Michael Aasness with TEACH

We love seeing what our midwest nice artists are up to! We’re excited to share the collaborative exhibition, TEACH, with work by Michael Aasness and Peder Butenhoff at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center ✨ Michael was featured in our nice;01 exhibition.

There will be a reception on November 30, 2024 from 1pm-3pm. The show runs from October 23 - November 30, 2024

About the show:

The show is about inspiration: the teachers we learn from and those who inspire us. This gallery exhibit features the work of artists Peder Butenhoff and Michael Aasness, with a nod to Jim Borgreen. Jim Borgreen was Peder’s art teacher and inspired him in art and to teach, while Peder was Michael’s art teacher and inspired him to pursue art and become a teacher.

Peder graduated from Fergus County High School, Lewistown MT in 1988, where Jim Borgreen’s teaching gifts greatly influenced him. Peder attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, earning a K-12 Art Education & 7-12 Social Studies Education degree and Coaching Certification in 1993. His work is greatly influenced by his years in central Montana and his love of the variety of outdoor activities in Minnesota. Peder’s work includes paintings, photographs, prints, and ceramics. 

Michael Aasness was a student of Peder Butenhoff when Peder taught in Fergus Falls. Michael began his professional teaching career in 2017 as the 6-12 Art Instructor at Sioux Valley School District in Volga, South Dakota. Michael says, ”As an artist and educator, I believe the impact of the environment and opportunities surrounding us can transform, influence, and inspire creativity. The interactions, moments, and subtle nuances of observing the world around me fuel my desire to understand what drives my creative process.” Michael is showing 16 paintings in acrylic, gouache, and mixed media.