New August Exhibits at Bismarck Downtown Artist Cooperative

BDAC opens to new exhibits during the month of May. "Landscapes and Townscapes" is a group show by gallery members and the second exhibit space is showcasing pastel drawings by "Barb Nechiporenko" Hours at BDAC: Thurs & Fri. Noon - 6 pm and Sat. 10 am - 4pm. The Co-op is located in the Old Bismarck Tribune Building on downtown 4th Street. The gallery is free and is always open by appointment too.

Barbara Nechiporenko was raised and educated in Fessenden, ND. She graduated from UND in 1971 and came to Bismarck to teach elementary school. After working several different positions in education, she decided to change careers and obtained a two-year degree in Commercial Art from Bismarck State College. Barb worked as a graphic artist for the Bismarck Tribune and the ND REC Magazine (now called North Dakota Living). The last 14 years of her work career were spent designing publications at the ND State Department of Health.

Barb studied drawing and design through night classes at BSC. She continued her art education through workshops with other artists such as Vern Skaug, Sheila Rieman and Jean Ranstrom. She taught basic drawing for adults through BSC, THEO Art School and Bismarck Art and Galleries Association. Barb worked part-time for BAGA and served on its Board of Directors. She now works out of her home studio in Bismarck where she lives with her husband, Ken.

She has been showing her pastel paintings locally and regionally for twenty-five years. Barb paints a variety of subjects, but especially enjoys landscapes featuring North Dakota prairies.