Arts News
Arts Advocacy Day is March 3
Arts Advocacy Day is March 3
Put this event on your calendar
Arts Advocacy Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026—and we need you there.
This session will shape the future of arts funding in Minnesota. Showing up together is how we make sure lawmakers see the full force, scale, and diversity of the arts community.
Your early registration = bigger crowds, stronger organizing, and a louder voice at the Capitol.
Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day!
Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd, 2026
Rally in the Capitol Rotunda: 10 - 11 AM
Legislative Meetings: 11 AM - 3 PM
Beginner Stained Glass Class in Fosston Dec 7
Beginner Stained Glass Class on Dec 7
Back by popular demand!
Due to popular demand, Old School Arts is offering another Christmas tree stained glass class. Join them on December 7 from 2 - 6 PM to create beautiful Christmas trees. All supplies are included, and beginners are welcome. The cost is $75. The class will be held upstairs in the old Lengby Schoolhouse. Sign up at oldschoolarts.org/book-a-class to reserve your spot.
207 S. Dove Avenue, Lengby, MN701-566-4611
December Newsletter … What’s happening in the arts?
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the December 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/48w5PxC
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Attention Songwriters, Composers, & Others in the Music Industry
Call for Songwriters, Composers, and Others in the
Music Industry!
Help Us Celebrate the Artists Behind the Music!
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is sponsoring an exhibit featuring songwriters, composers, and others involved in the music industry opening mid-January through April at our gallery in Thief River Falls.
Who are we looking for?
Singer/Songwriters
Composers
Performers
Instrument Makers
Others involved in music publishing, recording, management, production, distribution, marketing, merchandising, art design, and more!
What are the items that will be showcased?
Gig posters
Musical Instruments
Picks
Drum Sticks
Notebooks with music or lyrics
Awards
Newspaper/magazine articles
Photos
Sheet music
Albums
CD cases
Clothing or Merch
Other
Those featured will primarily be residents of our 7 county region. Former residents or others with a connection to the region can also be included.
Please reach out with questions and interest. We will need bios, artist statements, websites, and contact information. treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or 218-280-4917
Individual Artist Grant Deadline Added — Apply byJanuary 15
Apply Now for an Individual Artist Grant!
There is an additional grant deadline of January 15 for Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500. These grants are awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals; $3,000 going to three individuals and $5,000 going to three individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota.
Traveling Art Exhibit is in Ada
NWMAC Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Ada
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 14 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit is currently at the Ada Public Library until December 18. Please stop by to see these works of art during library hours. Some of these pieces of art are for sale. Please reach out to the Arts Council with questions about the exhibit.
The 2025-2026 Artists and Artwork:
Lucille Nelson, Argyle, “Waiting to be Restored” (Acrylic Painting)
Andy Hall, Climax "Rose Leaves” (Photography)
Paulette Christianson, Badger, “Serene” (Pastel Painting)
Dennis Kinkead, Hallock, “Where Are You Guys Going?” (Watercolor Painting) (Merit)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Water Tower” (Acrylic Painting)
Alicia Spilde, Karlstad, “Dreams” (Mixed Media)
Jessica Lundeen, Thief River Falls “Bee’s Marigold” (Acrylic Painting) (3rd Place)
Melody Voeltz, Lancaster, “Field Bunny” (Watercolor Painting) Lancaster School Student 2nd Place
Daniel Jones, Crookston, “Retro Modern” (Ink Print) Crookston School
Josiah Sjothun, Ada, “Chevette” (Sculpture) Ada-Borup-West High School
Alyssa Foster, Thief River Falls, “One Act Matters” (Drawing) TRF School Student 1st Place
Kaytlyn Knutson, Red Lake Falls, “Masquerade” (Acrylic Painting) Red Lake Falls School
Anthony Lucio, Red Lake Falls, “Bridge From My Window” (Mixed Media) Red Lake Falls School
Addison Severts, Grygla, “Serenity” (Sculpture) Grygla School Student 3rd Place
The 2025-2026 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
May 8 to June 26 Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls
June 26 to August 5 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls
August 5 to September 23 Roseau Public Library, Roseau
September 23 to November 12 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
November 20 to December 18 Ada Public Library, Ada
December 18 to February 3, 2026 Godel Public Library, Warren
February 3, 2026 to Mid-March Annual Exhibit TBD** Sorenson Gallery, Aurora Center for the Arts, Fosston
*The start and end dates at each location are approximate, depending on weather, venue hours and other circumstances that may occur to prohibit travel. For specific library hours, please contact each location before planning your visit, especially if you are planning on bringing a group.
