Arts News
Traveling Art Exhibit is in Fosston at the Sorenson Gallery at the Aurora Center for the Arts
NWMAC Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Fosston
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 Sorenson Gallery at the Aurora Center for the Arts in Fosston until mid-March. 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.
February Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click https://conta.cc/4adelCv
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
National Loon Center Call for Artists
National Loon Center
Call for Artists
National Loon Center - Call For Artists -
The National Loon Center in Crosslake, Minnesota, invites artists to submit proposals for a site-specific art installation in the entry vestibule of its upcoming state-of-the-art facility, scheduled to open in early 2027. This installation should reflect the Center's mission to protect loon habitats and freshwater ecosystems, providing an immersive experience that educates and inspires visitors about the importance of loons and lake conservation. The chosen artist will receive a maximum budget of $250,000, and their work will become a permanent feature, welcoming guests into a space dedicated to conservation, education, and community involvement.
When
See projected schedule below (subject to change).
· January 26, 2026 – Artist Design Submission Begins
· March 16, 2026 – Artist Design Submission Ends
· March 31, 2026 – Notification of Selected Artist
· May 1, 2026 – Refined Design Intent Documentation and Power Requirements Due
· May 15, 2026 – Feedback from National Loon Center + Architectural Coordination
· June 30, 2026 – Schematic Design Drawings Due
· July 17, 2026 – Design Development Drawings Due
· Final installation timeline will be coordinated.
Who
The National Loon Center (NLC) is a new destination focused on conserving loons and freshwater ecosystems. Expected to open in early 2027, the Center aims to engage, educate, inspire, and motivatevisitors to better coexist with loons in our shared habitat, the northern lakes. Through interactive exhibits, outdoor activities, and citizen science programs, the Center encourages a deeper understanding of loon ecology and the importance of protecting freshwater habitats. Its sustainable design and community- driven initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and education.
Eligibility
This Call for Artists is open to professional artists, artist teams, and studios with demonstrated experiencein the design, fabrication, and installation of permanent or large- scale works of art.
· Artists may apply as individuals or collaborative teams.
· Artists may reside anywhere within the United States.
· Employees, officers, board members of the National Loon Center, and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.
· Prior experience with public art or architecturally integrated installations is strongly encouraged.
Submission may be emailed in PDF format to David@nationallooncenter.org or mailed to
National Loon Center
Attention David Nielsen PO Box 642,
Crosslake, MN 56442
Artistic Guidelines
· Artists are expected to use sustainable materials to support the Center's commitment to environmental stewardship and regenerative practices.
· Artists should consider using materials that enhance natural light, as this space will receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
· Artist to provide input on integrated lighting and additional lighting options that may affect the proposed piece, such as spot or task lighting.)
· The proposed solution must be a permanent fixture. Material, form, and mounting must align with a permanent installation strategy.
· The artist is required to either perform the work themselves or oversee the installation of the proposed design.
InProgress Offers Valentine’s Portrait Session in Crookston
Valentine's Portrait Session
Thursday, February 12th 5-8PM
Studio 110 - 110 South Main Street / Crookston 56716
They say “the best things in life are free”. and that is certainly the case with Studio 110’s family portraiture sessions. Photographer Rena Zapata & team welcome you to come and celebrate this season of love and honoring of families through the art of photography. Everyone is welcome to stop by to capture a moment and honor the people you love and respect.
Digital images are uploaded to a site where you can download for your own use on social media or send out for prints.
There is no cost to participate and families are typically welcomed during the above timeframe on a first come first serve basis. With that said, it is important for them to know how many to expect, so if you haven't RSVP'd yet please do at the link below.
Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music Exhibit is Open
Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music
an exhibit featuring
Songwriters, Composers, & the Music Industry
Including Robert “Little Bobby” Houle and Maury Finney
Open Now Until April 16
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
Artist Reception April 16 from 6:30 to 8 PM
Warren, MN. The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our latest exhibit – Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. This exhibit highlights the accomplishments of Robert “Little Bobby” Houle and Maury Finney, as well six other music artists. The exhibit will run from now until April 16.
