Ten regional artists are featured in 'Second Wind,' a new exhibition opening August 19 at the Charles Beck Gallery on the M State Fergus Falls campus. The show includes paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and other works by Shirlee Daulton, Kim Embretson, Kandace Creel Falcón, Kent Kapplinger, Dan Meckle, Ken Omundson, Susan Seaborn, Sandy Thimgan, Malcolm Thompson, and Mary Jo Wentz. An artist reception will be held September 25. The exhibit was conceived by M State Ceramics Faculty Lori Charest, who was inspired by former President George W. Bush taking up painting after his political career; though Bush declined to participate, Charest pivoted to highlight local artists who found creative renewal later in life.
This exhibition matters because it spotlights the growing phenomenon of artists who discover or rediscover their creative practice after retiring from other careers—nursing, welding, teaching, and more. It underscores the role of community colleges and regional galleries in fostering local art scenes and providing platforms for non-traditional, older artists. The show also reflects broader cultural trends around art as a source of healing, purpose, and second acts, making it relevant to discussions about art and aging, rural arts access, and the democratization of creativity.