| A Publication of the Region 2 Arts Council | Vol. 1 No. 2 | Apr/May ' 01 |
The Gifts of Mentoring |
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Guest Commentary |
By Lonnie Knutson |
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men'tor (men'ter); 'tor), n; [Gr.Mentor,prop., counselor] 1. [cap] A friend to whom Odysseus when setting out for Troy, entrusted his house and the education of Telemachus. 2. [F.] Hence, a faithful counselor. The idea of a mentor for myself came up quite unexpectedly, but when it did, I knew this was exactly what I needed. I was about to begin an art project that consisted of several pieces, which, when I drew them out, required techniques I'd never done before. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to complete all the pieces without help. Mentoring is nothing new. Thomas Wentworth Higginson was mentor to Emily Dickinson, Ezra Pound to T.S. Eliot, and Willem de Kooning mentored Robert Rauschenberg. There are countless cases where mentors have influenced lives. While reading Northern Arts News, I noticed the announcement for Individual Artist Grants which included a mentorship grant. After talking to Executive Director MaryAnne Wilimek, I found that my project could be included under the mentor grant assistance program. I wrote the grant and it was awarded. I was to have a mentor. |
That began twenty wonderful hours of support, instruction, guidance and conversations with artist Marley Kaul. Sometimes we'd meet at his studio, sometimes mine. We shared books, videos, had great conversations about art and spirituality (the art pieces are spiritual altars). He instructed me in egg tempera, gold leaf and other techniques. I valued his experience and knowledge, his art skills and his support over that year's time. I realized just how important a gift a mentor can be. There are so many fine artists in this region who write, make music, or create art of all kinds and whose knowledge and experience are there waiting to be shared. It is a mutually beneficial experience. So, when you're thinking about grant money, I urge you to consider the value of a mentor, or perhaps you'll mentor another. This is a grant which benefits both participants. Lonnie Knutson,
a visual artist who moved to Bemidji from the metro area in 1987 and
has enjoyed being part |
R2AC Executive Director MaryAnne Wilimek has announced that she has decided to leave her position.The decision was a difficult one for her, as she really has enjoyed the job. But, as she put it, she's been feeling something tugging inside of her for a while now, and needs to honor it. At this point she has no specific plans for the future, but would not be disappointed if something fell into her lap on a part-time or temporary basis. The Board hopes to have someone in place by mid-April. MaryAnne will work with the new director for a couple weeks to ensure a smooth transition. We don't want to let her leave without honoring her 15 years of service to the arts community. Over the years, MaryAnne used her leadership and vision to create many successful and innovative programs to meet the needs in the region. She also cared a great deal about individual artists and felt gratified when she saw them take risks and move forward. |
The profile of the arts community in the region looks very different than it did when she began 15 years ago, and at least part of the thanks goes to her purposeful efforts. We know there are many who have benefited from MaryAnne's hard work—here is some of what area artists, peers and board members have had to say: "Her leaving is like having your favorite next door neighbor move
away...I can't imagine R2AC without her." "MaryAnne was very helpful and supportive of my efforts to secure
an Individual Artist Grant. She talked me through possible roadblocks
that would have tripped me up. MaryAnne and R2AC will always have my
appreciation. . (I would really like to sit down with her sometime and
find out how a Forest Service Hydrologist became an arts director.)" |
"MaryAnne, thank you for the many times you worked me through
a grant problem. You have been an inspiration to me and have become
my very dear friend." "Even though I am a recent appointment to the R2AC board, it has
been a real eye-opener to find someone who is so concerned about the
need to promote artistic excellence—MaryAnne looks beyond the here
and now and promotes ideas and projects that enhance artistic achievement
in our unique corner of Minnesota. She will be missed!" "MaryAnne contributed to my personal education by guiding R2AC
meetings in such a way that we could recognize and honor cultural and
individual differences in the many artists whose projects we evaluated.
We were fortunate to have someone with her abilities direct the arts
council." |
| Serving Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods & Mahnomen Counties of NorthCentral Minnesota |
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If you are interested in the rest of this issue, call
us at 751-5447 or 1-800-275-5447 and we will be glad to send a copy
to you.
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