Buonfresco

SAVE THE DATE: 16th annual Salon at Great River Arts:  OPENING RECEPTION FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2024 from 6 – 9 PM

 Join us for lively music by the Pierz Jazz Band (now in their 3rd year joining the Salon), appetizers presented by Jolene Gordon, and wine tasting by Coborn’s. This is always a great event! 

Women on Guard featured in Portrait Society of America’s Cecilia Beaux forum:

Kapsner’s 2022 painting “Women on Guard” is featured in this month’s Cecilia Beaux Forum Blog on the Portrait Society of America website. Kapsner is honored to have this painting featured, given the purpose of the Cecilia Beaux Forum is to strengthen the role of women artists by providing programs and resources to enhance the quality, as well as, the public’s knowledge and appreciation of their work. As shared in the article, ” Kapsner considers himself fortunate to have been surrounded by strong, influential women who have impacted his life and career. Acknowledging the unique challenges faced by women, he regards himself an ally, saying, “I’m in their corner. Our lives are advanced by the inclusion of women in all spaces.”  

Norwegian Home Guard Exchange 50 and 51:

Kapsner once again participated in the Norwegian Home Guard Exchange (NOREX), now in its 51st year.  NOREX takes place at Camp Ripley, and is an exchange of culture and training between Norway’s Home Guard, known as Heimevernet, and the Minnesota National Guard. NOREX reinforces the positive working relationships between allied services and highlights the strong lineage many Minnesotans share with the Scandinavian culture.  

Since 2014, Kapsner has welcomed members of the Troop Exchange to his studio and has the great privilege to host 9 Norwegian Home Guard District Commanders, where each has spent part of an afternoon (or several afternooons) “modeling” as he creates a personalized gift–a charcoal/graphite and white chalk drawing. Each has also honored him with a gift representative of their local region in Norway.

The nine Commanders include: Colonel Kai Morkestrand (2024); Colonel Jens C Junge (2023); Lieutenant Colonel Bernt Normann Lockert (2022); Navy Captain Jon Ivar Kjellen (2019); Lieutenant Colonel Børge Gamst (2018); Colonel Karl-Henrik Fossmann (2017), Lieutenant Colonel Per Olav Vaagland (2017); Lieutenant Colonel Ingvar Seland (2015) and Colonel Rolf Wold (2014). 

In 2023, Kapsner was invited to Norway to participate in the Norwegian part of the 50th Anniversary of the US / Norwegian troop exchange program which took place in Trondheim, with a concert by The Royal Air Force Band in Norway’s national shrine and oldest medieval church in the Nordic region; The Nidaros Cathedral, followed by a banquet in the Archbisop’s Palace.  They were honored to meet the Queen of Norway, Her Majesty the Queen Sonja, as well as Minnesota’s Governor, Tim Walz. Both Kapsner and his wife, Catherine, were treated exquisitely during their first time to Norway to continue to enjoy the friendships they have developed as part of the program, and were hosted by two of the officers Kapsner presented a drawing to: Per Olav Vaagland, and Jon Ivar Kjellin. 

The Best of Him: A collaboration: 

A finished painting, and ongoing story, this came about as a result of a commission by JoyGenea Schumer, who wanted–needed, really–to have the story of her father told. And the way to do that included his story told on canvas. Read more here: the journey – The Best of Him 

SAVE THE DATE: 15th annual Salon at Great River Arts: FRIDAY OCTOBER 13, 2023

 

 

 

 

Join us on Friday, October 13th for the annual Salon, featuring art, music, wine tasting. It’s a long tradition, and we look forward to the evening. 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Great River Arts in downtown Little Falls!

Women on Guard in its new home

Women on Guard is now on permanent display at the Minnesota Military Museum. Prior to its arrival at the Museum, it was on display at the Minnesota State Capitol.

International Women’s Day

Kapsner attended a special program with the Minnesota National Guard as they celebrated International Women’s Day. Kapsner’s painting “Women on Guard” was on display. The painting conveys their multi-layered, multi-modal identities as member of the Minnesota National Guard and their roles aside from the Guard—not separate from one another but melded together. The models whose stories are depicted include Specialist Ashley Barber, Captain Katie Morsch, 1st Sgt Takeisha Hunt, 1st Sgt Jessica Stiffarm and Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh. 

