Exhibit Notes

In the mixed media exhibition “Drawing on Ned,” artist Nate Christopherson explores the not-so ideal world of childhood through a cartoon superhero named Ned. The unusual adventures of this diminutive masked man unfold in drawings, photographs, and an artist’s book.

Over the past several years, Christopherson has been making large-scale drawings of the flotsam and jetsam that cross his path. However, his penchant for collecting the mundane is not limited to discarded or lost objects that litter the world. In this new work the artist is also culling from conversations he overhears, thoughts he has, and images that he sees.

A recent graduate of St. Olaf College, Christopherson is currently pursuing his master’s degree in special education. Working with children with a variety of motivational, behavioral, and physical problems has given the artist certain insights that he then incorporates into his art. Christopherson explains, “Through this work I have become very aware of the alienation and loneliness that follows many of these children’s lives. At the same time I am struck by their moments of happiness. As time has passed I have begun to look for these things in all people.”

“Drawing on Ned” opens in the Christensen Center Gallery on Friday, July 16 and runs until Sunday, September 12. The Christensen Center Gallery is located on the main floor of Christensen Center. The gallery hours are 8-5 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Admission is free. An opening reception will be held Friday evening, July 16, from 5-7 p.m.