BSC Faculty Art Exhibit Highlights Staff Creativity in Mixed Media

The Gannon Gallery at Bismarck State College is currently alive with the vibrant and diverse works of its own visual arts faculty in the annual BSC Art Faculty Exhibit. Running from November 13 to December 12, 2025, this mixed-media showcase offers students, staff, and the community a unique glimpse into the artistic processes and inspirations of the college's talented educators. With a reception scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, from 4-6 p.m., the exhibit invites visitors to engage directly with the creators and their pieces.

This year's display emphasizes the breadth of mediums and styles employed by BSC's art department staff, transforming everyday materials into thought-provoking art. From natural elements to abstract expressions, the works reflect personal narratives, technical mastery, and innovative approaches to traditional crafts.

Andrea Fagerstrom, a dedicated art instructor at BSC, brings the outdoors indoors with her intricate bindings crafted from broom corn, mason lines, and lake stones. These sculptural pieces evoke a sense of organic harmony, blending fibrous textures with the smooth solidity of stones collected from local North Dakota landscapes. Fagerstrom's work often explores themes of connection and resilience, drawing from the region's rugged environment to create installations that feel both ephemeral and enduring. Her contributions add a tactile, earthy dimension to the exhibit, encouraging viewers to consider the artistry in natural forms.

Another highlight comes from David Lewellyn, whose abstract expressionist mixed-media paintings dominate the gallery walls with bold colors and dynamic compositions. Layering paints, textures, and found materials, Lewellyn's canvases capture emotional intensity and spontaneous energy, inviting interpretation from the observer. Complementing his paintings is a striking double-sided table constructed from reclaimed wood, which serves as both functional furniture and sculptural art. This piece demonstrates Lewellyn's versatility, merging fine art with practical design to challenge the boundaries between utility and aesthetics.

John M. Gieser contributes a series of glazed earthenware and stoneware pots that showcase his expertise in pottery. Each vessel features unique glazes that play with light and color, from subtle earth tones to vibrant accents inspired by natural minerals. Gieser's pots range in form from utilitarian bowls to more abstract, sculptural shapes, highlighting the transformative power of fire and clay. His work pays homage to traditional ceramic techniques while incorporating modern experimentation, making it a cornerstone of the exhibit's exploration of material innovation.

Rounding out the featured artists is Michelle Sielski, whose glazed stoneware clay wall hangings add a vertical, immersive element to the space. These hanging sculptures, formed from molded and fired clay, feature intricate patterns and textures that evoke organic growth or architectural fragments. Sielski's pieces often incorporate narrative elements, blending storytelling with three-dimensional form to create wall art that feels alive and interactive. Her contributions underscore the exhibit's theme of mixed media, pushing clay beyond the potter's wheel into contemporary installation art.

The BSC Art Faculty Exhibit not only celebrates the creative output of these staff members but also serves as an educational tool for students, demonstrating the real-world application of classroom concepts. As BSC continues to foster a vibrant arts community, exhibits like this reinforce the college's commitment to cultural enrichment on campus.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Gannon Gallery during its open hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, and the exhibit provides an accessible way to support local talent while inspiring the next generation of artists. For more information, contact the BSC Art Department or visit the college's website.