Monday, October 18, 2010

Talent in the Talley Gallery

SAFAC Funds Support Visual Art Exhibits on Campus
By Rhea Wawrzyniak
Word Count: 807
Story #4


Lennartson uses acrylic paints and mixed media such as charcoal, pastel,
colored pencil, cattle markers, graphite, and collage elements in her artwork.

Walking into the Education and Art Building, there is students walking in the hall, or there is classes going on. There are two wooden doors; it is room 212, and above the doors in black lettering and it reads “Talley Gallery.” Walking into the Talley Gallery it’s quiet and art work fills the white walls. All the art work is dissimilar, filling the Talley Gallery with multiple colors. Each piece of art work has a different name, and is made from different materials. Every piece of art work is framed unlike the other in different shapes and sizes.   
The art work recently displayed in the Talley Gallery was recent paintings by Kari Lennartson titled Order/Disorder. Lennartson filled the Talley Gallery with 23 original paintings.  
In  Fort Collins, Colorado Lennartson earned her MFA in painting at Colorado State University, and at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota she completed a BA in Studio Arts. Joan Snyder, Terry Winters, and Kiki Smith are artists that influence Lennartson. 


By Rhea Wawrzyniak
 
“I kept coming back to ‘Wing and Prayer,’ lovely. I’d hang it in my home,”
 was a comment Lennartson received. This painting is called, “Wing & Prayer” made
with acrylic on canvas that is 24” by 24” and was made in 2010.

“I love looking at it,” said Shanna Olsen, a 26-year-old BSU student. Olsen learned during an artist’s talk and explained that Lennartson starts with her least favorite color then just starts without any planning and Olsen thinks that is very inspiring. While looking at Lennartson’s paintings Olsen said, “It is very vibrant, and each time I look at it I find another image inside of it that just sort of shines through.”


By Rhea Wawrzyniak
The Talley Gallery at Bemidji State University filled
with art work by Kari Lannartson.

“I think a lot of it is really similar,” said Selina Thimell, a 20-year-old BSU student. “But, I do think she has some cool techniques.” Thimell said that a lot of people enjoyed this show. “I would love to see her in action painting one of these, that’s for sure,” said Thimell while looking at Lennartson’s paintings.  

By the exit of the Talley Gallery a binder was filled with many comments. “Glitter in paint! How cool,” “I beyond love your work! I also am really excited to work further in my work, your passion for art rocks!” Some other comments were, “Thank you for a remarkable and truly awe-inspiring show. The colors, the textures, the shapes are all so well-placed. Cheers. One of the best exhibits I’ve ever seen,” “Wow,” and “Wonderful and inspiring – great imagination and creativity. Thank you for sharing!” Two more of the comments read, “Very aesthetically pleasing use of color,” and “Beautiful colors!”  

Bemidji State University is able to have artists like Lennartson because the Talley Gallery gets money from SAFAC funds. In 2010 the Talley Gallery requested $9,768 and $8,360 got approved, and in 2011 requested $9,665 and $8,965 was approved.
“We have had internationally known artists in, photography, ceramics, painters, and illustrators,” said Laura Goliaszewski, adjunct faculty in the department of visual arts, in an e-mail interview.

According to Goliaszewski, director of the Talley Galelry, the SAFAC money is used to pay shipping cost for the artwork, materials for invitations and posters, and catered openings for the students at Bemidji State University. Also, money is spent on bringing artists to Bemidji to give lectures or do workshops, but that does not happen with every artist. Goliaszewski said that if the Talley Gallery had a bigger budget she would have more activities, lectures, and workshops with the artists.



By Rhea Wawrzyniak

This painting is called, “Wicker” and the size is 30” x 22”.  Lennartson used acrylic
 on paper, and she made it in 2008. One of the comments Lennartson received was,
“Gorgeous works, my favorite has to be ‘Wicker’!”





“The art work is a good exposure for the student body since we do not have access to museums in our area, the closest being The North Dakota Museum of art in Grand Forks or the Tweed Museum in Duluth,” said Goliaszewski. The Talley Gallery is a learning resource for many of the Bemidji Students.
Goliaszewski said, “I wish we had more support for the arts, it is an important contribution to what makes us truly human.”







