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The 64th Midwestern Invitational Exhibition of Fine Art  |  "Outside the Lines"

IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION
Entry Form Due:   Thu. 4 May 2023
Artwork Due:   Thu. 1 June 2023
Midwestern Preview/Anniversary Dinner:   Sun. 18 June 2023
Midwestern Luncheon:   Mon. 19 June 2023
Last Day of Exhibit:   Sun. 2 September 2023
Artwork Pickup:   Tue. 5/Wed. 6 September 2023

The THEME
“Finite players play within boundaries; infinite players play with boundaries.” —James P. Carse, Finite and Infinite Games

This year, we ask that participating artists incorporate the theme of "Outside the Lines" in their submissions. It was originally suggested by neon artist and museum board member Chris Orth as a way to honor the legacy of the late artist Joel Hegerle (a longtime Midwestern exhibitor and award selector for last year's exhibition), who embodied the spirit that the theme suggests. Sadly, the Rourke community lost another three longtime Midwestern exhibitors in quick succession this fall and winter who exemplified this same spirit: Milton Yergens, Gretchen Kottke, and James VerDoorn. We hope the theme celebrates their collective and individual creativity, warmth, and sense of play.

"Outside the Lines" suggests work that explores liminal spaces, challenges accepted preconceptions, boundaries, or rules, and encourages playfulness and invention. Consider the phrases "coloring outside of the lines" or "thinking outside of the box" as further illustrations of or elaborations upon this. We have no doubt that there will be numerous and wildly divergent interpretations of these ideas (which, given the theme, will be most appropriate!).

Suggested Reading:
Deep Play by Diane Ackerman
Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse
That Which Is Not Drawn: William Kentridge and Rosalind C. Morris in Conversation
The Art Spirit
by Robert Henri

Exhibitions and operations are supported in part by the generous support of the following regional, state, and local entities:
Picture
This activity is funded by The Arts Partnership,
with support from the Cities of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo.
Picture
This activity is funded in part by a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council through a Minnesota state legislative appropriation.
Picture
This project is supported in part by
a grant from the North Dakota Council on
the Arts, which receives funding from the
state legislature and the National
​Endowment for the Arts.

The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum
521 Main Avenue
​Moorhead, MN 56560
​

Tel. 218.236.8861
© 2021 The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum
  • Home
  • Exhibitions
    • Annette Marchand
    • Micro-Theatre
    • Traveling Exhibits >
      • Artist + Muse
      • Frozen Music
      • White Earth Window
    • Calendar
    • Collections
    • Past Exhibitions >
      • Guan & Bachmeier
      • Susan Morrissey
      • Art Ghoullery V
      • Kathleen Ristinen
      • Dave Thune
      • J.S. Postovit: A New Bestiary
      • Joe B. Milosevich >
        • The Collected Object
      • Three Women ...
      • Recent Acquisitions
      • Dan Jones
      • In the Elements
      • 2021 Live & Silent Auctions
      • 360° Tours >
        • Abstract: episode 875
        • Isolated Interiors
        • Looking at the Overlooked
      • Charlie Thysell
      • Art Ghoullery IV
      • Wayne Gudmundson
      • The 62nd Midwestern
      • Tri-College Sculpture
      • Philip J. Thompson
      • Eric A. Johnson
      • James T. O'Rourke
      • Cyrus M. Running
      • Robert A. Nelson
      • Charles Beck
      • Thysell Linocuts
      • Deborahmae Broad
      • Ben Rheault
      • 60 Years, 60 Works
  • About
    • History
    • Archives + Reading Room
    • Mission
    • Staff and Board
    • Rental >
      • Facility Rental
    • The Rourke Microprairie
  • Visit
  • Support
    • Membership
    • Friends of The Rourke
    • Anniversary Fund
    • Corporate Partnership
  • Learn
    • Get to Know Your Sewing Machine
    • Introduction to Watercolor
    • "From the Collections" Video Series
    • Video Courses >
      • Intro to Abstraction - Virtual Class
      • Shape to Form - Virtual Class
      • Image Transfers - Virtual Class
      • Single-Layer Linoleum Cut - Virtual Class
      • Three-Layer Linoleum Cut - Virtual Class
      • Cardboard Prints - Virtual Class
      • Intro to Collage - Virtual Class
      • Wheat Paste - Virtual Class
      • Plexiglas Drypoint - Virtual Class
      • Instant Books - Virtual Class
      • Post and Screw Books - Virtual Class
      • The Sketchbook - Virtual Class
      • Glue Prints - Virtual Class
      • Pamphlet Stitch Books - Virtual Class
      • Monotypes - Virtual Class
  • e-News Signup
  • Artist Resources
    • Heart Show Entry Form
    • Rourke Studios