Augustana’s Eide/Dalrymple Gallery Features Alumni Brad Widness ‘82 and Ann Kronlokken Widness ’83

Pictured above: Ann Kronlokken Widness, "Three Graces," collage drawing, ink, thread, paint, 2020

The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery at Augustana University opens "Worlds Coming Together: Revelations Over Time," which will be on view from Sept. 12 through Oct. 5. A homecoming gallery reception will be on Friday, Oct. 4, from 7-9 p.m., with a talk by artist Brad Widness at 7:30 p.m.

"Worlds Coming Together: Revelations Over Time" is an exhibition of 25 years of drawings, printmaking, book arts and mixed-media works of alumni artists Brad Widness '82 and the late Ann Kronlokken Widness '83 (1961-2022). Life-long partners, the two had a combined studio practice in North Mankato, Minnesota, from the mid 1990s.

The works of the Widnesses embody exploration and experimentation. Images may begin with observations from daily life, recorded in a sketchbook. Such forms are then revisited in a spirit of play between surface and media, color and line.

"The forms become developed into more inviting and perhaps even magical spaces," stated Brad Widness. "Observation and intuition equally inform the transformation of the original sketches and ideas as they take their shape in the world."

The work of Ann Kronlokken Widness combines layers of exquisite color, snippets of forms observed from life or art history, and geometric and linear doodles. Through drawing, painting, stitching and collage, all of these elements become united within her compositions, becoming both abstractions and little worlds unto themselves.

The layered drawings and prints of Brad Widness, in turn, show an almost obsession with pushing value ranges. Humble still-life objects and landscape elements, such as wind turbines or rustic buildings, anchor the images in the observed world. From there, the artist becomes free to recombine, layer, remove, add and erase again. He builds passages of the deepest, richest shadows that contrast with other areas that are of fleeting, ghostly sketched lines. The results are both moody and affirming. (Pictured right: Brad Widness, "Dualities in the Wind - Together," etching, drypoint, chine collé, 2009)

"We hope that our work can inspire you to take a second, or even a third and fourth look at the ordinary surroundings of your world," said Brad Widness. "You never know what may happen next; you just might find yourself with a pen and a sketchbook in your hands."

After earning a B.A. in art with an emphasis in painting from Augustana, Ann Kronlokken Widness went on to earn a M.A. from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, in fiber arts. She taught both fiber and design as an adjunct instructor at Minnesota State University, Mankato for many years. She also earned a M.A. in English from Minnesota State University, Mankato and worked as a technical writer the last 10 years of her artistically rich and dynamic life. Her work combines drawing, painting, fiber and collage - exhibited in Minnesota, South Dakota and Illinois, and has found its way into numerous private and public collections.

Brad Widness earned a B.A. in art from Augustana, and an MFA in drawing and printmaking from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb. He has taught courses in drawing, printmaking, watercolor, design and digital media at Minnesota State University, Mankato, as well as January interim courses at Gustavus Adolphus College in bookmaking. His work has been selected for many juried regional and national exhibitions, as well as printmaking portfolios, including the Mid America Print Council Conference in Minneapolis, Highpoint Center for Printmaking, and is a 3-time exhibitor in the New Print Exhibition at the International Print Center in New York City, New York. He has also been awarded a McKnight Fellowship.

About the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery

As a part of Augustana University, the mission of the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery is to contribute to the educational and cultural vitality of the university, surrounding community and state of South Dakota. The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery inspires the artists of today and tomorrow, and serves as a resource for teaching and promoting life-long learning through its permanent collection and temporary exhibition program with accompanying artist visits, gallery talks and educational materials.

The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery is named after Palmer Eide and Ogden Dalrymple, pioneering Augustana professors emeriti of art. Many of their collaborative works are spread throughout the campus.

The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery is located at 30th Street and Grange Avenue, in the Center for Visual Arts at Augustana. The gallery is open to the public and free of charge. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturdays, from 1-4 p.m.

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