Last day to see Joyce Arndt's exhibit "Ninanda-minwaajim - I seek to tell a good story." Knowing that her identity as a Native American was portrayed negatively because of stereotypes and racism, she began to use art as a way to portray her people in a positive light. Get here early, it's coming down this afternoon.
MAKER MEET IS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16th! 5:00 – 7 MAKER MEET IS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16th! 5:00 – 7:00p Are you looking for a place to connect with and be inspired by other creatives? Come by to network, chat, or create. Bring a project you’ve already been working on or try our *project of the day provided by Watermark (intro’d by a guest artist), or just hang out and soak up some inspiration. No fee to attend. OUR *PROJECT OF THE DAY WILL BE ABSTRACT ACRYLIC MINI PAINTINGS! During this meet, makers will have the opportunity to explore the qualities of acrylic paint, various ways to apply paint, texture additives, and color mixing while working on a small canvas. Working abstractly allows us to have fun with color and application!
Open Beading Circle is happening now in the Waterm Open Beading Circle is happening now in the Watermark Education Studio! Join artist Nancy Kingbird today until 2pm to observe and participate in this free, fun and creative opportunity - no registration required!
Watermark Art Center welcomes contemporary Native Watermark Art Center welcomes contemporary Native American artist Kent Estey (White Earth Nation) and his latest exhibit "Endanakiiyaan – 'Where I am on the Earth'”. The exhibit is a collection of landscapes and nature scenes done in bold and bright colors. “I paint what I see every day,” says Estey. “It’s all I know and what I know best, so my paintings are about this piece of land, this sky, the colors and feelings as I walk through my gardens.” Estey's lineage includes many self-taught artists where black-ash basketry, beading, birch-bark, and fiber artistry were everyday occurrences in his home. Kent’s preferred art form is painting with oils, acrylics, and inks. "Endanakiiyaan" opens November 18 with a reception to be held on December 9th from 2 to 4pm. Watermark galleries are free and open to the public Monday - Saturday from 10 to 5pm and located at 505 Bemidji Avenue N. in Bemidji, Minnesota, 218-444-7570. Visit WatermarkArtCenter.org for detailed exhibit, event and class information.
Beading Circle with Tom Stillday (and special gues Beading Circle with Tom Stillday (and special guest artists!) resumes this week through mid-December on Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm. There is no charge and registration is not required, just drop-in to Watermark's Education Studio. Bring your own project or learn how to get started.
You can't miss this year's "It's Only Clay". As wi You can't miss this year's "It's Only Clay". As with every year, the functional vessel exhibit is filled with amazing textures, glazes and forms. These are the Contest Placements and Harlow Award Winners. See a slideshow with more detailed information on each piece entered at watermarkartcenter.org/its-only-clay-2023/
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WAF logoWatermark Art Festival →
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Virtual Exhibits →
Current, Upcoming & Recent:

Birch Trees - Kent Estey

Endanakiiyaan – “Where I am on Earth”

RECEPTION Dec 9, 2-4pm. EXHIBIT Nov 18 - Feb 9, 2023. Land, sky, and water ...
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Lake Itasca in Honor of Monet

Lake Itasca: True Source of my Inspiration

RECEPTION Friday December 1, 5 - 7pm. EXHIBIT Dec 1 – Feb 4, 2024. Bedford ...
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"Opo-Sannoo", Vessel, Brad-Bachmeier

It’s Only Clay 2023

RECEPTION Nov 3, 5 - 7pm. AWARDS at 6pm. EXHIBIT Nov 3 - Dec 23." ...
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a-rainbow-bridge -detail, Amber Jensen

Illuminated Terrains, Amber Jensen, Textile Artist

EXHIBIT Sept 8 - Nov 25. Reception TBD. Jensen is a painter, textile artist, and ...
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Rabbit, Masako Morishima

The Heart of Design

EXHIBIT Extended through Dec 2023. The most successful works of art utilize design elements to ...
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story slam icon

StorySLAMS

A Winter's Tale! Dec 21 at Bemidji Brewing. Watermark's StorySLAM events feature true personal stories, ...
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Poetry SLAM general pic

Poetry SLAMS

Next SLAM Nov 16. Watermark's Poetry SLAMs are competitive events in which poets perform spoken ...
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2022 Serenity, Joyce Arndt

Ninanda-minwaajim – “I seek to tell a good story”

RECEPTION Sep 15. EXHIBIT Sep 9 - Nov11. Joyce Arndt was cut off from her ...
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Gerry's Dream - Hanggi

An Abstract Conversation with E. Lindell and R.A Hanggi, Jr.

ARTISTS TALK SEP 26 AT 6:30. EXHIBIT Aug 11 - Oct 21. Mixed Media artists ...
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Water on the Rocks - ME Fuller

Out of My Hands – M.E. Fuller

RECEPTION: May 12 5-7pm. EXHIBIT: May 12 - August 26. M. E. Fuller Is a ...
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EDUCATION PROGRAMMING

Camps, Classes & Workshops

Mark Makers Art Camp Summer 2023 →

Scandinavian Snowflakes

Scandinavian Snowflakes

December 7. Ages 14+. Learn to weave your own Scandinavian Snowflake with local artist Shannon …

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Moravian Star

Maker Meet

Dec 14. Drop-in 5-7pm. Mini project: folded Moravian Stars with Shannon Lucas-Westrom. Join us for …

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Tom Stillday beading hands

Beading Circle with Guest Artists

Drop in to Watermark’s Education Studio on Wednesdays in November and December for beading fun …

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Stained Glass Christmas tree

Stained Glass Tree Mosaic Dec (AM)

SOLD OUT. Adults. Dec 2, 10 – 12:30pm. Create stunning glass on glass tree mosaics …

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Stained Glass Christmas tree

Stained Glass Tree Mosaic Dec (PM)

SOLD OUT. Adults. Dec. 2, 2 – 4:30pm. Create stunning glass on glass tree mosaics …

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M.E. Fuller portrait

How to Write a Cozy Mystery

Ages 18+. Feb 9. Writing workshop with M.E. Fuller. Explore the hidden secrets of murder, …

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Abstract Art Painting supplies

Beginning Abstract Painting

Ages 18+. Feb 10. Learn the basics of abstract painting from mark making to layering …

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Stained Glass Christmas tree

Stained Glass Tree Mosaic Nov (AM)

SOLD OUT. Adults. Nov 18, 10 – 12:30pm. Create stunning glass on glass tree mosaics …

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Lavender Lake Itasca landscape painting by Gillian Bedford

Plein Air Painting with Gillian Bedford

AUGUST 10, 17 & 24. Join Watermark exhibiting artist Gillian Bedford for three classes of …

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Find Us

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Watermark Art Center
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Plan Your Visit →
FREE Admission | Open to the Public
505 Bemidji Ave N, Bemidji, MN 56601
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Phone: 218-444-7570
EMail: watermark@paulbunyan.net
Regular Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm
Closed Memorial Day and Labor Day, July 3 & 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas (Dec 24, 25 & 26), New Years (Dec 31, Jan 1 & 2)
2024 New Year's Maintenance Closure Dec 31 - January 7

Special Closures and Cancelations →
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Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Statement →

Art Around Town
Grab a brochure from one of these great self-guided art tours available in Bemidji year-round!
Bemidji Sculpture Walk logo

First Friday Art Walk

Watermark Art Center programming is sponsored in part by The McKnight Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, Bemidji Area Arts Endowment, Region 2 Arts Council, the Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment, and the Minnesota State Arts Board

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  • 218-444-7570 | 505 Bemidji Avenue N | Bemidji, Minnesota