North Country- A Neotectonic Future?

Neotectonics is the study of the motions and deformations of the Earth’s crust in current times, often used to predict earthquakes. It seemed that this could describe the seismic forces of climate change, cultural upheaval, pandemic, and political turmoil, even in the North Country of…everywhere!

In early May, I traveled to Bemidji, MN, a five-hour drive by rented step van filled with 36 artwork boxes! I dropped the artwork off at the Watermark Art Center on Lake Bemidji. This was the first time in about three years that I drove my own work to a show!

Watermark Art Center professionally hung the show and put on a lovely reception. What a relief to not have to hang my show! I love seeing how other people hang things. They see new relationships among the pieces that I cannot see.

To those of you from “away,” Bemidji is a major tourist area in Minnesota, pretty far up north, in Beltrami County. Lake Bemidji is one of the major draws for boaters and fishermen. The lake is a good size, about a 16-mile circumference and around 76 feet deep, full of freshwater fish. There is a large state park, loads of camping and cabins, skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, hunting in the fall, and college year-round. And forests, healthy forests. I saw all sorts of evergreens and poplars. The old Michigander in me was thrilled by the Jack Pines waiting for fire to open their cones!

But the fire danger was extremely high while we were there. Indeed, in northeastern Minnesota, where I spend part of the summer, three wildfires were already burning. I rented a cottage for the few days I was there and had old friends join me. We hiked, read, talked, slept, and laughed like only the oldest of friends do.

As a Minnesota transplant, I am here to tell you it is worth visiting! It is a beautiful site in a beautiful state. The show is up through July 26, 2025.