 

 






Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Story # 3 - Beaver Hockey Celebrates Fan Appreciation Day Saturday with Green/White Game - Eric Story

Bemidji, Minn.
Beaver Hockey Celebrates Fan Appreciation Day Saturday with Green/White Game

BREC Shown off During Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House

By Eric Story
Published: October 12, 2010

Yes, the Bemidji Regional Events Center (BREC) grand opening isn’t officially until Friday, but Saturday afternoon fans got a sneak peak at the new digs and the new home of Beaver hockey. The BSU green/white intra-squad scrimmage was supposed to be held last Thursday, but was moved back to Saturday at 2:07 p.m. because of technical difficulties earlier in the week. It followed the 12:30 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony held by the city of Bemidji and VenuWorks, which was open to the public.
Fans received a ticket to use at the concession stands upon entering the BREC which was good for a free pop and popcorn. The day was used as a dry run, to work out and try to avoid possible problems for Friday’s grand opening.  “Overall it went good, we’ll run things like we did before” said Dan Bennett, games management graduate assistant.
A sound check with the public address announcer resulted in an ear piercing screech throughout the arena, which was followed by two more attempts with the same result before finally resolving the issue. “Today was defiantly needed” said Bennett.
At 2:07 p.m. the puck dropped for the controlled, two period intra-squad scrimmage. Forward Ian Lowe scored the unofficial first goal at the 13:19 mark of the first period, off a turnover at the blue line. Lowe finished the scrimmage with two goals helping the white team earn a 4-1 win over their teammates wearing green.  “Cool I guess, not a monumental thing though” said Ian Lowe, referring to the unofficial first goal.
“The ice was really good” said defenseman Brad Hunt. “It was fun to get out there”.
Hunt scored the second goal of the first period at the 16:36 mark and assisted on Lowe’s second goal. Dan Bakala received the loss in net, stopping 12 of 14 shots. Mathieu Dugas earned the win stopping all 13 shots he faced. Forward Drew Fischer was seen changing teams in the second period, joining goalie Mathieu Dugas in starting on the white team and finishing on the green team.
 “(The puck) plays like (at) the Ralph (Engelstad Arena), NHL style” said Lowe.  “The high glass should play to our advantage”.
After the game all the players took part in a meet and greet with the fans and signed autographs, while putting smiles on fans faces young and old. “(Coach) Tom (Serratore) stresses that this team belongs to the community” said Lowe.
“It's something that’s a lot of fun to do” said senior forward Matt Read. “It puts a smile on their face”.
There’s a sign that states ” trophy case coming soon” next to the student entrance and some holes where some interactive trivia screens will go in another part on the main concourse, so there’s still plenty to do before Friday.
While the BREC doesn’t quite have all of its finishing touches done yet, that didn’t take away from the chance to get that early look inside.  “This building is incredible” said Mike Jung, a BSU student. “The service is five-star”.
Word count: 504

Pressbox view of center ice
Photo by: Eric Story

Goalie Dan Bakala warming up
Photo by: Eric Story


Monday, October 11, 2010

AIRC – American Indian Resource Center

A place for all students at Bemidji State University

By Taylor Klinke

Word Count = 513


Do you enjoy learning about different cultures? If you answered yes -- you need to check out the American Indian Resource Center on BSU campus. The AIRC first opened in October of 2003 with the main goal of enhancing recruitment, retention and graduation of American Indian students -- and it is the result of work by many people and organizations over a span of 35 years. The center welcomes anyone and offers many resources.

“The center is a great place where Indian students can gather for learning, support and cultural interaction. I like the atmosphere of the AIRC; I’m always comfortable here,” said BSU senior Pearl Walker (a current Indian Studies major), “If you have a question or need help with something there is always a faculty member or student that is willing to point you in the right direction.”

The 10,667 square-foot facility features classrooms, a kitchen, meeting rooms, study cubicles, exhibit areas, and a gathering space – with a coffee pot, refrigerator, pop machine and microwave for students to use.  “The AIRC has a very welcoming environment,” said AIRC Retention Counselor Colette Dahlke, “The lounge is a good place to study as well as the computer lab.”

BSU offers an Indian Studies Program that is open to all students, in addition to offering Indian students an academic area of study relevant to cultural heritage. It also offers students a better understanding and appreciation of the diversity of Indian history, language, and culture.

The AIRC is not only a place for studying and getting help – but is it also the home of the Council of Indian Students (CIS). The CIS is “a group of students who are passionate about working with the community and the college to focus on teachings of native heritage and values,” said BSU senior Fawn Belqarde, “We are diverse thinkers and invite anyone who is interested. The Council of Indian Students is about putting a positive light on the native community and being good role models to our youth.”

