A significant cultural event has unfolded in the Fargo-Moorhead arts community, marking the triumphant return of renowned artist Catherine Esmond Mulligan to the local exhibition scene after more than three decades. Now 91, Mulligan’s “Earth Pattern” exhibit at the Rourke Art Gallery + Museum is not merely a display of art but a powerful testament to enduring artistic connections and a vibrant history that once defined the region’s creative landscape.
For years, Mulligan was a foundational figure in the local art scene, her influence spanning from the mid-1970s until her move to Boulder, Colorado, in 1995. Despite her significant contributions as both an artist and an educator, her extensive body of work, particularly her striking ceramic sculpture of female figures, had largely remained private, seen only by a select few involved in their creation and firing.
The impetus for this long-awaited homecoming exhibit originated from a chance conversation between Mulligan and her former student, Reba Mathern-Jacobson. Recognizing the profound artistic value of the dozens of pieces housed within Mulligan’s home studio, Mathern-Jacobson felt compelled to bring this extraordinary work to public light, embarking on a mission to facilitate Catherine Esmond Mulligan‘s return to the very community she helped shape.
The “Earth Pattern” exhibit, now proudly on display at the Rourke Art Gallery + Museum in Moorhead through August 10, 2025, is the first solo show for Mulligan in the area since her departure. This momentous occasion saw the artist herself fly back for the opening weekend festivities, a truly special moment for both her and the many attendees who had followed her career for decades.
Mulligan’s impact on the Fargo-Moorhead arts scene extended far beyond her personal artistic output. She was instrumental in shaping young minds, teaching art at Fargo North High School and North Dakota State University. Crucially, her role as coordinator for the Creative Arts Program, a Fargo Public Schools initiative, provided high school students with invaluable access to diverse artistic tools and techniques, fostering an environment of creative exploration and mentorship within the burgeoning art community.
The collaborative spirit of the time, championed by visionaries like Vince Lindstrom and Jim O’Rourke, was a recurring theme in Mulligan’s reflections. She lauded the inclusive and supportive nature of the Fargo-Moorhead arts environment, where competition gave way to collective growth. Her enduring respect for Jim O’Rourke, her “champion” and a strong advocate for accessible arts, underscores the institutional support that allowed the Rourke Art Gallery to become a cornerstone for artists in the region, paving the way for the current local art revival exemplified by her exhibit.
The opening of “Earth Pattern” was a resounding success, drawing a packed house and marking one of the largest openings at the Rourke in recent memory. For Mathern-Jacobson, seeing the packed gallery and the many heartfelt reunions underscored that her years of effort were not just about curating a show, but about rekindling vital connections. The palpable joy and sense of affirmation felt by Catherine Esmond Mulligan at the event, surrounded by familiar faces, vividly showcased her cherished status as a leader and artist from the region.
Ultimately, this Moorhead art exhibit transcends a simple display of ceramic sculpture. It is a powerful affirmation of artistic legacy, community bonds, and the enduring power of creative expression. Catherine Esmond Mulligan‘s homecoming with “Earth Pattern” serves as a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness and vibrant spirit that continues to define the artistic heart of the Fargo-Moorhead area.
