Kristin Eggerling 5/13/26 Kristin Eggerling 5/13/26

Great State of Minnesota Exhibit is Open

The Great State of Minnesota

an exhibit reflecting

What Minnesota Means to Me

Open Now Through Mid-August

NWMAC Gallery

Northland Community and Technical College

1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls

Artist Reception TBD

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce The Great State of Minnesota at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. This exhibit includes 51 pieces, including pen and ink, oil, mixed media, photography, acrylic, screen print, fiber art, poetry, ceramic, block print, watercolor, charcoal, and paper mache by 30 area artists, and will run through mid-August.

Minnesota received a lot of attention lately because of the ICE surge of 3,000 officers in January, large civil protests in freezing winter weather, and famous musicians like Bruce Springsteen writing songs about this historical moment in Minnesota. Because of this, the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is highlighting our state in this exhibit. We asked artists what does Minnesota mean to you?

Minnesota evokes many feelings and meanings to different people. Maybe it's blueberry picking, cabin life, morel or deer hunting, walleye fishing, or the land of 10,000 lakes; the power of community, snowflakes and cold, or pine trees; terms like Minnesota Nice, You betcha or Uff da; foods like wild rice, hot dishes, or lefse. Our sports teams including the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, The Wild, Loons, and Lynx;

Icons such as Mary Tyler Moore, Prince, and Bob Dylan; Or our state symbols like the Rusty Patched Bumblebee(state bee), Monarch (state butterfly), Lady’s Slipper (state flower) or the Honeycrisp Apple (state fruit), or Agate (the state gemstone).

Jessica Ross shared, “Minnesota is my home as well as home to the many little living things that inspire my artwork. This show will be a great composition of Minnesota through the eyes of local artists. I entered my piece because I like viewers to stop and think about the small things in life that we tend to overlook at times. It just takes a moment to pause and be reminded of the beauty in this world. My artwork “Minnesota’s Ladies” focuses on small moments of wonder within Minnesota forests.”

Acacia Winters explained, “Being a transplant to the state of Minnesota has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I love how amazing this state is geographically. Its vast landscapes and rocky superior shores mixed with the epicness of the Twin Cities always means there is something to do and explore. The things that keep me here are the wonderful people and communities I’ve been invited into and helped create. This has made this state into my home. People should visit to see the incredible talent of artists in northern Minnesota.”

Therese Masters Jacobson said, “Minnesotans emphasize kindness, empathy, and prosocial behavior, or in other words, they are nice. Minnesota has long been a refuge and haven for many people, like my childhood family who visited each summer from Illinois. A change during my adult life brought me back to Minnesota—a place to belong.”

Finally, Debbie Dahl Aune said,” My Gramma Esther Dahl picked blueberries with me until she was 82. Living in northern Minnesota we found the true peace of God as we trekked around Beltrami Forest, the Mud Lake Refuge and the McDonaugh Swamp. Still today, I find the outdoors to be my favorite distraction from the political and economic uncertainties of the day. Today, I still get out to the forests, however, you'll find me painting Plein Air as well as picking.”

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this summer, visit our exhibit to see the art created about Minnesota. Artists were encouraged to reflect on Minnesota as the Northstar State, our Minnesota State Flag, our Great Seal of Minnesota, and our state symbols. Minnesota’s motto is L'Etoile du Nord = Star of the North, which refers to Polaris, the North Star, that remains in the same spot in the night sky, representing stability and direction. Our flag symbolizes the state's natural resources, identity, and future. It features a light blue field (water/sky), a dark blue shape (state outline/night sky), and a white 8-point "North Star" representing our motto and the state's northern location. The 8-point star also represents guidance, hope, and its northern position, while also honoring diverse cultural heritage, including Native American designs, Nordic patterns, and barn quilts, and echoing the star on the Capitol’s rotunda. It’s a multicultural symbol, often appearing like four “M”s for Minnesota and resembling a snowflake, connecting to the state’s climate and indigenous artistry. The Great Seal of Minnesota features a common loon (our state bird), the North Star, wild rice, Norway pines (state tree), and stylized water, with the Dakota phrase "Mni Sóta Makoce" -- "Land where the waters reflect the skies."