The CIS meetings are held each Monday night at 7 p.m. in the Gathering Room. In past years they have hosted a variety of events and fundraisers including: holiday parties, talent shows, fundraising dinners, highway cleanup, career expos, food drives, and the annual spring Powwow. 

“Being apart of the Council of Indian students has been conducive to my education,” said BSU junior Anna Goldtooth, “I love how supportive we are of one another. It’s been helpful to have a building that is student-centered and friendly.”

“Anyone can be in the CIS. They do not have to be Native American,” said Pearl Walker, “So come check us out. We are a friendly, funny, creative bunch of people.”

The American Indian Resource center is located by Chet Anderson Stadium or across the street from Birch Hall. The center is home to many student resources – such as tutoring, counseling, classrooms, etc. It is open to all students anytime during the school year.


Buffalo Statue infront of the AIRC




Thursday, October 7, 2010

countdown to the brec

Count Down to the B.R.E.C.
The Hockey team’s long wait is all but over
By: Jake Kelly and Zuzka Tomcikova


story #3
With the final week before the opening of the B.R.E.C. [Bemidji Regional Event Center] the BSU hockey players are teaming with anticipation. Because the event center isn’t ready yet and the cost of putting ice in the John Glas Field-house is too high both men’s and woman’s teams are practicing at the Bemidji Curling Club until the official opening of the event center. 
The trip back and forth between campus and the curling club arena is starting to annoy some players “I don’t want to complain but it’s really inconvenient to pack up all your equipment and drive over only to have to come back two hours later,” said Marlee Wheelhouse, a junior on the women’s hockey team.
Since beginning construction in 2009, hockey players and fans have been anxious for the new event center to open. The event center will be used for concerts, performances, and conferences. However, the main purpose for its construction is to be the new home arena for the BSU men’s and woman’s hockey teams. Due to the men’s entrance into the WCHA [Western Collegiate Hockey Association] a new facility became necessary to better suit the league requirements.
After a long building process, the time is finally here for the B.R.E.C. to be used and players are ready to move in. “I just can’t wait to get settled in,” said senior forward Erin Johnson. “It seems like we’ve been waiting so long for the event center to open and now that it’s only a few days away time seems to be going by even slower.”
The event center is in the process of putting the ice in because the hockey teams are a week away from their first opportunity to use the new arena. The only thing holding up the process of moving in to their new facilities is the occupancy permit, “The occupancy permit is a legal document stating the structure is safe enough to use,” said Women’s Assistant Hockey Coach Heather Farrell. “The City of Bemidji and the Krausse Anderson Company [The creators of the B.R.E.C.] have to do a structural inspection of the building before they give us the permit to use it.”
A few of BSU’s hockey players have seen the new facility, “The new locker rooms are amazing,” said Darcy Findlay. “There’s so much room for us to relax before practice or games. The training room also made some serious upgrades.” Matt Carlson said, “I knew the B.R.E.C. was supposed to be nice but this passed all our expectations. We’re all really excited to get moved in soon.”
The first home series are set to be played Oct. 15th and 16th and fans are eager for the season to start. The new conference and event center have caused a lot of excitement among the community, BSU students and alumni are anticipating the official opening. “I’m so excited to go watch the first home game in the B.R.E.C. I bought season tickets right when they were available so I feel like I’ve been waiting forever to use them,” said Jared Madrino.
 The B.R.E.C. has caused a lot of conversation around campus and the community and on Oct. 15th, 2010 the beaver fans and players will get to experience what they’ve been anticipating.

Bemidji will continue to participate in the 350.org mission


The annual worldwide event will allow the Bemidji public to participate and volunteer to help with the climate crisis

By Caley Jorgensen
Story #3
September 30, 2010
Word Count: 656

          On Oct. 10, as people pass by the waterfront, they might notice volunteers with big bags scattered around the area picking up trash. They might notice volunteers with dirt on their knees from planting tree seedlings in the local parks. These volunteers will be taking part in 350, one of the largest campaigns in the world, in which over 180 countries will work simultaneously in helping their local areas.

These flyers will be seen on bulletin boards around BSU’s 
campus to help spread the word and give students a 
volunteer opportunity. Picture taken by Caley Jorgensen.
Bemidji will participate in this international project to help stop rising carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Right now, the atmosphere contains around 390 parts per million CO2. The goal of 350 is to reduce carbon emissions to 350 parts per million. Scientists believe this will be a more sustainable level for the atmosphere.           

