Tonja Torgerson

New Blog Site

2011-06-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

All news and updates are now posted on my website. You will be redirected there in a few seconds...

New Print - Stable

2011-03-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

Stable
Tonja Torgerson
Screenprint
14 x 11"
Edition of 12 (for the SGC Member Exchange Portfolio)
2011

SUBPAR on the front page of The Eagle

2011-01-29T06:23:00.000-08:00

SUBPAR and Salt City Dishes are the front page story of this week's The Eagle (CNY). The paper included two articles about the grant and gives a glowing review of the microgrant event:

"Only one of the nine project proposals would walk away with the $1,000 minigrant from the debut Salt City DISHES dinner on Sunday, but the intangible benefits, the networking and exposure each project gained from the event were just as invaluable."

A second article details the ideas behind our winning proposal:

"The SUBPAR proposal will create "unconventional street art" using hand-made, screenprinted ceramic tiles mortared permanently into place in an otherwise unused, unnoticed public space.
'Imagine a series of tiles that add a splash of color on a drab grey wall or boarded up window,' the team said during their presentation Sunday."

You can find the whole article here.

And more about the first Salt City DISHES event here.

SUBPAR wins Salt City Dishes

2011-01-26T18:11:00.000-08:00

I finally have some news on a project that was been in development for a few months called SUBPAR. SUBPAR stands for “Syracuse Urban Beautification Public Art Resistance”. It is an open collective that encourages and creates public art interventions.

The purpose of SUBPAR is to integrate art into the visual landscape of Syracuse. SUBPAR aims to create street art installations that force beauty into the urban surroundings.

We had the opportunity to present a project at the first ever Salt City DISHES and we won! We have been awarded a $1,000 to create our first project. We'll be combining screenprinting with ceramics to create a dynamic new look of street decor. (See the example of a test tile above). A huge thank you to the engaged and dedicated populace of Syracuse who attended DISHES. We have great things planned...

Monumental (Prints)tallations

2011-01-17T10:32:00.001-08:00

Work in Progress on Display

2011-01-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

I have been working on a new project for several months now, and segment of it is going to be on exhibition in New Mexico. These three pieces are a part of a larger installation in progress.

This work will be on display in the last part of January as a part of:
Monumental (Print)stallations
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, New Mexico

New Print- So Bad

2011-01-05T06:50:00.000-08:00

So Bad
Tonja Torgerson
Screenprint
22 x 19"
Edition of 12
2010

A larger image can be found here.

New Print- Toll

2010-12-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

Toll
Tonja Torgerson
Screenprint
19 x 15"
Edition of 16
2010

A larger image can be found here.

Prints now at grayDUCK Gallery

2010-11-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

Several of my prints are now available at the grayDUCK Gallery in Austin, Texas.

grayDUCK Gallery
608 w monroe street | suite c | austin tx 78704
www.grayduckgallery.com

Last Chance for Salt City Dozen

2010-11-10T10:46:00.001-08:00

A reminder to all current students. The deadline for the Salt City Dozen is Monday, November 15th.

The Salt City Dozen is an annual international juried portfolio of twelve student printmakers. Student printmakers from around the world apply for and participate in this project, and the artists selected by the juror receive a full folio of prints in a custom designed and produced portfolio.

Online applications are encouraged. More information is posted on their website.

Headshot

2010-10-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

I have recieved my sets from the Headshot folio, a print portfolio curated by Tim Dooley and Bill Fick, at the Mid America Print Conference (MAPC) in Minneapolis. The boxes for the sets were created by Yee-Haw Industries, they look amazing and pull everything together nicely.

The entire folio was exhibited in the Regis Center for Art as a part of the conference. Currently, you can also see the entire portfolio online at the Red Rocket Gallery.

Old Planet - New Planet @ Gallery 13

2010-10-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

Old Planet- New Planet:
Print Making and The New World Order
October 8th -October 30th
Reception : Wednesday Oct. 13th, 6:30- 9:30 p.m.
Gallery13
811 LaSalle Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402

New Print- Fed

2010-10-01T14:09:00.001-07:00

Fed

Tonja Torgerson
Screenprint
22 x 15"
Edition of 17
2010

FYI Grant

2010-09-24T05:26:00.000-07:00

Recently I, with a group of 3 other students, have been awarded a First Year Interdisciplinary Grant from Syracuse University. Our proposal was entitled, "A Sense of Place". Our project involves collecting thoughts, feelings, meanings and memories of specific public spaces and putting them on display, as a way for the space itself to "talk back". In doing this, we are striving to create a dialogue between the space an its occupants.

One of my roles in the project will be the creation of the visuals used in to assist in collecting people's reactions to certain spaces, as well as the later exhibition that will be created around this information. More information will be provided as the project progresses.

New Online Store Open

2010-08-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this photo last night of Superfly Lullabies' workshop, where in the background Julie had framed and hung one of my prints she purchased last spring. Speaking of which, nearly every variation of this print and all the Sick Prints mini series can now be found for sale at my new Cargoh store.

Check it out.

Hello from New York

2010-08-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

I have recently relocated to Syracuse, New York to pursue an MFA in Printmaking at Syracuse University. Hence the recent absence of updates as I settle into my studies.

But fear not, some projects are in the works and more information will be posted here when they come into form.

New Print- Farewell

2010-06-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

Farewell

Tonja Torgerson
Screenprint
30 x 22"
2010

Art-A-Whirl with Andy McInnis

2010-05-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Come to Shuga Records during Art-A-Whirl and help support a great local project! I will selling my "Sick Prints", along with the prints of many other artists who were involved in Sweet Hair, to raise funds for Andy McInnis' latest project-- Screen Printing: On the Cheap.

Don't know Andy? Well you should: Andy McInnis is an arts educator and screen printing expert who is currently teaching screen printing workshops and printing on-site. He is quickly spreading the word about Screen Printing: On the Cheap, a DIY book project about printing out of your apartment.

