I left the Maple Grove Arts Center’s Grand Opening art show Friday night wondering two things: Where was such a valuable community asset when I was in high school? And, where did all this talent come from?

 The Red Show featured 28 artists from Maple Grove and surrounding cities who displayed work themed to include the color red, matching the Valentine’s Day spirit. The event celebrated the opening of the new Maple Grove Arts Center & History Museum at 7916 Main Street.

 Although I had a little trouble finding the new cozy location, which was discretely tucked into the same Main Street Mall as Mount Fuji Sushi and 3 Squares Restaurant, I had even more trouble leaving such a fun-filled social outing. The event was catered via donations from the neighboring restaurants, plus there was free wine and music from the band Locklan Road.

All those variables would make for a fun night by themselves, but it was the talent that made the room glow. Rogers artist Joan Ruprecht won the Best of Show award for her “Dance of the Gypsy” oil painting on linen board.  Kate Hanagan of Robbinsdale, who featured her “Rose” photograph, and Laura Blanchard of Maple Grove, who featured her “Grace” oil pastel, each won the Award of Excellence. The Merit Award was given to Rosemont’s Rita Beyer Corrigan, who painted “Blazing Bushes” with soft pastel, Willmar’s Kelly Welch, who had an untitled photograph, and Elk River’s Jessica Henry Davis, who painted “Little Jewels” with oil.

As a 2000 Maple Grove Senior High graduate, I was knees deep into art when I was teenager. I was lucky to have a great art teacher (Ms. Kenniston) who gave her students ample opportunity to get their work into surrounding art shows, but I can’t imagine how nice it would have been to have an art center, a central Mecca to display and explore work. Artists benefit so much from the opportunity to share inspiration with fellow artists within the same or surrounding communities.  Whether it’s taking classes or just appreciating the beauty displayed, I know MG artists, residents and visitors will take advantage of the new Maple Grove Art Center. I know I will. I have some lost time to make up.