There will be a trash clean up along Lake Bemidji, the Mississippi River, and parks around the area. There will be brush clean ups for Bemidji bike trails that will be created. Tree seedlings will be planted in local school forests and parks. “A yearly rally isn’t going to solve the problem, but it helps promote to people that they can bring these habits into their lifestyles,” said Brett Cease, a group leader and volunteer.

A public meeting was held Sept. 29 at the Wild Hare coffee shop in downtown Bemidji to organize the Bemidji activities for this cause. Cease, accompanied by Alisa Hoven, a volunteer in last year’s activities, sat down to give more information on the upcoming rally. “We’re negatively impacting the environment and we’re finding ways to change those habits,” Cease said. “It involves looking at areas including how we eat, where we drive, and how we use energy.”

A meeting was held here on Sept. 29 
to discuss and plan Bemidji’s part in 350.
 Another meeting will be here at noon on Oct. 6. 
Picture taken by Caley Jorgensen.
350 is based on the scientific notion of the organization IPCC, [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]. Instead of stating “let’s protect the earth”, the goal was to have a clear, scientific goal to shoot for. On 350.org, James Hansen, the head of NASA Institute for Space Studies in New York City and respected advocate of climatology, states, “If humanity wishes to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilization developed and to which life on Earth is adapted … CO2 will need to be reduced from its current 385 ppm to at most 350 ppm.”

Last year, on Oct. 24, there were about 5200 rallies in 181 countries. CNN calls the event the “most widespread day of political action in the planet’s history.” Events will range from installing solar panels, digging community gardens, to simply fixing bikes. Building off of the campaign called Step It Up, 350.org has been in action for two years and plans to continue until the goal can be reached.

A group of volunteers gathered in front of Paul and Babe 
last year on Oct. 24 for a group photo, showing they participated 
and helped clean up Bemidji in 2009’s event. Submitted 
picture from 350.org.
Another meeting will be held on Oct. 6 at noon, at the Wild Hare coffee shop, to help plan and prepare the upcoming event. On Bemidji’s site on 350.org, it states, “We will work together to beautify our city while raising awareness about the importance of building a sustainable future for our city and country."

To get involved and participate on the movement, the public will meet at noon on Sunday, Oct. 10 at the Paul and Babe Waterfront, where cleaning up the local area will begin. For harsh weather, it will start inside the Headwaters Unitarian Church. “It’s a big rally and cry all around the world based on last year’s events.” Cease said. “Hopefully this year will be a repeat of that.”

Turn off your televisions and get outside!

People of all ages spent a day playing
By Rhea Wawrzyniak
Word Count: 681  
Story #3

By Rhea Wawrzyniak
“Welcome to World Wide Day of Play 2010” read the archway entrance 
to World Wide Day of Play held by the City of Bemidji Parks and
Recreation Department at the Waterfront sending out the message
“Come play with us!”
Feel the sun beating down, with the cool breeze hitting your face, what to do with this day?    
The day will go on, rain or shine, said Samantha Parker, special events coordinator. Fortunately for the participants, however, the sun was shining Saturday, Sept. 25th when Bemidji celebrated the World Wide Day of Play. The day began with a 9:00 a.m. bike ride and the day continued at the Waterfront from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The recreation department has been giving residents more options to get active, including The Day of Play which was initially started by Nickelodeon.
This is actually the second year Bemidji has had this event. Last year it was called the “Active Living Health Carnival.” 

The bike ride consisted of about 49 bikers. The bikers took two routes, one that is shorter for families with kids, and the other one went around the lake for the more experienced bikers. “The bike ride was great,” said Matthew Dyrdahl, with active living. “It was actually a really comfortable ride, because there was no rain coming down on people, but it was kind of a nice cool ride, I think people really enjoyed it!”
“It’s not very often you get to ride on the road with a crowd,” said a participant in the morning bike, Eric Seefeld.


By Rhea Wawrzyniak
There were many short classes available to try out in the tent
during the day. These classes included dance classes and fitness crazes.
Shown in the photo above is Zumba for kids.

A lot of helmets sold for a good price, so people that didn’t have helmets before have them now. Also a lot of shirts and water bottles were given away. “We are just trying to promote bicycling as a safe and fun transportation option,” said Dyrdahl.
About 300 wristbands sold at $5.00 each, and the wristbands allowed you to do all the activities and new fitness crazes. About 600 people attended according to Parker.  
It was the first time at World Wide Day of Play for Brandy Barber. Brandy came to the waterfront with her family, and as she was watching her kids canoeing she shared that her favorite activities so far are paintballing, archery range, and the canoeing for her kids. Brandy Barber will definitely come again. “It’s fantastic, I didn’t think they were going to have so many things,” said Barber.

