BROOKINGS – The Brookings Arts Council will exhibit the artwork of Ellen Jean Diederich in its main gallery from June 6-29, with an artist’s reception and a children’s painting class set for next week.

Diederich, a watercolor and acrylic artist and author hailing from Fargo, has been an artist for more than 20 years, painting professionally since 1985. Recognized by her use of color and neo-impressionist style, she says that she enjoys painting flowers, architecture and domesticated animals.

Diederich describes painting as a “gift” she was given which grew from experiences that helped her to thrive as an artist. Her artwork grew and was shaped by a series of factors that led to where she is today. She credits “amazing art teachers” and her supportive family for her much of her success. She’s proud of her Midwest heritage where she grew up on a farm and enjoyed working with animals.

Recognized as distinguished alumni, Diederich earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts with honors from Moorhead State University. She is a signature member of Watercolor West, The Red River Watercolor Society, The Transparent Watercolor Society of America, and The Watercolor Society of Alabama. Her work has won several national and international juried art exhibition awards as well as publishing honors.

Her current show features pieces from “Samson’s Gift,” a 2015 Illumination Book Award Gold Medal winner, as well as other watercolor and acrylic pieces. 

“’Samson’s Gift’ is a story I was compelled to write about an orphan lamb who gives of himself for the right reason,” Diederich said. “In reading this tale, children can relate to Samson as he comes to realize that someone needs his beautiful wool more than he does. The wonder of it all is the irreplaceable joy one receives in giving for the right reason and how that can change your attitude about life.

“I hope my book ‘Samson’s Gift’ will share the message of the joy of giving with your children,” she added.

To see and learn more, the Brookings Arts Council invites area residents to an artist’s reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. June 7. Light refreshments will be served, with an 1Artist’s talk about the making of “Samson’s Gift” to begin around 5 p.m. 

Along with the exhibit, Diederich will also offer a Samson’s Gift portrait painting class June 7 for children ages 7-12 years.

The class will provide students with a short drawing lesson and instruction of how to draw Samson’s portrait from Ellen’s book “Samson’s Gift.”  She will also instruct them on how to mix paint and watercolors. 

As the paint dries, the children will listen to the story. Each student will receive a copy of the book signed by the illustrator/author to take home with their painting. The class will take place from 1:30-3 p.m. June 7. Interested individuals can register in person at the Brookings Arts Council 524 Fourth St. or online at www.brookingsartscouncil.org. The cost of the class is $25 per child.

The exhibit is open to the public, and there is no admission charge. The Brookings Arts Council is open noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays. For more information, call 692-4177 or email artscouncil@brookings.net.

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