We are pleased to present a retrospective exhibition of Joyce Young from June 22 – July 31, 2020. Joyce has been an active and vital part of the Hutchinson Art Community for decades. It is an honor to bring a collection of her work to our venue.
Describe your work in 15 words or less.
My true love is doing watercoloring paintings. I also do oil painting and collage. 
Who are some of your influences?
Nature is my biggest influence. I love to take photographs of nature and recreate them using watercolors. I also use seminars and art books to influence my paintings. My mentor was Willajean Prothe.
What is the first artwork you recall making?
I remember receiving a color by number gift box using colored pencils, this was my introduction to art. This then led to being accepted into the dental hygiene program where I drew, carved, and learned the lost wax method of casting.
What do you love about making art?
It gives the opportunity to create beauty for people to admire.
What do you do for fun outside of the studio?
Outside of the studio I enjoy spending time with my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and watching them enjoy the beauty of nature.
More about Joyce and her career…
As a child, Joyce collected items from nature, made sandcastle cities, built and floated boats made of rough lumber, saved old Audubon postcards, used colored pencils from kits, sewed doll clothes and made scrapbooks. This was done with some depth and concentration unusual for her age.
Her formal art education began in 1960 with courses at the University of Minnesota. Here is where she learned to draw, model, carve ivory and cast the carved inlays into gold. Joyce graduated as a Dental Hygienist and worked in that field for over 20 years. This was combined with art instructions, dental care presentations and volunteer artwork. In 1987, Joyce obtained a B.A. Degree in Organizational Management at Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Two years of employment in the business field followed, as well as serving various roles with Crow River Arts during the years of formation.
She opened Twin Birch Home Studio in Hutchinson to pursue her art interests. For two years she was also based in St. Paul and participated in art opportunities there. Upon returning to Hutchinson, she began giving instruction in watercolor to adult beginners and school age children.
Several Minnesota communities attracted Joyce to their Art Facilities and she became aware of opportunities that could be applied in the local arts area. By combining ideas, with local volunteers, the Crow River Arts organization concept grew. She was active in seeking local support to match a National Endowment for the Arts Grant offered by Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council, and became the Art Center Project Coordinator. The facility opened in May 1990, and Joyce helped in visual arts, and served in many roles.
Along with participating in workshops and exhibitions, Joyce has received awards at all levels, including the National General Federated Women’s Club Art Award in the Watercolor Division. Her art interests have led her to travel while studying art available in Museums, Centers and Galleries. Highlights include: Florence and Rome, Italy, Germany, Prague, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Viet Nam, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico City and Cuernavaca, Mexico, St. Petersburg , Florida, New York City and Woodstock, New York, and Coastal Oregon.
Joyce has served as President of Crow River Arts, Leech Lake Artist League and Artists of Minnesota, as well as being named recipient of the 1995 Artist of the Year Award. She has held an annual Open House and participated in Art Tours for her artwork displays and was the Featured Artist in 1996 and 2009 for the Hutchinson Arts and Crafts Festival. In 1997 and 1998, respectively, Joyce received a Recognition Award from the Minnesota State Arts Board and hosted a Minnesota Citizens for the Arts meeting at her home.
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