**Tentatively scheduled
For more information about the Traveling Exhibit or our other exhibits look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
Engaging Customers & Selling Your Work — virtual workshop December 2
Work of Art: Engaging Customers & Selling Your Work is a free virtual workshop offered by Springboard for the Arts on Tuesday, December 2 from 6 to 8:30 PM. Sign up at https://springboardforthearts.formstack.com/forms/work_of_art_engaging_customers_selling_your_work
Playwrights’ Center Offers Programs for Area Artists
Playwrights’ Center Offers Opportunities for Area Artists
Applications are open for Playwrights' Center's fellowship programs. Artists are welcome to apply for multiple programs if they are eligible. See details below!
Core Writer: (committed US-based playwrights) Deadline Jan. 22
https://pwcenter.org/programs/core-writer-program/
McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting: (Minnesota-based playwrights who have had at least 1 professional production) Deadline Jan. 8
https://pwcenter.org/programs/mcknight-fellowship-in-playwriting/
Many Voices Mentorship: (beginning BIPOC Minnesota-based playwrights) Deadline Dec. 4
https://pwcenter.org/programs/many-voices-mentorship/
McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship: (experienced Minnesota-based non-playwright theater artists) Deadline March 26
https://pwcenter.org/programs/mcknight-theatre-artist-fellowships/
Arts Grant Funding for Schools — Apply Now!
ARTS GRANT FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS
APPLY TODAY!
Artist Residency Grants + Arts Equipment Grants
Artist Residency Grants
Schools can apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $3,000. To apply, schools fill out an application showing interest in funding, then requests are made with add-on forms within the on-line grant software for specific project funding requests. Schools can initially apply for 2 residencies. Then, based on remaining funding, can request up to 4 residencies total. Each residency requires a 10% cash match. Our teaching artist roster is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area and is available on our website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.orgunder the artists tab. Another resource to find teaching artists is COMPAS.
Arts Equipment Grants
Did you know that schools can apply to purchase artistic equipment for your visual art, performing art, media arts, or creative writing departments? Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match. The competitive deadline was September 30 and is now first come first served. Equipment that is used solely for the pursuit of arts like a kiln or theater lights, or a band instrument has a better chance of being funded. Please note that schools are limited to one grant up to $3000 per year so if your school has already applied and received a grant for arts equipment you are not eligible to apply again until the next school year.
Tips for applying...
Remember that most schools are already in our system as organizations, so you probably only need to call our office to add yourself as a User.
The first thing to do is show interest in our funding by completing the very easy Arts Grant application and hit submit.
Next our staff reviews your school's interest and then assigns add-ons to the teacher/coordinator/administrator listed in the app that would like add-on forms.
Teachers login, complete and submit their add-on follow up form with details related to their project and their $ request. This form is short and friendly to fill out.
Then as your school waits to hear back, someone needs to complete the required data collection app online and submit.
Contact our office with questions or for help with your application. We are happy to help! director@nwartscouncil.org, 218-745-8886, ext 1
Nominations for Of the Year Awards Due Saturday, January 31
Nominations for Of the Year Awards Due January 31
Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Often people serve in both roles. Nominations are due on Saturday, January 31.
Northwest Star Award
The Northwest Star Award is a lifetime achievement award. This award is for $5,000 and can be a wonderful gift to those who have chosen a hard career path related to artistic expression. Artists can only receive this award once.
Artist of the Year
Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500 to use however they see fit.
Arts Advocate of the Year
Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and honors someone who keeps being a voice and advocate for arts within the community or local school or the region. Arts includes all disciplines.
An ELIGIBLE NOMINATION must include one completed nomination form, narrative on merit, letters supporting the nomination, a copy of the nominee’s resume or detailed qualifications, five work samples if artist, and be received by January 31. Only residents of the Minnesota counties Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau are eligible for these $500 awards. We also give a large Northwest Star Artist award. The first step is to nominate the person for Northwest Artist. One person will be selected to receive a $5,000 cash award from the pool of candidates and receive our Northwest Star recognition. This person must be beyond an emerging or student status to be considered. This truly is a once in a lifetime award. Additional criteria apply so please contact our office for more information if you feel your nominee will be considered 218-745-8886.
