FARGO -- When Annabeth Mladnick spilled coffee on her artwork it was a mistake that turned into a masterpiece.
"It seems as though my creative process also is my learning process," Mladnick, 20, said.
"Everything I do is fueled by accidents, like spilled coffee."
The Forest Lake, Minn., native and Minnesota State University Moorhead sophomore joined the ranks of seasoned and new artists Wednesday at Fargo's Annual 8th Street Show.
Her portraits are mostly made with coffee, and animals are her muse.
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"It is a creative medium," Mladnick said. "And I like to improvise my mediums, and whatever is on hand or available I utilize."
She always drinks coffee, Mladnick said.
"As an art student I am up late a lot; it is always there."
Mladnick sometimes takes in her work literally by drinking her coffee after mixing it with the brush.
"It is a vice of mine, and I end up with stained teeth sometimes because I mix it with the ink."
Sometimes Mladnick switches between painting with coffee and ink, using whatever inspires her most.
"That is how you have to look at everything, just another tool or medium."
Event Coordinator Pat Jorgensen of The Red River Watercolor Society said members appreciate having young artists in the show "because they bring energy to the event."
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"Energy is important because the arts are ever-changing. The arts reflect society and the new young artists bring a whole new viewpoint," Jorgensen said.
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead and the Herald are Forum Communications Co. newspapers.