So drop by Shuga Records during Art-A-Whirl/Hoolie Fest (May 14th, 15th, and 16th) and pick up some local art to support a great project. Or come to enjoy the educational stylings of Andy McInnis and print your very own t-shirt! Either way, its bound to be a blast.

For more information check out
www.screenprintingonthecheap.com

Print Sale to Support
Screen Printing: On the Cheap
Shuga Records
165 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN
May 14th, 15th, and 16th

ARTCRANK this Saturday, April 10th

2010-04-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

Coast by Tonja Torgerson

Please come celebrate bikes and art at this year's ARTCRANK.

ARTCRANK is an annual bike-themed poster show featuring local artists and designers. My poster (above) and posters by over 30 other local artists will be for sale- all for just $30. This year ARTCRANK is working to raise money for Full Cycle, a Minneapolis nonprofit that gives free bikes to homeless youth and teaches them bike maintenance. So bike to Shelter Studios this Saturday (they'll have valet bike parking) and take home some local poster art!

ARTCRANK 2010

Opening Night Party: Saturday, April 10
7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Shelter Studios
2112 Broadway St. NE, Suite 150
Minneapolis, MN 55413

Bike Poster Sneak Peek

2010-03-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

ARTCRANK is only a few weeks away and I am hard at work on my poster for the show. Here is a sneak peek of the poster in progress- come see the finished product at the party on April 10th!

ARTCRANK 2010
Opening Night Party: Saturday, April 10
7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Shelter Studios
2112 Broadway St. NE, Suite 150
Minneapolis, MN

Sick Prints on Etsy

2010-03-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

Sick Prints are now available for purchase on Etsy.
This set of six prints includes an image of each of the five drawings in the 'ill' series, as well as a Sick title card.
Find them here.

ARTCRANK 2010

2010-03-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

ARTCRANK is an annual bike themed poster show featuring local artists and designers. This year ARTCRANK is working to raise money for Full Cycle, a Minneapolis nonprofit that gives free bikes to homeless youth and teaches them bike maintenance. So bike to Shelter Studios on April 10th and leave with local poster art.

Artists include: Aaron Pumort • Aaron Shekey • Adam Brackney • Adam Turman • Aesthetic Apparatus • Allan Peters • Amy Campbell • Amy Jo • Angel Bomb • Andy Skoglund • Anthem Heart • Ben Levitz • Bjorn Christianson • Brian Hartley Sago • Briana Auel • Broken Crow • Chelsea Brink • DWITT • Elizabeth Mullen • Erik Anthony Hamline • Gregory Hubacek • Jennifer Davis • Jessica Hall Burns • Johnny Slocum • Joseph Duffy • Katherine Lamm • Kelly Munson • Lovely Mpls • Lure Design • Maranatha Wilson • Paul Gardner • Rob Angermuller • Ross Bruggink • Scott Agrimson • Scott Neff • Spencer Haugh • Tara Costello • Tonja Torgerson • Zara Gonzalez

ARTCRANK 2010

Opening Night Party: Saturday, April 10
7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Foot in the Door 4

2010-02-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

My work will be a part of Foot in the Door 4. Foot in the Door 4 is an open exhibition for Minnesota artists, occurring once every ten years at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. There will be over 4,000 pieces of artwork in the exhibition, all under a cubic foot in size.

Foot in the Door 4
Friday, February 19, 2010—Sunday, June 13, 2010
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
2400 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Opening reception: Thursday, February 18th 6-9pm

Select Impressions @ Highpoint

2010-01-29T15:37:00.000-08:00

Opening tonight, my work is included in Select Impressions: Juried works from Highpoint’s first Portfolio Review. In May of 2009; Darsie Alexander, Chief Curator at the Walker Art Center, Dennis Jon, Associate Curator of Prints and Drawings at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Diane Mullin, Associate Curator at the Weisman Art Museum looked at prints from 63 local artists. The result is an exhibition of works by 29 local printmakers in Highpoint’s spacious new gallery.

Reception: Friday, January 29 6:30 – 9:00 PM.
On view from January 29 through March 13, 2010

Highpoint Center for Printmaking
912 W. Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408

Sick

2010-01-27T20:17:00.000-08:00

Sick will be up until March 1st. Go see it in person if you can, otherwise here's a glimpse:

Find the full photo tour here.
For more information about XYandZ and Sick visit www.thexyandz.com.

XYand Z
3258 Minnehaha Ave S
Minneapolis, 55406

"Sick" opening

2010-01-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you who missed it, here are a few photos from the Sick opening last night.

Sick will be on display at XYandZ through March 1, 2010.

The works in Sick can be seen here.
For more information about XYandZ and Sick visit www.thexyandz.com.

XYand Z
3258 Minnehaha Ave S
Minneapolis, 55406

"Sick" opens at XYandZ on Friday, January 22nd

2010-01-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

Deterioration by Tonja Torgerson

On Friday, January 22nd I will be celebrating the opening Sick, my solo exhibition of new works.

Sick includes five life-sized self-portraits on paper. These paintings analyze the altering identity of a young woman learning to live with a permanent illness. Sick presents the personal side of what is becoming an ever-increasingly political issue through a girlish lens of soft aesthetic and sad whimsy. These paintings focus on the revision of self that accompanies illness. In addition, the exhibition consists of several smaller screen prints and works of mixed media. Sick creates an engaging fusion of feminism, craft, printmaking and street-art.

The opening reception for Sick will be held at XYandZ on Friday January 22nd, 2010 from 7-11p. Sick will be on display at XYandZ through March 1, 2010.

A preview of the works in Sick can be seen here.
For more information about XYandZ and Sick visit www.thexyandz.com.

XYand Z
3258 Minnehaha Ave S
Minneapolis, 55406

Girly @ Kenwood Cafe

2009-11-25T15:40:00.000-08:00

Several pieces from my Girly series will be on display at Kenwood Cafe starting December 6th.