Take a virtual walk through of this exhibit at https://youtu.be/X3M3S9H95GI (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 this summer. Watch our social media and website for details and an announcement.

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 – 4:30 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, especially during the summer. 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.

Kristin Eggerling 5/11/26 Kristin Eggerling 5/11/26

Art & Asana at the Fournet in the exhibit Iron and Feathers Art of the NW

Iron and Feathers Art of the NW is an exhibit featuring paintings by Ross Hier and Beau Bakken at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 35 original pieces of art in watercolor on paper and acrylic on canvas, most of which are for sale. Sarah Pester will be leading yoga at the exhibit on May 14. The Fournet is at 101 N Broadway, 2nd Floor, Downtown Crookston. See the poster for more details.

Kristin Eggerling 5/11/26 Kristin Eggerling 5/11/26

Otherworld Echos — a collection by Sarah Pester exhibited at NCTC Display Case

Otherworld Echoes

A Collection by Sarah Faith Pester

Step into a realm where the celestial and the terrestrial converge. This collection, Otherworld Echoes, serves as a visual bridge between the soil beneath our feet and the vast, starlit mysteries above.

Sarah's work is deeply rooted in the belief that everything in existence is woven together by a single, continuous thread. By blending "earthy and spacey" elements-from glowing fungi and rolling hills to swirling nebulae and distant moons-these paintings remind us that we are part of a grand, expansive tapestry.

These pieces are located in a display case at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls right around the corner from our gallery.

Otherworld Echoes invites you to look beyond the horizon and consider the profound beauty of a living universe. Inspired by the notion that we are never truly alone, these pieces celebrate the possibility of other lifeful worlds and the enduring connection we share with the infinite.

Sarah explained, "We are so much more than just this experience, we are a small part of an endless, vibrant universe."

Sarah Pester’s original art

Sarah is available for commissions. Follow her on Facebook & Instagram @Burnham Creek Healing

Artist summary/bio

Sarah Faith Pester is an artist and yoga teacher from Crookston where she lives on her family's farm with her husband and 2 kids. Growing up, she was always drawn to creative expression, but it was only seven years ago that she discovered her passion for painting. Sarah's journey with art has been deeply intertwined with her spiritual path.

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. Each piece of art, is a reflection of her and a tangible representation of the flow she feels in her practice.

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. Whether through her paintings, bracelets, yoga or healing practices her goal is to share a piece of her spiritual journey, inviting others to explore their own inner worlds and find their own sense of peace and connection.

Original art by Sarah Pester

Kristin Eggerling 4/26/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/26/26

NW Star Award is Given to Rebecca Rosenkrans

The NW Star Award is Given to Rebecca Rosenkrans

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to announce that Rebecca (Becky) Rosenkrans of Roseau received the Northwest Star Award. The award was presented to Rosenkrans on Saturday, April 25 at Warroad RiverPlace in Warroad during the NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception and Program.

Rosenkrans was given the NW Star Award for her jewelry artistry. Rebecca (or Becky) has been creating one-of-a-kind jewelry for over 30 years. Becky handcrafts new pieces of jewelry or recreates old into new with Greek and Italian leather, beads, crafted chain maille, glass, stone, silver, crystal, and vintage goods. She readily shares her knowledge, creativity, and talents and is a tireless advocate for fellow artists. She is the owner of Bead Gypsy, a shop in Roseau where handmade goods and original art from over 20 artists are sold. The store is a haven for artists and arts lovers who live and visit the region.

Originally from Roseau, Rosenkrans grew up in a family of artists, including her mother Frances Karlsson who was a well-known painter from the region. For over 14 years Becky worked with the court system as a Guardian ad Litem. She had always loved jewelry and found that creating it helped her relieve stress and worry from that position. Becky is a self-taught jewelry designer, though she has since taken courses at the Milan Village Art School in silversmithing, precious metal clay, and copper jewelry making. She especially enjoys creating the design and repurposing items. An example of this is when her husband discovered her mom’s copper boiler buried behind the garage. Becky and her siblings bathed in this boiler as toddlers and later used it to soak their clothes before washing as they grew up. After digging up the vessel, Becky flattened it out and created hundreds of pieces of jewelry from it. She admitted, “it was the most fun I’ve had.”

