Barbara Arney - painter

What do you like about Stillwater
I love Stillwater's hillside location on the wild and scenic St. Croix River. All the restored buildings and homes create a genuine turn of the century, small town atmosphere. I have lived here for thirty years and though it has grown and prospered, in many ways it has not really changed that much.

What landmark is most intriguing?
Turn of the century structures are everywhere here. In the late '70's I was active in the the effort to save the Old Courthouse from being torn down, so I guess that is the one. That restoration became a milestone that created a lasting legacy for the renovation of Stillwater's unique architecture and landscape.

Describe your style?
More and more I am influenced by my graphic design experience, expressing images with simplicity and striking color. It is representational, but becoming more symbolic than realistic.

Describe your medium:
I paint in oils, on canvas.

Expectations:
To present the landmarks of Stillwater in a beautiful and unique way. There will be human figures in some, and symbolism that I hope interests the viewer.

Ann Decoster- painter

What do you like about Stillwater
Mostly the fact that it is a river town - a charming old one where history still seems alive.

What landmark is most intriguing?
The river and the bridge and their essential place in the community. Stillwater would not be what it is without them.

Describe your medium?
oils and acrylics. Some watercolors.

Describe your style?
I try to explain the feeling that a place or thing givr=es me - its essence. Stylistically I suppose they run between impressionism and abstraction.

How are you going to challenge yourself in this project (in regards to finished artwork)?
I will continue exploring my interest in the bridge and river.

How many pieces are you going to do?
I think all mine will relate to the river and the bridge. I hope to have 5.

Expectations: I hope we'll have a great show!

Tim Harding- art for walls: fiber art, silk, cotton

What Stillwater landmark/site is most intriguing?
Historic Lift Bridge

Describe your medium?
Collage Layered, Stitched, Cut + Manipulated Silks (Reverse Applique)

Describe your style?
Impressionistic, Semi-Abstract

How are you going to challenge yourself in this project (in regards to finished artwork)?
Capture the feel of geometric structural elements in juxtaposition to the organic fluid surface of the river.

How many pieces are you going to do?
Bridge/Water Front/Marina

Edward Hawksford- painter

What does Mapworks mean to you?
It's a chance to cast Stillwater in a new light--with some depth and maybe some greater understanding in collaboration with a group of great artists.

What do you like about Stillwater
The river valley feels so ancient. The buildings agree. They remind us that the past isn't too far off, that we're not so separate from the massive white pines and quarried limestone and a big old prison.

What landmark is most intriguing?
I'm fascinated by the stories I hear about the stone bridge. I want to know more about who built it and what went wrong. I want to know if William Sauntry killed himself in that Alhambra Mansion. I want to know if there really were brothels on Laurel Street. But I also like it that you can't see the Commander building or the bridge without getting the King plant in the background.

Describe your style?
I am drawn to the imperfections of the photographic image: the blurring, the graininess, the editing, the cropping, the fading. I strive for a painted image that has a sense of time and passion; of motion and emotion.

Describe your medium:
I work primarily with oil paint on canvas or board, though I often do preliminary studies in conte crayon.

Expectations:
I hope Mapworks Stillwater will be a chance to get my work before a wider audience and let people know that there are still artists hanging out in this town.

See more at his website >

When I begin painting, I have no idea what the outcome will be. It's like a spontaneous dance. I focus on texture, color and shapes, expressing my feelings at a given moment...
Read more at her website >

Randall Raduenz- painter

What does Mapworks Stillwater means to you?
I would like to capture historic sites of Stillwater, (remember when?).

What do you like about Stillwater?
Every thing, it is my whole life.

What Stillwater landmark/site is most intriguing?
Old Building, Bridge.

Describe your medium?
Acrylics.

Describe your style?
Realism.

How are you going to challenge yourself in this project (in regards to finished artwork)?
Try to depict a historic views of Stillwater in various locations simplified style with lots of color.

Mapworks Producer

See more at his website >