The Gunflint Trail Historical Society is pleased to announce the launch of a new Artist in Residency Program and the selection of Jack Dant as the first visiting artist.

In 2022 a small task force was formed to explore the possibility of “An Artist in Residency Program on the Gunflint Trail” inspired by similar programming in our National Parks and The Science Museum of Minnesota, as well as many other organizations.

Kim Dayton, Kim Gordon, Bill Douglas, and Rene Block explored the possibility of starting such a program. It seemed to all that an “Artist in Residency” was a perfect match for the Mission, Vision, and Purpose of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society.

Jack Dant is a St. Paul, Minnesota painter/sculptor whose painting subjects range from landscape and still life to portraits and figures. He is drawn primarily to realism in the style of the American Impressionists however, his technique and style continue to evolve. Jack enjoys painting outside on location (plein air) as well as painting in his studio. He has studied Flemish techniques in still life and portraits with Jeff Hurinenko and spent many years studying landscape painting with Joe Paquet, using direct painting methods and the prismatic palette.

Jack has painted on the Gunflint Trail previously but not for an extended amount of time. He is enthusiastic about the prospect of an extended period to focus on the landscape possibilities of the Gunflint Trail community.

Jack will be at the Seagull Community Center (7 Seagull Lake Access Road) to speak about his experiences painting on the Gunflint Trail and about how he works outdoors and his artistic process as a Plein Air Painter.