FERGUS FALLS, Minn. – Tina Bartels’ posters created for M State’s Fine Arts events are not mere advertisements; they are art pieces in their own right.
In a fitting tribute to her talent and dedication, an upcoming art show on the Fergus Falls campus will showcase the posters she designed for the Fine Arts Department during her tenure as the college’s graphic designer.
From November 9 through December 14, visitors to the Beck Gallery at the college can immerse themselves in “Graphic Inspiration: M State Posters 2010-2022.”
This exhibition serves as a visual journey through the history of theater performances, concerts, and events, as depicted in nearly 130 of Bartels’ posters.
Following her departure from M State in 2022, ceramics instructor Lori Charest, who curates art shows at the college, approached Bartels with the idea of exhibiting her artwork.
Their conversation soon led to the notion that the posters themselves could form an exceptional exhibition.
“The more I thought about it, the better the idea sounded, especially since we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary at M State this year,” Charest remarked.
“Tina’s posters are examples of another area of art, with a focus on graphic design. She has always had such a good eye for attractive, eye-catching images.”
For Bartels, promoting M State was not just a job; it was a personal connection.
After attending the Fergus Falls campus and serving as a College Ambassador, she worked in the library, hand-drawing posters for the marketing department, and participating in student trips to Europe and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
“My two years at Fergus were my best two years of college,” Bartels fondly recollects.
Although she initially intended to major in Fine Arts at St. Cloud State University, she was cautioned that it might not be financially viable.
Consequently, she pursued English and graphic design, and upon graduating, worked in graphic design for the Nash Finch grocery chain and her hometown newspaper.
In 2007, she returned to M State as an account clerk and director of M State’s Wadena campus foundation.
However, her design skills swiftly led her to a college-wide role in the communications department.
Creating posters for Fine Arts events was the highlight of Bartels’ career. “I love the Fine Arts Department,” she says.
“It was like doing something for my family. It gave me the opportunity to be creative and step outside the routine.”
She vividly remembers her first poster for the department, which advertised “Hamlet.”
Her portfolio also includes a set of four posters featuring the main characters of “Steel Magnolias,” ethereal pipe organs with angel wings for a choral concert, and dancers gracing a Jazz Band concert poster.
M State theatre instructor Stefanie Gerhardson cherishes many of Bartels’ theater posters, which still adorn her office and the theater makeup room.
She notes, “Every poster was beautiful and radiated energy and vitality. Tina always went out of her way to make the posters unique. Her enthusiasm and willingness to work with the directors was a joy, and what she created was always vibrant and professional.”
Charest believes that Bartels’ creative posters played a pivotal role in attracting the community to college events.
Since leaving M State, Bartels has been “experimenting with what I want to do with life.”
This includes spending more time with family, working part-time at Karvonen Funeral Home, planning to be a short-term substitute for schools, and freelancing as a graphic artist.
Bartels also enjoys making wine, painting (with a goal of one painting a month), and exploring opportunities related to her passion for art, even if it may not be the most lucrative pursuit.
“Graphic Inspiration” welcomes the public, and admission is free. The Beck Gallery is open during regular M State campus hours.