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Northwest Minnesota Artist of the Year


Mavis Gonshorowski
Named as the 2008 Northwest Minnesota Artist of the Year is Bernie Wilebski of Kennedy, Minnesota.
A very accomplished artist and well-known for her work throughout a large area, Bernie (Gonshorowski) Wilebski originally hails from the Greenbush area.
The following information tells why she was chosen.
Bernie Wilebski was chosen as artist of the year to honor her thirty years of creating visual art and teaching art to local students through artist in residency experiences and workshops. In her own words, her objective is, “I would like to broaden the understanding of fine art to all ages. To share, especially in the drawing medium, techniques, concepts and details. Taking the mystery out of “Art”, I want to instill enthusiasm in our future generations, inspire imagination, and build confidence to be remembered for all times.”
Ann Novacek, a fellow artist from Greenbush writes, “Bernie has been involved for many years giving painting lessons to adults and students, in community education and schools in North Dakota and Minnesota. Usually, her only pay for teaching students has been for mileage, only because she feels it is so important for the students to learn the art of painting and drawing.”
Shirley Pederson wrote glowingly about Bernie’s mural paintings in the area. Loreen Hanson’s letter specifically mentioned murals at the Lake Bronson Museum, the Hallock Community Center, and the Greenbush Swimming Pool building that Bernie helped paint. Loreen also mentions that Bernie is always interested in increasing her own knowledge of Art. She is an active member of Artists Unlimited and has just been elected as their President for the next three years.
“Bernie or Mrs. W comes to Adams Elementary once a month,” writes Karla Schock a 3rd grade teacher. “The lessons she teaches our students are unforgettable and ongoing. Bernie uses the correct terminology and does specific activities that match our ND state standards. She brings in armloads of materials, including art samples, magazines, paintings, and supplies every month. She often buys supplies for schools using her own money. The paintings and projects that she has done personally and with our students are amazing. Her patience with the students is remarkable. She also gets our students involved in various projects locally and nationally. This month the students are entering a duck stamp competition. Bernie thoroughly enjoys art! I firmly believe Bernie Wilebski deserves this award.”
Those who know Bernie and her talent in the world of Art will certainly agree that she is very deserving of this prestigious award. Congratulations, Bernie!


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