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St. Cloud State University
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Millstream Arts Festival teaches, feeds, entertains
By Paul Solsrud
Published:
Monday, September 30, 2002
Media Credit: Adam Masloski
Madeline Johnson, age four, works on her art skills at the Millstream Art Festival Sunday. Johnson took part in one of the many hands-on activities available at the festival. Children could put a piece of paper on an easel and create a masterpiece, contribute to the painting of several paper dinosaurs or try their hand at pottery.
The Millstream Arts Festival delighted young and old, with its vast array of visual arts as well as it’s eclectic arrangement of performing arts. In its 21st year, the festival, which was held at Riverside Park, brought 36 passionate artists from Minnesota and Wisconsin to display their original and creative works.
Thousands of functional wares, as well as those for mere decoration, were displayed in the many small white booths that occupied a large portion of the park. A seemingly never ending line of festival-goers lead to the park on the hazy afternoon. Seemingly oblivious to the swarming mosquitoes young and old alike lost track of time while circling making their way from booth to booth. Warm smiling faces were seen, and kind, soft spoken conversation could be overheard, as one ventured through the tranquil park.
“It’s priceless,” exclaimed Becky Waletzko as she examined a piece of Raku pottery. The exquisite pottery, created by James Loso, sent shivers down the spines of onlookers by its sheer elegance and incredible contrasting color schemes. Massive turned clay and ceramic pots as well as sculptures of elderly people’s faces, were too mystifying for one to be content without a second look.
Many original and functional items could also be seen and purchased, such as mittens made from recycled sweaters, and old steel rods transformed into birdhouse hangers. Old copper sheets that were made into bird baths were a popular site, as well.
“I love wood carving, it’s my job,” said Gen Jansen, as she carved a wooden Santa Claus. Her booth contained countless figurines intricately carved from basswood, as well as engraved pencils. Jansen, who has been carving for 28 years, said carving can be dangerous, and showed her scars to prove it. However, Jansen said that she can always find time for her hobby.
John Cartwright’s collection of train depot drawings brought memories to some and brought a short history lesson to others. His drawings of local train depots showed the days of the past with his precise vantage point drawings drawn in pencil, encompassing the train and the busy depot.
“These leaves are really cute,” said Roxie Flicek as she and a friend visited the Primitive Papers booth. The booth contained numerous wall hangings that used pressed tree leaves on a background of recycled paper.
A tent, sponsored by the Paramount Arts District, kept children busy by teaching them how to do various art projects. It also gave the children a keepsake of the event. Parents were concerned with the mess, but the kids were excited as Melissa Gohman, a Paramount Arts District instructor, helped them make clay pinch pots.
Lawn chairs and picnic tables were crowded around the stage as Ring of Kerry began their performance. Their local and new Celtic music had the crowd tapping their toes, clapping their hands, singing and even dancing. The smooth rich sounds, from a variety of rare instruments mixed with an upbeat rhythm, kept the attention of many as they lost themselves in the music.
The Granary Girls and “The Jugglers” entertained the growing crowd as the afternoon wore on as JoJo the Balloonboy shared his balloons with the children.
Mouth-watering treats from numerous vendors covered every food group. Sub sandwiches, slow roasted beef, bratwurst, New York Italian sausage, cheese curds and kettle corn were only a few of the delights that were available for sampling.
The day was a diverse experience for all.
The Millstream Arts Festival is an annual event sponsored by Cellular 2000, Viking Coca-Cola, Palmer Printing, Astound and the Central Minnesota Arts Board. For more information or to become a member, contact Kathy Hagemeister, Millstream Arts Festival President at 320-203-8266.
