The Advanced Journalism crew headed to The James Memorial Art Center, a historic building in Williston that promotes the Arts. The building hosts art exhibits, banquets, receptions, and social events such as the Open Mic Night.

Jamie Azevedo, Administrative Assistant at The James Memorial Library, shared the following historical notes about the center:

• In 1910, local women petitioned funding for a public library. Arthur Curtis James paid for the project as a memorial to his father, D. Willis James. The town of Williston was named after D. Willis James, a New York native with investments in the railroad.
• The original cost of The James, including the domed ceiling with stained glass, was $15,690.
• The library remained open through the Great Depression – aside from one time when funds were at a $15 balance – until 1983 with the building of a new library.
• The James Memorial Preservation Society repurposed the building to what it is today: a cultural center for Williston.

We toured Sabrina Ramey’s exhibit, “The Dakota Territory Heritage Project.” Here are some of her displayed photos:

Current Events at the James: People’s Choice Award (Adults and Youth)

Williston High’s very own James Skinner has artwork on display!

Upcoming Events at the James:

• What: The North Dakota Student Art Show
• When: January 3-31, 2018
• Where: 621 First Avenue West

Regular Gallery Hours: 

• Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Friday 1:00 p.m. – 3 p.m.
• Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Contact Information: www.thejamesmemorial.org

Student Shares:

Andrew Malone: I went on a great trip to the James Memorial Library. I thought it was kind of fun. There were some amazing art pieces but I found my favorite part was the theater and the photography. Everything was so awesome. I enjoyed this trip and hope you go as well.

Breanna Willeford: The trip to the James Memorial was pretty cool and I enjoyed all the photographs. James Skinner’s paintings were my favorite. The thing I found most interesting about the building’s architecture was the auditorium downstairs and the staircase.

Cassandra Webb: I had fun studying different feelings or moods in the photographs at the James Memorial. I took a few myself while outside in the bitter cold and it felt like I found my purpose as an aspiring photographer.

Elizabeth Leko: I feel the trip to the James Memorial was a good experience and helped me realize that unknown artists can also have beautiful pieces. The building and the vibes it radiated made you feel calm and helped you to focus on what the art pieces were representing. It was an overall fun time and I wouldn’t mind going again.

Torrie Johnson: The trip to The James was fun.  I saw all different kinds of art. I didn’t know there was so many different ways art could be shown. The building, I think, was the coolest because it’s a very old building.