Photo From M State
M State is hosting a special art exhibition to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Charles Beck, an esteemed visual artist and cherished art teacher at the Fergus Falls campus for decades. Beck, who taught at M State from 1960 to 1987, left a significant impact on the college and its art students. Known for his minimalist, expressive portraits of rural Otter Tail County landscapes, Beck became one of Minnesota’s most distinguished artists.
In honor of what would have been Beck’s 100th birthday, M State is presenting “Beck and His Students: An Alumni Art Exhibit” from May 15 to September 15 at the Charles Beck Gallery on the Fergus Falls campus. The exhibition will feature M State’s extensive Charles Beck art collection, as well as lesser-known pieces such as early abstracts, oil paintings, lithographs, oil sketches, and carvings. Works by five of Beck’s former students – Chuck Christianson, Mary Guttormson Erickson, Jim Fletcher, Scott Gunvaldson, and Bruce Thompson – will also be on display.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the campus, where many of Beck’s pieces can be found, including a library mural and a carved wood mural in the science wing. Select works from the exhibit will also be showcased at the Fergus Falls Public Library throughout the summer.
The M State exhibition is part of the larger “2023: A Year of Beck” initiative, a collaborative effort with Kaddatz Galleries, Otter Tail County Historical Society, and Rourke Art Gallery and Museum to honor Beck’s legacy. The year-long celebration includes multiple art exhibitions, an exhibition tour, community art classes and workshops, and a summer block party in downtown Fergus Falls.
Born and raised in Fergus Falls, Beck discovered his passion for art early on and pursued it at Concordia College in Moorhead. After serving as a Naval Air Force pilot in World War II, he continued his education, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1950. He married Joyce Hagge, his wife of 69 years, and settled in Fergus Falls to raise their three children. Beck then joined the faculty at Fergus Falls Community College, now M State, and taught for 27 years.
Photo From M State
Beck’s success and influence contributed to the growth of the arts in West Central Minnesota, which now boasts over 600 creative professionals and a thriving arts scene.
Former student and featured artist Chuck Christianson credits Beck’s teaching style for his own artistic development. Mary Guttormson Erickson, another former student and featured artist, reflects on the supportive environment Beck fostered for exploration and expression.
The Fergus Area College Foundation is sponsoring a public reception for “Beck and His Students: An Alumni Art Exhibit” on Thursday, July 27 from 4-6 p.m. at the Charles Beck Gallery, with remarks from the featured artists at 5:15 p.m.
A member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities, M State (Minnesota State Community and Technical College) serves over 6,500 credit students annually, offering more than 70 career and liberal arts programs online and at its campuses in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead, and Wadena. The college also collaborates with communities to provide workforce development services and other responsive training programs to 500 businesses and 9,000 participants.