Kenwood Cafe
2115 West 21st Street
Minneapolis, MN 55405

December 6th-31st, 2009

18 months @ XYandZ

2009-11-09T22:00:00.001-08:00

Come see my work at XYandZ this Friday, November 13th.
18 months is a preview show that will feature original pieces of work from artists scheduled to show at XYandZ through early 2011.

18 Months
Presented by XYandZ
3258 Minnehaha Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55406

November 13th through December 30th
Opening Reception: November 13th 7p-11p

ThinkGirl Press Open

2009-11-02T15:25:00.000-08:00

My online store has re-opened with wintry cards, stickers, magnets and more.
Find it here.

Control

2009-10-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Day 29 in New York Mills, and my project is complete.

Control is the fifth drawing in the Ill Series.
I have a few more days left in my artist residency, then it is back to Minneapolis!

Day 26, New York Mills

2009-10-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

A few photographs from New York Mills, Minnesota.

Day 14, New York Mills

2009-10-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

New York Mills- Day Eight

2009-10-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

It is the eighth day of my Artist Residency in New York Mills, MN.
Sadly the weather has been miserable the last few days, so I do not have any photos of the town to share. But the cold and dreary weather is great motivation for studio time.

The sketch for the final large drawing in the Ill series is almost done.
I am to finish the drawing in its entirety during this residency.

Preparing class supplies for the printmaking classes I will start teaching next week. First class is relief printing, and I am excited to be a part of a classroom setting again.

I am also taking pinhole photographs and working with some vintage cameras, and will post images once I am able to develop the film.
So far the residency has been a real treat!

New York Mills

2009-09-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

Day Two in New York Mills and I am still settling in. It was been great to get familiar with the town. Here are some images of where I will be spending the next 30 days:

This is my home, its a little one bedroom bungalow in the center of New York Mills. Everything is within walking distance here, but I also have a bike at my disposal (I'll post a photo of that soon).

This is the Cultural Center, where I have 24 hour access to my studio space. Its a beautiful building just a block from my house.

This is my studio space. Located on the second floor of the Cultural Center, it is definitely the biggest studio space I have ever had and will be the center of most of my activity.

And finally, this was my welcome wagon! The local paper has published an article about my residency and the classes I will be teaching while here. So nice!

Ill Photo Shoot

2009-09-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was spent documenting the Ill drawings, thanks to the help of a good friend. Here are the results:

And finally, a good photo of one of the three pillows (sans pins) that make up Needles & Pins.

Deterioration

2009-09-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

After many long days and nights in the studio, Deterioration is now complete.

It is the fourth life-sized drawing in the Ill Series. The fifth and final drawing of the series will be created in October during my New York Mills Art Retreat.

Graphic This Thursday!

2009-09-01T16:52:00.001-07:00

Graphic

September 3rd – November 7th

Opening Reception: Thursday, September 3, 6-9pm

Burnsville Performing Arts Center
12600 Nicollet Avenue South
Burnsville, MN 55337

Summer 2009 Summary

2009-08-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

Summer is wrapping up, here are some highlights of the last few months.

It was a busy season, especially with the rearranging of studio. And there was much to show for it, including three new artworks: Cut Short and two commissions (Ashes, Ashes and Muench's Beach Resort).

My art was included in two exhibitions this summer. Manifest Destiny was at the DeVos Art Museum in Michigan for North of the 45th, a regional juried exhibition. And Cut Short was a part of Sweet Hair a local show and benefit for Locks of Love. The State Street Gallery in Madison, Wisconsin has taken on my work and several framed pieces are now on display there at all times.

The near future will see the completion on the fourth drawing in the Ill series. And the opening of Graphic at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center is on Thursday, September 3rd.

Fall will be very productive, with one month devoted solely to the creation of art during my New York Mills Art Retreat. But more on that later!

In Progress- Fourth Ill Drawing

2009-08-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hard at work on the fourth drawing in the ill series.

Here is a sketch of the drawing on mylar:

And the actual drawing in progress:

"Graphic" at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center

2009-08-06T08:13:00.001-07:00

Several of my pieces will be included in "Graphic", a group exhibition at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center.

September 3 – November 7

Opening Reception: Thursday, September 3, 6-9pm

Burnsville Performing Arts Center
12600 Nicollet Avenue South
Burnsville, MN 55337

Fall Residency

2009-07-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

Plans for autumn are falling into place.

I am the recipient of a Jerome Fellowship for the New York Mills Arts Retreat. I will spend the month finishing the final drawing in my ill series, as well as several smaller projects.

Many thanks to New York Mills and the Jerome Foundation, for funding such a great program.

Summer Commission

2009-07-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

Made for a commission, I have just finished a seven color screenprint. Printed on white stonehenge paper, sized 15" by 22". Its a small edition of 6, with two color variations. A souvenir of summer vacations long passed.

Two have sold, four are still available.

Summer Update

2009-07-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

Its mid-summer and a lot of projects are in the works, but there is not much to show yet.

The studio has been in a state of transition and everything has been moved around and changed. The big green wall is gone and I must say I miss it. But there now is more storage and workspace, so it is all for the best.

Here is a quick glimpse at a commission I am currently working on in its early stages. The edition is being printed in two sunny color variations, and it's off to a great start. Check back for images for the completed edition in the next few weeks.

I hope you are enjoying summer as much as I am.

Ashes, Ashes

2009-06-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

Wrapping up a new work.

This my first screenprint on wood and the results are quite lovely.
It has a great size and shape (16" x 16" x 2") and will have a slick, glossy finish. Sadly, I only get to keep it for another week or so while it gets a few coats of varnish.
Then its off to its new home!

In House @ State Street Gallery

2009-06-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

State Street Gallery is taking the month of June to feature its In-House Artists. A collection of employee favorites will be displayed in the front gallery throughout the month.
A reception will be held on Friday June 19^th
to celebrate the exhibition.
What a lovely start to the summer!

