Material Mythos exhibition invites healing conversation in Otter Tail County

Material Mythos, a collaborative exhibition by Kandace Creel Falcón and Ilaamen Pelshaw, is on view in the Charles Beck Gallery from November 4 through December 30, 2025. The opening reception took place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 6. Kaddatz Galleries listed the dates and reception information on its Current Exhibitions page and on the regional arts calendar, and the show is free and open to the public.

The exhibition brings paintings, quilts, and sculptures into conversation, guided by color, shape, and memory. The artists draw on dreams, folktales, and cultural realities from their childhoods, and their work emphasizes narrative, vibrant color, and cross cultural storytelling. The mix of media and generational themes creates entry points for a broad range of visitors, from longtime gallery patrons to families and people exploring local arts for the first time.

For Otter Tail County residents, Material Mythos matters beyond aesthetics. Public access to the arts contributes to social cohesion and mental wellbeing, particularly when exhibitions center diverse cultural experiences and offer free admission. Quilts and communal storytelling traditions in the show may resonate with older adults and intergenerational families who rely on shared narratives for memory and identity. For community organizations and health providers, the exhibition offers an accessible setting to consider partnerships that support emotional resilience and social connection without financial barriers.

The show also raises questions about who sees themselves represented in local cultural institutions. By foregrounding childhood memories and folktales that may come from non dominant communities, the exhibition challenges local arts spaces to sustain programming that reflects Otter Tail County's growing cultural diversity. Free admission removes a common financial obstacle, but transportation, outreach, and inclusive programming remain important to ensuring equitable access.

Artists and curators brought together multiple forms of material practice, creating physical objects that invite tactile and contemplative engagement. For people coping with social isolation or stress, opportunities for in person gatherings in a calm gallery environment can be a subtle form of community health intervention. Local nonprofits, schools, and health services might view the show as an opportunity for group visits, discussion sessions, or culturally informed activities that complement existing services.

Material Mythos will remain at the Charles Beck Gallery through December 30. Kaddatz Galleries provides details on the Current Exhibitions page and on the regional arts calendar for anyone seeking more information about visiting hours and programming.