WASECA, Minn. — Michael Aasness, a native of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and current 6-12 art instructor at Sioux Valley School District in Volga, will have artwork on display in a solo exhibition titled “Looking Back/Moving Forward - Artwork by Michael Aasness” at the Waseca Art Center in Waseca, Minnesota. The artwork will be on display through March 17.

The solo exhibition features 15 artworks created in the last three years, including paintings and mixed media.

Aasness is a 2017 graduate of South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in art education and painting certificate.

He is currently in his sixth year teaching middle school/highschool visual arts and continues to exhibit his artwork in the Midwest. In the 2020- 2021 school year, Michael was named “Teacher of the Year” for Sioux Valley School District, and was nominated for South Dakota Art Educator of the Year.

In the fall of 2022, Aasnesss was inducted into the Fergus Falls High School Hall of Fame in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. as a diver for the 2011 Minnesota Class A State Champions Swimming and Diving team.

Gallery hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m. A closing reception is planned for Friday, March 17, from 5- 7 p.m.

“This is my first solo exhibition as an artist in my professional teaching career. The artworks created during the last few years reflect imagery around me including memories, objects, landscapes, and different perspectives. I am extremely proud and thankful to have this opportunity to exhibit my artwork, and I look forward to continuing to share my artwork with others in the future.”