Sue Morrissey of Valley City, N.D., a nationally recognized artist and educator, will judge the 17th annual Pekin Days Art Show, which will open June 24 in the Pekin (N.D.) City Auditorium and run through June 27.
Morrissey has worked as an artist and exhibited for 30 years. She has been an art educator in the public school system, and taught as an adjunct instructor at four colleges. After growing up in Lidgerwood, N.D., she moved out of state in 1972 with her family to live and work in five states and abroad before returning to North Dakota in 1996.
Morrissey received her Bachelor of Arts degree from UND, her Master of Arts in painting from University of Louisville, and her Master of Fine Arts in printmaking from Indiana University. Her work has been part of invitational, solo and juried exhibits throughout the country since 1979 and can be found in university, corporate and private collections in the U.S., Great Britain and Australia.
"My experience as a juror has included judging high school, university and regional art exhibits," Morrissey said in a news release from the Nelson County Arts Council. "It is an honor and a pleasure to serve as this year's judge for the Pekin Days Art exhibit. I have participated in this exhibit for many years, always enjoying the festive atmosphere, the range of wonderful work submitted and being witness to the growth of the show every year."
The enthusiasm for the Pekin Days Art Show is without equal, she said, bringing together in a single weekend the energy and hope of all who prepare for, appreciate and celebrate artists.
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Morrissey's artwork will be on display in the foyer of the auditorium during the four-day event. Her paintings and drawings have been figurative and disposed towards social comment for many years. More recently, the characters she created in both her graphic and three-dimensional work were informed by an internal rather than external source. Her initial sketches are playful, with characters more at home in dream or memory than reality.
A "drinks and starters" reception for the artists, guaranteed Purchase Award participants and a limited number of ticket holders will be held June 23 after the judging. To enjoy the excitement of opening night and meet the judge and artists, call (701) 296-4515 for tickets.
