Bakken: The Artistry of Father and Son

About

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce an exhibition of artwork by father and son regional artists Rock and Beau Bakken. The art exhibit installation, Bakken: The Artistry of Father and Son will open October 1 and run through November 30 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. 
Mara Hanel, Director of the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council comments, “We have had our Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit for twenty-one years now, and there is rarely a year that Rock or Beau Bakken of Hallock do not show their paintings. I’m proud to say that both father and son have won 1st prize in our annual exhibit. Rock also has won people’s choice so often, that we always anticipate that he will garner many votes! I am excited that we will feature their art in our gallery at NCTC this fall.” 

Visitors to the gallery will see why Rock Bakken is well known in the area for his detailed drawings and paintings of animals and birds. He places them in landscapes that depict our area and forests of the north, in a style that is popular, especially with men who enjoy high quality wildlife art. Rock takes his originals and creates high quality prints and greeting cards that are available for purchase at his store Bakken Boots in Hallock and at arts and craft fairs throughout the valley. Our gallery will feature his originals for sale, so if you are a business looking to buy art, this showcase will interest you. Rock also has created portraits and is available for commission. 

Mara goes on to say, “Then you have Rock’s son Beau, who is a talented artist also. Beau was selected to receive our prestigious Artist of the Year award. He is known for his large mural paintings in Hallock, Kennedy, Red Lake Falls and other towns in the Red River Valley. My husband owns six large movie posters created by Beau, that we are putting on display for this show only. Come see our private collection that features the movies of Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, My Fair Lady, Saving Private Ryan, Tommy Boy, and A Bug’s Life. His attention to detail while recreating the movie posters, for our private commission, is amazing.” 

This show will feature several of Beau’s large acrylic paintings, with many for sale. They are different than his father’s — often depicting parks and street scenes from foreign locations, in a painting style that is expressive and loose.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door A. Visitor parking is free and at this time in the large end lot.  

Please join us for an Artists Reception on Saturday, October 24 from 2 to 5pm!

Rock and Beau have a number of pieces of art for sale.