Charley Harper
Minimalist Marvels
Summer 2025
COLORS & SHAPES
Nature According to Artist Charley Harper
On Exhibit Throughout Detroit Lakes
An exhibition produced by the Muséum de Toulouse in partnership with the Charley Harper Art Studio.
Iconic American artist Charley Harper is coming to Detroit Lakes, thanks to a unique international collaboration with the Muséum de Toulouse in France.
Muséum de Toulouse —the second largest museum in France—contacted Project 412 after learning about its recent work bringing artist Thomas Dambo and the world’s largest permanent troll exhibition to the area. Impressed by the organization’s commitment to engaging the community through art and nature, the Muséum de Toulouse offered Detroit Lakes the first stop on the international tour of their “Colors & Shapes – Nature as Seen by Charley Harper” exhibit.
“We’re thrilled to bring this visually striking display to Detroit Lakes
and to continue showcasing internationally renowned art in our community.
Charley Harper’s distinctive style and joyful celebration of nature align beautifully
with our mission and our community’s creative spirit.”
This summer, see over 50 reproductions of
Charley Harper’s art
throughout Detroit Lakes
The indoor-outdoor exhibit features over 50 reproductions of Charley Harper’s art
- Becker County Museum – 714 Summit Ave, Detroit Lakes
- Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park –28499 Randolph Rd, Detroit Lakes
- Washington Square Mall – 808 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes
The exhibits open May 15 and will remain open during each venue’s operating hours through September 15.
This exhibition is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – thanks to Project 412 Wave Makers.
“We’re thrilled to bring this visually striking display to Detroit Lakes and to continue showcasing internationally renowned art in our community,” said Amy Stearns, Executive Director for Project 412. “Charley Harper’s distinctive style and joyful celebration of nature align beautifully with our mission and our community’s creative spirit.”
Learn more at CharleyHarperArtStudio.com.
Tag your selfies with #CharleyHarperArt and #Project412
Sponsored by Project 412 Wave Makers
What is a Wave Maker? Find out & join us at Project412mn.org/Support-Us
About Charley Harper's Art
Ladybugs, pink flamingos and squirrels come alive with American artist Charley Harper’s bold, sharp lines. The mind behind minimalist realism, he reveals his subjects’ unique facets through highly stylized geometric reduction. Shapes and blocks of color become animals or plants.
I regard the picture as an ecosystem in which all the elements
are interrelated, interdependent, perfectly balanced…
A fervent nature lover and protector, and captivated by heartfelt observation of his environment, Harper celebrates biodiversity in all its splendor. His works hold hidden shapes, revealing flora and fauna that are sometimes only seen at a second glance.
Each of Charley Harper’s works offers a stylized portrayal of flora and fauna, while capturing the underlying realities of nature. As you wander through the exhibition here and at the other two sites, keep an eye out for pictograms on the artwork labels—they highlight the interactions and science behind the pieces.
Zone 1 - Who Was Charley Harper?
Born in Frenchton in West Virginia, Charley Harper grew up on a farm, where he developed a passionate interest in drawing and observing nature. After serving in the United States Army in the Second World War, he graduated from Cincinnati Art Academy in 1947. He then went on to teach there for many years.
Over the course of his career, Charley Harper was a distinguished illustrator of books, magazines such as the Ford Times, and posters and other material for American environmental organizations.
Part of the American modernist movement in the 1960s, he focused almost entirely on nature as a muse and a cause. In 1966, he wrote:
"If I had not become an artist,
I would have been a conservationist."
📍See this at Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park • Map below
Zone 1 • 12 Works of Art
Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park
Zone 2 - Charley Harper’s Unique Vision of Nature
A renowned artist, Charley Harper was not a naturalist in the conventional sense. His artistic portrayal of flora and fauna is far removed from the scientific precision associated with naturalists such as John James Audubon.
Favoring an esthetic approach, Harper’s unique style of minimalist realism offers an alternate perception of the animal kingdom. Colors and geometric shapes are highlighted, with a focus on the various species’ disparities, in their simplest form.
However, behind this apparent simplicity lies a complex artistic process involving multiple techniques (sketching, collage, acrylic painting, etc.).
When his works were finished, Charley Harper used the silkscreen process to reproduce them, thereby guaranteeing high quality and a wide circulation.
📍 See this at Becker County Museum • Map below
Zone 2 • 27 Works of Art
Becker County Museum
Zone 3 - Charley Harper, Artist & Activist
In the 1980s, Charley Harper was commissioned to create illustrations of the landscapes and biodiversity in several American national parks. Capturing the diversity of regional ecosystems, these posters are a testament to the artist’s ecological awareness. “Where does one draw the line between preservation of nature and preservation of self?”
Committed but moderate, he often added a subtle and humorous personal touch to his works, with the aim of provoking thought about environmental issues. “Mystery of the missing migrants” is a perfect illustration of this approach; with this sarcastic title he calls visitors’ attention to the disappearance of migratory birds, and condemns the destruction of their natural habitats in writing.
Charley Harper left an artistic heritage marked by his ability to fuse esthetics and commitment to the environment. His work continues to enchant and educate, reminding us all of the importance of preserving natural diversity for future generations.
📍See this at Washington Square Mall • Map below
Zone 3 • 13 Works of Art
Washington Square Mall
About the Artist
Charley Harper
From the Official Charley Harper website:
Charley Harper (–) had an alternative way of looking at nature. His serigraphs were large expanses of rich color, which gave the viewer a very different perspective on the animal kingdom. A conservationist as well as an artist, Harper revealed the unique aspects of his wildlife subjects through highly stylized geometric reduction. Harper said he was the only wildlife artist who has never been compared to Audubon
, yet his wildlife art was just as instructive—the only difference was that Harper laced his lessons with humor. Harper believed that humor made it easier to encourage changes in our attitudes and awareness of environmental concerns. READ MORE
"I learn as much as I can about the creatures that interest me, and they all do.
I observe them and find out how they interact with each other
and their environments and ask myself, 'What if?' "
Thank you for your support!
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