FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Madeline Jarvis, Library Director
218-834-6201
madeline.jarvis@alslib.info
www.twoharborspubliclibrary.com
Two Harbors Public Library Announces Eric J. Klepinger as New Artist in Residence
Two Harbors, MN — The Two Harbors Public Library is pleased to welcome Eric J. Klepinger as
our inaugural Artist in Residence. Klepinger will be at residence at the Two Harbors Public
Library through May 2026, developing new work and engaging with the community through a
series of public programs.
“I love teaching and inspiring others to develop their creative abilities, which we all have,
whether we think we do or not,” Klepinger said. “It brings me huge joy helping others to realize
themselves. What I also love is how artists inspire each other, and this magic happens when we
create a safe environment to be creative. Creativity is such a vulnerable and intimate thing to
embrace, and many of us have such trauma from our youth, whether it be judgement from
family, friends and even teachers. To be able to inspire others by being a professional artis who
creates, and to be trusted to guide them in their own expression, is such a blessing. I want to
inspire people to art from their heart and not worry about what others might think.”
“The feedback collected through strategic planning was loud and clear: we love our library and
we want more, this artist in residence position allows for more,” said Library Board Trustee Dan
Thewis. “This position allows patrons to access the library and engage with their community in a
new way. We are incredibly excited to work with Eric in this inaugural role at the library. Not
only will he teach, he will also work with staff to build a firm arts foundation, setting us up for
future endeavors. We’re confident his teaching style and passion for community will foster
creativity, connection and exchange of ideas for the artist and the public.”
Klepinger’s residency will culminate in a community art show centered on the theme “the library
as a cornerstone” in May 2026. Throughout the course of the residency, the public will be able to
participate in workshops, passive activities, and open studio hours. The Artist in Residence
program is funded through the generosity of the Two Harbors Area Fund.
About the Artist
Raised in the mountains of Colorado, Eric developed an early love for the natural world,
spending his days exploring the 40 acres around his home and creating pencil sketches for
friends and family. Encouraged by his mother and inspired by talented art teachers, Eric went on
to earn a degree in graphic arts from the University of Denver. His career in multimedia design
eventually gave way to a full-time pursuit of fine art, where he now works in a variety of media
including pencil, pastel, scratchboard, pen and ink, and acrylic.
Eric’s creative process is grounded in research and observation, with each composition evolving
over weeks of thoughtful design. Drawing on his background in graphic design, he blends
realism with a fluid, expressive style to capture the energy and spirit of his subjects. His work
reflects a deep reverence for the natural world, which continues to inspire him daily from his
cabin home along Lake Superior’s North Shore.
About Two Harbors Public Library
The Two Harbors Public Library is a cornerstone of the community dedicated to fostering
lifelong learning, connection, and inclusivity.