Reeb exposes bees’ struggles in her art

Jodi Reeb, an artist based in the Carriage House at the Casket Arts building, 681 17th Ave. NE, recently concluded her solo exhibition “Landscapes Exposed” at St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minn. The show featured 40 mixed-media works combining encaustic painting and photo collage. 

Reeb’s photographs, focusing on pollinator-friendly plants, are captured from “a bee’s perspective” and printed on tissue paper before being embedded in beeswax. Her work aims to raise awareness about how we can support pollinators, emphasizing the importance of preserving habitats for bees and other insects. 

In 2020, Reeb received a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board to explore the challenges faced by pollinators. Her research revealed that Minnesota is home to 410 species of bees, many of which are experiencing habitat loss, contributing to declining populations. Although honey bees are the most well-known pollinators, Reeb said many other solitary bees also face difficulties, with their struggles often going unnoticed. One particular species, the rusty patched bumblebee, has captured the hearts of many people concerned with the conservation efforts in Minnesota, as its habitat has dwindled to a small area in the state. 

Reeb’s research led her to several ways individuals can support pollinators. For example, leaving 12 inches of plant stalks in the fall can provide winter shelter for bees. She also encourages planting pollinator-friendly plants and creating small water sources, such as a dish filled with rocks and water, to help bees hydrate. Inspired by her findings, Reeb even converted part of her own yard into a pollinator haven.

The exhibition showcased two distinct series. The first focused on pollinator-friendly plants, with Reeb printing her black-and-white photos on tissue paper, then embedding them in beeswax and painting over them in color. She describes these works as a blend of 50% photography and 50% painting. The second series featured film photographs, often double or triple exposed, to simulate how bees might see the world. Reeb shared her excitement about the unpredictable outcomes of these images, saying she never knows what to expect until the film is developed.

Reeb’s journey as an artist began in her childhood in Bismarck, N.D. At just five years old, she found joy in drawing animals on large sheets of newspaper that a friend’s mother had brought home. Reeb recalls proudly selling these drawings in her neighborhood, feeling a strong sense of accomplishment and confidence in her artistic abilities.

In junior high, a supportive art teacher introduced her to a variety of mediums, which deepened her passion for art. After high school, Reeb moved to Minneapolis to study accounting at Normandale Community College. However, during her final semester, she took a series of art electives that rekindled her artistic passion. This led her to apply to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), where she was accepted as a sophomore, bypassing the freshman year due to the strength of her portfolio.

After graduating from MCAD, Reeb worked at an art consulting company and gallery called Art Holdings. There, she honed her artistic direction while working full-time as a resident artist. In 2005, Reeb moved into the Traffic Zone Arts Building, where she maintained her studio for nearly two decades before relocating to Casket Arts in 2023.

Reeb operates her studio on the third floor of the Casket Arts Carriage House, where she teaches monthly encaustic painting classes for beginning and advanced artists. The studio is also where she creates and exhibits her own work. She finds great value in being part of a vibrant artist community, where diverse mediums are explored and shared.

In addition to her own artistic practice, Reeb serves as a mentor to emerging artists, having guided approximately 45 artists from various locations. She currently mentors five artists within the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Reeb also plays a significant role as a partner in the Kolman & Reeb Gallery, located in the Northrup King Building. The gallery, co-founded with arts patron Anita Sue Kolman, bridges the gap between artists and collectors by showcasing contemporary abstract art by Minnesota artists and mentoring emerging talent.

Reeb’s studio will be open for visitors during the Arts District’s Fall Open Studios event, which takes place the second weekend in November. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the works from “Landscapes Exposed,” as well as photography by local artist Steve Ozone. During the Carriage House at Casket Arts building’s Second Saturday event in December, Reeb will host a “make and take” encaustic ornament activity.

Looking ahead, Reeb is preparing for a major exhibition next summer at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This show will feature her wire sculptures inspired by seed shapes, along with the work of two other artists.