Becky’s jewelry skills are well-known, as is the creativity that goes into making the pieces. Debbie Dahl Aune shared, “Becky creates her own designs; she up-cycles, recycles and ingeniously brings new materials together with vintage to make unique jewelry. She once collected old, galvanized steel from the old, torn down Roseau grain elevator and made earrings.”

In their nomination letter, Tami Osweiler and Sue Carstens shared, “Becky's creations are always one of a kind. Sometimes she makes vintage jewelry into something new and unique. She has been known to cut apart vintage cookie tins and brass containers to create unique earrings. She reshapes old silverware to magically transform into beautiful pendants and bracelets. She has fulfilled many requests from locals to create a new piece from a family heirloom or to restore a broken piece of old jewelry. Becky is deserving of this lifetime artist award not only because of her 30-year history with creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry; but also, because she works hard at advocating for other area artists.”

On Becky’s passion and commitment to supporting other artists, Tallie Habstritt and Sheila Winstead explained, “Becky has reached out to painters, glassworkers, woodworkers and others and has encouraged them to display and market their art within her shop. But more than that, her encouragement and enthusiasm for art of all kinds helps others to see the value in the product they have been creating. Her store also provides a space where artists have the opportunity to hear suggestions and feedback from both customers and other artists, which makes it possible for artists to potentially increase their skills and their customer base. Becky also encourages artists to use her store as a place to demonstrate their art. As a bonus, a welcoming atmosphere, a cup of coffee, and a comfortable spot at the table are always a part of Becky’s store. Everyone is truly welcomed and encouraged. Becky is a wonderful example of someone who is an advocate of the arts.”

Becky has advice for aspiring artists. “Just try and if you fail that is ok. Come and ask me and I’ll help you.” About the impact that the arts has on individuals and society, Becky explained, “It’s huge. I gage that from the artists I have in my shop and my own passion. When you have the ability to create and you share with someone else, it is so fulfilling. It gives artists joy and fulfillment to show others and share their creations.”

The NW Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive it once as a lifetime achievement award. Funding for the Northwest Star comes from The McKnight Foundation. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents.

Congratulations, Becky!

Kristin Eggerling 4/26/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/26/26

Samantha Harrill is Artist of the Year

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce that Samantha Harrill of Warroad is the Northwest Minnesota Artist of the Year for Visual Arts. This award was presented on Saturday, April 25 at Warroad RiverPlace.

Originally from Red Lake Falls, Harrill is a gifted ceramic artist. She studied Design and Art at Bemidji State University. She creates a variety of functional and decorative pottery pieces out of Northern Spruce Studio in downtown Warroad. Samantha’s always been drawn to working with her hands and creating things from scratch.

Pottery clicked for Samantha in a different way than other art forms. She shared, “There’s something about clay that’s grounding and a little unpredictable, and I was drawn to that right away.” She continued, “A surprising fact about me is that I’m a bit of a metalhead. After 20-some years, it’s just part of my process — when I sit down at the wheel, that’s what I listen to. There’s a rhythm to both pottery and metal — it can feel intense and even a little chaotic, but also really grounding and almost hypnotic once you get into it.” Samantha draws inspiration from nature – it’s her biggest influence — “the colors, textures, and quiet simplicity of it. I’m also inspired by potters who focus on craftsmanship and intentional design — artists who let the materials speak for themselves.”

Samantha is the Executive Director of Warroad RiverPlace. In that position, she works tirelessly to affirm and bring the arts to northern Minnesota, while advocating for all art mediums, theater, art workshops for children and adults, music, and cultural and celebration events.

Sherri Kukowski said, “Samantha is a gifted ceramics artist. When the Warroad RiverPlace became more than a dream for the area, Samantha jumped in with her energy and artistic flair. Seeing through the construction phase of the project to the present day, Samantha opened the doors for many local artists to have the experience and exposure of a metro area-type gallery that many could only dream about. With her ability to find artists, mentor them, display their artwork, and host a successful opening for each artist with hundreds in attendance at openings and throughout the length of each artist's show, she has encouraged and broadened all the artists she has touched. In her short tenure at Warroad RiverPlace, she is opening the doors to all mediums. Warroad Summer Theatre has held several events, including a very successful dinner theatre. The classroom is constantly a buzz of artists that Samantha and her team search out to teach art to all ages.”

