3 local artists to be featured at West Fargo’s COLOR FEST in The Yards on Sheyenne
Spring will bring a bit more color to West Fargo’s streets this year at COLOR FEST, hosted by the City of West Fargo.
Scheduled for 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, April 17, in The Yards on Sheyenne, this event will offer the community a chance to join local artists to paint Sheyenne Street intersections from Second Avenue W. to Fourth Avenue W. before they are torn up for the area’s reconstruction project.
The event will bring public art to West Fargo while also serving as a celebration of the transformation of the area into a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly corridor.
The City of West Fargo will release updates and an alternative plan if weather or COVID-19 conditions prohibit the event from safely occurring.
Featured artists
Nicole Gagner
Nicole Gagner is an artist living and working in Bismarck, North Dakota. She studied in Georgia and California and has traveled extensively painting and drawing around the world, including Utah, New Zealand and at a Voices of the Wilderness Artist Residency in Selawik, Alaska. Gagner is delighted to be living and working on the northern prairies again. She works as a teaching artist with a wide variety of students of all ages and abilities.
More information about Nicole’s artwork can be found at PainterNicole.com, or follow @PainterNicole on Instagram and Facebook to see what she is up to next.
Artwork by Nicole Gagner to be featured at COLOR FEST 2021.
Leigh Nelson
After Leigh Nelson’s first published illustration in Sports Illustrated for Kids did not earn her any royalties, Leigh Nelson knew a path towards graphic design was inevitable when a high school teacher commended her Microsoft Paint skills. After graduating with a B.S. in design technology and a minor in visual arts from Bemidji State University, Leigh spent several years working in agency and corporate settings before taking a permanent leave of absence. Nelson spent the next chapter of her life dedicated to working with people – particularly youth, exploring and living in various parts of the world. Returning to Minnesota and obtaining her master’s in education, Nelson works in youth development and spends her free time redefining her creative pursuits through various mediums. Inspiration for most of her work is found in the ordinary significance of life itself.
Artwork by Leigh Nelson to be featured at COLOR FEST 2021.
LesleyAnne Buegel
LesleyAnne was born and raised in the Fargo-Moorhead area. She first got into painting as a child after the children’s book The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush inspired her. In 2017, she took a painting class with local artist Mike Marth, and rekindled her love for visual arts. Her work is inspired from her exploration and curiosity of both the physical outer world and her inner spiritual world. After graduating from Moorhead High School in 2017, she moved to Dunedin, New Zealand to study media, film, and communications at the University of Otago. After graduating in 2018, she backpacked through Europe with her sister, and returned to Fargo to nanny for a year. Lesley currently lives in Downtown Fargo. Buegel currently works full time at Folkways and the Red River Market, and paints in her spare time.
Artwork by LesleyAnne Buegel to be featured at COLOR FEST 2021.
About the north Sheyenne Street reconstruction project
The north Sheyenne Street reconstruction project aims to replace aging infrastructure from Main Avenue W. to Sixth Avenue W. This includes improvements to water mains, sanitary sewer and storm sewer throughout the corridor that either is approaching the end of its service life or is undersized. The utility replacement work was not initially part of this project, but the study results made it apparent that these utility replacements were necessary.
Under the original plans for this project, it will also add streetscaping to strengthen the area’s destination appeal and improve walkability and safety. This portion, which receives $2.37 million in funds through a grant from the North Dakota Department of Transportation, includes new concrete, curb and gutter, diagonal and parallel parking, curb bulb outs, planters, furniture and highlight areas for future amenities like public art.
About the City of West Fargo
With an estimated population of more than 39,000, West Fargo is truly “a city on the grow” with one of the fastest growing communities in North Dakota. Throughout this phenomenal growth, West Fargo continues to offer an excellent student-oriented school district, a park district with world-class facilities, and a variety of housing options to meet the needs of any resident. Boasting opportunities for both families and businesses, West Fargo combines the benefits of small-town living with the resources and amenities of a large metropolitan city. For more information, please visit www.westfargond.gov and join us on LinkedIn, Nextdoor, Facebook and Twitter.
