52nd Annual Northern Lights Juried Art Exhibition
February 16–March 27, 2026
In the Ford Family Gallery
White Bear Center for the Arts’ treasured Northern Lights Juried Art Exhibition is back for its 52nd year!
While the show has evolved over time, its soul remains unchanged: it continues to be a reputable art exhibition that draws talent from across Minnesota and neighboring states, judged by artists with deep knowledge in their craft. All artists are invited to submit works in any 2D or 3D medium, including but not limited to drawing, painting, fiber arts, ceramics, photography, and sculpture.
Community Reception
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 6:00-8:00 PM
Award Ceremony at 7:00 PM
Meet the Judges
Suzann Beck is a Minneapolis-based fine artist working in realism through oil, pastel, and charcoal. She specializes in portraiture, with subject matter ranging from commissioned portraits to figure, still life, and landscape. Suzann holds a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree from Moorhead State University in Minnesota. Suzann has been studying the figure since 2017 with nationally-known draughtsman Michael Mentler, who many consider a contemporary Leonardo da Vinci. Suzann is an award-winning oil and pastel painter, with recognition by the Portrait Society of America, Dakota Pastels, the Minnesota State Fair, and more. She is a sought-after portraiture and drawing instructor, teaching out of her Northeast Minneapolis studio as well as multiple arts organizations in and around the Twin Cities and St. Cloud.
Gary Carlson is a Minnesota artist who has been making art since 1970. In that time, he has been an art educator, graphic artist, portrait photographer, painter, and sculptor. Since retiring from teaching in 2003, his work has been focused on creating found object assemblage sculptures. Throughout his career, he has exhibited in galleries, art centers, art competitions, and art fairs in and around the Twin Cities area and the Midwest. Gary’s work is in the collection of the East Central Regional Arts Council, and he has received numerous awards for his unique sculptures, including the Essential Artist Award in 2024. Gary continues to make sculptures and teach assemblage workshops with his wife.
Mary Jo Van Dell is known for her evocative work, rich in beauty, mystery, and immense power. Her paintings have been collected and exhibited both nationally and internationally and held in public and private collections, including the Minnesota Historical Society, the National Park Service, the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka, and the University of Minnesota.
She currently paints from her studio in Duluth, Minnesota, and exhibits her work—alongsideother artists—at her studio, showroom, and gallery in Marine on St. Croix. Van Dell is recognized for her strong curatorial sensibilities and her commitment to supporting others, including emerging artists.