From repurposing cast-off articles into beautiful pieces of art to feeding the souls of those who encounter her works, “rejuvenation” is both material and experiential for mosaic artist Sherri Kruger-Kukowski.

Inspired by the beauty, textures, and colors of nature, Sherri hand cuts every piece of glass incorporated into her multi-media works—where many fractured pieces artfully and thoughtfully become a holistic source of awe and inspiration. It is a process she has refined over the last 30 years, resulting in numerous awards, grants, gallery exhibitions, and media features.

Experience "Repurpose, Preserve, Rejuvenate" at the Warroad RiverPlace art gallery from January 10 to March 8, 2025. It is free to visit Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.

An artist's reception will be held Saturday, January 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend.

SHERRI KRUGER-KUKOWSKI

Art feeds her passion and soul to create as she develops her skills. Retired after 25 years teaching high school mathematics, Sherri follows in the footsteps of her creative parents and siblings: woodworker, florist, and pipe organ designer-fabricator, and she is now a full-time artist.

In the past 30 years, Sherri has taught herself stained glass mosaic techniques using stained glass and other found objects or treasures, as she refers to her substrate hunts. With a grant from the Northwest Arts Council, Sherri traveled to Philadelphia and studied under mosaic artist Bonnie Fitzgerald. While out east, Bonnie taught the fundamentals of public art and the materials necessary to create a public piece of art that would stand the test of time. Public art is a balance of including the public to be a part of the design and creation of the art. Working alongside community members, she taught them the skill of mosaic art so they would be an active part of creating the art for their community. Sherri has completed a 24x12-foot stained glass mosaic wall for the City of Badger, MN. Two other public art pieces are furniture for the Roseau Public Library (Roseau, MN) and the Hallock Public Library (Hallock, MN).

Sherri has participated in several art shows, winning awards, people’s choice awards, and the Art Advocate of the Year Award. Sherri’s work is constantly changing. The theme, available materials, and numerous treasure hunts allow her work to reach out to the patrons observing the art. Many of her pieces depict nature and use the treasures of the great outdoors: moose antlers, white-tail deer antlers, driftwood, and pebbles. All pieces include her primary medium–glass–which is used in some form to incorporate with her “treasures” to tell a story.

It was a great honor for her to be included in an exhibit in Southwestern Pennsylvania called “The Ruins.” A fellow mosaic artist is taking the ruins of a coal mine and filling them with history using mosaic art. Sherri met the artist Rachel Sager while attending a conference in Buffalo, New York, in the fall of 2023. Being invited to complete a piece with international artists was humbling and a great honor.

Sherri has exhibited at the Waseca Art Gallery (Waseca, MN), Red Door Art Gallery (Wahpeton, ND), and Tettegouchee State Park Visitors Center (Silver Bay, MN). Sherri has also exhibited at several state-wide art in the parks and festivals.

Presently, Sherri is a retired high school math teacher, studio owner, and artist in Badger, MN. She and her husband have four children, seven grandchildren, a two-year-old black lab named Lucy the faithful doorbell, and Oreo the crazy cat.

For more information: windingrivermosaic.com

12:30-4 PM

Discover the vibrant world of mosaics! In this beginner-friendly class, featured gallery artist Sherri Kruger-Kukowski will guide you through introductory techniques of this ancient art form—with a modern twist. The result will be a 4x6" abstract seasonal scene, unique to each maker.

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10 AM - 3 PM

Come design your own block that can be used over and over. Relief Printing is a family of printing methods where a printing block has been carved and then inked. When the inked surface is brought into contact with paper, your design is printed.

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7 PM

Mark your calendars for an uplifting night of music performed by Warroad Junior and Senior High Choir students at this free concert open to the public.

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Drop-in Hours: 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Come make your own set of leprechaun binoculars to help you spot those tricky leprechauns this coming St. Patrick’s Day. Drop in after school at this free event open to all school-aged children.

4:30 - 6:30 PM

Everyone is welcome to a gallery open house and artist reception for Warroad RiverPlace’s newest exhibit, “Immersed in Color, Inspired by Her Culture and Nature,” by Indigenous artist and educator Shawna Boulette Grapentine.

Visitors are invited to browse the artwork, meet the artist, and socialize over light refreshments. This event is free and open to the public.

“Immersed in Color, Inspired by Her Culture and Nature” features an array of luminous landscapes and expressive, rhythmic canvases that radiate the spirit of a moment and bring loved memories to life. Everyone is welcome and invited into this space of inspiration, now through May 17, 2025. As always, it is free to visit Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.

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7 PM

Enjoy a night out with this popular Minnesota band that plays a little something for everyone! Experience a tasty mix of country, classic rock, and pop covers of forgotten oldies to top 10's brought to life with powerhouse female vocals and strong group harmony. Adessa & The Beat is sure to get your toes tapping with tunes you're bound to love!

Start the night out in the RiverPlace gallery with an artist reception for Indigenous artist and educator Shawna Boulette Grapentine, creator of the exhibit “Immersed in Color, Inspired by Her Culture and Nature.” The reception is free and runs from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.

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10 AM - 4 PM

Native ribbon skirts are traditionally worn at many different social functions. Taught by Desire Freude, in this class you will choose your kit and learn how to sew it up for your own ribbon skirt.

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10 AM - 3 PM

Come design your own block that can be used over and over. Relief Printing is a family of printing methods where a printing block has been carved and then inked. When the inked surface is brought into contact with paper, your design is printed.

Register>

Warroad RiverPlace’s doors are open to welcome you Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. As always, it is free to visit and to tour the space.

View the current exhibit in our art gallery or take a tour of the performance hall, classroom, outdoor patios, and gallery.