Owner of Bloomin’ Creations LaRon Hahn said of Samantha’s pottery, “Samantha is a gifted artist with exceptional talent. Her pottery is truly top-notch. Each piece is thoughtfully designed, well-crafted, and finished with great attention to detail. The quality and consistency of her work is exceptional.”

Jenee Provance was the Artistic Director of the first Warroad Summer Theatre production held at RiverPlace. This was during a period of time when Samantha was “multi-tasking” for the facility before she took on the director position. She explained that “Amid her other responsibilities, Samantha always made herself available to our organization as we navigated our way through the growing pains of using a facility, which was a caliber --or 10 -- above what we were used to. Samantha is an amazing human being with drive and determination to showcase the arts in northern Minnesota.”

Harrill gave this advice to aspiring artists, “Be patient with yourself. It takes time to develop your skills and find your voice, and that’s not something you can rush. Don’t be afraid of mistakes — they’re honestly one of the most important parts of the process. Especially in pottery, things don’t always turn out how you expect, and that’s where a lot of the learning happens. I would also say to stay curious and open to trying new things. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. And most importantly, just keep showing up and doing the work. Consistency matters more than perfection, and over time, that’s what really builds confidence and growth.”

On the impact of the arts on society, she shared “I think art adds meaning to everyday life in a way that people don’t always realize right away. It gives us a way to slow down, to notice things, and to connect — whether that’s with ourselves, with other people, or with the world around us. With pottery specifically, I think it brings that connection into daily routines. It’s not just something you look at — it’s something you hold, use, and live with. A mug, a bowl, a plate — those are things people interact with every single day. There’s something really powerful about that. It turns ordinary moments into something a little more intentional. I think that’s where art has a quiet but lasting impact — it becomes part of people’s lives in a way that feels natural, but still meaningful.”

Our 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. Funding for the Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents.

Congratulations, Samantha!

Kristin Eggerling 4/26/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/26/26

Jane Anderson is Arts Advocate of the Year

Jane Anderson is Arts Advocate of the Year

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to announce that Jane Anderson of Thief River Falls was awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award for Performing Arts.

Jane is a theater artist – actor, singer, director, costumer -- and former Executive Director and founding member of the Thief River Falls Area Community Theater (TRFACT). Her decades of service, leadership, and advocacy have had a profound impact on area actors and audiences. Jane believes in nurturing young artists for their development and to sustain a vibrant arts community. Her unwavering commitment to the arts and arts education and her extraordinary ability to strengthen and expand the local theater community can be felt throughout our region.

According to current TRFACT Director Megan Maloney, “Jane has been a driving force in the northwestern Minnesota arts community for more than three decades. As a founding member of the Thief River Falls AreaCommunity Theater (TRFACT), she helped shape an organization that has become a cultural anchor in the region. Over the years she has served as president, vice president, treasurer, board member, costumer, director, choreographer, props coordinator, and eventually executive director. Her willingness to step into any role the theater needed reflects a rare level of commitment and has played a central part in the growth and stability of the organization.

In addition to her advocacy and leadership, Jane has remained an active and accomplished theater artist throughout her career. She has performed onstage as an actor, directed numerous productions, and is widely respected for her inventive and thoughtful work as a costumer. Her artistic contributions reflect a deep understanding of storytelling, collaboration, and craft, and her presence consistently elevates the quality of each production. Whether performing, directing, or designing, Jane approaches the work with care,discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Jim and Jan Strandlie worked together with Jane to create TRFACT from the beginning. They shared, “Only Jane could meld a handful of volunteers into a successful acting company! This has been a boon for our community, and we owe this to her expertise in acting, directing, and leadership in holding it all together for so many years. Her love of the arts, her dedication to excellence, her drive to encourage new talent, and her loving friendship with everyone has made this volunteer theater company successful, not to mention the countless hours she herself has dedicated to its success.”