Little Bobby’s impact on the music industry is known worldwide. Born in Red Lake and raised in Thief River Falls, blues musician and multi-instrumentalist Robert “Little Bobby” Houle III was a third generation Native American musician who followed in his father’s and grandfather’s musical footsteps. From his father, Robert Houle II “Big” Bobby, to his grandfather, Robert Houle, a Rockabilly Music Hall Of Famer, it’s no surprise that Little Bobby was as gifted as he was.
He began as a drummer and then in his early twenties ventured into singing the blues. After already being mostly self-taught, an improvising blues style was a natural fit. In 2005, Little Bobby released his first CD Before The Storm. After that, he released numerous blues albums, including Down, Dirty & Mean (2007), I've Got A Woman (2009), a live DVD A Night At The Empire (2009), Life of the Blues (2010), Showbiz (2015), Super B (2016), the single “Grow Old With You” (2018), an autobiographic DVD Music Is My Life (2018), Simple (2020), God Made Me Blue (2022), and That Killer B Sting (2023). Many of the albums or singles made the charts including holding the #1 album. For a time, he joined Nora Jean Bruso to perform in concerts and blues festivals and toured the United States and abroad including Poland. After playing at the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Sun Times rated Nora Jean & Little Bobby the number one band to see. In 2011, the two put together the CD Good Blues in which Little Bobby not only played on but co-wrote and produced and the album landed on the blues charts.
Little Bobby is the only Minnesota artist to be featured on “The Beale St. Caravan Radio Hour,” the largest syndicated blues show in the world. He’s also been featured on the Black and Blues radio show in The Netherlands, The Monster Blues Show and the Bear Blues Show in the UK, and The Sunday Morning Hangover Cure in Canada, as well as several others. Since the release of God Made Me Blue, his music has played on 1,700 blues stations all over the world.
One of the things that makes Little Bobby’s music so unique is that, except for saxophone, harmonica or steel guitar, he played all the instruments himself and produced his own albums in his state-of-the-art studio in McIntosh under his label, Untouchable Productions. His long-running blues show, Little Bobby’s Juke Joint played Wednesday nights on 90.1 FM (www.radionorthland.org). Tragically, Little Bobby died suddenly in 2024, but his legacy lives on. His albums are available at Little Bobby’s Bar and Grill in McIntosh or online at www.little-bobby-music.company.site or find his music on local radio stations, YouTube, Pandora, iTunes, Spotify, many other music platforms and on every jukebox in the world.
Our other featured music artist is Maury Finney, who is also well-known. Originally from rural Kittson County Minnesota, Maury Finney grew up with music dominating his family’s focus. Dorothy, his mom, was a talented piano player and had been raised in a family of musicians herself. His dad George was a saxophone player and Maury followed in his footsteps. Maury started playing the sax at a young age with guidance from his dad. In his teens, he was hired by a local band leader to fill in for the regular sax player who was forced to take time off to have his teeth fixed. When the sax player returned, Maury remained in the band, gaining invaluable experience by playing alongside seasoned musicians. Those early gigs proved life changing as he developed his talent in ways that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.
With his brother Allen, Maury formed a rock and roll band called The Charms. The band recorded a record and developed a large following, playing venues throughout the local area.
In addition to his music career, Maury and his wife Faith owned Maury's Tv and appliance business in East Grand Forks and later opened a recording studio.
In 1976 Maury recorded the song “Maidens Prayer” for Soundwaves Record Co. of Nashville, which began his country music career with nationwide success. Between 1976 and 1977, he charted the most instrumental songs of any country music artist. In 1977 and 1978, Maury was named “Top New Instrumentalist” by the three leading music reporting magazines -- Billboard Music Week, Record World, and Cashbox magazine. He charted twelve times on the Billboard country singles charts. Later, he organized a 7 piece band called Reedsong Music Company, which included family members. Maury was inducted into Minnesota’s Rock Country Hall of Fame in 2007.
Not long ago he was introduced to Little Bobby Houle and they performed together. Maury shared, “it was a magical time when I became Little Bobby’s saxman at several of Bobby’s shows at casinos, Bluesfests, and many city celebrations. It was a blast playing with such a professional and talented songwriter, guitarist, and great Blues singer. Little Bobby’s passing has left a hole in my music life.”
