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About Us
Hi and welcome!
We're Rick and Jan Swanson
Rick Swanson (he/him/his) My interest in photography reaches back to the summer of
1974, when I took a summer school class in my school district and first held a
35mm camera in my hands. My teacher was tuned in to the Watergate hearings, but
I was tuned in to the wonders of black and white film. Not until 1979 did I
acquire my own 35mm - an Olympus OM-1n, which I still have and occasionally
use. Even
in the
digital age, I still shoot black and white film, which I develop myself
using coffee as the developer. I hope you'll enjoy the collection of
coffee images in the Gallery. I'm a former physics and chemistry teacher, so my photography expresses the beauty I've always found in the sciences.
Janet Swanson (she/her/her) I am a self-taught rosemaling artist, working in acrylics and oils. I paint on canvas, wood, fabric, and paper. I also apply my paintings to items that can be used to decorate your home, such as flower vases, watering cans, napkin holders, or almost anything you can think of. Rick also photographs my paintings to put on greeting cards.
We operate Fox and Swan Arts, the mission of which is to promote the common good through art. Our business exists to enrich the lives of others. We do this through education, microphilanthropy, and promoting small business and nonprofit work. Your support helps us do that.
Our Mission and Values
Our Mission: To promote the common good through art
Our Values: We support local small businesses, nonprofit organizations, artists, and musicians. We are LGBTQI-friendly, and advocate for their rights. We are global citizens who celebrate the beauty of the world around us. We spread joy and compassion with our art.
Past Exhibitions
Foot in the Door 5: The Virtual Exhibition. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN. November, 2020 - January, 2021.
Light Chasers: An Intersection of Science and Art, Rochester, MN. August, 2019
Light Chaser, Gallery 24, Rochester, MN. Opening Reception, April 7, 2018.
Rochester Emerging Photographers, Kahler Grand Hotel, February 24, 2018.
Locavore Exhibit, Rochester Art Center, Rochester, MN. September 22, 2017 – January 7, 2018
Homegrown: 2′ x 2′ Exhibit, Rochester Art Center, Rochester, MN. September 22, 2017 – January 7, 2018.
Gallery 125 at 125 Live, Rochester, MN. October 1-December 31, 2017
Mayo Clinic Employee Art Exhibit, Hage Atrium, Rochester, MN. July, 2015
Our art business has been designated as a "Trusted Art Seller" with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that we stand behind the quality and value of my products.
Inspiration
I'm a "light chaser," at heart. Light and color are my butterflies, my camera is my net. I'm also a student of science history, so I am equally inspired by the pursuit of the quest to understand the fundamental nature of light.
Techniques
When I shoot with black and white film, I develop my film with coffee, using the so-called "caffenol" process. When I shoot digital, I use a micro four-thirds format camera, setting my sights on flowers, landscapes, and scenes from everyday life.
highlights
Southeast Minnesota Art Council (SEMAC) Grant Recipient, 2018
Exhibit, "Light Chasers: An Intersection of Science and Art", Rochester, MN August, 2019
Trusted Art Seller
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