RAFA to host Youth Art Month receptions in Rosholt
By Kate Zdroik
ROSHOLT – March is designated Youth Art Month across the United States. To recognize this, Rosholt School District art teacher Natalie Ockwig has been displaying student artwork around the Rosholt community for a number of years.
Artwork from students, first grade through high school, is set up at Community First Bank, the Rosholt Library, Lisa’s Curl Up and Tan, Rustic Ravens Antiques and Oddities, Flume Creek Bar and Grill, Kozy Yak Brewery, the Rosholt Dental Clinic, and The Nest Art Gallery and Studios.
This year, Rosholt Area Friends of the Arts (RAFA) is adding to the celebration of visual art by hosting art receptions at The NestArt Gallery and the Rosholt Library in downtown Rosholt.
The first reception will be held March 14, at The Nest, 5-7 p.m. Visitors will be able to meet Ockwig and possibly some of her art students that evening. The Nest displays will feature artwork from students in grades six and seven, as well as high school.
This event will also include a musical recital by local musicians, which will include RAFA members. The Nest is located at 178 N. Main Street and shares a building with McZ’s Brew Pub.
On March 19, there will also be a reception at the Rosholt Public Library at 137 N. Main Street. This event will take place from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Artwork from students in grades three to five will be featured at the library. Visitors are encouraged to gather to meet some artists, as well as the art teacher.
Founded in 1999, RAFA’s purpose is to support the visual and performing arts in the Rosholt School District and the community. As part of that effort, RAFA holds various fundraisers.
Through their efforts, RAFA has been able to contribute volunteer time and monetary support for items which include the auditorium grand piano; costuming, set construction, and microphones for drama productions; artist portfolios for the visual arts; framing for drama performance photographs; co-sponsored scholarships to attend state honors ensembles; new choir risers; and new robes/stoles for the high school choir.
For more information or to get involved with RAFA, find them on Facebook or contact an officer; officer information can be found on the Rosholt School District website.