Art Collection

Todd Hebert, born in Valley City, ND, is a nationally and internationally recognized artist whose work explores the interplay of light, atmosphere, and everyday objects in captivating ways. A graduate of the University of North Dakota (BFA) and the Rhode Island School of Design (MFA), Hebert brings a depth of experience to his role as an Associate Professor of Art & Design at UND in Grand Forks. His paintings invite viewers to see the familiar with fresh eyes, offering glimpses of the surreal within the ordinary. Through his art and teaching, Hebert continues to contribute to the cultural landscape of North Dakota and beyond.

Location: 1st Floor, Lobby Wall Painting
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Micah McHugh, originally from Arlington, TX, and now based in Grand Forks, ND, is a sculptor whose work delves into the nuanced interplay between body and environment. With a BS in Art Education and a BFA in Sculpture from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, Micah creates pieces that capture the depth and complexity of the human experience. Working with bronze, aluminum, and experimental plastics, Micah brings a visceral quality to each piece, inviting viewers to reflect on embodiment and perception.

Their work has been showcased in venues; Core Contemporary Gallery, Las Vegas City Hall, Southwest Contemporary, The Rourke Museum, and the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art. MJ’s recent solo exhibition, Topophobia, explored themes of place and psychological landscape, while Grasp won the Joel Hegerle People's Choice Award at The Rourke Art Gallery & Museum. Public installations include Cora, currently on display at Pillsbury Park, with additional works forthcoming at Ironworks Gym. Alongside their artistic practice, Micah serves as the Education and Rural Arts Director at the North Dakota Museum of Art, where they continue to expand access to art across North Dakota's communities.

Location: 1st Floor, Lobby Hanging Sculpture 

Born in Finland and a former long-time resident of Grand Forks, ND, Pirjo Berg’s artwork is a captivating fusion of her Finnish heritage, deep appreciation for landscapes, and a profound fascination with geology. Her art weaves together nostalgic elements from her childhood—traditional Finnish decorations like striped rugs and woven hangings—which imbue her work with a sense of longing and connection to her roots. As an immigrant far from her homeland, Berg channels this nostalgia into her paintings, watercolors, and clay works, endeavoring to capture the essence of geological time and the fleeting nature of memories.

Through her exploration of geological formations, Berg masterfully translates the vastness of geological time into tangible forms, capturing the intricacies of strata in both her paintings and clay works. Her lines are dynamic and charged, at times nervously drifting diagonally, while her use of electric blue clusters evokes images ranging from icy glaciers to expansive oceans. These signature lines vividly portray nature’s forces, from swirling clouds to crashing waves, creating a visual symphony reminiscent of seismographic vibrations.

Berg’s style, while traditional and European in influence, avoids appropriation; instead, it embodies a romantic sensibility inspired by the natural world. Her art is like visual music, resonating deeply with viewers through its evocative portrayal of nature’s beauty and the inexorable passage of time. In Berg’s artwork, viewers are invited to embark on a journey of reflection, connecting to their memories and the timeless rhythms of the earth.

Location: 1st Floor, Registration Wall Mural
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Born in Grand Forks, ND, Kelly Thompson’s work captures the serene, expansive beauty of the Red River Valley and rural landscapes of North Dakota, a region that has long inspired his art. His paintings have been exhibited at the North Dakota Museum of Art, Third Street Gallery in Grand Forks, as well as in Bemidji, Minnesota, and other smaller group shows. Known for his ability to evoke calm, serenity, and peace, Thompson’s pastoral scenes transport viewers to familiar, grounding places while inviting curiosity and introspection.

Using long, narrow pieces of wood and canvas, Thompson emphasizes the vast, horizontal landscapes characteristic of North Dakota. His process is deeply tactile: he applies layers of acrylic paint with knives, boards, and brushes, building depth and texture. He then wears away sections with abrasives and tools, skillfully revealing underlying colors and textures. This layering and erosion create a visual rhythm that mirrors the natural forces at work on the land.

Thompson’s work is both a tribute to and an exploration of the landscapes that shape his identity and art. Through his paintings, viewers are encouraged to find reassurance and grounding in these familiar vistas, while also allowing their minds to wander through the vast, open horizons that define the North Dakota landscape.

Location: 1st Floor, Café Wall Painting
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Jolene Mikkelson, born and long-time resident of Grand Forks, ND, is a retired occupational therapist with 20 years of dedicated work at Altru. She has transformed her lifelong passion for sewing into a vibrant art quilting practice. Sewing since childhood, Jolene found new joy in art quilting, where fabric and creativity intertwine. Her heart belongs to Grand Forks, her favorite place to be, though her travels occasionally take her to Bemidji or Marco Island, Florida—where she always carries a bit of Grand Forks. Through her quilts, Jolene captures the warmth of home, inviting viewers to experience the comfort and artistry woven into each piece.