Studio Pintura Spring Floral Show

Norwegian Home Guard Exchange

Kapsner was once again involved with the U.S.-Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) which takes place at Camp Ripley, and is an exchange of culture and training between Norway’s Home Guard, known as Heimevernet, and the Minnesota National Guard. The exchange, in its 50th consecutive year, reinforces the positive working relationships between allied services and highlights the strong lineage many Minnesotans share with the Scandinavian culture.  

Since 2014, Kapsner has welcomed members of the Troop Exchange to his studio and has the great privilege to host 8 Norwegian Home Guard District Commanders, where each has spent part of an afternoon “modeling” as he created a personalized gift–a charcoal/graphite and white chalk drawing. Each has also honored him with a gift representative of their local region in Norway. The eight Commanders include: Colonel Jens C Junge (2023); Lieutenant Colonel Bernt Normann Lockert (2022); Navy Captain Jon Ivar Kjellen (2019); Lieutenant Colonel Børge Gamst (2018); Colonel Karl-Henrik Fossmann (2017), Lieutenant Colonel Per Olav Vaagland (2017); Lieutenant Colonel Ingvar Seland (2015) and Colonel Rolf Wold (2014). 

 

 

Women on Guard: 

Now on display at various venues through May is the 4 X 5-foot painting showcasing five women who actively serve in the MN National Guard.  Completed at the end of 2022, it conveys their multi-layered, multi-modal identities as member of the Minnesota National Guard and their roles aside from the Guard—not separate from one another but melded together. The painting is currently at the Cedar Avenue Armory. The models whose stories are depicted include Specialist Ashley Barber, Captain Katie Morsch, 1st Sgt Takeisha Hunt, 1st Sgt Jessica Stiffarm and Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh.  It was an honor to spend time with them, to gain insights into their incredibly rich lives, and I am grateful to each of them for their dedication and commitment to this project. 

I am also appreciative of the FY 2022 support of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. This activity was also made possible, in part, by the Five Wings Arts Council Individual Artist Grant Award with funding from the McKnight Foundation. 

 

 

Nov 20 – Dec 10, 2022 Salmagundi Club New York Lineage: Generations of Realism

Lineage is an exhibition of paintings, drawings and sculptures that illuminates how The Salmagundi Club in New York City has encouraged generations of artists, and stewarded the well of creative practices from which we all draw. My connection with the 19th century and in particular with Jean Léon Gérôme is a direct line. My teacher Nerina Simi (1890- 1987) studied with her father Filadelfo Simi (1846-1923). Filadelfo studied with Gérôme in Paris from 1873- 1878. My painting “Saluti” was selected for this show. 
2022 LINEAGE : GENERATIONS OF REALISM EXHIBITION AND SALE
SALMAGUNDI CLUB 47 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY, 10003          SKYLIGHT & PARLOR GALLERY

The 2022 Salon: Another outstanding evening 

On FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14th from6-9 PM at the Great River Arts in downtown Little Falls MN. Kapsner unveiled his 4 X 5-foot painting in progress “Women on Guard”, which highlights five women in the MN National Guard and Air Guard. The painting was one for whichKapsner received a fiscal year 2022 Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. This activity is also made possible, in part, by the Five Wings Arts Council Individual Artist Grant Award with funding from the McKnight Foundation. The exhibition also featured three outstanding women artists: Michele Feriancek from St. Cloud, and Lois Rhomberg and Linda Marsh from Minneapolis.

Art Renewal Center 16th International Salon:

Kapsner’s painting “Saluti” was selected as a semi-finalist. Of over 5,400 entries this year from 75 countries, 2,152 works were chosen. 

Spring 2022–In the Galleries

Kapsner’s “We Created a Monster and Had a Meltdown in the Meantime” was accepted into the WMOCA – Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art Salon des Refusés on display April 1 – July 2, 2022 in downtown Wausau WI.  His painting “Saluti” received Honorable Mention in the Studio Pintura Spring Floral Art Exhibition on display March 31st – April 30th 2022. The studio is located in the Northrup King Building in NE Minneapolis.

Norwegian Home Guard Exchange 2022

Kapsner was once again involved with the U.S.-Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) which takes place at Camp Ripley, and is an exchange of culture and training between Norway’s Home Guard, known as Heimevernet, and the Minnesota National Guard. This year was the 49th anniversary, and since 2014, Kapsner has welcomed members of the Troop Exchange to his studio and has the  great privilege to host  seven Norwegian Home Guard District Commanders, where each has spent part of an afternoon “modeling” as he created a personalized gift–a charcoal/graphite and white chalk drawing. Each has also honored him with a gift representative of their local region in Norway. The seven Commanders  include: 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Bernt Normann Lockert; 2019, Navy Captain Jon Ivar Kjellen; 2018, Lieutenant Colonel Børge Gamst;  2017 Colonel Karl-Henrik Fossmann, 2016, Lieutenant Colonel Per Olav Vaagland; 2015, Lieutenant Colonel Ingvar Seland and 2014, Colonel Rolf Wold (2014). 

