Often referred to as one of Fridley’s hidden gems, Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts is the charming white farmhouse on East River Road we having been whizzing by since 1988. It is not so much a diamond in the rough unmade, but rather a complete and ample treasure trove for those who know where to find the X. If you care to stop by, you are rewarded immediately. Splendid views start from the parking lot where a sloping hill melts into a patchwork of sunlight and dark spaces edged by Rice Creek, and farther, the Mississippi River.
Their beautiful grounds provide a natural canvas, the subject ever changing; sometimes dotted with intent painters and local fishermen, other times the setting for someone’s Happily Ever After, a woman in white against the lush greens. And once every year, it is strewn with vendors and their colorful wares for their popular Art at Rice Creek.
Inside, wood floors are worn smooth from the tread of countess feet, rotating artwork float in rhythmic groupings on white walls. In the back is a nice sized room for classes, lectures, or other events. Go up a creaky flight of stairs to find a cozy space for writers, offices, and another classroom. Accomplished instructors in visual and literary arts offer a chance to the every man, woman and child to unleash their artistic expression.
Find out what's happening in Fridleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Executive Director, Bethany Whitehead, has made a reputation for herself as an innovative Next Generation breath of fresh air. Generous with her smiles and her time, an artsy pair of spectacles usually perched upon her nose, she comes with an impressive resume leading with a balanced mix of experience in the arts, and a sharp business savvy that this historic non-profit needs to keep relevant to our future.
For the second year, Bethany will be getting their artists to create keepsake artwork as prizes for the Fridley 49er Pie Baking Contest winners. I ask her a few questions about art, travel and of course-- pie.
Find out what's happening in Fridleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Where did you grow up? I am a native Saint Paulite and now live about a mile from my childhood homes (my family moved across the street when I was 13).
How long have you been the executive director? I’ve been the BLCA Executive Director for almost 2.5 years.
What is your favorite thing about Fridley that is different from other places you’ve worked? I’ve always worked for larger organizations that cater to a more expansive demographic. It is great to be in a different area of the Twin Cities and to learn more about the North Metro area, and I have completely fallen in love with Fridley! I think this city is a real gem that has wonderful bike paths (so smooth!), restaurants (Kings!), beautiful parks, the Mississippi river, great schools, a cozy and welcoming library, and most of all-- great people.
I know you love to travel. Where is your favorite place you’ve been in the world? The place I feel the most comfortable and relaxed is Caye Caulker, an island in Belize. Close runners up are Chiang Mai, Thailand, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Seville, Spain, and San Francisco.
What has the reaction been from your artists to get involved with the Pie Baking Contest? They love the challenge and the subject matter! I specifically ask four different artists each year to make the ‘trophies’ for the prizes, and I select them based on diverse mediums and styles. For these prizes I ask the artists to make small works and often the artist hasn’t worked that small ever. Challenges like this can push artists out of their comfort zone and I like to keep artists on their toes.
What is the biggest challenge you face about promoting art? I would like to see more people buying art. It is such a win-win for everyone when an original piece of art is sold. The artist feels validated and compensated. The purchaser has a work that enhances their home- and having handmade items really changes the feel and energy of your space. At Banfill-Locke, one can find a wide variety of art pieces at very affordable price points.
What does “community” mean to you? Community is a feeling that results when a variety of diverse entities come together for a common good. The city of Fridley has a great community feel through their events and resources. And Banfill-Locke has a great community of artists and art enthusiasts who thrive in our unique space.
You’re clearly well-travelled. Do you have any pie stories you’d like to share from other cultures or places? In college, I spent a year at the University of Erlangen in Bavaria, Germany. When Thanksgiving approached a group of American students got together and decided to host a traditional meal; I was assigned to make the pumpkin pies. The challenge came in when Germans, who love their tortes, cakes and other sweets, don’t make pies, so there were no pie tins anywhere to be found. Nor do Germans eat anything pumpkin, so no cans of pureed pumpkin could be purchased either.
I took the bus to 3 separate villages to finally find a (whole) pumpkin to buy and the only one I could find was easily 20 pounds. I hauled it back to my apartment to realize that it needed to be cut into tiny pieces to fit in the small oven to bake down. Then, I had to make a pie tin out of multiple layers of foil. I (finally) got two beautiful pies made, took them on the bus to the celebration, and promptly dropped them on the ground when getting off the bus. I cried. And I haven’t baked a pie since.
What is your favorite kind of pie? Pecan.
Take a class, teach a class, rent the space, or attend an event. You can find out more about Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts and all they have to offer HERE.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Think you have what it takes to win? REGISTRATION OPEN FOR A LIMITED TIME. All amateur bakers who live or work in Fridley, Coon Rapids, Columbia Heights or Blaine can enter in any of three categories: fruit, cream and original/creative. Judging is done on a point system, the most points overall will win the Grand Prize. Highest points in each category will win as well.
You must register with the City of Fridley (no charge). You may also direct any questions to Event Chair, Mandy Meisner at [email protected]
Read about 2015 Pie Baking Contest details, HERE.
Who funds a $1,000 Grand Prize for pie?! Read about Maria D State Farm, our Sponsor, HERE.
Who has the final word? Read about our Judge, HERE.
Read about Contestant, Anoka County Commissioner, Robyn West, HERE.
