THE ARTS

“Art is, at this point, as necessary as science in the battle for the future.”

-Bill McKibben

Art has the power to communicate, heal, engage, and inspire. The Acreage supports artists and arts programming that enlightens, informs, and celebrates the natural world and a reconnection with the earth.

Today, The Acreage reflects its artistic and creative history featuring sculptures, land art, and a wide selection from Horst’s collection of paintings, photography, and antiquities. The Acreage continues a creative tradition hosting visiting artists, providing arts focused community programming, and engaging with the regional arts community through events like Art at The Acreage.

FIELD NOTES

VISITING ARTIST JOE PAQUET

“The VIBE HERE IS AN ANCIENT ONE…

Plain Aire painter Joe Paquet rises before dawn most days focused on one thing, a strong cup of coffee and the pursuit of the perfect location to set up his paints and easel. In 2021 we kicked off our visiting artist program hosting Joe for an unseasonably brisk spring residency. Joe’s stay at The Acreage started with an extensive exploration of the woodlands, bluffs, riverway, terrace, and prairie.

An early winter followed by a late thaw delayed Spring’s arrival to the fields and forests at The Acreage. Each day Joe’s brushes exposed the light, beauty, and austerity of early spring landscape at The Acreage. Artists lacking Joe’s breadth of experience might struggle to find subjects to paint. Joe was undeterred finding multiple vantage points to explore with his palette. His stay at The Acreage resulted in six sketches, each an expression of his incredible talent, but also a reflection of the beautiful landscape at The Acreage, and Joe’s commitment to his craft and determinism.