August News

Written By shari zimmermann

Paintings by Ken Herren

Happy August, everyone!

I hope you’re finding inspiration in these long summer days and carving out time for creativity, rest, and connection. We have exciting opportunities ahead this month — let’s dive in.

July Meeting Recap

Our July summer picnic, graciously hosted by Gayle Kubista, was a relaxed and enjoyable gathering. It was a chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy delicious food together. Gayle, thank you for opening your beautiful home to the Guild — your expansive wildflower garden path was absolutely stunning and sparked inspiration for many of us.

August Updates

CMAB Workshop Series

Our August workshop, Window Painting Techniques, made possible through funding from a CMAB Project Grant, takes place next Thursday, August 6 and will be led by artist Emily Victory. Emily’s vibrant window paintings and large‑scale murals have been featured on HGTV, PBS, and Twin Cities Public Television, and she has presented at institutions including the Walker Art Center and the University of Minnesota.

We’re thrilled to welcome her — and even more thrilled that the workshop is officially full! Thank you to Adam, Crystal, Maddie, and Teri at the Buffalo Area Community Center for promoting the class and managing registration. Thank you to Emily Holt for adding a boost of social media promotion through our Instagram and Facebook pages. And thank you to Becky Ihlow for volunteering to distribute and collect participant surveys. These responses provide valuable insight as we prepare future grant applications.

August Member Meeting

We’re excited to welcome artist Ken Herren as our guest presenter this month. Ken will share his artistic journey, inspiration, and process — from experimenting with various mediums to becoming a successful abstract painter. Ken and his wife, Melissa, will also be joining the Guild at the August meeting. Let’s give them both a warm and enthusiastic welcome.

Buffalo Food Shelf Mural Project

Three members of the Buffalo Food Shelf mural group met onsite with Food Shelf Director Laureen Bodin and managers Dave and Denise Casey to learn more about their mission, daily process, and the timing and logistics of the mural project. It was a productive and inspiring conversation. We all agreed to take our time developing a thoughtful vision, proposal, and budget, with the goal of launching the project next spring.

CMAB Project Grant

The next grant round for 2027 Project Grant is now open for applications, and I am compiling a new list of artist‑led workshops for the September 2 deadline. If anyone is interested in leading a workshop or knows an artist who is also a good instructor, please contact me at shari.l.zimm@gmail.com with your ideas. I would love to include some BAG members in our list of instructors.

CMAB has grant opportunities for individual artists too. I encourage you to check them out at centralmnartsboard.org/grants/calendar/.

Artist Opportunities

Call for Art: The Big Tiny Show

Minnesota artists aged 18+ are invited to apply for The Big Tiny Show, a juried exhibition of small works (12” × 12” × 12” or smaller).

CMAB Grant Panelists Needed

If you’ve ever wondered who’s actually making the decisions on grant awards, this is a great chance to find out from the inside. The Central MN Arts Board is seeking volunteers to serve as grant panel evaluators. Evaluators review applications online before a short Zoom meeting and receive a stipend of $100–$150. Training and support are provided, and serving as a panelist does not affect your eligibility for future grants.

If you’re interested, contact Su@centralmnartsboard.org or 320‑968‑4290 ext. 2. Sign up: centralmnartsboard.org/opportunities/panel-volunteer/

Thank you all for the creativity and enthusiasm you bring to the Buffalo Art Guild. Your participation — whether through workshops, meetings, volunteering, or simply staying connected — keeps our community vibrant. I look forward to seeing many of you at the August meeting and continuing to build momentum together.

Wishing you a joyful and art‑filled month ahead.

Warmly,
Shari

shari zimmermann

Shari Zimmermann is an artist and designer living in Delano, Minnesota. A graduate of Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Shari's design experience encompasses print and digital projects for her own clients and as an independent contractor for other design firms. In addition to marketing communications, annual reports, and brand creation, Shari has worked on many local and national publications — acting as lead designer on start-up magazines and redesigns, as well as art director and contributing designer on existing titles. Shari helps small business clients gain a web presence by creating and launching their sites through Squarespace.com. 

Shari is a founding member of the Delano Artist Guild, and pursues her passion for creating acrylic and mixed media art from her home studio. Shari has displayed her work in businesses around the Twin Cities area, and has participated in shows at Your Arts Desire, Studio 144, and Flow Art Space.

http://www.smartthinkingdesign.com
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July News