Maury continues to perform in the northwest Minnesota area and sometimes in Florida, with blues bands, on his own, and when other opportunities arise and he still thoroughly enjoys it.
In addition to Little Bobby and Maury Finney, other artists and groups featured in the exhibit include The Dank, Project: Constellation, Northern Valley Youth Orchestra, Anthony Diaz of Crookston, The O’Neil Family Band of East Grand Forks and Daniel Knight of Grand Forks. Items in this exhibit include posters, awards, newspaper articles, photos, albums, clothing and other merchandise.
Take a virtual walk through of this exhibit at https://youtu.be/gH-Plzv4WvY (on the NWMAC YouTube page). The video is also available on our website under the exhibits tab on the top of the homepage.
An Artist Reception will be held at the gallery on April 16 from 6:30 to 8 PM. Refreshments will be served and everyone is encouraged to attend.
The NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls is at 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls 56701. The gallery is open during Monday-Friday from 8 – 5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please call to make sure the college is open before making a special trip. Hours can change. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.
For more information about this exhibit or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 280-4917 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.
Call for Art: Book, Library, and Reading Related Artwork by EGF’s Campbell Library
Call for Art: Book, Library, & Reading Related Art for
East Grand Fork’s Campbell Library
The East Grand Forks Campbell Library is putting out a call for art. The Campbell Library will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on April 17, and they would love to fill their space with book, library, and reading related artwork. Their library has always been, and will continue to be, a hub for art and a launching place for young and emerging artists. All are welcome. If you are interested in submitting work, please email Andrea with your name, email address, phone number, and the number of works you will be submitting.
Andrea Lorenz
Program Coordinator
alorenz@egflibrary.org, (218) 773-9121, http://www.egflibrary.org
Campbell Library, East Grand Forks
Apply Now for Our Teaching Artist Roster Program Training — Deadline is March 6
Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP) Training
Apply Now — Deadline is March 6
Training will be held Late March - April 2026
Are you an area creative (visual, performing, writing, media, fine craft) who is interested in earning income by working within our local schools and festivals as an artist in residency? The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce an upcoming series of 7 teaching artist training sessions that you can participate in. You will also have the chance to connect with other artists in our region. You must apply and be accepted into the cohort to attend these trainings.
This series will include five sessions online via Zoom and two sessions in person and will be held the following dates:
Saturday, March 28 9 AM to Noon in person in Warren
Tuesday, March 31 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Thursday, April 2 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Tuesday, April 7 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Thursday, April 9 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Tuesday, April 14 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Saturday, April 18 9 AM to Noon in person in Warren
What is the result?
In addition to honing your teaching and professional skills, participants will join the Teaching Artist Roster list on the NWMAC website where schools and festivals go to select who they would like to sponsor with grant funds. You will also have tangible and useful items to help you be a teaching artist, like creating lesson plans, marketing materials, and more. The focus of this training will be to create all content for your online listing by the end of the training. You will also be trained how to work smoothly with school administration and festival coordinators
Is there a cost to participate?
This training is free! This is a invaluable opportunity to receive 16 hours of professional education at no cost and valued at $1,000.
How Do I Apply?
You must fill out the application and send in 2 work samples (see details, including requirements below). Application deadline is March 6. You can download the application from the button below or contact our office for a hard or digital copy. Either mail the application to our office at 109 S Minnesota St, Warren MN 56762 (it must be postmarked by March 6) or email it to director@NWArtsCouncil.org. If you email the application, you MUST confirm with the director that she received the application. If you have questions or need assistance, NWMAC’s Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process. Contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or 218-745-8886, ext 1. Or contact Kristin at nwarts.kristin@gmail.com with questions or for assistance.
Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP) Program
Overview & Guidelines
The Teaching Artist Roster Program is a multi-session training designed to support artists (visual, performing, writing, media, fine craft) in refining and developing skills for conducting collaborative, in-depth arts learning experiences in organizations, community settings and schools. A small cohort of artists will be selected to participate in this training, conducted by our Training Specialist Jane Anderson and guest peer coaches contracted by NWMAC. This training is valued at $1,000 and is 16 hours of education.