Location: 1st Floor, Café Wall Quilt
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Hillary Kempenich, born in Belcourt, ND, is an award-winning artist and cultural advocate whose work is deeply infused with her Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa heritage. Drawing upon a rich blend of Anishinaabe, Cree, Assiniboine, Dakota, and French-Canadian ancestry, Kempenich creates powerful, multidisciplinary pieces that celebrate cultural identity and push for social change. Known for her collaborative approach, she uses her art to uplift marginalized voices and provoke meaningful dialogue. In addition to her creative practice, Kempenich is a dedicated champion for education, health, and cultural awareness in urban and rural communities. Currently studying Museum Studies at Harvard, she also serves on the boards of the Grand Forks Foundation for Education and the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, furthering her commitment to impactful change and community empowerment.

Location: 1st Floor, Radiology Wall Painting
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In collaboration with: David Rathman, Brian Paulsen, Abby Manock, Dyana Decoteau-Dyess and Walter Piehl

Casey Opstad, born and raised in Grand Forks, ND, has carved a diverse path through the art world, infusing each step with the grit and adaptability required to sustain a creative career. After earning his degree from the University of North Dakota in 2000, Opstad moved to New York City, where he took on a mix of odd jobs—selling luggage, washing rocks, printing invites, building theater sets, and painting fences—to fuel his creative aspirations. His journey led him to Minneapolis, where he earned a graduate degree at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, deepening his artistic practice. Returning to New York, he focused on mural painting and commissioned works, creating pieces for prominent clients like PayPal, NYDOT, DUMBO BID, and New York University. In 2016, he relocated to Philadelphia to concentrate fully on his creative process, later moving to Missoula, Montana. In June 2022, he returned to New York, where his creative journey began and where he continues to find unmatched inspiration. Opstad’s work reflects the dynamism and resilience of his journey, with each project capturing the energy of the cities and communities he’s called home.

Location: 1st Floor, Corridor Wall Paintings

In collaboration with Hanna Saagge Kemp

Adam Kemp, born in a small village northeast of London, brings an eclectic, community-centered approach to his work as a sculptor and educator in North Dakota. After earning his BFA from Newcastle upon Tyne in 1986, he moved to North Dakota in 1987, where he pursued an MFA in sculpture at the University of North Dakota. Now identifying as at least half North Dakotan, Kemp has spearheaded numerous local projects, from renovating the mini-golf course at Stump Lake Pavilion with Nelson County Art Camp students to conducting sculpture workshops at sites like the Heritage Center in East Grand Forks, Turtle River State Park, and the North Dakota Museum of Art. Kemp’s dedication extends to working with the Lutheran Social Services Day Report Program in Grand Forks, where he collaborates with young people to create meaningful sculptures, weaving art into the fabric of the community he now calls home.

Location: 2nd Floor, Visitor Lounge
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Michael Conlan, born in Williston, ND, is an interdisciplinary visual artist, curator, and educator based in North Dakota, whose work traverses sculpture, photography, and mixed media to explore the concept of place. Conlan holds a BFA in Art Practices with a concentration in Sculpture and a Minor in Photography from Portland State University in Oregon, and an MFA in Visual Art from the University of North Dakota, where his focus on Sculpture, Photography, and Mixed Media sharpened his unique interdisciplinary approach. With national and international exhibitions, Conlan continues to investigate how physical and emotional landscapes shape identity, drawing viewers into an ongoing dialogue on what it means to inhabit a place, both seen and felt.

Location: 2nd Floor, Hallway 
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Jason Restemayer, co-founder/curator of The Art of Giving Benefit (TAG) and Grand Forks resident, has made a profound mark on the regional art scene, helping TAG generate over $1.3 million in art sales. Beyond his curatorial work, Jason is an acclaimed interior designer, partnering with clients across the region to create distinctive spaces. As a photographer, Jason’s still life work redefines the genre, transforming everyday items into fine art. With a focus on visual simplicity, his photographs emphasize form and texture, elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary. Jason’s versatility allows him to move seamlessly across genres, capturing the essence of objects and imbuing them with a striking presence that resonates with viewers.

Location: 2nd Floor, Board Room
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Long-time Grand Forks resident, Paul Gronhovd’s journey in photography began in his father’s darkroom, where he first experimented with silver prints and discovered a fascination with cameras and the art of capturing light. This early interest grew into a formal study of printmaking and photography at Moorhead State University and the University of North Dakota (UND), eventually leading to a 30-year career in graphic arts and photography at the UND Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) in Grand Forks. Since retiring, Paul has embraced a more personal approach to photography, often focusing on rural landscapes captured in black and white. Returning to the darkroom, He has been exploring alternative processes, rediscovering the tactile and contemplative nature of creating images by hand, and finding beauty in the simplicity and timelessness of the medium.

