Brad Donner
"The People"
December 9th - January 22, 2021
In 2019, Brad Donner was awarded an Emerging Artists Grant from the Prairie Lakes Arts Council.
He chose a project that he thought would challenge, and help him to grow as an artist. “The People” is the title of his project and his upcoming exhibit at the Waseca Art Center.
“The mission of the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council is to encourage and promote arts creation, appreciation, and education through grant programs and services to enhance the quality of life for Minnesota residents in Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, LeSueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca and Watonwan County. “
Donner chose to depict the lives of North American Indigenous people, and even though he completed his project in April this year, he had always intend on adding to his original eight piece grant project - creating a much more comprehensive body of work - it’s now a collection of twenty paintings and graphite drawings, some completed recently. He intends to exhibit in several different venues in the future; "It truly is a labor of love" says Donner.
“It has been a busy year for me, there have been a lot of changes, and different paths for me to follow. Circumstances, though challenging and difficult, have given me the opportunity to paint full time. This year, with the challenges we all face with the Covid19 pandemic and social distancing, has been difficult for us all.” It’s made it challenging for artists to show and sell their work. “This has been the greatest challenge for me, but it has also afforded me an increased amount of time to do my work,” He notes.
Donner’s favorite thing about being an artist is to be able to show his work and see others enjoy it. “That is the greatest of rewards, so I hope you come and see my work, and I hope you enjoy it.”
Donner believes as we all endure these challenges, adapt and work through things - that eventually, and in some way, “blessings will come our way. I have felt that this year.”
Donner has always had a love for the natural world around him, so it was only natural for him to draw and paint the wild places and things that he loves. “When I was young, I was fortunate to live in an area where nature was right outside my door. I spent countless hours exploring the woods, rivers, and creeks near my home.
As long as I can remember, I have always had a pencil in my hand, drawing and sketching even when it got me into trouble in school. Thankfully, I had a wonderful group of teachers who gave me instruction and encouragement. My mother made sure that I was exposed to art, and enrolled me in many art classes at the Community Art Center in my hometown of New Ulm, Minnesota. There I was instructed in a variety of mediums and techniques. I was so fortunate to grow up in a community with such a rich heritage - one that embraces the arts - and to have a great Community Art Center to inspire and teach me. It has fostered a great love and appreciation for the arts that has lasted a lifetime,” Says Donner.
It is for that reason, that Donner is honored to serve as a board member in the Waseca Arts Council, and to “have the opportunity to pay forward what was given to me - to the Waseca Area.” Donner adds, “I am in awe of the quality of work that I see on exhibit by artists in Waseca and the surrounding area. We are truly blessed to have such a beautiful art facility in our community, and I look forward to see it grow and thrive in the future.” //