RESTRICTIONS: Each award can be received only once in a lifetime. Nominations will not be carried over from year to year. Previous nominees must be re-nominated each year. It is the policy of NWMAC that nominees will not be notified of their nomination unless they are chosen to receive an Award.
* *
Please consider nominating someone who you view as a deserving candidate from our seven-county service area in northwestern Minnesota. Questions? Contact our office at (218) 745-8886 or email director@NWArtsCouncil.org for more information. The nomination form is here. Curious who has received these awards in the past? Find out here.
Awards are presented at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Exhibit reception in Warroad on Saturday, April 25. Funding for Northwest Star and Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Funding for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.
November Newsletter … What’s happening in the arts?
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the November 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/47VzqQP.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Free Artist Career Consultations offered by Springboard
Free Artist Career Consultations Offered by Springboard for the Arts!
Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar
Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar
Minnesota arts & cultural organizations offering accessible programs and services are welcome to list events on the Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar. An account is required; register today or log in to submit events. New accounts need to be approved by the Minnesota Access Alliance board before you’ll be able to submit events. Please allow 48 hours for your registration to be approved.
The Minnesota Access Alliance (MNAA) provides this Accessible Arts & Culture Calendar for patrons who use accessibility accommodations. At the their website you’ll find listings of (in order):
* Captioning,
* ASL interpreting,
* Audio Description,
* Sensory-friendly accommodations, and
* Disability-related events.
Each listing links to more details on MNAA’s online calendar (https://calendar.mnaccess.org). Be sure to check the listing or venue to find out its COVID-19 protocol and if you need to make an advance reservation for the accessibility service.
Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar is here: https://calendar.mnaccess.org
If you previously had an account to submit events to VSA Minnesota’s Accessible Art Activities Calendar, your credentials for that calendar are still valid here.
This calendar only lists events that provide explicit accommodations for people with disabilities. Information about the accessibility of the event location and provided accommodations is a requirement in order to be listed.
To submit events and register start at this page: https://calendar.mnaccess.org/calendar/submit/
If you know of other accessible events, please ask those venues to submit their events to the MNAA Calendar (and to MinnesotaPlaylist.com).
Anyone can get this monthly calendar: email mactfactor@icloud.com and/or info@mnaccess.org and indicate which list you want: the entire list or specifically ASL Interpreting, Captioning, Audio Description, Sensory Friendly accommodations or Disability-related topics.
Summer Art Camp Instructor Proposals Now Open!
Summer Art Camp Instructor Proposals Now Open
Open to Practicing Artists in All Media
The North Dakota Museum of Art is now accepting proposals for the 2026 Summer Art Camp season. Practicing artists working in any media - painting, sculpture, fiber, design, printmaking, photography, and beyond - are invited to apply.
This is open to artists at all career stages.
Summer Art Camp is an exciting opportunity for kids to explore creativity and discover the many ways art can be made! As a practicing artist, your leadership and experience can inspire the next generation of creators. The North Dakota Museum of Art, our state’s official art museum, located in the beautiful city of Grand Forks, is the perfect place to make a meaningful impact.
Each camp functions as a weeklong teaching artist residency, offering professional artists the chance to work directly with children (ages 6-9 or 10-14) in a collaborative, hands-on setting. Projects should be designed for classroom-based spaces.
Projects should reflect the artist’s own practice while remaining accessible and engaging for young learners. Camps take place June 9–July 18, 2026, at the North Dakota Museum of Art and affiliated UND facilities. Artists will lead a single, week-long camp (Monday-Friday) with support from trained assistants and Museum staff.
Compensation and Support
$1,150 instructor stipend
$250 supply budget for materials
On-site staff and helper support
Limited travel stipends may be available for artists traveling long distances (typically 4+ hours) at the discretion of Museum staff.
Apply today and join the best part of Summer!
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all sessions are filled.
Final decision for the 2026 Season will go out in February, 2026.
Visit ndmoa.com/summer-art-camp for more information or call 701.777.3599
Community Dance Nov 15 — All are Welcome
North Country Fiddle & Dance
presents a
Community Dance with O'Neil Family Band
Saturday, November 15 from 3-5:30 PM
Bernie’s Restaurant
121 DeMers, East Grand Forks
The O'Neil Family Band will provide rousing fiddle tunes for American folk dances including reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more. You do not need to know how to dance -- all dances are taught and easy to learn. All are welcome — singles, couples, and families!
Join us!
