‘Northern Waters’ exhibit Jan. 19-Feb. 24 at Jaques Art Center

A painting titled “Northern Waters." — The “Northern Waters" exhibit will be Jan. 19-Feb. 24 at Jaques Art Center in Aitkin.

By Dispatch staff report

January 10, 2024 at 12:57 PM

AITKIN — The Jaques Art Center located in Aitkin, Minnesota has often been called a hidden gem. This art center/museum is housed in a historical Carnegie Library at 121 2nd St. NW one block west of the one stop light in the county and in the shadow of the Aitkin water tower.

Its real claim to fame is its namesake, Francis Lee Jaques. The Jaques family moved to Aitkin from Illinois when Francis was a boy. His artistic spirit and talent were evident at a young age as he studied the wildlife and habitat all around him. He helped the family financially by becoming a taxidermist.

Lee, as his family and friends called him, went on to become one of the nation's premier wildlife artists. He was hired by the New York Museum of Natural History to paint the Dioramas that are still enthralling viewers. After his years in New York City with his wife, Florence, the Bell Museum in St. Paul hired him to paint the dioramas for their displays.

The Jaques Art Center has one of the largest collections of original Jaques art and will be displaying many pieces as well as pieces on loan from the Bell Museum at the first exhibit of the 2024 season Jan. 19 through Feb. 24. Alongside the stunning work of Jaques, Don Luce will display many of his superb works of art.

Luce, who recently retired as curator for many years at the Bell Museum, is no stranger to the works of Francis Lee Jaques. This exhibit is appropriately named “Northern Waters,” which depicts one of Luce’s paintings. The Jaques Art Center will be celebrating Luce noon-3 p.m. Jan. 20 during the opening of the exhibit.

The center hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Individuals and groups are welcome. Call for details at 218-927-2363. For more information visit www.jaquesart.com . Admission is free.

By Dispatch staff report

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