State Street Gallery
109 State St.
Madison, WI 53703

Sweet Hair

2009-06-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

Sweet Hair this Saturday
June 13th, 7-10 pm
@ Art Minion

Be there!

Open Portfolio @ Highpoint

2009-05-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

I will be sharing a select portfolio of my prints with other artists and curators from 1:30 to 3:00 today at Highpoint Center for Printmaking. The event is open to the public, and is an great opportunity to see the work of local printmakers and new Highpoint facilities.

Open Portfolio Event
Saturday, May 30th, 12:00 - 4:30 pm

Over 50 printmakers from across the region will share their recent work with Highpoint visitors. This casual event will be an excellent opportunity for local collectors and print enthusiasts to speak with the artists one-on-one and view their prints up close.

Highpoint Center for Printmaking
912 Lake Street West
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612.871.1326

North of the 45th

2009-05-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

North of the 45th opens today at the DeVos Art Museum in Michigan.

Cut Short

2009-05-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

My latest screenprint, Cut Short, will be a part of the Sweet Hair poster show on June 13th.

William & Mary Review

2009-05-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

COBRA and Loss were published in the 2009 issue of the William & Mary Review.

State Street Gallery

2009-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

My artwork is now available at the State Street Gallery in Madison, WI.

State Street Gallery
109 State St.
Madison, WI 53703

Spring 2009 Summary

2009-05-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

Spring is turning into summer and so I am taking a moment to review the last few months.

I have been hard at work in my new studio, and completed a new line of cards and two new artworks, Medicine and Needles & Pins. Three more works of art are currently in progress, and should be finished this summer.

I was also fortunate enough to participate in two exhibitions this spring.
I am Fine is in a group exhibition of emerging artists running through May 12th at the Pulp gallery in Omaha.
And opening May 25th, my screen print Manifest Destiny will be at the DeVos Art Museum in Michigan. It is a part of North of the 45th, a regional juried exhibition.

Upcoming is a new edition for Sweet Hair, an exhibition of screen printing that will benefit Locks of Love. Plus much more art and hopefully some traveling.

Happy Spring!

Sneak Peak of Sweet Hair

2009-05-05T10:31:00.001-07:00

Busy, busy.

Hard at work on several projects all at once.
Currently my studio is filling up with in-progress artwork, such as my edition for the Sweet Hair Poster show and a couple of commissions.

Here's a peak at my print for Sweet Hair. It is 4 colors in on what shall be a 8 color screen print.

Look for photos of the finished edition in a couple of weeks!

Side note.

2009-05-03T18:56:00.001-07:00

I love a good parade.

Today was the May Day Parade in Minneapolis.
It was so much fun I had to share.

Sprout! at Pulp Gallery

2009-04-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

I am Fine is now on display at the gallery Pulp in Omaha, Nebraska.
It is a part of the group exhibition titled Sprout!, showcasing a variety of emerging artists from around the country.

The exhibition will be up through May 12th.
Check it out.

Finished.

2009-04-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

Busy week and I am short on time, but here is a quick update on some projects that were in the making for a while.After over three months of hard work, Medicine is done.

Also finished are all of the 'human pin cushions', titled Needles and Pins.

Plenty of more art projects are in the works: more photos soon!

Upcoming Exhibitions

2009-04-07T20:41:00.001-07:00

A quick word about my upcoming events in the next few months.

A few days ago I put I am Fine on a truck to Omaha.

It is being included in a group exhibition titled Sprout! at Pulp, a gallery in the Old Market district of downtown Omaha. The exhibition will feature a variety of local, national, and international emerging artists. It opens on Friday, April 17th and I only wish I could see the opening in person!

Here are the details:

Sprout!
The Pulp Gallery
1026 Howard Street
Omaha, NE
April 17th - May 12th

As for local shows, I will be participating in Sweet Hair an exhibition/poster show to raise money for Locks of Love.

Image by Caleb Barton, Micah Thompson

There are a lot of super talented people already signed on for this event. The art is sure to be phenomenal and all inspired by hair!

I'll post more details as the opening draws nearer, but for now here's the skinny:

Sweet Hair
Art Minion
1828 NE Marshall St
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Saturday, June 13th from 7-10pm

Needles and Pins

2009-03-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Medicine is still in progress, with the hope to be completed in the upcoming weeks. Meanwhile I have been distracted with my 'human pincushions', the newest addition of the ill series.

I love these.

They are so fun and challenging to create.
Each one was screen printed in two sections that have to line up perfectly in order to create such a large image. Then comes lots of needle work!

I don't think there is anything more wonderfully creepy than sewing and stuffing a pillow the happens to be a life-size self portrait.

A friend shot this photo of me holding one in downtown Minneapolis.

The plan is to make three "pillows" in a variety of color combinations. Check back soon to see the finished project!

ThinkGirl Cards

2009-03-16T16:11:00.001-07:00

Flexing my screenprinting muscles at the new studio.

I have several new screenprints in the pipeline so I thought it might be a good idea to get comfortable printing in the new space. Besides, who doesn't love cards!

This new set of cards is now available for purchase in my online store.
They are quite pretty!

Almost Finished- Medicine

2009-03-08T22:42:00.001-07:00

Medicine is almost complete. Here is a sneak peak.

The rest of the ill series can be found here.

UltraChorus Photo Shoot

2009-02-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

I spent Thursday morning with the band UltraChorus, taking photographs to promote the digital release of their 5 song EP. They are already garnering national attention, as can be seen from their mention on NPR's Weekend America. For those who like their music in material form, UltraChorus has also produced a 7" vinyl.
Have a listen.

(Click on the images for a better look)

Here are a few fun photographs from the digital camera used for part of the shoot. I shot mostly digital to provide quick turnaround for the band. However, due to my preference for film, I also took some color medium format and 35mm B&W which is pending processing.

I will be adding my favorites to the Photography section of my website. So check back soon.

