GRAND FORKS — The Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals, in partnership with Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops, will host its 20th annual ArtSee event Friday, May 8, at the North Dakota Museum of Art. Everyone is welcome.
The free event, which runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m., will showcase the works of emerging and established artists, according to the GGFYP announcement. It’s an opportunity to view art in a wide range of mediums, mingle with talented local and regional artists, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces in a fun, social environment.
Art enthusiasts, as well as those newly interested in art, are invited to experience the art scene in the relaxed and creative environment of the North Dakota Museum of Art, located on the UND campus, organizers said.
An annual community event, ArtSee offers attendees the chance to view the works of new and established artists who live in this area.
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Almost a dozen artists will be featured this year, they said. The show will incorporate art pieces that appeal to a wide range of tastes, as ArtSee organizers welcome all ages and styles.
Participants in this year’s production include Zodiaq Twin, Macy Mack Media, Glacier Lily Collective, Melodie Alt Art, Jessie Lynn Art, Slaathaug Art, Rose Drop Studio, Tia Permenter, Emma Katka, Sheri Dawn Photography and Vivid Paintings.
Guests are encouraged to come and enjoy free appetizers and drinks, while surrounding themselves with an art experience not available anywhere else in the region, organizers said.
Since the first ArtSee event was launched in 2006, the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals has brought together hundreds of artists from the greater Grand Forks area to the North Dakota Museum of Art. The event skipped one year because of the COVID pandemic.
Each year, ArtSee draws a crowd that ranges from 150 to 200 attendees, said Gon Carlson, executive director of GGFYP.
The ArtSee event, organized by Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals, gives attendees the opportunity to meet area artists and view and purchase their work in a relaxed atmosphere at the North Dakota Museum of Art.
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From painting to carving, the event celebrates art across all mediums. The purpose of ArtSee is to create a space for artists to connect with the community and to highlight the creative talent that exists in this region, organizers said. ArtSee is the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals’ way of providing support for the arts in the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks community with an event that is free and open to the public.
“I look forward to ArtSee every year,” Carlson said. “It is amazing to see our community fill the museum to support and enjoy our local featured artists.”
“It’s always a great event,” she added. “I love it personally.”
In her role, she was also involved in organizing the event last year and noted that “it was impressive because we still got a great crowd even though it was held on Memorial Day weekend. I think people really want to come together and meet the artists.”
The occasion is also an opportunity to dress up a bit, she said, “and enjoy a higher-scale event.”
This year, Carlson has met people who are planning to attend for the first time, she said. “They get excited when I tell them about it. It’s really for the community to support local artists.”
For a complete list of this year’s featured artists, as well as event details, go to
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Pamela Knudson is a features and arts/entertainment writer for the Grand Forks Herald.
She has worked for the Herald since 2011 and has covered a wide variety of topics, including the latest performances in the region and health topics.
Pamela can be reached at pknudson@gfherald.com or (701) 780-1107.