Location: 3rd Floor, Visitor Lounge
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Senta Lauren Grzadzielewski is a self-taught artist based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, who discovered her passion for painting in December 2020. During countless pandemic hours spent coloring with her children, Senta unlocked a creative spark that soon blossomed into a love for the visual arts. Her preferred medium is acrylic on canvas, which she uses to capture her subjects with an impressionistic style, emphasizing their flow, energy, and emotional resonance.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Senta has made Grand Forks her home, and her art reflects her deep connection to the community and its surrounding rural landscapes. Her work is both a tribute and a love letter to the region, celebrating its spirit and beauty. Through her brushstrokes, she conveys the quiet magic of everyday moments—sun-dappled fields, iconic structures, and familiar vistas—all reimagined with warmth and vitality.

Senta’s paintings evoke a sense of pride and nostalgia, inviting viewers to connect with their own memories of the land and its people. Whether capturing the golden hues of a prairie sunset or the soft blues of a snow-covered town, her work resonates with a heartfelt appreciation for the beauty of the Midwest. Each piece serves as a reminder of the shared stories and experiences that shape this community, offering viewers both comfort and inspiration.

As an artist, Senta continues to explore her growing practice, drawing inspiration from the world around her and her own journey. Her art not only reflects her personal experiences but also serves as an invitation for others to find their own connection to the places and stories she portrays.

Location: 4th Floor, Visitor Lounge
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Jessie Thorson’s work is a testament to her deep-rooted love for both the animal world and the Grand Forks community she has called home for nearly two decades. With a background in graphic design and sociology from the University of North Dakota, Thorson made the courageous decision to transition from graphic designer to full-time painter, bringing a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her art. Her newest series, An Ode to Grand Forks, was specially created for the Mayor’s Choice Award. Through vibrant acrylic animal portraits, Thorson captures the essence of the city, blending natural imagery with civic pride to create pieces that resonate deeply with the local community. Her work invites viewers to see Grand Forks through her eyes, creating a shared celebration of place and identity.

Location: 5th Floor, Visitor Lounge
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Haley Brothers, born and raised in Shakopee, MN, is a graduate of the University of North Dakota Visual Arts Program. Guided by the belief that even a hint of color can transform a space, Brothers infuses vibrant colors and imaginative settings into their art, using each piece to tell stories filled with life and wonder. Often described as evoking elements of fantasy or existing within a fantastical realm, their work explores the playful possibilities of color to spark joy and curiosity. Brothers sees wonder as the doorway to new possibilities, asking viewers to look beyond the limits of what is, toward what could be or might have been. Brothers hope to ignite a sense of fun and discovery through each brushstroke, offering a glimpse of a world where color brings life to dreams.

Location: 6th Floor, Visitor Lounge
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Walter Piehl’s deep connection to the Western way of life runs through every stroke of his work. Born into a family that raised rodeo stock in Marion, ND, Piehl grew up riding horses, an experience that became central to his artistic vision. When he entered graduate school at the University of Minnesota in 1969, his peers, including Bill Goldstein, observed his innate talent and confidence. From the moment he put pencil to paper, his lines flowed with grace, often tracing the form of horses—a subject he would explore throughout his career.

Piehl’s journey began at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, under the mentorship of Cy Running. Initially, Piehl wrestled with moving beyond the calendar art, illustrations, and magazine cowboy images familiar to him. But soon, he began to chart his own path, embracing the spirit of the American West while rejecting the conventional approaches seen in the works of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell. In an era dominated by clichés, Piehl’s vision brought fresh life to Western art, blending tradition with a modern, expressive sensibility.

Horses remained Piehl’s steadfast subject, as he developed his techniques to capture their energy and movement. By drawing, overdrawing, and re-drawing, he allowed traces of motion to live on his canvases—capturing the arc of a flying hat, the swing of a rider’s hand, the wildness of a bucking horse. Each gesture and line invites the viewer to follow the dynamic rhythm of the rodeo scene.

As Piehl’s skill evolved, so did the subtlety of his surfaces. His works became rich tapestries of drips, feathered edges, scumbled paint, and layered glazes, which gave depth and texture to his compositions. This complex treatment of surface and form echoes the intricate landscape of the Western plains Piehl calls home.

Today, Walter Piehl is celebrated as a pioneer of the contemporary cowboy art movement and as one of North Dakota’s senior painters. His work remains a testament to his lifelong dedication to capturing the essence of the Western experience, transforming familiar themes into powerful, contemporary expressions of motion, grit, and authenticity.

Location: 7th Floor, Visitor Lounge
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