Bickey Bender

My work reflects my fascination with the simple pleasures of everyday life. A bird, an old building, a texture — all conjure for me the joy inherent in the basic things of our world. And while exotic locales may appear in my canvases from time to time, it’s the richness of my modest childhood in rural North Dakota that ultimately informs my work.

Bicky Bender’s rural North Dakota upbringing was the beginning of her need to be creative because of the natural beauty of the prairie. She learned how to see and appreciate her surroundings.  

From being the only student in her class in a one-room school, joining 27 others in 7th grade was a challenge.  Music and art were her interests. After graduating from UND in Art Education, Bickey taught in public and parochial schools in North Dakota.  She also served as an Artist in Residence for 5 years in the state.

EDUCATION: BS Degree in Art Education form the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, ND.  Additional studies at NDSU, Fargo, ND and Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN.  Various workshops from 1975 to 2014.  

EXPERIENCE: Taught art in Bismarck, ND and in the Fargo Public and Catholic Elementary Schools in Fargo, ND. Member of Gallery 4 in Fargo, ND for 21 years.  One of the founders of the Blank Canvas Gallery, Park Rapids, MN for 5 years. Artist-In-Residence for ND for 5 years which included children through adults as well as workshops for teachers.  

AWARDS; Numerous awards from participating in Art Shows in ND and MN.

Bickey has been painting in watercolor and acrylics and utilizes hand-made paper in collages and structural paper relief.

Gallery 4 in Fargo, ND and Blank Canvas Gallery in Park Rapids are 2 coops that have exhibited Bickey Bender’s work.  Art Leap in September each year at her home has been another venue to show as well.

Bickey has a lovely studio at her lake which provides space and inspiration for creativity.  Travel provides opportunities as well.