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<br /> <br />Born by the River Coming to Government Center <br /> <br />ERMA member Ron <br />Merchant used to be in <br />telecommunications sales. <br />The year 1999 was his biggest <br />sales year ever, as <br />corporations plunked down <br />millions for upgrades and <br />systems designed with Y2K in <br />mind. Then Y2K hit, with a <br />whimper. The predicted <br />disaster didn't happen. Planes <br />ran on time. Computers <br />booted. The government put <br />up its shingle for another day, <br /> <br />But in the technology sector, <br />the disaster was only <br />beginning, a tremor that <br />Merchant sensed when the phones buzzing off the hook for months lay silent. <br />"What happened," said Merchant, "was that everyone who'd needed to upgrade, <br />because of Y2K or because they had an outdated system, had before the end of <br />1999. So, in 2000, we didn't have anyone calling us." Merchant and several <br />coworkers were given the option to retire. <br /> <br />So at 50, that's just what he did. And instead of mulling over the end of a career, <br />Merchant bought paints, canvas and easel and set forth on a new path-that of <br />full-time artist. <br /> <br />That was 2001, and a mere five years later, the former telecommunications <br />salesman can count a $6,000 Minnesota State Arts Board grant, a published book <br />and a 36-piece oil exhibit among his accomplishments. The exhibit, entitled "Born <br />by the River: People of the Mississippi River Towns" has already toured Red Wing <br />and St. Paul. In October, it hits Elk River. <br /> <br />Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 6 to 8 pm at the Sherburne County Government Center, <br />Merchant will host an opening night reception for "Born by the River," and is inviting <br />ERMA members to come out and see his art, inspired by a tour of eight Minnesota <br />cities (including Elk River) during the summer of 2005, and enjoy the <br />complimentary wine and veggies. <br /> <br />Besides appearing in the show, the paintings and photos from Elk River are <br />collected in a beautiful hardbound companion volume, which will be available <br />opening night but can also be ordered online at www.ronmerchant.com. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Ron Merchant's artistic portrait of eight Minnesota communities, including Elk River <br /> <br />What: The Elk River Area Arts Alliance will be hosting a public reception at the <br />Sherburne County Government Center Wednesday, Oct. 18 to celebrate the opening of <br />Ron Merchant's exhibit "Born by the River: People of the Mississippi River Towns." <br />Refreshments will be served. Call (763) 441-4725 or email elkriverart@Sherbtel.net for <br />information. <br /> <br />When: 6 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18. <br /> <br />Where: The Sherburne County Government Center is located west of downtown Elk <br />River at 13380 Highway 10. <br /> <br />The Eddy . September-October 2006 . page 4 <br /> <br />