Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the collection of Johnson Loud’s life work now showing at North Hennepin Community College. A Minnesota Native American artist, potter, painter, and priest, Johnson Loud was born in Red Lake Minnesota in the early 1940’s and has produced art for the past 50 years.
Loud is responsible for designing the logo for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians that is used on the flag, public buildings, and license plates. Johnson Loud has also produced large scale murals celebrating Native America history and culture displayed in various Red Lake public buildings. These murals are all beautifully featured in the exhibit through photographs alongside a number of original paintings. One painting, “Making Maple Syrup,” shows off this traditional spring undertaking. It is particularly touching as it features his wife, Vonnie, and two daughters, Heather and Dawne, harvesting tree sap to create syrup.
Although Loud is known statewide for his murals, he says he considers himself most passionate for pottery. Witty, silly pieces like “you’re a good egg” with a yellow yoke mirror embedded into a ceramic fried egg showcases Loud’s sense of humor, while more stoic pieces of pottery have the image of Chief Geronimo’s face screen printed onto them so as to preserve the face that reminds America of its oppressive society. Numerous other pieces–vases, bottles, mugs, pitches, and serving bowls of all shapes and sizes–are for sale ranging from $10 to $250.
Currently, Johnson Loud presides over the Episcopal Church of the Messiah of the Dakota Community in Prairie Island, Minnesota. He has a charming, warm, grandfatherly spirit which was made apparent as he welcomed guests who attended his art opening on the evening of November 6. Even after half a century of producing art he reports that he’s still having so much fun and is in the discovery stage of life.
Paintings and ceramics by Johnson Loud are displayed at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park from now until November 30th, 2013. It’s off the beaten path, but the journey is worth it. Parking and admission are free. The Joseph Gazzuolo gallery, located in the Fine Art’s building off of the West Broadway entrance, is open 9am to 3pm Monday through Friday. Will Agar, faculty in the art department, serves as curator and is available to answer questions about the show. He is the contact to purchase Johnson Loud’s art as well and can be reached at will.agar@nhcc.edu or 763-424-0779. Donations are also being collected for Native American student scholarships at the school.
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