Press for Perpich

2009-02-17T19:10:00.000-08:00

Governor Pawlenty's plan for the Perpich Center for Arts Education continues to receive a lot of local media attention. In the last two weeks many articles have been written about the past success of the institution and its current budget woes, including one by the Star Tribune. While school's future is still in danger, public support seems to be growing.

I was recently interviewed by Shelia Regan of the TC Daily Planet in regards to Perpich's future. The article highlights a variety of people who have benefited from the opportunities provided by the Perpich Center. You can read the article here.

Work in Progress- Medicine

2009-02-17T19:02:00.000-08:00

Plaid. Plaid. Plaid.

Studio Update

2009-02-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

I have settled into my new studio in the Ivy Building. Here are a few blurry images of the new space:

It has great light, though it's short lived in the winter. The green wall is actually a green screen that my studio-mates, Brennan and Pete, use for their videos. Pretty cool.

After moving into the studio, I have been able to start on the next drawing from the ill series. Here is Medicine in its very early stages. I have been painting plaid for weeks now.

Pawlenty vs. Perpich

2009-02-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

Governor Pawlenty's recently released budget proposal hit a personal note.

It calls for the virtual elimination of the Perpich Center for Arts Education; converting it to a charter school and taking away almost all of its funding. These cuts would force the institution to end its housing option for students.
In 2001, I moved into the residence hall of Perpich to attend school. The Perpich Center for Arts Education was 240 miles away from my parents' home, and to go there I paid to stay in the dormitory with half of the student population whose parents lived too far away to commute. Going to Perpich was a huge opportunity for me and many other rural students. Unlike the metropolitan area that has many options within commuting distance (including schools that have adequate art departments) my rural background did not allow for in depth arts education. My only real option for additional arts training while in high school was Perpich.

It was at Perpich that I learned to screenprint.

The elimination of the boarding house at the Perpich Center for Arts Education would make it impossible for rural Minnesota high school students to have a second chance at receiving the arts education their local school lacks. The Star Tribune had a front page article today on the consequences of Pawlenty's proposed budget for the school. Please read it.

UPPERCASE Magazine

2009-01-31T06:19:00.000-08:00

I woke up a few days ago to find this on UPPERCASE's blog:

These photographs of me working on COBRA were showcased as a part of a new Flickr Group created by UPPERCASE. WIPS (The Work in Progress Society) contains photographs of unfinished art that are both beautiful and revealing.

UPPERCASE is also working hard on their new quarterly magazine, which will be premiering this spring. I am so happy to see new publications about art are being produced. We need them!

Art Shanties

2009-01-18T22:26:00.000-08:00

Motivated by my resolution to fight winter hibernation, I took advantage of the relatively warm weather and went to experience the Art Shanties on Medicine Lake. I say 'relatively warm' because the last week the temperature did not get above zero! Today was 20 and snowy, which seemed like lovely weather to see the Shanties.For me, the Art Shanty Project is utterly Minnesotan. About as Minnesotan as it was for me to spend the first paragraph of this post taking about the weather. It takes a certain test of character to spend months building a structure made to withstand this harsh climate and then spending a month on a frozen lake occupying said structure. Its mostly just on weekends, but it is still a tremendous amount of time and energy. Impressive.

Like a lot of large group projects, the Art Shanties can be hit or miss. Many shanties seem well thought out in their construction, but are difficult to approach or interact with. Technical problems with heat and electricity also caused several shanties to be closed, which was a real shame. It is fascinating to watch the project evolve every year, and slowly more popular.

This year saw the return of some of the best of years past, including the Snap Shot Shanty and the Art Post Shanty. But there were many new shanties as well! One of my favorites was the Ice Boat.
It's 30+ foot blue sail was amazing! While it did not do much soaring across the ice when I was there, we certainly had fun trying to get it up to speed. The Sweat & Drink Inc Shanty was another wonderful addition to be found this year. The best projects address the surrounding environment in a way that is interesting and inviting.

That is why I must say the S.U.R.V.I.V.A.L shanty of last year remains one of my all time favorites. While its not to be found on Medicine Lake this year, you can find it's remains online.

Nine for 2009

2009-01-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

Inspired by Andrew Schroeder's blog post of a similar theme, I thought I would make some goals for the New Year. Not one for the traditional resolutions, I liked the simplicity of Andrew's list and the way it can be approached from many directions and still be accomplished.

Here is what I hope to do this year:

Nine Intentions for 2009
1. Rest. It is okay to not always be working on some big project. Take time to recharge.
2. Plan. Graduate school is not going to happen without some major legwork.
3. Make. More art. Finishing the 'ill' series this year is priority.
4. Connect. More time/communications with colleagues from school and those who have moved on from Mpls.
5. Sell. My apartment is becoming treacherous with stacks of art. Must find new homes.
6. Settle. Into my new studio in the Ivy Building.
7. Go. Out. To art openings, to movies, anything. Minnesota winters are making me into a hermit.
8. Read. Dust off my library card.
9. Relax. Stop worrying about what I cannot control.

I'll give it a shot.

It's Official!

2009-01-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

Well it's official, my screenprint I am Fine has been included in the permanent collections of both the Weisman Art Museum and the Minnesota Museum of American Art!

The print received Purchase Awards from both institutions while on display during the Sixth National Minnesota Print Biennial. However, both purchases had to be approved by the Museums' acquisition committees before the work was formally accepted into their permanent collections.

I was informed today that this process had been completed, making it official that my artwork is now included in two museum collections! What lovely news.

An image of I am Fine, along with additional information about the print can be found on my website.

A Year in Review

2008-12-31T06:10:00.000-08:00

This blog started about 12 months ago and since then a lot of things have happened for me and my art. So in the spirit of the New Year, I thought I would take a moment to reflect on the past year.