2022 Norwegian Exchange Final Banquet where Kapsner presents the portrait drawing of the lead officer, Lt. Col. Bernt Lockert.

Kapsner awarded Minnesota State Arts Board and Five Wings Arts Council grants:

Charles Kapsner is a fiscal year 2022 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. This activity is also made possible, in part, by the Five Wings Arts Council Individual Artist Grant Award with funding from the McKnight Foundation. 

 

 

 

Oil Painters of America 2021 Eastern Regional

Kapsner’s “Saluti“ was one of 100 paintings accepted into the Oil Painters of America 2021 Eastern Regional Exhibition. 

OPA’s 2021 Eastern Regional Exhibition is being hosted by the ArtCenter Manatee, located in Bradenton, Florida, September 28 through October 22, 2021.  The goal is to assemble approximately 100 of the finest display of representational oil paintings. 

Studio Move: July 2020–You can move a lifetime.

Dateline Summer 2020. In the midst of COVID, after planning for a year, and after 3+ decades in its same location, my studio moved.  Literally moved. I moved with it. So did Catherine. So did decades worth of art, artwork, and a lifetime collection of…well, a lifetime. We did all this in July. It took a week to move the building. CB Movers out of Pequot Lakes (THANKS JERRY! and your whole team) carefully shepherded this monstrous undertaking, and on a rainy morning, we cruised 7 miles north on Hwy 371 to its new home. There are 2 videos that capture the elements: A 1 minute video where Catherine explains why we could not leave my studio behind, and about a 10 minute one where you can join the ride. It’s WORTH IT!

MN Portrait Network 2020 Portrait Showcase: January 4 – Feb 28, 2020 Zeller Studio Hopkins

ARTISTS’ RECEPTION THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 5 – 8 pm. Kapsner’s work will be featured along with other members of the MN Chapter of the Portrait Society of America.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kapsner receives Superior Volunteer Service Award

During the unveiling of the Air Force painting, the final painting of the Veterans Educational Historic Monument, Charles Gilbert Kapsner received special recognition. In appreciation of his service to the Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard, Kapsner received the Superior Volunteer Service Award by the Adjutant General of the State of Minnesota, Jon A. Jensen. Presenting the medal to Kapsner was Brigadier General Lowell E. Kruse, Camp Ripley Senior Commander. Presenting the certificate was Brigadier General Sandra L. Best. Joining the platform was Brigadier General Daniel Gabrielli and Brigadier General Jon Safstrom. 

Kapsner’s self-portrait featured in Fine Art Connoisseur “Classic Moments” section. 

Veterans Education Historic Monument Dedication &  Air Force Painting Unveiling

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15th, NOON AT CAMP RIPLEY

You are invited to the formal installation of the Air Force painting—the fifth and final of the Veterans Educational Historic Monument. This 10-year project has been a collaboration of substantial proportion, with the ultimate goal to create a series of paintings that reflect the faces, places and stories of the men and women of each branch of the U.S Military. It is time to celebrate!
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EVENT DETAILS

DATE AND TIME: Sunday, September 15th, 12:00 NOON. There will be a military flyover, official program, honor guard, military personnel, honored guests, and remarks by dignitaries and the artist. The formal program will start AT NOON and be approximately 45 minutes. The event is scheduled to take place outside next to the Military Museum. In the case of inclement weather, you will be guided to the Hangar Conference Center; both have ample seating and accommodations.

LOCATION: CAMP RIPLEY MILITARY BASE 15000 Hwy 115 Little Falls: While the paintings are installed at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, the formal celebration will take place at Camp Ripley, which is adjacent to the Cemetery. This venue is necessary to accommodate the large crowd anticipated, bearing in mind that the Committal Hall is an intimate space for funerals. Once the formal program is over, you will be able to view all the paintings at the Committal Hall (more on that, below).