Artists who complete the program are listed on the NWMAC Teaching Artist Roster online in our NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org website under Artists in navigation. This roster will be used by area schools to select qualified artists in residencies in the years to come. Schools can and will apply for NWMAC grant funding to sponsor in your residency. Special designated funding exists for schools to sponsor artists on our Teaching Artist Roster.
Artists who complete the Teaching Artist Roster Program:
· Value themselves as artists and understand what they offer as teaching artists
· Expand the ways they apply their craft
· Understand the essential role arts play in a complete education
· Belong to a network of fellow teaching artists who serve as resources, mentors and peers
· Are ready to do personal reflection for continuous improvement
· Understand how the roles of artist and teacher intersect
· Are able to develop a residency plan
· Are familiar with the NWMAC Teaching Artist Grant application process
· Employ strategies that contribute to success as a teaching artist
WHO CAN APPLY
· 18 years of age or older
· Resident of Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, or Norman County for a minimum of six months prior to application will have priority. Artists who live within a close distance (60 miles) to our service area are eligible to participate.
· Either a citizen or have attained permanent resident alien status
· Current and previous Board Members and Staff are eligible
· Applicants cannot have overdue final reports and must be in good standing
Panel members use the following statements when reviewing applicants and selecting participants:
· Applicant’s rationale for wanting to participate in the program has merit.
· Applicant’s work samples demonstrate skill and ability.
· Applicant’s bio shows professionalism and longevity in their discipline.
· Applicant shows a willingness to commit time and energy to program obligations.
· Applicant demonstrates an interest in expanding their skills as a teaching artist.
Download the Application here.
Grant Writing Training is Wednesday, April 15 at 11 AM RSVP Today
We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Wednesday, April 15 at 11 AM. This can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 218-745-8886 or email director@nwartscouncil.org. You can take advantage of the opportunity to come into our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space!
Grant Writing Training is Thursday, February 12 at 4 PM RSVP Today
We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Thursday, February 13 at 4 PM. This can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 218-745-8886 or email director@nwartscouncil.org. You can take advantage of the opportunity to come into our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space!
Call for Art 6 x 6 by Rochester Contemporary Art Center in Rochester NY
Call for Art: 6x6 — The International Small Art Phenomenon
Rochester Contemporary Art Center’s annual 6x6 exhibition is now accepting for entries. Artists of all ages and experience levels worldwide are invited to submit original 6” x 6” artworks. Participation is always free, and every entry is accepted.
Learn more at: www.roco6x6.org — FYI this is in Rochester, NY —
What is 6x6?
It’s a global celebration of art featuring thousands of 6” x 6” works from around the world — and it’s completely free to enter. Participants simply complete a short entry form and mail it to them by April 7.
Optional Theme: The City of Rochester Logo
This year, artists may choose to create a 6x6 featuring the City of Rochester’s logo. These “Flower City” artworks will be installed together on a dedicated wall as part of a community-wide celebration of this iconic graphic. This theme is entirely optional—as always, all 6x6 artworks will be accepted and displayed regardless of theme.
FREE: Participation is always free, and every entry is accepted
GLOBAL: Open to artists from across the U.S. and around the world
IMPACTFUL: Proceeds from artwork sales directly support RoCo’s exhibitions, public programs, and artist opportunities
Open to creative people of all ages worldwide—no artistic background required. Thousands of 6” x 6” artworks from across the globe.
Walk-in entries due April 4, 2026 or U.S. mailed entries postmarked by April 7, 2026
The first 6000 artworks received will be exhibited in Gallery & Online. 6000+ will be exhibited online only. Send your art early to ensure in-gallery & online display.
Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo), Rochester, NY, USA
Visit in person or online from June–July 2026
Anna Brooks
Rochester Contemporary Art Center
137 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14604 USA
info@rochestercontemporary.org
(585)-461-2222
www.roco6x6.org
@RoCo137 | #RoCo6x6
Applications Due February 28 for Arts Grants for Organizations and Non-Profits
Looking for funding for public art or summer music or theater?