In February, I had my first experience curating the group show Anxiety Dreams. Six months of preparation with my curating partner Ellen Mueller, and the exhibition was a wonderful success. Paired with Altered Esthetics' Bitter Fruit, the opening was packed. The exhibition also received several positive reviews, including one in MinnPost:

"Torgerson and Mueller have an eye for creating a cohesive show of up-and-comers." - Molly Priesmeyer

I was also the featured artist for Altered Esthetic's February exhibition, Bitter Fruit. My print, Stitch & Bitch, was featured on the show's postcards and included in the gallery's 2008 calendar.

I am Fine was also included in Self-Evident: Contemporary American Self-Portraiture at the Claypool-Young Gallery during the same month.

In March I moved in to my first shared studio on Lake and Chicago, which would soon be named Camphor Studios.

Two of my prints were included in Minneapolis 55408 at Intermedia Arts. And Molly Priesmeyer gave a lovely interpretation of my work as a part of a review for MinnPost.com.

May saw the completion on the first drawing in the ill series, titled COBRA.

Summer peaked in June, and we celebrated with Art Soak Yard Sale our first public event at Camphor Studios.

My first international exhibition occurred in August when I was included in Old School at UPPERCASE gallery in Alberta, Canada. The exhibition featured my new screen print, Nature/Nurture. A beautiful little book of the exhibition was also published by the gallery.

I finished Loss (the second of in ill series) in September, and then promptly left for New York City for a week of museums and adventures!

October was the highlight of my year. I am Fine and ThinkGirl Posters were included in the Sixth Minnesota National Print Biennial. I am Fine received purchase awards from both the Weisman Art Museum and the Minnesota Museum of American Arts. This marked the first inclusion of my art into a museum's permanent collection! It was also the first time my work was mentioned in the Star Tribune as a part of a review of the Biennial. I was fortunate to be complimented in a largely critical article. A catalog was also produced showing a select grouping of artwork from Biennial exhibition, of which I am Fine was included.

I created stickers and magnets that were included in the Prints Gone Wild print fair in Brooklyn, NY as a part of Bikini Press International's booth. Both the magnets and stickers are now for sale in my online shop and at Soo VAC's store.

Throughout the year, my website was continuously updated and expanded to feature new art and information!

Finally, November saw my first collaborative project Nite Lite. Built with the other members of Camphor Studio, Nite Lite continues to shine in the Shoebox Gallery into the New Year.

What a wonderful year! Thank you to all my friends, family and patrons supported me in this past year.

Happy New Year!

An Irresistible Sale

2008-12-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, December 20th I be participating in Irresistible-SooVAC's holiday art sale.

I will have seasonal wrapping paper and cards for sale; along with stickers, magnets and original art.

Many other great local artists and crafters will be there as well, making it the perfect place for last minute holiday shopping!

Irresistible

Soo Visual Arts Center
Saturday, December 20th 10 am - 4 pm

For those not able to attend, many of the items that will be for sale can also be found in my online store. Happy Holidays!

Nite Lite- Phase 4

2008-12-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

Even in the bitter cold Nite Lite keeps expanding; like frost on a window pane.

Watch Nite Lite grow through the rest of the year!

Nite Lite runs from Saturday Nov 8, 2008-Saturday Jan 3, 2009.
The Shoebox Gallery is a display window in the Roberts Shoe Store, just to the right of 2948 Chicago Ave S, Mpls, MN and is available to view 24/7.

Adding to Nite Lite

2008-12-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

If you have been curious about how we manage to add to Nite Lite without altering the structure, this peek may shed some light.

It is tricky and creates quite a spectacle, but it allows Nite Lite to grow!

Nite Lite- Phase 3

2008-12-06T15:32:00.000-08:00

Nite Lite keeps growing:

Half way through its run, Nite Lite continues to evolve. Stop by every week to see the updates.

Old School Mentioned In ReadyMade Magazine

2008-12-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

The lasted volume of ReadyMade Magazine includes a recommendation of the Old School book!

Published last summer, this little book was created in concurrence with an exhibition at UPPERCASE Gallery and includes my screenprint, Nature/Nurture.
The book is filled with a lot of great art, including work by my friend Ellen Mueller. It is great to see it getting press months after its debut. More information about the magazine's mention can be found here.
Information about Old School and how to purchase it can be found at UPPERCASE's online shop. If you haven't already checked it out, I really recommend you do.

Nite Lite Progress

2008-11-25T18:46:00.000-08:00

Nite Lite has grown since its opening on November 8th.

And it will continue to grow weekly until January. Nite Lite is on display at Lake Street and Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis until the first week of January. Check it out regularly in person or stop by here for updates.

Nite Lite runs from Saturday Nov 8, 2008-Saturday Jan 3, 2009.
The Shoebox Gallery is a display window in the Roberts Shoe Store, just to the right of 2948 Chicago Ave S, Mpls, MN and is available to view 24/7.

ThinkGirl Press

2008-11-24T21:12:00.000-08:00

For the last few weeks I have been busy making paper goods for the holiday season, including boxes and gift wrap.

One of my favorite aspects of printmaking is the ease in which it can cross from Fine Art to Craft and back again.

Some of these goods are now for sale on my online shop, with my stickers and other things. The rest will available for purchase during the Holiday Art Sale at Isles Market & Deli on Saturday, December 6th. If you see anything you would like but are not able to purchase it through these two means, please contact me to make arrangements.

A Holiday Art Sale
Isles Market & Deli
2115 W 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55405
The Afternoon of Saturday, December 6th

In time for the Holidays

2008-11-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

What started as a gift wrap swap between the printmakers at Camphor Studios has evolved into a small line of holiday cards and goods. You can now purchase vinyl stickers, magnets, cards, gift tags, and more at my online store through Etsy.

Check it out.

Nite Lite Opening

2008-11-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

AHere are some additional images of the Nite Lite opening last night.Camphor Studio members: Helen Franzen, Julia Kouneski, Lindsay Noble, Tonja Torgerson, and Patrick Vincent. Photo by Sean Smuda.