PARKING AND SECURITY: Arrive at Camp Ripley’s Main Gate, where all adults must show a picture ID. This is an active military base and security is paramount. You will be instructed to the location which is near the Military Museum.
SHUTTLES: Once the formal program concludes, there will be shuttle buses provided by Camp to and from the Committal Hall for you to view the paintings, or you may drive to the Cemetery, 15550 MN-115, Little Falls, on your own. The distance between Camp and the Cemetery is .9 miles (3-minute drive). You may travel between the two locations as you wish.
RELATED EVENT (FREE): Camp Ripley Open House between 10:00 – 2:00 which includes military displays, car show, and food vendors. You are welcome to arrive early to partake in the Open House. The Open House draws a large crowd but fear not—the military have things well organized! NOTE: The Open House will shut down during the program.
AFTER THE PROGRAM: Participate in the Open House, see the paintings at the Committal Hall which will be open until 2 PM, providing ample time to view the paintings. There will be food and a cash bar at the Viking Club on base, where the festivities will continue.
ATTIRE: Casual outdoor fall attire.
RSVP NOT NECESSARY
QUESTIONS: Email Catherine at cgkapsner@littlefalls.net

Air Force painting unveiled at the Duluth Depot

Calling it ‘my Sistine Chapel,’ painter puts final touches on a memorial to Minnesota veterans

Memorial weekend at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery: SUNDAY May 26th

The public is invited to the Memorial Day service at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls, MN, which begins with music at 1:30 and a program at 2:00. Featured speaker will be Brigadier General David D. Hamlar Jr. 

Veterans Educational Historic Monument Featured in the Star Tribune 

28th Annual National Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils. 

Kapsner’s “We the Peop” was one of 215 painting accepted into OPA’s 28th National Juried Exhibition at Illume Gallery of Fine Art in St. George, Utah. OPA received over 2,400 entries.

46th Annual Norwegian Home Guard Exchange

As part of the U.S.-Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) which takes place at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, artist Charles Kapsner has had the distinct honor of hosting the senior officer from the Norwegian Home Guard at his studio. Kapsner created a portrait drawing of the lead officer, Navy Captain Jon Ivar Kjellin, which was presented at the farewell banquet. 

The principal tasks of the Norwegian Home Guard are to safeguard territorial integrity, protect important infrastructure, support national crisis management, strengthen the military presence and provide support to civil society. The Home Guard is divided into 4 regions, 11 districts and more than 200 areas covering all of Norway.

Art Attack at the Northrup King Building November 2,3 and 4th, 2018

Be sure to attend Art Attack 2018 this weekend, which is packed with the visual artworks of over 300 visual artists and the sounds of a variety of singer/songwriters and composers. Put on your walking shoes and allow plenty of time to explore the 4 floors of the Northrup King Building, talk with the artists, listen to the music and try your hand at an interactive art activity. Note that Kapsner’s work is featured all weekend at Studio Pintura and he’ll be at the studio every day. Stop by and see this great space, and meet Charles in person.

Kapsner named ARC Associate Living Master

September 27, 2018: The Art Renewal Center announced Charles Kapsner as a new Associate Living Master. ARC was founded in 1999 for the advancement of skill-based training in the visual arts. ARC Affiliation falls under three separate categories which are decided by at least four members of the board of judges. ARC, having become the center for artists, collectors, and scholars, is the defining force for Contemporary Realism and excellence.

As an Associate Living Master, Kapsner has dedicated himself to becoming a realist artist with the wish to express our shared humanity through the visual arts. In addition, Kapsner has shown significant skill in all of the basic building blocks of great art: accurate drawing, compositional sensibilities, effective use of lighting, the technical ability to use modeling, glazing /scumbling, perspective, tone, hue and successful emotional expression. 

For more about ARC and this distinction, click Art Renewal Center.

Salon 2018: Friday, October 12, 6 – 9 PM Great River Arts, Little Falls–Another resounding success!

 

 

 

 

September 14th – October 13th 2018:  National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society Best of America Exhibition at the Eisele Gallery in Cincinnati, OH. This exhibition features the 28th Best of America juried show, and is composed of 120 paintings selected from 900 submissions, highlighting some of the best oil and acrylic painters in North America. Opening reception on Friday, Sept. 15th.

SAVE THE DATE: Salon 2018: Opening  Reception Friday, October 12th, 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Great River Arts, Little Falls, MN. 

A lucky encounter with Mr. Bob Schieffer 

In November, while attending the Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Exhibition hosted by Anderson Fine Art Gallery in St. Simons Island, Georgia, I was privileged to meet and spend time conversing with Bob Schieffer, legendary CBS journalist and longtime host of Face the Nation, who was in the area promoting his new book Overload, which examines political journalism today and those who practice it. Mr. Schieffer took a great interest in discussing art, his own watercolor paintings, the media and politics. 