Start Your Arts Project Grant Application Now — Upcoming Deadline is Feb 28 for Arts Project Grants for Organizations
FREE Grant Writing Session on Thursday, Feb 12 at 4 PM
It’s time to start your application for arts project grants. Nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are July 31, October 31, February 28, and April 30. Grants are between $500 and $10,000. Funding sources for these grants are Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds, and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
Organizational arts activities funded through this very important grant opportunity includes festivals, community theatre projects, folk music entertainment, sponsorship of visual demonstrations, creative writing workshops and many other activities that improve the quality of life of people in our communities.
Do you need assistance writing your grant? We offer a free grant writing session before every grant deadline. There is a session on Thursday, February 12 at 4 PM that you can join via Zoom or in person at our office. You must RSVP to attend.
To learn more about grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. The grant application process is completely online and NWMAC's Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal to get accustomed to it. Please contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886, extension 1.
Applications Open for 2026-2028 Activate Rural Learning Lab
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE
2026 – 2028 ACTIVATE RURAL LEARNING LAB IN
MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA
The Activate Rural Learning Lab is a 2-year curated cohort experience for teams of creative entrepreneurs, artists, community activators, elected leaders, and small business owners to cultivate creative third places in rural communities. The Learning Lab provides grant funding and ongoing curated technical assistance through monthly project check-ins, exchange visits, workshops and gatherings, and allocated staff time to support the development of systems for the project’s operations, activations, and stewardship.
Ten building activation projects will be selected in rural communities with a population under 20,000 residents in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Native nations that share that geography. Ideal projects will (1) be creative and community-focused, (2) be ready to try something new, and (3) demonstrate the potential to build local capacity for creative approaches to building activation.
SELECTED BUILDING ACTIVATION PROJECTS WILL RECEIVE:
A $50,000 unrestricted grant to move their building activation project forward
Curated one-on-one technical assistance (monthly check-ins with Activate Rural team and direct support with navigating challenges and opportunities)
Supportive cohort peer network
Project promotion and documentation support (video and storytelling)
Access to Activate Rural Learning Lab resource guides and workshops
Travel and lodging costs for 2 core team members to attend 2 in-person cohort gatherings and the Activate Rural Summit
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY
Eligible building activation projects are:
Focused on designing a gathering place for community connection through creativity
Located in a Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana rural community, or Native nation that shares this geography, with a population of around 20,000 or less
Led by a committed core team of 1-2 artist leads and 2-3 activators (see FAQ for descriptions) and to participate in 2-year cohort experience
Safe and viable space for active engagement and public events
Moving forward in an identified building currently or soon-to-be under contract or ownership by member(s) of the core team and/or project partner(s) with eligible organizational structures (tribal government, municipal government, county government, 501c3 nonprofit, fiscally sponsored group, cooperative)
Informational Session: 2026 – 2028 Activate Rural Learning Lab for Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 12 – 1 PM
Virtual via Zoom!
The virtual informational session will provide an overview of the 2026 – 2028 Activate Rural Learning Lab and the application process for building activation projects in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana.
*A recording of the Informational Session will be made available here
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR THE INFO SESSION HERE!
Applications are open now through February 20, 2026
Each selected applicant will receive a $50,000 unrestricted grant and two years of curated technical assistance.
Free Virtual Workshop on Creating your portfolio kit
Work of Art: Portfolio Kit
Zoom Meeting
January 17 from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
VIRTUAL, WORKSHOP
Focus on the essential elements of your portfolio: sharpening your artist statement, tailoring your artistic resume, and curating and formatting your work samples. Presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library. Your portfolio is the core of your promotional material and professional calling card. To register or learn more visit https://springboardforthearts.org/event/work-of-art-portfolio-kit/
Artist Reception for Stardust & Soul Exhibit at the Fournet March 19
Please join us for an Artist Reception for
Stardust & Soul: ”It’s in everything”
an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester
Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, 2nd Floor in the Atrium
Downtown Crookston
Exhibit is Open Through Mid-April
Please join us for an artist reception for Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything,” an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 41 original pieces of art in oil, watercolor, and mixed media, many of which are for sale. The reception is open to everyone and the public is encouraged to attend. There will be live music and refreshments will be served.
