Supporters Show Their Enthusiasm for the Arts

 Protestors Not Affected by Cold

By Cheyenne Horien and Alexandria Leister

        The cold weather was not enough to keep the dedicated students of the liberal art programs and community members from protesting the budget cuts to the arts at Bemidji State University. On Jan. 31, dozens of BSU students, faculty and community members worked in shifts most of the day to protest. They marched under the Deputy Hall arch with a variety of signs and chanted, "What do we want? ART! When do we want it? FOREVER!" 

        The city of Bemidji has a reputation for highlighting art and hosts many art-based events throughout the year, including Art in the Park, which continues to draws large crowds every summer. BSU graduates showcase their work at Art in the Park, as well as other artists. Community member Chuck Deeter said he was concerned about the arts and the effect the cuts to the liberal arts programs will have on Bemidji, because it is such an art-based community. 

        Jeremiah Liend has been supporting the liberal arts for the past 13 years, ever since he was a freshman at BSU. Liend, a long-time Bemidji resident, is currently trying to brainstorm ideas to present to BSU President Hanson in order to keep the arts strong at BSU. Liend explained that previous BSU students with liberal arts degrees have gone on to have great careers. A few examples he included are Robert Thomas, a current manager of a performing arts theatre, and Andy Browers, a performer at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. 

        "It is important to everybody to maintain the fine arts," Liend said. He added that visual arts can be seen everywhere in Bemidji, especially the downtown area. Some of these places include The Paul Bunyan Playhouse, The Bemidji Community Art Center, The Wild Rose Theater and Gallery North, which features art pieces available for purchase. Liend's sign from the protest read, "The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine. - Michelangelo." 

        Graduates of BSU continue on to become well-known local artists. Protestor Darin Hansen graduated from BSU with a design tech major, and he has his art work displayed on the sculpture walk in downtown Bemidji. Three other BSU students have pieces in the sculpture walk as well. "Art is part of the Bemidji community," Hansen said passionately.  Hansen believes art is not only important in education but in life as well. He also posed the question, "How can you have a liberal education if you don't have art?"   

        It's not just the art students who care about the cuts happening at BSU. After graduating from BSU with a nursing degree decades ago, Jane Carlstrom returned to teach nursing classes here at BSU. Even though she did not major in liberal arts she still has a passion for it, especially poetry, and wanted to show her support for the arts by participating in the protest. Carlstrom took a creative and somewhat humorous approach to the protest, holding up a sign stating, "Honk if you like cheese!. . .and ART!" 

        A unique major offered at BSU is creative and professional writing. Abby Tarutis, an English education and creative and professional writing major, said if there wasn't such a major offered at BSU, she would not have stayed here past her third year. The main message she wanted to get out in the protest for those interested in liberal arts was to "Go with what your heart wants." 

        The protest started about 1 p.m. and lasted into the evening, with supporters driving by honking their horns. 

Jeremiah Liend (right) and Josef Schlemper show their support for the arts on Jan. 31.
Photo by Louise Mengelkoch

Jane Carlstrom displays a creative sign and received many honks on Jan. 31.
Photo by Louise Mengelkoch