DATES
August – September 2023
Visit with the artist on Friday, August 18 from 4-8 PM during the Downtown Art Crawl.
- Receptions are open to the public. Light refreshments provided.
- We will also have a number of live demonstrations and a second art reception occurring inside that same evening in Gallery Saint Germain with Lindsay Kelly.
- Please note that St. Germain Street will be closed that evening while an art fair is happening outside.
GALLERY LOCATION
Historic Lobby, Main Floor
Mon – Fri || 10am – 5pm
Always Free to Attend. Always Inspiring.
Exhibition Description: Artist Statement
So often life can be so large and we can barely see the big picture of what is happening around us. Patti’s art gives us beautiful examples of that, BUT there are so many other stories happening in her creations! This show allows us to slow down and take “a closer look” at the many delightful stories in her art. Enjoy!
Download Hartwell’s catalog of artwork on display at the Paramount.
About the Artist: Patricia Ann Hartwell
My name is Patricia “Patti” Hartwell. I grew up in Monticello, MN (just 30 miles south of St. Cloud) knowing I wanted to create all kinds of art from a young age. I loved listening to records on the record player and coloring my many coloring books. Constantly drawing and creating crafts – I couldn’t get enough. When I was old enough to start taking art classes at Monticello High School with Mr. Pullen, I began to understand I was not “just doodling”, I was an artist. Starting to paint set backgrounds for the little children at the Catholic church for their plays and painting other signs as well was just a continuation of this for me. I was working on many pen and ink drawings because it was affordable for me to keep creating. While at Bemidji State University, I created some fun sculpture pieces including a large straw structure which needed to be self-standing and taller than me…much to the dismay of my dorm roommate. Eventually, it hung in our room sideways and my roommate began liking it and said it was like a giant mobile.
Moving back to the Twin Cities, I began to explore live music and writing poetry . Joining up with some like-minded musicians, we formed the band Elsa’s Dream. I was singer\songwriter and front person for the band, and we played venues like the Fine Line, O’Gara’s, and 7th Street Entry. We also recorded a self-titled album through Oarfin Records.
The birth of my daughter consumed me, my music became sidelined, but truly brought about a renewed interest in the visual arts. She reminded me of myself with a strong connection in creating and I knew I needed to find a venue to help fuel her creative fire- I found Larry Weinberg and the Rum River Art Center in Anoka. It was just the perfect place. Isabella started taking classes there when she was quite young, and I would stop and chat with Larry. One day Larry asked, “Why don’t you paint anymore?” which brought about a load of self-reflection and immediately I ran out to buy paints. Soon after, Larry introduced me to Paul Boecher and under the guidance of these two artists I was teaching classes for children, mentor teaching, and painting or drawing daily. I also found myself painting sets for children again through the Lord of Life Church in Ramsey through Elaine Johnson and painting sets and helping with props through the Anoka Children’s Theater.
After some large life changes, my daughter and I moved back to my hometown Monticello, MN where I bought a home that my daughter and I call “The Art House.” I soon connected with potter and writer Ove Oveson. He has introduced me to pottery, and I am beginning my journey in this medium and adding to it my love of whimsey and color. He is also helping me fine tune my poetry as I look towards getting my first publication in the future.
The Monticello Art Initiative has been helping me connect with art creators in the area. I have participated in a poetry class, a community art show, a chalk art fest, and read my poetry at open mic night.
I am so happy to share my love of art and the way I “see” the world around me with the community of St. Cloud. I want to thank immensely my teachers, family and friends who have helped cheer me on and support me on to “A Closer Look”. I hope each piece you look at brings you joy and inspiration. Enjoy the journey!
Connect with Hartwell virtually.
- Email: patti.hartwell@gmail.com
- Website: OVandPatti.com
- Facebook: Patti’s Peculiarities
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pattispeculiarities7542
Like what you see?
Consider adding a piece to your collection and supporting a Minnesota artist. All the artwork noted
in this catalog that is on exhibit at the Paramount is for sale, unless otherwise noted.
Purchasing the Work
• Bring this catalog to the Gallery Gift Shop located at the Paramount (right side of the
building facing St. Germain Street). Let the cashier know what item you would like to buy.
• If not today, you can also contact the Paramount at 320-259-5463 and purchase it by
providing a credit card over the phone while it is still on exhibit.
Gallery Gift Shop Hours*
Monday – Friday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM, and Saturday: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
*Open one hour before most performances