Sarah shared, “I really love how this collection captures the thread running through everything. Earth, space, and us -- all of it being more connected than we usually realize. I hope these pieces remind people that we aren't just out here on our own but a part of the whole and connected to everything.”
Sarah Faith Pester is an artist and yoga teacher from Crookston. Her work is an expression of her inner world and her connection to something beyond the physical. When she paints, she's exploring the unseen energies and emotions that guide us. Sarah mainly uses oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints to create vibrant pieces, and she also finds joy in crafting crystal-beaded bracelets.
As a yoga teacher and energy practitioner, Sarah's artistic and healing practices are deeply connected. The sense of flow and connection she finds in her work is a direct reflection of the healing and spiritual exploration she shares with others through her business Burnham Creek Healing. Through her paintings, bracelets, yoga, and healing practices she shares a piece of her spiritual journey, inviting others to explore their own inner worlds and find their own sense of peace and connection.
Parking and admission is free. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Exhibit is 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/tzfxVHhhgDM or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
For more information about this exhibit contact Trey Everett at (218) 280-4917 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.
Art in Motion — A Lunar Yoga Experience at the Fournet Building Exhibit
Join Crookston Artist and Yoga Instructor Sarah Pester for 2 yoga classes that will be offered in the gallery on February 17 and March 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in conjunction with her exhibit Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything”
✨ Art in Motion - A Lunar Yoga Experience ✨
Move. Meditate. Connect.
Join Sarah for both or either dates for a peaceful evening at The Fournet Gallery. Surrounded by original artwork, you will explore the intersection of art and movement. The evening is themed around the Moon and Divine Feminine energy. The class will begin by exploring the inspiration behind Sarah’s focal painting, Lunar Wings, followed by a slow, Moon Salutation flow and grounding meditation.
February 17 & March 3 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
$8 per session. Open to all levels—no prior yoga experience required. Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in easily and bring 🧘 a yoga mat and 💧 a water bottle. Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate gallery experience. 🎟️ Sign up online at:
https://burnham-creek-healing.square.site/ 💬 Or register directly with Sarah by calling 218-280-0588 or emailing burnhamcreekhealing@gmail.com
More about the exhibit:
Stardust & Soul: ”It’s in everything”
an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester
Open January 6 Through Mid-April at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, 2nd Floor in the Atrium
Downtown Crookston
Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” is an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston that includes 41 original pieces of art in oil, watercolor, and mixed media, many of which are for sale.
Sarah shared, “I really love how this collection captures the thread running through everything. Earth, space, and us -- all of it being more connected than we usually realize. I hope these pieces remind people that we aren't just out here on our own but a part of the whole and connected to everything.”
Sarah Faith Pester is an artist and yoga teacher from Crookston. Her work is an expression of her inner world and her connection to something beyond the physical. When she paints, she's exploring the unseen energies and emotions that guide us. Sarah mainly uses oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints to create vibrant pieces, and she also finds joy in crafting crystal-beaded bracelets.
As a yoga teacher and energy practitioner, Sarah's artistic and healing practices are deeply connected. The sense of flow and connection she finds in her work is a direct reflection of the healing and spiritual exploration she shares with others through her business Burnham Creek Healing. Through her paintings, bracelets, yoga, and healing practices she shares a piece of her spiritual journey, inviting others to explore their own inner worlds and find their own sense of peace and connection.
Parking and admission is free. 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/tzfxVHhhgDM or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
For more information about this exhibit contact Trey Everett at (218) 280-4917 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.
Free Virtual Workshop on Legal Issues — Intellectual Property, Contracts, & More
Work of Art: Legal Considerations
February 21 from 1:00 to 3:30 PM
Obtain general information about your intellectual property, contract basics and structuring your artistic business.
This workshop is part of a series of virtual workshops being presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library, and listed as “Legal Considerations for Artists” on the library website.
This workshop is a unit in the 12-part Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists series, a professional development curriculum designed to teach business skills to artists in all disciplines. The curriculum is always available for free download, or you can buy a copy of the book to support your practice.