Donations at the door
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
Artist Spotlight with Kat Allen on November 18
NWMAC Staff Members Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling joined Artist Kat Allen for a live discussion recently. Kat is a visual artist, author, and graphic designer from Warroad and is originally from Stephen. Kat designed our recent Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. She is also currently exhibiting work in our Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at NCTC at 1101 State Hwy 1, Thief River Falls. The exhibit is open through November 21. We spoke about Kat’s art, her inspiration, background, and more! Watch the discussion at https://streamyard.com/yyxdut2jkm6u
An Artist Reception was held Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM. This exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Artist Spotlight with Samantha Thibert Harrill October 30 at 2 PM — Watch the recording
Please join NWMAC Staff Members Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling in a live discussion with Samantha Thibert Harrill. Watch the discussion at https://www.youtube.com/live/adNW0BAHZPM?si=nIWijlLQnDXejTJQ
Samantha is a potter from Warroad and is originally from Red Lake Falls. She was recently hired as the Executive Director of Warroad RiverPlace. We spoke with Samantha about her art and Warroad’s RiverPlace.
Samantha is currently exhibiting work in our Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at NCTC at 1101 State Hwy 1, Thief River Falls. The exhibit is open until November 21.
Meet Samantha at the Artist Reception on Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM at the gallery.
This exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Copyright and Trademark Zoom Workshop Nov 8 Free
Intellectual Property Basics: Copyright and Trademark Virtual Workshop Nov 8 Free
Copyrights and trademarks are crucial tools to protect your brand and creative work. But do you know the difference between the two, or how to register for one?
Join attorney Andrea Pelloquin for this free virtual workshop on
Saturday, November 8 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM
This attorney from Springboard’s Minnesota Lawyers for the Arts (MnLA) program will cover intellectual property for visual and performing artists, focusing on copyright and trademark. Learn the difference between the two, how and why to register them, and how both can be used to protect your brand and your creative work.
This workshop is part of a series of virtual workshops being presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library.
Meet the Instructor
Instructor: Andrea Pelloquin (she/her)
Bio: Andrea Pelloquin has worked in the music business and education spaces for over twenty years, working for major print music publishers, retailers, and arts non-profits. She has recently launched a second career as an attorney, specializing in copyrights and trademarks for small businesses and education. Her goal is to make copyright and trademark law simple for the creator and allow them to use it to their advantage to build their business.In addition to running her own legal practice, she is also an adjunct professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and volunteers with the Minnesota State Bar Association for the Mock Trial and Wills for Heroes program.
This virtual meeting is offered via Zoom on
Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM Central
Artist Spotlight with Therese Masters Jacobson
Join NWMAC Staff Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling in a live discussion with Artist Therese Masters Jacobson. We spoke about Therese's art, her current exhibit, her background, philosophy, and inspiration, and much more! The discussion was live. You can watch the recording at https://www.youtube.com/live/-3oQp8Cfy_g?si=_VjQlM_xmpybD9u6 or at our YouTube page.
Drawn from Observation, An Exhibit featuring Art by Therese Masters Jacobson, is open through Mid-December at the Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston, on the 2nd Floor in the Atrium.
This exhibit includes 29 pieces of art in pen and ink, acrylic, and colored pencil created by Visual Artist Therese Masters Jacobson of Alvarado.
Jacobson explained, “All my artwork begins with observing life: the vegetable and flower gardens we grow, wildlife in our world, my family, children and grandchildren. Subjects vary widely as everything I see around me always has interesting shapes, lines, textures, forms, contrasts, or colors which I imagine drawing or composing. This exhibit features a few of my observations in a variety of mediums drawn first in my mind, then composed on paper or canvas.”
Therese Masters Jacobson has always loved colors. While she studied with professionals at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and Bemidji State University, she became a self-trained artist through exploration. She is a visual artist who uses standard media, including acrylics, watercolor, pen and ink, and colored pencils, but she says that “no medium is off the table.” She has created portraits by snipping construction paper, and by making collages with torn magazine. Most recently she has been re-purposing sticky address labels to create portraits.
Parking and admission is free. Some pieces are for sale. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/rXEBWfAczs8 or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
Please let us know if you have questions about the Artist Spotllight or the exhibit.
Therese is also featured in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet and has work in our Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College. There will be an Artist Reception on Thursday, Nov 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM at the gallery. The Artists of NW Minnesota exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Sand Hill Mural Dedication Oct 25
Sand Hill Arts invites you to come to their mural dedication on October 25 at 11 AM in Climax. Hallock Artist Beau Bakken created the mural.