He was really interested in knowing more about the Veterans Educational Historic Monument, and sent a generous donation to what he said is ‘a worthy project'”. Pictured here is Kapsner and Schieffer with Kapsner’s painting, “We the Peop…are getting screwed”.

All best in the new year!

NOVEMBER 2017: National Art Opening at St. Simons Island, Georgia

My painting  will be featured in the Eastern Regional Exhibition hosted by Anderson Fine Art Gallery, located in St. Simons Island, Georgia, from November 17 through December 16, 2017.

Featured at the Figurative Art Convention and Expo, Coral Gables Florida

https://www.facebook.com/261374474300965/posts/373445826427162

NOVEMBER 2017:  Gallery St. Germain, St Cloud & St. Cloud Art Crawl

Right on the heels of my annual Salon, my work will be featured at Gallery St. Germain in St. Cloud  November 1 – December 2. The opening will be THURSDAY NOVEMBER 2nd, from 6 – 8 PM. Works for sale include drawings and paintings, including a recent mix of florals, dancers, landscapes, and an overall good mix. I’ll also be at the St. Cloud Art Crawl on Friday November 3rd. Both are great opportunities, and I hope I’ll see you.

Salon 2017 a resounding success! 

The George Maurer Trio provided outstanding music for the event, with Artists Guild of Central Minnesota and regional artists engaged all evening! Food and wine tasting provided by Coborn’s, and beer tasting by D and D Beverage added a good twist. Little Falls Mayor Greg Zylka provided a warm welcome, and a tribute to recently retired Camp Ripley Garrison Commander Colonel Scott St. Sauver  made for a truly collaborative night. We’ll see you next fall! 

 

 

Salon 2017: Fri day, October 20, 6 – 9 PM Great River Arts, Little Falls

Join us for an evening of music featuring the George Maurer Group, and an outstanding lineup of artists from the  Artist’s Guild of Central Minnesota, with a diverse showcase of 2D and 3D art, including sculpture, clay, paintings, drawings, and photography.

Ken Ferber, pottery/sculpture; Michele Feriancek, oil painting; Melissa Gohman, sculpture, clay; Jill Dubbledee Kuhn, acrylic painting, mixed media; Lisa Molitor, water color, oil, pencil; Rachelle Netland, acrylic painting; Chuck Norwood, photography, and Jo Svaren, painting, mixed media. CLICK HERE for Salon 2017 Featured Artists

Additional artists include Linda Holliday, pottery; and Chris Welch, etched granite.

This is a great evening in downtown Little Falls and features the best of really talented artists and musicians. Join us!

Coast Guard Art Collection 2017

On July 20th, Kapsner was one of 29 artists nationwide and the only Minnesota artist, whose artwork titled “Friday Afternoon” was officially accepted by Admiral Charles Michel into the 2017 Coast Guard Art Collection at the Salmagundi Club in New York City.   The Coast Guard Art Program (COGAP) is co-sponsored by the United States Coast Guard and the Salmagundi Club, one of the oldest art organizations in the United States.

COGAP makes use of fine art to educate diverse audiences about the Coast Guard. COGAP art provides visual testimony to the unique contribution the service makes to the nation in its multifaceted roles as a military, humanitarian and law enforcement organization. Art from the program is exhibited at museums around the country, is displayed in offices of members of Congress, cabinet secretaries, senior government officials and other military services and Coast Guard locations nationwide. It has also been displayed by the State Department in its prestigious Art in Embassies program.

Today, the collection holds nearly 2,000 works of art that bring to life the missions performed daily by the over 41,000 active-duty men and women of the service, as well as reservists and Auxiliary members. The 2017 collection is comprised of 33 works by 29 artists, making this one of the service’s largest collections in recent years.

Salon 2016:

Oil Painters of America (OPA) 2016: Silver Medal Winner!

Kapsner’s Escorts to Eternity  painting won the Silver Medal in the Associate and Signature Member category in September. The Oil Painters of America’s 2016 Salon Show is on display and hosted by  Castle Gallery Fine Art  until October 29th, 2016.

Coast Guard painting installed on February 6, 2016 at 2:00 PMCoast Guard painting installed on February 6, 2016 at 2:00 PM

As part of the ongoing Veterans Educational Historic Monument, the Coast Guard painting was unveiled on February 6th at the Committal Hall at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. The third of five paintings, it hangs alongside the Army and Navy paintings. Watch the Coast Guard painting unveiling , with introductory comments by Dr. Earl Potter, President, St. Cloud State University, (Coast Guard Captain, Retired).

