Minot State receives study collection donations

MINOT, N.D. - Minot State University has received a significant gift of 142 prints by noted American printmakers Michael Barnes and David Driesbach. The gift, made directly by Barnes and the family of Driesbach, strengthens the University's Art Collections and its long-standing commitment to the study and teaching of art and printmaking

Visitors are invited to a public unveiling at the Northwest Arts Center on Tuesday, April 14, from 4-5 p.m. This informal viewing will provide an opportunity to see a selection of the newly gifted works and learn more about the study collections, consisting of 91 prints by Barnes, and an additional gift of 51 prints to the David Driesbach study collection.

David Driesbach (1922-2019) was a master printmaker and influential educator who taught at Northern Illinois University until his retirement in 1991. A student of Mauricio Lasansky at the University of Iowa, Driesbach became known for his sophisticated intaglio prints with expressive line, rich tones, and complex textures.

Michael Barnes, also a graduate of the University of Iowa, is the current head of printmaking at NIU. His research centers on lithography and is known for combining this traditional method of printmaking with ongoing experimentation and means of integrating it with new media.

The works were secured following a research visit to Chicago and Northern Illinois University by Minot State Professor Ryan Stander, Northwest Arts Center Director Greg Vettel, and students Britt Rohn and Kylie Anderson. During the visit, the group met with Michael Barnes at his home studio and traveled to NIU. Prints by David Driesbach were generously provided by his family with the assistance of Peter Olson, retired NIU Art Museum assistant director. The experience offered students a unique insight into an artist's methods, inspiration, and also a window into professional museum practices.

"The ability to visit the artist's studio and hear from them directly provided a new depth of understanding to his process and the context of his work," said Anderson of the experience.

The Artist Study Collections at Minot State University support hands-on learning, allowing viewers to engage directly with original works that demonstrate a wide range of techniques and artistic approaches. Different from a traditional fine art collection, study collections are intended to not only be viewed but also used. These works provide students and visitors with the opportunity to look closely and research original prints, exploring the materials, techniques, and decisions behind each artwork.

"This gift provides an invaluable learning opportunity for students to engage directly with original works of art," Vettel said. "Study collections such as those from Driesbach and Barnes allow us to follow an artist's development over time and gain insight into their processes."

The Northwest Arts Center is located on the campus of Minot State University in the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library, with a dedicated entrance on the south side of the building. The Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.