Retired CLC art instructor seeks to help future artists through scholarship fund
Evelyn Matthies, a retired Central Lakes College art instructor, is anything BUT retired.
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The working artist-author-gallery owner is the latest professional to exhibit her artwork in the CLC Gallery.
Her mixed media display, "Retro, Etc.," opens Tuesday on the Brainerd campus and is expected to remain there to the end of the spring term May 16.
Matthies owns Porthole Gallery, Brainerd. It is located in the Minnesota School of Diving building, which is owned and operated by her husband, Bill, an adjunct faculty member at CLC.
While an instructor, Evelyn Matthies taught more than 8,000 students ages 5 to 85.
"Florence, Italy" remains one of Evelyn Matthies' favorite destinations and is created on canvas for the exhibit at CLC, as well as the drawing April 24, when the winner has a choice of three Matthies paintings.
Matthies spearheaded the formation of The Crossing Arts Alliance and was elected the organization's first president.
In 1996, she became an author with the publication of the book "Images of the Mississippi River" depicting her paintings. She illustrated Minnesota Poet Laureate Maxine Kaiser Russell's 1997 book of poems, "Searching for Star Trillium."
April 24, Matthies will be among the speakers in a short program at the college where opportunities will be announced for people wishing to support future artists and other students through the CLC Foundation. Former colleague Joe Plut, also retired from the faculty but still teaching an occasional Jon Hassler class, will address the gathering.
Michelle Sakry-Winkelman, a music instructor at CLC, will provide piano music.
The Evelyn Matthies Scholarship Fund is one of several new initiatives aimed at providing scholarships in honor of former CLC instructors and administrators. Others were started in honor of Joe Plut, Jon Hassler and retired president Sally Ihne.
Evelyn Matthies, who retired from teaching at Central Lakes College, is a working artist who is donating some of her latest works for a scholarship benefit event April 24, including "Wildflowers" shown beside her.
The April 24 event will be held in the CLC Library on the Brainerd campus and will begin with social time at 5 p.m., a program at 5:30 p.m. and a light buffet supper at 6 p.m. Ticket are $10 (checks payable to the CLC Foundation).
"Ticket-holders will have an opportunity to win one of Evelyn's paintings," said Diane Scearcy, executive director of the CLC Foundation. She said the winning ticket holder doesn't need to be present to claim the prize.
Tickets are available at the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Bremer Bank main office in Brainerd, Brainerd and Nisswa chambers of commerce, Crossing Arts Alliance, Minnesota School of Diving and the CLC Bookstore.
"All proceeds from this event will go to the Evelyn Matthies Scholarship Fund," said Scearcy.
For information and RSVP (tickets can be held at the door) contact Scearcy at 855-8129 or toll-free 800-933-0346, or e-mail dscearcy@clcmn.edu