Art Hounds: Luke Hillestad's paintings evoke the old masters

Painter Keith Dixon is a big fan of Rembrandt, Titian and other master painters of the late 17th century. As a result, he’s become enamored with the paintings of local artist Luke Hillestad. Dixon says Hillestad’s paintings reflect that same hyper realism, while also managing to evoke entire stories in just a single pose. Dxion says, at their core, Hillestad’s painting are a celebration of humanity.

Amateur violinist Jana Freiband is smitten with The OK Factor, a classical crossover duo made up of Olivia Diercks on cello and Karla Colahan on violin. Freiband loves the energy and creativity they bring to their improvisations, whether classical, blues or folk. Freiband particularly recommends their album “Love, The OK Factor” — she says it’s a theme we could all do well to improvise on during these rather dark days.

You might not be able to crowd into a gallery for the opening night of a show, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out and see some art. Folk musician Emily Youngdahl Wright was driving out by Montevideo, Minn., and came across one of Audrey Arner’s “barn stars.” Similar to quilt squares that decorate barns across the Midwest, Arner’s barn stars are painted on large wood circles. Wright finds their natural imagery and bright colors spiritually uplifting.

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