Nite Lite from across the street, at dusk before the opening. Photo by Patrick Vincent.

A video of the opening party, by Shoebox Gallery Director Sean Smuda.

Thank you to all who attended the opening; to the Shoebox Gallery for the opportunity to exhibit in such a unique space; and to Isles Bun & Coffee Co. for providing the warming refreshments.

Nite Lite runs from Saturday Nov 8, 2008-Saturday Jan 3, 2009.
The Shoebox Gallery is a display window in the Roberts Shoe Store just to the right of 2948 Chicago Av S, Mpls, MN

Nite Lite Opened Tonight

2008-11-08T23:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who attended the opening of Nite Lite tonight. Despite the chilly weather, we had a lovely turn out. I'll have more photographs up in the next few days. We plan to document the project thoroughly as it progresses over the next few months, and I'll post the updates here.Even the Pedal Cloud bike came to the opening!

Nite Lite runs from Saturday Nov 8, 2008-Saturday Jan 3, 2009. Since the Shoebox Gallery is a window display on Chicago Avenue, Nite Lite will be on 24/7 so stop by and see it anytime!

The Shoebox Gallery is a display window in the Roberts Shoe Store just to the right of 2948 Chicago Avenue S, Mpls, MN.

Star Tribune Article "Perils of Printmaking"

2008-11-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the Star Tribune published an article reviewing the Minnesota National Print Biennial. My work was mentioned:

"Feminist themes fared well in the hands of Tonja Torgerson, who created a poignant screen print..."

Reading this article also deepened my appreciation for the arts writer Molly Priesmeyer, who wrote a stunningly precise interpretation of the same print earlier this year:

"Tonja Torgerson's screen print, "I Am Fine," is a portrait of a girl with snaking leaves framing her head, the ends of which are festooned with two syringes. The word "okay" has been crossed out and replaced with "fine." While the design and colors are cheery and childlike, the image tells a more complicated story: a struggle, an illness, a push to put on a pretty face in the midst of it all." -Molly Priesmeyer "What's up with the art and zeitgeist in ZIP code 55408?" Minnpost.com

Please take a moment to read the entire article for yourself.

Print Gone Wild

2008-10-31T00:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!
(I fashioned my pumpkin after Totoro)

This weekend is the third Prints Gone Wild!, a print fair in Brooklyn, New York. Jenny Schmid of Bikini Press International will be there and will be selling my stickers and magnets at her booth.
All art at the event will be selling for under $50, so it is a great chance to get quality prints at a really low cost. If you are in the city, check it out.

Nite Lite at the Shoebox Gallery

2008-10-23T00:11:00.000-07:00

My studiomates and I have come together to work on our upcoming project, Nite Lite. For Nite Lite we will be transforming the Shoebox Gallery into a giant Lite Brite display!
Images of our work in progress can be found on our studio's blog.

An opening reception will take place on Saturday, November 8th from 5-7pm and will include an open studio and party afterwards.

Nite Lite runs from Saturday Nov 8, 2008-Saturday Jan 3, 2009.

The Shoebox Gallery is a display window in the Roberts Shoe Store just to the right of 2948 Chicago Avenue S, Mpls, MN
As winter intensifies, the days grow short and darkness plays a greater role in our daily lives. Religious and cultural celebrations such as Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, the Japanese Amatersu celebration and the Scandinavian Beiwe festival use human-created lights as ritual during this season. These manifestations of light are shared across age groups just as they are shared cross-culturally. Focusing on the magic these traditions hold for children, we have created our own illumination for this season. The project emulates the Hasbro© Lite Brite — a once common holiday gift of our generation. In many ways this toy was our first introduction to a canvas, its black surface tilted up towards us to be decorated with glowing plastic pegs. By magnifying this simple toy's scale, the Shoebox Gallery is transformed into a playful celebration of light in these dark days of winter. Camphor Studios is: Helen Franzen, Julia Kouneski, Lindsay Noble, Tonja Torgerson and Patrick Vincent.

More information can be found at:
http://mnartists.org/event.do?rid=209483

Sticker Mania!

2008-10-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

I have been working hard on stickers for Prints Gone Wild, a print fair hosted by Cannonball Press. I will not be making the trip to NYC, rather Jenny Schmid of Bikini Press International has offered to sell them as a part of her booth.

Most screenprinting has moved to a standard of less toxic, acrylic-based inks. Vinyl stickers require more noxious inks and call for some special head gear:
With the change in seasons, I thought it only appropriate to dress my ThinkGirl stickers accordingly.These stickers will be for sale at Prints Gone Wild at Supreme Trading in Brooklyn on November 1st & 2nd, just look for Bikini Press International's table. You can also contact me for purchasing information.

Minnesota National Print Catalog

2008-10-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

The Katherine E Nash Gallery published a beautiful catalog in unison with the Minnesota National Print Biennial, and I thought I would share a few images of it.I have to say that I love the cover, especially the transparency and how the imagery of a printmaking studio has been incorporated into the design. It is very thoughtful and elegant.
The preface of the book includes two interviews, including an interview I conducted with Kristen Martincic. This was a wonderful opportunity and a great learning experience which I feel fortunate to have been offered.
The catalog includes my artist statement and an image of I am Fine which has since been purchased by the Weisman Art Museum.
Finally I wanted to show an image from Drew Peterson, who was also included in the catalog and conducted the other interview at the beginning of the catalog. I went to school with Drew and its been interesting to see how our styles have evolved over the years while often working in the same medium.

The catalog can be found online in the form of a pdf, made available by Katherine E Nash Gallery.
Find it here.

I am Fine purchased by the Weisman Art Museum!

2008-10-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the opening of the Sixth National Minnesota Print Biennial. I am very proud to say that at the opening it was announced the my screenprint, I am Fine was given a purchase award from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum (pending approval of its acquisitions committee, of course). I am thrilled at the chance to have one of my prints in the permanent collection of a museum!A fabulous little catalog of the exhibition was also produced. In addition to the an image of I am Fine, an interview I conducted with Kristen Martincic (also in the Biennial) was included at the beginning of the catalog.