Samantha Parker brought in Positive Motion in from Fargo to be part of the World Wide Day of Play. “Positive Motion is a mind body fitness program where we encourage, inspire and motivate people to live happier and healthier lives,” said Positive Motion representative Patrick Kasper. 


By Rhea Wawrzyniak
There were many booths to visit at the Waterfront including dance
 booths, activity booths, and fitness and health booths. These booths
help the community become aware and involved in various activities. 

A lot of other fitness crazes encouraged people to be active including Zumba, Yoga, and Bootcamp, from various workout studios. There were many dance techniques and dancing from the dance studios. There were also workouts and conditioning from Bemidji State University Gillett. 
Also the first time at World Wide Day of Play for Kortni Cloud, age 11, and she shared what she did so far. “I did canoeing, I’ve done paintballing, I did that push button game, and I played on the blow up toys,” said Cloud. Out of all the things she did so far paintballing was her favorite and she would for sure come back again!
World Wide Day of Play will be an annual event encouraging you to put a little play into your day!





By Rhea Wawrzyniak
There were many sponsors to thank, that made this event possible!  


BSU Campus Security gets a makeover
Name is changed to Public Safety
By Andrew Pooch and Nick Jelacie

Word Count: 528

If you are a returning student to campus this year, you may have noticed a change in campus security. Director of Security and Safety, Casey McCarthy felt like it was time for a change.  "We represent more than just security on campus.  I thought changing the name to Public Safety explained more of what we do."                     

McCarthy takes claim for the new look on campus. “I was in charge of the name change, as well as choosing new uniforms and designs for the vehicles,” He said.  McCarthy explained the idea behind the uniform change was to add a look of professionalism.  Previously, the students had worn black polo's with "security" stitched on the sleeve.  Now they have grey polyester button-ups shirts with black trim on the front pockets and shoulders, complemented with a black tie, black pants and black shoes.

According to the BSU Web site the goal of Public Safety is to provide safety and security to the campus community.  The Department of Public Safety is a division of BSU Administrative Affairs.  McCarthy and his team maintain safety on both the BSU campus and that of Northwest Technical College (NTC).  They are responsible for all campus security and parking enforcement at both BSU and NTC.  “We are the only department that is open 24/7,” claimed McCarthy.  “There are always two officers on duty.  Students should feel free to stop by at anytime,” He said.

A small sample of interviews was conducted last week to gain some opinions about Public Safety from the student body.  Most students questioned hadn't noticed a name change until it was revealed to them.  The majority thought that parking detail was the main priority of Public Safety, perhaps because they have only dealt with Public Safety in regards to parking situations.  Billy Sather, BSU Junior, was close in his assumption of Public Safety.  "They are in charge of enforcing campus laws, like giving parking tickets, responding to campus emergencies and keeping sporting events safe,” He said.

Public Safety actually has a number of other responsibilities, including personal safety, programming, property protection, escort service, emergency preparedness, environmental health, lost and found, injury reports, parking regulations and weapons storage.

The environmental health and safety aspect was an important concern with McCarthy.  He mentioned that Public Safety was responsible for recycling and trash on campus, the dorms complying with health and safety standards and all kitchens on campus as well.

The weapons storage is a service that will not be found on many campuses in Minnesota besides BSU.  Many outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of storing firearms and bows in the weapons locker.  Ethan Branum, BSU junior, said, "When I was a freshman at BSU, I put my guns in the locker, because they are expensive and I didn't want them stolen out of my car." Students can take advantage of this and other opportunities that Public Safety has to offer by visiting them in the basement of Walnut Hall.

Public Safety can also be reached at (218) 755-3888 or publicsafety@bemidjistate.edu.  For more information, visit www.bemidjistate.edu/offices/safety/.


Bemidji State Public Safety officers patrol and monitor the streets and parking lots of BSU and NTC in these vehicles.  Photo Taken By: Andrew Pooch.


Public Safety is located in the basement of Walnut Wall. Students are encouraged to stop by there anytime they feel like they have a “safety” issue that needs to be dealt with. Photo Taken By: Andrew Pooch.


Students not interested in buying a yearly parking pass have the option of parking in one of many parking meters on campus. Public Safety is in charge of monitoring the meters and collecting money from the machines. Photo Taken By: Nick Jelacie.