Meet the Artist

Isabel Emerson is an artist and writer currently based in Minnesota.

 

Currently exploring the relationship between predators and prey and how such human interactions can create defining moments in an individual's subjective memory. 

I reject the inherent misogynist phenomenon that quietly encourages women to become smaller, to be lesser. I create with curiosity, and will do so for as long as I am physically able. Currently, my large abstract landscapes fixate on the sky: horizon lines and clouds. I want to shift the focus toward the earth and let the ribbons of color flirt with the horizon lines. 

I am now a feral artist. I’ve no interest in limiting myself to one process/system of materials for making art. Using my own hands as a tool allows me to enter my own work in a way I once thought taboo.

About Painting

The themes of repetition reflected in Emerson’s most current work are an abstract representation of the processes of surviving intimate partner violence.

Emerson aims to allow the viewer to step inside the art and experience a sense of safety and calm. It’s also an open invitation to reflect on this chaotic time and consider which objects, places, or people can offer even small comforts.

About Printmaking

Combining printmaking and painting allows Emerson elements of repetition to highlight deliberate objects, places, and spaces. Subjects are often common, albeit overlooked, parts of nature. Prints are hand-carved and hand-pressed. Watercolor paint is included sparingly. Some have natural elements, and others are more graphic. 

CV

M Isabel Emerson Kallemeyn

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA in 1987. Lives and Works in Big Lake, Minnesota

2010 BA, Applied Economics, Fine Art with a Concentration in Painting, The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota.

Upcoming Events

Bookish Art Fair on April 25 from 12-4 at Yellowbird Coffee Bar in NE Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair May 9-10 2026

ART-A-WHIRL all three days, May 15-16-17, 2026

Grand Marais Arts Festival July 11-12 2026: book your stay now- so many nature adventures are waiting!

Loring Park Art Festival July 25-26 2026

Come see new works and yellow flowers, resistance prints, and even more remarkably cute bunnies against fascism

Juried Exhibitions

2025 Art in Bayfront Park, Duluth, MN

2025 SoMi Art Fair, Bachman’s Home & Garden in Minneapolis, MN

2025 Lanesboro Fine Art Festival, Art in the Park, Lanesboro, MN. Mixed Media Artist.

2024 Lanesboro Fine Art Festival, Art in the Park, Lanesboro, MN. Mixed Media Artist.

2023 Lanesboro Fine Art Festival, Art in the Park, Lanesboro, MN. Mixed Media Artist.

Solo Exhibitions

2026 What Is Still Lovely? An Exhibition of New Works, Holland Arts East Gallery, Minneapolis, Minnesota

2010 A Great Loss, The Red Mug, Superior, Wisconsin, Senior Exhibition by The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota

Group Exhibitions

2026 Art Yard Sale for Mutual Aid, Holland Arts West, Minneapolis, Minnesota

2025 Holland-Daze Open Studio, Minneapolis, MN

2025 Alumni Makers Market at The College of St Scholastica, Duluth, MN

2025 Mother’s Day Pop Up, Mall of America, Bloomington, MN

2025 Monti Arts Community Art Show, Monticello, MN

2024- Selected Works: Created by CSS Art: Alumni and Current Students, The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN

2023 Northwoods Art and Book Festival, Hackensack, MN

2021 Treefort Music Fest Storyfort Festival: Undergraduate Voices from Boise State University: Selected Fiction Reader: Short Story Benzo Benzo Benzo

2010 Ripple Effect: The Art of Creative Influence: Sarah Brokke, John Steffl Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, Duluth, Minnesota

2010 DAI Annual Membership Exhibition, Great Hall Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, Duluth, Minnesota

Published Works

2023 The Talking Stick Volume 32: Twist in the Road, Literary Journal of the JackPine Writers Bloc; First Prize in Fiction: Limes. Visit https://www.jackpinewriters.com/

2010 The Freshwater Review, Spring 2010 Volume 14, The Artistic & Literary Journal of the College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota

2009 The Freshwater Review Spring 2009 Volume 13, The Artistic & Literary Journal of the College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota

2007 Contributing Work Appendix A: Persuading the Audience Towards a Specific Action, Public Speaking, A Developmental Guide, Seventh Edition, E. Nelson, D. Peterson-Perlman, University of Minnesota Duluth

Press

https://ampers.org/mn-art-culture-history/mary-kallemeyn/

https://mnartists.walkerart.org/of-pastries-and-paintings-duluth-superior

https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/st-scholastica-students-get-taste-of-online-work-for-national-client

Awards

2023 Lanesboro Art Festival, Award of Excellence

2023 Jackpine Writers Bloc: Fiction First Place: Limes