Art exhibition of Brusegaard's work opens Oct. 7 As part of Homecoming festivities, Third Street Gallery, 28 S. Third St., invites everyone to a free public exhibition opening reception Saturday, Oct. 7, from 8 to 10 p.m. for artist and UND alum Michelle Brusegaard. The exhibition will be open from Oct 7–28. Michelle Brusegaard graduated with a fine arts degree from UND in 2005. Originally from Grand Forks, Brusegaard recently moved to Minneapolis where she continues to create and exhibit her art. She has shown, exhibited, and sold, work all across the Red River Valley. Her Batik and painted silk scarves have been sold at the North Dakota Museum of Art Gift Shop and for the past several years at Artfest. Her paintings have been included in the North Dakota Museum of Art silent auction and the Hotel Donaldson in Fargo. “Homebody” is an exhibition in which the artist delves into the concept of obsession and perception. Brusegaard states that “This series of works contemplates the effect of mania on one’s perception of beauty. The pieces represent interiors and exteriors, and the space between, where my fixation lies.” The title for the exhibition comes out of her figurative work where “as a result of these obsessions, the figurative paintings are homebodies. The figures in their habitat can check locked doors all day if they choose. Trapped in domestic bliss and yet in complete control of a tiny universe.” She employs the use of realism in the figures and interiors, but chooses to abstract the exteriors, such as cityscapes and landscapes, showing them as a representation of the world outside of oneself. Brusegaard would like the viewers to use her work as an opportunity to contemplate their own obsessions and the effect it may have on their perceptions. The exhibition is curated by Rebecca Sefcovic Uglem and Amy Lyste, Directors of the Third Street Gallery. Those wishing group tours, including schools, should contact the Third Street Gallery at (701)775-5055. There is no admission charge but a $2 donation is suggested for adults and change from children. Third Street Gallery is a non-profit arts organization created by artists for artists to provide exhibits and opportunities for regional and local artists and to revitalize the Greater Grand Forks community through the arts. The gallery will provide a space for local artists to exhibit, in addition to providing the citizens of this community the opportunity to view and purchase original art from emerging artists across the Upper Midwest. For more information call (701)775-5055 or contact www.thethirdstreetgallery.com.