All and all it was a lovely night!

The exhibition is at the Katherine E Nash Gallery and runs through November 6th. If you did not have a chance to make it to the opening, I would really suggest checking it out. All the work in the exhibition is really strong, and combined it makes for a very dynamic show. Do check it out.

The Sixth Minnesota National Print Biennial

2008-10-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

The Sixth Minnesota National Print Biennial starts tomorrow (October 7th) at the Katherine E Nash Gallery, University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN.

The Opening Reception will be on Friday, October 10th from 6-8:30 pm and will include an award ceremony at 7:00 with purchases by the Walker Art Center, The Minnesota Museum of American Art and The Weisman Art Museum, among others.

I will have two works in the exhibition, including my self-portrait I am Fine (below), which is currently being featured on the Nash Gallery's website.I am Fine is also included in the catalog that was been produced featuring a select amount of images from the exhibition. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to interview another artist in the exhibition, and this interview has also been incorporated into the catalog. I have not had a chance to see the catalog yet, but it should be available at the Opening.

Here is some more information:

The Sixth Minnesota National Print Biennial
The Katherine E Nash Gallery
University of Minnesota
Regis Center for Art
405 21st Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Exhibition length: October 7th to November 6th
Opening reception and award ceremony:
Friday October 10th, 6:30-8 pm

And as always, both of my artworks included in this exhibition can be found on my website.

Fall 2008 Summary Update

2008-09-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

Since May 2008, I have finished 3 new works of art, all of which can be found on my website. One of these new works, titled Nature/Nurture, is currently on exhibition at the Uppercase Gallery in Canada. Uppercase Gallery has published a book of the exhibition containing much of the artwork from the exhibition, including my print.

If you are interested in the book, you can find more information about it here. More information about the exhibition is below:

Old School
UPPERCASE Gallery
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Exhibition runs until September 30th, 2008.

In other news, two of my prints will be included in The Sixth Minnesota National Print Biennial at the Katherine E. Nash Gallery. The exhibition runs from October 7, 2008 to November 6, 2008. A catalog with selected images from the exhibition is also being produced, and one of my prints has been selected for the catalog as well. More information below:

The Sixth Minnesota National Print Biennial
Katherine E Nash Gallery
Regis Center for Arts
Minneapolis, MN
Exhibition Runs: Oct. 7th - Nov 6th, 2008
Opening Reception:
October 10th; 6 - 8:30 pm

New Gallery on Website

2008-09-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Photographs of the ill series that I promised to post upon my return from New York.
Also, a new gallery for ill has been added to my website; go straight to it by clicking here.

NY Street Art

2008-09-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

New York was covered with graffiti, especially in the East Village and Alphabet City, where we stomped around the most. Here's a picture of my favorite piece I saw in while in the city.
I love its simplicity. I saw several of these style keys as we walked around, but I like the placement of this one. And the best part? It was on the corner where we were staying.

New York, New York

2008-09-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

New York was brilliant. Above is a view from the roof of the apartment where we stayed in the East Village. (Click on it for a better look- its a 180 degree view that starts from the south).

We had lovely weather and used the few days that it rained to visit museums, including the Met, Guggenheim and MoMA.

This trip also allowed me to say good-bye to my dear friend and filmmaker Michael Forstein, who has just relocated to NYC for good. I will miss never running into him on the street anymore.
And finally, I sometime in Brooklyn, which I really enjoyed and wish I had more time to see. Click on the images for a much larger view!

Finished- Loss

2008-09-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Loss, the second in the ill series, is now complete.(The letters spell out 's-w-i-s-s c-h-e-e-s-e m-e'. It is a bit hard to read in such a small image, the actual drawing is over 5 feet tall.)

I still have a few tiny tweaks, but I will be done before I go to NYC. Expect better lit photographs and a new gallery of the series on my website when I return. Here's a detail:

Old School Books Arrived!

2008-09-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

A package of Old School books arrived this weekend.
Here are a few looks at the inside:

Purchase here.

Work In Progress- Loss

2008-08-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

A little over a month ago, the second work in the series ILL looked like this-Now, it is about 90% finished-
(Click on image of a better view)
I hope to be done before I go to NYC. So expect more images in the next few weeks!

Old School Opens Today!

2008-08-23T17:52:00.000-07:00

The Old School exhibition at UPPERCASE Gallery in Canada opens today! Here's a little peak for all those not able to see the show in person. All the artwork in the exhibition (including mine) will be for sale online at Poppytalk Handmade starting tomorrow, so check it out and buy some great art!

Old School Book Preview

2008-07-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

More updates on the Old School book!

Yesterday UPPERCASE released a link to preview the soon-to-be-book, which can be found here. I have to say, the design looks amazing and I can't wait to get my hands on it. The book went to the printers today, and will be 192 pages when released! The preview site only shows a handful of these pages and doesn't display my included print, but I promise to post an image once I receive my copy.

More info can be found in several previous posts or by going to UPPERCASE's website.

Old School Book Cover

2008-07-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today, UPPERCASE posted an image of the book's front cover-
-as well as a smaller image of the wrap-around-cover.

If you are interested in getting a copy for yourself, you can order it here.

MN Print Biennial Catalog

2008-07-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

I am Fine will included in the catalog being produced for the Sixth Minnesota National Print Biennial. Only twenty images from the exhibition were selected to be a part of the catalog, so I feel very fortunate to be included. I am also working on a small project that may be included at the beginning of the catalog, which I'll post more about if it is incorporated into the finished catalog.

Old School Book

2008-07-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

UPPERCASE has opened pre-ordering to the public. The book will be released at the end of August, and ordering now gets you the book, free shipping, and a special super secret surprise! Here's a link to the ordering site.