To learn more and to register visit https://springboardforthearts.org/event/work-of-art-legal-considerations/
Attention Writers! Talking Stick Call for Submissions Due March 1
TALKING STICK VOLUME 35
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
SHORT Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction
Celebrating the short form again with a Creative Twist
THE TALKING STICK is a locally published and nationally recognized publication.
1. Writers must be from Minnesota or have some connection to this area. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE VERY SHORT. Focus on short forms, cutting all unnecessary words. Create an elegant moment that hints of a longer, more complex story. Think of these as compressed creations.
2. DEADLINE: March 1, 2026. This year they will offer monetary prizes in each of 4 categories. Writers may submit in more than one category. Their Editorial Board will select the poetry and prose to be published in TS35. A published Minnesota author will judge for the monetary prizes from the selected submissions, with authors’ names removed. Writers will be invited to their Release Party in September 2026. Tentative date for a writers’ workshop and book party is September 19, 2026. PLEASE READ SUBMISSION GUIDELINES COMPLETELY.
3. Prizes are $200 for first place and $100 for second place in each of the 4 categories. Works must be UNPUBLISHED. This includes Websites and Blogs. They want new writings, unseen by the public. No simultaneous submissions, please. Submit manuscripts with name, address, email address, and phone number in upper right corner of each page. THIS MUST BE THE WAY YOU WANT YOUR NAME IN THE BOOK. Clearly mark the genre for which you are submitting: POETRY, CREATIVE NONFICTION, or FICTION. Please do NOT just call it “short story.” They need to know if it is creative nonfiction or fiction. They would prefer that you do NOT start out your written piece with “inspirational” or “referenced” quotes from other literary works because of possible copyright issues, etc. They accept no political or religious rants and no children’s writings. EIGHT total submissions allowed per writer.
POETRY—Limit TWO poems per writer, either a Prose Poem no longer than ½ page or a poem with line breaks but either one no longer than 35 LINES total (and this must include counting the blank lines), typed single-spaced. They have 35 lines available on each book page, whether you use them as blank lines or lines of words. Note also that the books are small. Long lines will wrap and take up an extra line. (Approximately 65 characters per line.) No word count necessary. See other requirements under #3 above.
CREATIVE NON-FICTION—Limit TWO entries of 650 words or less each, typed single-spaced. Number the pages and include word count on last page. See other requirements under #3 above.
FICTION—Limit TWO short stories of 900 words or less each, typed single-spaced. Number the pages and include word count on last page. See other requirements under #3 above.
CREATIVE TWIST—Limit TWO entries, each using the attached word list. They only have ONE word list this year. See rules for this new genre on a separate page but they must also follow the rules for poetry or stories line length as listed above.
5. Send only ONE copy of each submission (one side of paper only) along with SHORT bio (50 word limit). If you have a pen name, you MUST stress in a cover letter what your real name is (for the contract and mailing) and the name you want in the book (on the submission page, in the table of contents, and back of book). PERHAPS PUT BOTH NAMES ON THE PAGE(S) OF SUBMITTED WORK. If you do not make this clear, they cannot promise that they will catch the different name. PLEASE SEND ALL OF YOUR WORK AT THE SAME TIME.
6. Send ONE SASE so they can send an acceptance letter and contract to you. All contracts MUST be signed and returned, but in the event a contract is not returned, submission implies permission to publish. FORMAL NOTIFICATION is required if you wish to withdraw your submission or if it is published elsewhere during this time period. After May 1, 2026, submissions cannot be withdrawn. SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE RETURNED. Decision of the editorial board and judges is final. Editors and editorial board of the JWB and JWB board members are eligible for publication in TS35, but not for the monetary prizes in this contest.
7. Send hard copy to: Sharon Harris, TS SUBMISSIONS, 13320 149th Ave, Menahga, MN 56464. Send ALL your submissions for ALL categories in ONE 9×12 ENVELOPE—do not fold or staple sheets. Submission guidelines are also on their website: www.jackpinewriters.com. They are accepting submissions in electronic format. Check the website for details. They will NOT accept submissions in the body of an email—only with their electronic form, either pdf or Word document. Do NOT send docx files — they cannot guarantee format to be correct. A SASE is not required but would be greatly appreciated.
