Influence at Concordia College
Mickelson was a a member of the Art Department faculty from 1978-2014 and taught sculpture, 2D and 3D foundations, drawing and elementary art education courses at Concordia College.[8][9] He also served time as the department chair and director of Cyrus M. Running Gallery from 2002-2005.[10][11]
When asked about what was fulfilling about working as a professor at Concordia, he stated the following: "It's fulfilling to see a student see the light... a creative spark... the "Aha!" stage... and they start to really understanding what art is really about... and build a strong relationship with materials and techniques to convey what they want to convey."[12]
He has received numerous awards and recognition for his sculptures and teaching, one of which includes the Ole and Lucy Flaat Distinguished Teaching Award from Concordia College in 2006.[13][14] His works are in both private and public collections of the Rourke Museum, The Plains Art Museum, Concordia College and Fergus Falls Community and Technical College.[15]
[8] "Duane K. Mickelson Obituary 2015."
[9] Craft, William J., "Death of Duane Mickelson, emeritus faculty member," November 25, 2015. Mickelson, Duane Biography Files Collection, Concordia College Archives.
[10] "Duane K. Mickelson Obituary 2015."
[11] Craft, "Death of Duane Mickelson, emeritus faculty member."
[12] Nicklason, Trevor, "Duane Mickelson: Oral History Project," Interviewing, December 15, 2004. Mickelson, Duane Biography Files Collection, Concordia College Archives.
[13] "Duane K. Mickelson Obituary 2015."
[14] Craft, "Death of Duane Mickelson, emeritus faculty member."
[15] Larson, Anna G., "Artist and educator Duane Mickelson dies at 62," The Forum, November 26, 2015. Mickelson, Duane Biography Files Collection, Concordia College Archives.
Figure 2: "Mickelson and Student," Concordia College.