Curio Case of Grass Driven into Trees From Tornado from the collection at the History Center of Olmsted County

Photo by AB-Photography.us

Artist Spotlight Tour with Suzanne Szucs

Saturday, March 7 at 1:00 PM

Join us for an Artist Spotlight Tour with Suzanne E. Szucs, whose immersive sound work Rumble (Curio Case of Grass Driven into Trees from Tornado) is featured in Cyclone: Artist Responses to 100 Years of the History Center of Olmsted County Collection (on view through March 29, 2026).

Inspired by the 1883 tornado that transformed Rochester’s history, Szucs layers sounds to imagine the storm’s intensity and the wonder it left behind. With special cello contributions by Alison Chesley, this powerful piece invites listeners into a vivid sensory journey of resilience and transformation.

"What really attracted me to working with the curio case was the wonder that emerges from the common place. During that era, wonder and curiosity was a feature of the museum's world. That the tiniest blades of grass could be, in the fury of the tornado, impaled upon trees, is something by which to be amazed. In looking at the curio, I immediately thought, what might that have sounded like." - Suzanne Szucs

Meet the artist, hear the story behind the artwork, and experience history in a whole new way. Artist Spotlight Tours last approximately 45 minutes with time for Q&A.

About the Artist

Suzanne E. Szucs is an artist, writer and educator based in Rochester. A recipient of numerous grants and awards, including 2024-25 SEMAC Individual Artist and 2025 Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Individuals grants, she has shown her work widely. Szucs exhibited at the James Wegner gallery at Riverland Community College. This exhibition concluded her long-term Breathing in Place series of videos and sound pieces that she created for each of the Great Lakes. Working in photo, digital imaging, video and sound, her work explores identity and environments. Her sound pieces use instruments and voices outside of their customary musical uses to create rich sonic experiences for the viewer. She has been an Instructor of Art at Rochester Community and Technical College since 2010. She is a member of the Fotomatter collective of Minnesota lens-based artists. 

Artist website: https://www.suzanneszucs.com/

Accessibility

Rochester Art Center strives to be welcoming and accessible for all people. The building has an elevator and three flights of stairs, and all spaces are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Service animals are welcome. A designated quiet space is available on the 3rd floor. Masks are available upon request and guests are encouraged to arrive fragrance free. A range of seating options are available around the building and during programs. There are two gender neutral restrooms located on the second floor. For more information please contact us: info@rochesterartcenter.org or 507-722-2552

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.