Looking for memories: New Ulm print planned

Artist urges people to share photos, ideas of what

ought to be painted

By KREMENA TODOROVA

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- It may be a place, a scene, a cherished experience tucked into your mind ...

An artist is beginning to collect the bits and pieces that make up people's idea of New Ulm, intending to weave them all together into a painting that would, she hopes, evoke a community's collective memory.

Artist Marian Anderson prefers to describe her planned "nostalgic painting" as a montage, others have called it a collage -- be that as it may, it is conceived as a blend of images, both old and new, that tell the town's story.

Anderson, a nationally recognized artist based in rural Mankato, has agreed to create this commemorative painting and prints of New Ulm to benefit Network New Ulm Leadership Programs, especially Network New Ulm Youth. The project has been timed to coincide with the town's 150th anniversary, to be marked in 2004.

Anderson imagines the piece as a seamless blend of images grouped around a central focus. The central image could be Hermann Monument, the Glockenspiel, or something else, she says. In her mind, she can also see the montage including a German couple dancing "in full regalia," or a musician playing the concertina, or another scene that celebrates New Ulm's ethnic heritage. She is picturing many other possibilities as well -- buildings both standing and gone, scenes of the town's past and present, dances at George's Ballroom -- anything that represents New Ulm's uniqueness, anything that people "can relate to and remember."

"I want people to feel something when they look at the painting," Anderson said. "Perhaps lose themselves in their memories."

Because of the concept's unique reliance on public validation, Anderson sees it as both an individual and a collective effort. "I can't do it alone," she said. "The more people get involved, the more valid and beautiful the end result would be."

Consequently, Anderson is urging people to share their photos and ideas of what ought to be painted. These ideas would augment, and help sift through and prioritize, her own picture-taking journeys and her research of museum and private archives.

Better known as a wildlife and Western artist, Anderson has done a limited number of similar, "nostalgic" paintings and prints. (It has taken some convincing for her to do buildings-- but it's worked, she jokingly notes.) The pieces have generally benefited non-profit causes, and are of communities to which Anderson feels a personal connection: Madelia, where she was born, Mankato and North Mankato and Sleepy Eye.

New Ulm is no exception. Descended from Lafayette area farmers, Anderson spent many childhood days with extended family in New Ulm. She brings her own set of memories to the New Ulm project -- her first Santa, her first candy bar, her first movie. She also brings an intense awareness of the town's visual and "story-telling" potential.

Anderson expects to create the painting in a subdued, neutral color scheme that would allow her to "intermingle subjects" and create a uniform mood. The artist says she would not want an emphasis on color to detract from the nostalgic feel of the piece.

The artist was brought into the project by her friend, Network New Ulm member Bob Webb. Webb says he mulled the idea for about four years before it was finalized and agreed on.

Anderson will be creating a 20-by-13 inch oil painting, plus 750-950 limited-edition, numbered and signed prints. Unframed prints will sell for $75 advanced purchase or $95 when released this fall. Oct. 1 is set as the completion date.

Framed prints will cost $250 advanced purchase or $275 when released. Artist proofs are $130 advanced purchase or $150 when released. Framed artist proofs will run $305 advanced purchase or $330 when released.

Webb says Anderson will be donating the majority of the proceeds (minus cost). The beneficiary, Network New Ulm, describes itself as a group that "seeks to build a stronger community by providing a diverse group of emerging and existing leaders with opportunities to enhance their community knowledge, civic network and leadership skills." Network New Ulm Youth seeks to "foster youth leaders, connect area schools and allow the youth of New Ulm to appreciate opportunities" in the city.

To share images and ideas with Anderson, write to: Commemorative Print, c/o New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 384, New Ulm, MN 56073. Photos will be scanned and returned promptly, Anderson says.

To reserve a copy of the art piece, send a check or money order to: Network New Ulm Leadership Programs, c/o New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 384, New Ulm, MN 56073.