Amy Beckius Johnson explained, “Jane has built spaces where artists feel valued, audiences feel welcome, and creativity is treated as a vital part of community life. Jane believes in people’s potential and meets them where they are. She invites curiosity, cultivates creativity, and ensures there are many ways to participate so that everyone feels valued. She is clear about what she asks of performers, she never lowers the bar but makes it feel possible to reach. She expects excellence, but she also teaches patiently and respects each performer’s individual process. For young people experiencing theater for the first time, she builds excitement and joy and helps them shine. For more experienced performers, she offers guidance, trust, and steady support. Jane Anderson’s decades of service to the region’s arts environment exemplifies the spirit of this award. Her leadership, advocacy, and commitment have had a profound impact on individuals and the broader community.”

Patrick Brickson had the privilege of working alongside Jane for many years through TRFACT, where he served on the Board of Directors. He shared, “I have witnessed Jane’s unwavering commitment to the arts and her extraordinary ability to strengthen, sustain, and expand our local theater community. Jane is, without exaggeration, the heart and soul of TRFACT. Her leadership, creativity, and persistence have kept our organization thriving through both ordinary challenges and extraordinary ones. She has worked tirelessly to secure funding for the theater, often identifying and pursuing grants that many of us would never have known existed. Her dedication has ensured that TRFACT remains accessible, financially stable, and able to offer meaningful artistic opportunities to people of all ages. One of Jane’s most lasting contributions has been the creation and stewardship of our youth programs. Since 2015, she has built and maintained highly successful theater opportunities for both children and teens. These programs have introduced hundreds of young people to the performing arts, giving them a safe, supportive space to grow in confidence, creativity, and community. Many of these young performers continue to participate in TRFACT as they grow older — a testament to the welcoming environment Jane cultivates. Jane creates an environment where performers feel valued, supported, and inspired, and our community is richer for it. Jane Anderson embodies what it means to be an arts advocate. She is a tireless champion for creativity, accessibility, and community engagement.”

When asked what she enjoys about theater, Jane spoke of her appreciation for the community that is created in that space. “The cast and the audience become like family. People being happy to be together. Open the curtains and it’s like magic.” About the impact of the arts, she shared that it is “drastically underestimated and appreciated. The arts filter down to so many people – the kids, the community. They use their talents that they didn’t know they had and then, they grow their talents. The more we do, the more that others connect into it.” Jane’s advice to aspiring artists is “Keep working at it. Even if you don’t have success initially keep honing your talents.”

This award was presented on Saturday, April 25 in Warroad at Warroad RiverPlace University of Minnesota. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Funding for this award comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.

Congratulations, Jane!

Kristin Eggerling 4/26/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/26/26

Northwest Minnesota Exhibit and Of the Year Awards Reception and Program was April 25 in Warroad

NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception & Program in Warroad

On Saturday, April 25 the NW Minnesota Arts Council hosted an awards reception and program at Warroad RiverPlace. At 2:30 PM the public was invited to view the annual exhibit, mingle, listen to live music provided by the UND Trio, and enjoy light refreshments. An awards program began at 3:30 PM to present awards to the exhibit winners and Of the Year awardees.

Student and adult artists residing in a seven-county region including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau and Red Lake had entered into the Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit and were competing for $2,300 in cash awards. The winners were recognized at the program. It was a wonderful day celebrating these artists and the arts in northwest Minnesota.

Exhibit cash award winners were chosen while the exhibit was on display at Warroad RiverPlace by qualified juror Alice Blessing. Alice Blessing is a socially engaged artist based in Bemidji whose work is deeply informed by principles of intersectional feminism. Over the past two decades, Blessing's portraits have been exhibited in numerous galleries across the state, earning her multiple awards and grants. She is also an experienced educator, having taught at Bemidji State University for 13 years, as well as conducting painting workshops throughout Minnesota. Currently, Blessing serves as Gallery Director at Bemidji State University, where she teaches courses in Drawing, Painting, and Color Theory. She has a BFA in painting from Bemidji State.

She shared, “Walking through this exhibit, I felt a genuine connection to the care, creativity, and individuality present in each piece. Here we have a beautiful balance between technical skill and imagination, where our participants’ unique approaches show us the limitlessness of art. I was especially moved by the range of expression; all of these pieces are full of curiosity and exploration. This collection highlights both seasoned expertise and emerging talent and offers a hopeful glimpse into the future of art.Thank you so much for inviting me to play a small part in this wonderful exhibition.”

