NEW ULM — Artist June Newburg is bringing the essence of rural and cowboy rancher life to the forefront with her latest art exhibit at Lykke Books, located at 203 Minnesota St. North. The exhibition, running through Sunday, October 13, showcases Newburg’s dedication to preserving the rural legacy through her vibrant paintings and multimedia works.
Drawing on her experiences growing up in Willow Lake, South Dakota, Newburg’s exhibit highlights the traditions and lifestyles emblematic of South Dakota and other Western states. One notable piece, “Four Generations at Edleman Ranch,” depicts a range of cowboy boots, including the dress boots of her father Elmer, her brother Myron’s work boots, and her nephew Myron’s thicker-soled boots, symbolizing various eras of ranch life.
Another painting, “Three Generations,” captures a rear view of a Chevy pickup alongside the heads and shoulders of her father Elmer, her brother Myron, and his son Marshall. Additionally, “Heading Home” portrays Myron carrying a saddle after a long day’s work.
Newburg also includes other family members in her works, such as her aunt, uncle, and Myron’s grandchildren. Her art further explores themes such as rodeo barrel racing, prairie flowers, decorated cow skulls, and rural landmarks like grain elevators and windmills.
“My family members are my (art) models. They work cheap. I pay them off with paintings,” Newburg quipped.
A seasoned artist with 55 years of experience, Newburg initially pursued an art major in college but transitioned to elementary education, where she taught in South Dakota and Minnesota before focusing full-time on her art career. After marrying Huon Newburg in 1968 and having their first child, she left teaching and later became involved in an art club in Glenwood. The Newburg family relocated to New Ulm in 1985.
Using oils, graphite, and colored pencils, Newburg has received numerous regional and national awards for her work. Her paintings are featured across the United States, in various European countries, and in her home studio and gallery.
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