Gordon Borsvold’s art remained unseen for years, except for close friends and family, but a new exhibit at the Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC) is finally bringing his paintings to light.
Speaking about Borsvold, long time friend John Collier said, “It’s very exciting because the house in which Gordon lived had very low light… it was just thrilling to see them in the daylight.”
The opening reception for the exhibit was on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and will remain open until Oct. 31. The exhibit features 32 of Borsvold’s works, and was curated by Bonnie Loukus, executive director of the CCCAC, as well as Cynthia Coté, who recently retired Founding Director and Curator of the CCCAC.
After Borsvold’s passing on Aug. 7, 2024, Collier contacted Loukus and Coté to donate some of the paintings that were left to him and ask if they wanted to make an exhibit. “It magically all came together really well. We got connected and we are happy to host this,” says Loukus.
Borsvold embraced a do-it-yourself attitude in his art, with many of his paintings being made with foam boards, cardboard, masonite, or ceiling tiles. Collier explained that Borsvold’s personal favorite painters were “abstract expressionist painters, and so many of his paintings reflect that movement of art.” Going through the exhibit, many of the paintings feature bright colors and textures. Another close friend of Borsvold, Sharon Hilberer, said that Borsvold painted for “the sheer joy of it,” and “the complete freedom to express himself and make something new.”
Painting was just one of Borsvold’s talents, as Borsvold received an education in art in Detroit. Following his education, Borsvold worked with several design firms in the Detroit area creating prototype models for the automotive industry.
In the 1960s, Borsvold moved to the Copper Country with his wife Jane. After Borsvold bought his home and an art studio, he worked as a production potter selling functional ware. Collier, who was Borsvold’s friend for nearly 50 years, said, “[Borsvold] was a potter for about 25 to 30 years… then he mostly did sculpture.” Borsvold’s home and yard were filled with his sculptures. Pat Taczydlowski, a neighbor and close friend of Borsvold, said “[Borsvold] saw potential in everything… he’d come home with something from the dollar store and make amazing things out of it.”
Every Monday in the 1990s and 2000s, Borsvold taught classes on how to paint at the CCCAC. “[Borsvold] gave meaning to this place for a lot of people,” noted Coté.
There are some pieces of art from Borsvold that will remain in the CCCAC’s collection; they can be seen in the back classroom area of the building. Statues of Borsvold’s can also be seen in the Boston Pond Nature Area on US-41. The paintings will be up for sale starting at 150 dollars, with all proceeds going back into CCCAC.
For more information about the CCCAC and its events, visit coppercountryarts.com/.