From La Nazione, Italy

In December 2015, I revisited Stazzema, Italy to donate one of my paintings of the Mississippi River to the Commune di Stazzema. I was greeted warmly by Mayor Maurizio Verona, and Serena Vincenti. I was not to know that the photo taken that day would end up in the Viarregio regional edition of Italy’s national newspaper, and was exceptionally honored.

Salon Opening a great success!

In July 2014, I travelled to Stazzema, Italy to honor my former instructor, Madame Nerina Simi, whose impact on my art and life proved invaluable. In that vein, this year’s Salon showcased works by former and current students who have studied with me —and whose artistic talent has taken root in their own lives/careers, and in the case of some of the younger students, is just taking off. In partnership with my friends and artists in their own right, Celo V’ec and Carol Christensen, along with the extremely talented students who comprise Subito Chamber Orchestra played for the opening.

Students who displayed works  include: Jeffrey Hurinenko, Ann Marie Ethen, Stella Hecht, Jill McIntire, Claire Miller, Matthew Toenies, Chris Welch, and Christina Welch.

“Generations” provided the opportunity to view, learn and support the work of established and emerging artists.

Kapsner’s annual salon to highlight importance of ‘old school’ art

‘Generations’ exhibit by Kapsner on display

 

Kapsner article in August 2015 edition of Fine Art Connoisseur magazine

The August 2015 Fine Art Connoisseur magazine features a wondrous tribute to Kapsner’s instructor, Signorina  Nerina Simi, and captures reflections from last year’s celebration in Stazzema, Italy honoring her remarkable legacy with Remembering Signorina Nerina Simi.

Veterans Project featured in the St. Cloud Times

The St. Cloud Times featured the  Veterans Educational Historic Monument on its front page Memorial Day marks progress for Little Falls artist as a terrific tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Please take the time this weekend to honor them at a Memorial Day event near you.

May, 2015: University of Minnesota WineFest No. 20

Charles was this year’s featured artist for the University of Minnesota WineFest No. 20 to raise funds to advance innovative pediatric research. The painting he created celebrates the grape harvest in Tuscany and was auctioned as one of the items. He is honored that Carlo Trinchero, Taken Wine Co. Director of The Elite Collection/Taken Wine Co Proprietor at Trinchero Family Estates and featured Winemaster at the event was the lucky bidder. “It is truly an honor that such a young, talented, creative winemaker and entrepreneur bought this painting for such a great cause.” 

December, 2014 Kapsner published in Art Journey Portraits and Figures.

Fall, 2014/Ongoing: McManus Gallery “First Fridays” in Raleigh

Salon 2014 a Terrific Success!

The 2014 Salon at Great River Arts (GRA) celebrated  the Ballet Russes. We look forward to next year’s event! click here to see highlights from the opening.

Summer 2014: Return from Italy

In July 2014, Charles was part of a special tribute to his former drawing instructor, Madame Nerina Simi, who was honored in hometown of Stazzema, Italy. Twenty former students from across the world descended on this tranquil community to honor this amazing woman. Sponsored by the COMUNE DI STAZZEMA, Soroptimist International D’Italia Club of Viareggio-Versilia, and Banca Versilia, the event culminated with a show of her former students’ art, and the naming of a piazza in her honor. (Download the event poster. pdf)

Master Artist Award 2013-2015

The Five Wings Arts Council selected Little Falls artist Charles Kapsner as its Master Artist for 2013-2015. The Master Artist Program, made possible with funding from the McKnight Foundation, honors artists who live in the five-county area (Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena) and have shown dedication to and skill in their artistic pursuits. Master Artists have also given back to their communities and have defined goals for their future. Kapsner was formally recognized at an event in April, 2014. Visit www.fwac.org for more information. Video of the Event. From the Brainerd Dispatch: Kapsner, master artist of the year, to be recognized at celebration Thursday in Little Falls

Videos and Articles From the Veterans Art Project

Little Falls artist painting 5 works for Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery

The Oddly Wrapped Gift – Brainerd Dispatch March 10, 2013

Little Falls artist’s painting for veterans cemetery unites unlikely pair – Star Tribune March 2, 2013

Artist Charles Kapsner’s Presentation to the VFW Convention, Reno, Nevada

In Focus Artist Charles Kapsner – Lakeland News at Ten – July 27, 2012

Common Ground Episode 327 – First Air Date April 12, 2012

Common Ground Episode 328 – First Air Date April 19, 2012