Find a virtual walk through of the exhibit under the Exhibits tab at the top of our website.

Exhibit Awards include:

Adults:

1st Place $500: Holly Ellsworth-Crowther of Warroad in painting with mixed media for “Forest’s Queen"

2nd Place $300: Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla in sculpture for "It’s a Keeper"

3rd Place $200: Jodi Peterson a teacher in Ada in fused glass for "Vintage Fish"

Merit $100: Bert Foster of Thief River Falls in photography for "Canyon Mermaid"

Merit $100: Cindy Kolling of Gully in drawing for "Through Morning Fog"

Merit $100: Ross Hier of Crookston in watercolor painting for "Golden Silk Orb Spider & Chestnut-breasted Coronet"

Merit $100: Janet Johnson of Roseau in mixed media for "Remnants"

Merit $100: Jessy Ingalls of Warroad in textile for "Woodland Wool Scarf"

People’s Choice: $100 Irene Bertils of Crookston

Students:

1st Place $300 Lillian Hansen of Halstad in ceramic sculpture for "Bon Jour Cat Teapot"

2nd Place $150 Brianna Severts of Grygla in mixed media for “Jerry”

3rd Place $100 Kerstyn Lindsey of Ada in mosaic for "Giant Blue Morpho"

Merit $50 Amber Danielson of Red Lake Falls in mixed media for "Friday from ARK"

Merit $50 Aryanna Harrow of East Grand Forks in digital art for "Distinguished Toucan"

Merit $50 Mahli Holter of Red Lake Falls in drawing for "Long Awaited Reunion"

Merit $50 Sydney Schneider of Hendrum in sculpture for "Ow!"

Merit $50 Melody Voeltz of Lancaster in painting for "Great Heron"

Merit $50 Renn Ginther of Roseau in sculpture for “Camouflage”

People’s Choice: $50 Renn Ginther of Roseau

Of the Year Awards were presented to Samantha Harrill of Warroad for Artist of the Year for Visual Art, Jane Anderson of Thief River Falls for Arts Advocate of the Year for Performing Arts, and Becky Rosenkrans of Roseau received the Northwest Star Award.

Our 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 provides a cash award of $500. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. The Northwest Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award.

Kristin Eggerling 4/21/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/21/26

Iron and Feathers: Art of the NW a Fournet exhibit featuring paintings by Ross Hier and Beau Bakken is Open

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces the opening of

Iron and Feathers: Art of the Northwest

an exhibit featuring paintings by Ross Hier and Beau Bakken

Open Through August

at the

Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway

Downtown Crookston

2^nd Floor in the Atrium

Artist Reception TBD

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Iron and Feathers: Art of the Northwest an exhibit featuring paintings by Ross Hier and Beau Bakken at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 35 original pieces of art in watercolor on paper and acrylic on canvas, most of which are for sale.

Beau Bakken of Hallock has been professionally creating art by commission since 2008. Beau has been a consistent entrant into NWMAC’s exhibits and won 1^st place in the annual NW Minnesota Art Exhibit in 2011, 2014, and 2022, and given a People’s Choice award in 2025. He won the Artist of the Year in 2016. Beau was the featured artist in the Around the Farm exhibit at our gallery in Thief River Falls. His work consists of large outdoor murals, outdoor business signs, indoor murals, and indoor wall hangings and paintings.

About his 8 pieces of work in the exhibit, Beau said, “My paintings in this exhibit are captures of the Red River Valley, painted with the hope that fellow citizens of the valley would find them relatable.”

Ross H. Hier attended the University of Minnesota earning a BS in Wildlife Management and had a 35-year career with the Section of Wildlife in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. His time was spent researching mallards, ring-necked ducks, and the Lesser scaup, as well as managing wildlife management areas in Polk and Red Lake Counties. Nature has excited him for as long as he can remember and his creative need to express this love led him to watercolor painting.

He shared, “Northwest Minnesota is such a diverse piece of geography … native grasslands, the Aspen Parklands and transition zone between prairie and forest landscapes interspersed with agricultural tracts. The ancient Lake Agassiz beach lines are quite profound on the east side of the Red River Valley and serve as linear maps for migrant birds where substantial grasslands and wetlands serve as stop-over areas for birds moving further north. The diversity of nature in northwest Minnesota is amazing. Nature has always been a force that triggers my creative thought process. I love painting with watercolors for their elusive nature and spontaneity.”