8. Contributors who have one or more pieces selected for publication in TS35 will receive ONE free copy of TS35. Your copy may be picked up at our Book Release Party in September 2026. Any books not picked up will be mailed later — they appreciate receiving $4.00 for postage. JWB requires first publication rights only. Books will be for sale on Amazon later.
WATCH FOR WRITING WORKSHOPS IN OR NEAR PARK RAPIDS THIS YEAR
SPONSORED BY JACKPINE WRITERS’ BLOC, INC.
To those writers who send them a SASE (even when using their electronic form) and those writers who send us postage for their free copy: THANK YOU! You are helping keep our nonprofit alive to publish more writers in the future.
CREATIVE TWIST RULES
CREATIVE TWIST—For several years the members of The Jackpine Writers’ Bloc have been stretching their creativity with a monthly writing exercise. Sharon emails a list of seven to nine words to the active members of the writing group. Each member is encouraged, but not required, to create a poem or a short fiction or short creative nonfiction piece that includes each of those words.
Writers’ group members have been amazed at the creative work that has come out of this exercise. The list of words often forms a theme or a pattern in the writer’s mind and the end result is a creative piece that never would have happened without the stimulation. Many of these works have later been published in The Talking Stick.
To add to the fun and encourage creativity, they have created a separate category for writings that come from these word lists. Please submit only ONE or TWO writings from this ONE list of words, any genre. If you send two, try to make them quite different. THESE MUST BE LABELED CREATIVE TWIST. It is very important to UNDERLINE the special words in each of your submissions. One first place prize for this genre and one second place prize will be awarded for this category, no matter the genre (poetry, creative nonfiction, or fiction).
Here is the list of words. Try it! You might be surprised at the results. Any form of the word may be used.
TWIST LIST: Measure, signature, key, instrument, radio, tune, listen, notes
If you have questions on these rules, please email sharrick1@wcta.net.
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM
McCanna House Artist-in-Residence Apply by January 31
McCanna House Artist-in-Residence
Application Open through January 31
Open to Artists in Music, Theatre, Literature, & Visual Arts
The North Dakota Museum of Art is accepting applications for the 2026 McCanna House Artist-in-residence season. Artists working in music, theatre, literature, or the visual arts are encouraged to apply. Open to artists in all stages of their career.
The Program
The residency consists of 2 - 4 week blocks of time layered throughout the operating year. The house is open from June 1 through the end of September or early October. There will only be one artist on the property at a time unless a group project is specified in the application process. There are no expectations for the artist to complete work during the residency. However, artists are asked to use their time wisely and be aware of the transformative potential of time spent there.
Amenities
Wireless Internet
Well-lit French country-style farmhouse, detached 40x70 foot steel building, and ample outdoor space with yards and surrounding tree lines.
3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
Washer and dryer
Well-appointed kitchen
Screened-in porch area with convenient BBQ grill
Opportunities to work with surrounding community groups
10 miles from the town of Larimore (pop.2,000), yet it feels remote and private
35 miles from Grand Forks (pop.60,000), with its thriving art scene and good shopping/dining
5 hours to Minneapolis and 2 hours to Winnipeg, Manitoba
Well-stocked library
Fruit trees
Surrounded by working fields producing soybeans, potatoes, canola, and more...
Endless sky
Big weather
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2026
Announcements: February 28, 2026.
Since the inception of McCanna House, over 100 artists have participated in residencies. The Museum relies on donations to help offset the cost of day-to-day operations, ensuring creative minds will have a place to paint, write, edit, and further develop ideas. If you would like to support the McCanna House, click here.
Community Dance on January 24 with North Country Fiddle & Dance in East Grand Forks
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Folk Dance
Saturday, January 24 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM
Bernie's Restaurant
121 DeMers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN
with music by O'Neil Family Band
Live Music! All join in, all ages are welcome; families, couples, singles
Traditional American folk dances: Reels, barn -dance squares, circle mixers and more...
All dances are taught and easy to learn!
January Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click here.
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