Anne Dugan, arts curator, shared remarks about John Steffl's life and work. |
It's well-known that the former UMD instructor, DAI director, North Shore Bank curator and artist has been at war with cancer for many years. Early this summer he passed away at home at age 69. The exhibition, which will be on display through December 7, is a tribute to a man whose work and life inspired many others.
One of his ceramic pieces, probably worth its weight in gold. |
No one would have criticized him for remaining a ceramicist. His creative explorations led to large-scale paintings that searched for the boundaries of design and liberation. If you visit the bank you'll see many of these large canvases that seem at times to be an expression of what Picasso once said, that “every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
I remember being impressed with his large canvases when I first arrived in Duluth in 1986. |
The reception ran from 5:00 till 7:00 p.m., punctuated by a some remarks by three speakers. Larry Johnson, retired CEO who had been with the bank 55 years, welcomed us and then introduced Annie Dugan, who has now taken on the mantle left behind by John as curator for the North Shore Bank. Annie, as always, brings an exceptional brightness and knowledge to events like these, noting John's influence and highlighting features of the work on display.
She then introduced Neil Cuthbert, former VP of Programs for the McKnight Foundation. Neil began by describing how he'd hit it off with John when the met 30 years ago. This was, of course, a problem, because it is somewhat understood that foundations must remain somewhat immune to personal influence or favoritism and keep a professional distance. John was director of the Duluth Art Institute at the time and Neil admitted he was impressed with what John was doing there when their friendship began. According to Neil it was through John's leadership that the DAI became a "community." Because of Neil's statewide reach he could see that what was germinating here was unique in Minnesota, opening peoples' minds to the arts. He stated his conviction that the vibrancy of the arts here in the Northland could be traced to John's influence.
The cross-section of artists of all stripes present here last night would certainly seem to affirm that there was a measure of truth in these remarks.
If you are able, find a way to visit the North Shore Bank sometime this fall. It's located at 131 West Superior Street, a section of downtown not plundered in the first phase of the Superior Street renovation. And if you go, be sure to pick up the handout, which includes not only pricing but also Ann Klefstad's excellent distillation of Steffl's life and career.
It goes without saying, the spread from Duluth Grill was exceptional as alway. A special thank you to Tom Hanson and crew. |
Community Remembers Artist, Curator John Steffl
"Sick" -- About the Tweed Acquisition of a recent Steffl work.
"Sick" -- About the Tweed Acquisition of a recent Steffl work.
Meantime art goes on all around us. Get into it.
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