He continued, “It’s an honor to exhibit in the town I have long resided in and to share this exhibit with the outstanding artist, Beau Bakken. His work never ceases to amaze me. This exhibit presents the viewers with two different artists who use different painting mediums and rather different styles. I hope the exhibit brings viewers much joy and thankfulness as we celebrate the premier region of Minnesota through art. Thanks to the Northwest Arts Council and especially Exhibit Specialist Trey Everett.” Twenty-seven works in the exhibit were created by Ross.

You can find both Ross and Beau in our most recent Artists of NW Minnesota booklet.

An Artist Reception will be held at the Fournet. Watch our website, newsletters, or social media for an announcement of the date, time, and other details.

You won't want to miss this exhibit open through August at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston. 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/emdN39orEZE or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.

For more information about this exhibit, visit our website at NWArtsCouncil.org, 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.

Kristin Eggerling 4/16/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/16/26

Springboard’s Work of Art: Website Basics for Artists

Springboard for the Arts

Website Basics for Artists

May 19

VIRTUAL, WORKSHOP

Get a big picture view of the components of your artist website, find clarity on whether you need a website for your artistic practice and learn the basics of creating a website.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Regist er

This workshop is a part of Work of Art+, a series of workshops that complement 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.

Meet the Instructor

Instructor: Anniessa Antar (she/they)
Bio: Anniessa is a software engineer, educator, and cultural organizer. She has worked at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Saint Catherine University, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and with organizations such as Mizna, Confluence: An East Lake Studio for Community Design, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and the School for Poetic Computation. Her practices center on the power of creative, playful, and collective work to confront and heal systemic oppression.

Kristin Eggerling 4/16/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/16/26

Springboard Work of Art: Artist Statements May 5 — Virtual Workshop

Springboard for the Arts

Work of Art: Artist Statements

May 5 from 6 to 8:30 PM

VIRTUAL, WORKSHOP

Get a hands-on, step-by-step approach to writing a range of statements that best represent your work as an artist.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Regi ster

This workshop is a part of Work of Art+, a series of workshops that complement 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. Workshop is free to attend.

Meet the Instructor

Instructor: Mikha Dominguez (they/them)
Bio: Mikha Dominguez (aka Mikhamik) is a Queer non-binary Latinx Venezuelan artist based in Minneapolis since 2014. With a background in set design, Mikha’s work explores identity, migration, and resilience. They have worked at the Walker Art Center, exhibited at MCAD, University of Minnesota, St. Catherine University, and the University of Omaha, and participated in the Art Shanty Projects. Mikha leads Mikhamik House of Arts and teaches at Springboard for the Arts while studying at MCAD. Visit their website at mikhamik.com.

Kristin Eggerling 4/16/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/16/26

Springboard Work of Art: Portfolio Kit — virtual workshop April 21

Springboard’s Work of Art: Portfolio Kit — virtual workshop April 21

VIRTUAL, WORKSHOP

Your portfolio is the core of your promotional material and professional calling card. Focus on the essential elements: sharpening your artist statement, tailoring your artistic resume, and curating and formatting your work samples.

This workshop is a part of 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. This is free to attend.

Location: Zoom Meeting

Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Regi ster

Meet the Instructor

Instructor: Dana Sikkila (she/her)
Bio: Dana Sikkila is a queer Minnesota-based interdisciplinary maker and creator. Known for her social practice and activism programs, creative consulting, public speaking, and her theory development within creative curriculum, Sikkila’s practices span from working in communities from rural to the Twin Cities. Her self-defining administration style has bridged the gap between arts creation and administration, through the development of numerous grassroots cultural projects and exhibitions throughout the state. Dana is also an Artist Career Consultant and Workshop Instructor with Springboard for the Arts. Visit her website at danasikkila.com

Kristin Eggerling 4/16/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/16/26

Legacy in the Wild!

Legacy in the Wild is a celebration of the ways that the Minnesota Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment has impacted our great state since being passed by the voters of Minnesota in 2008. When you spot the Legacy logo, snap a selfie and upload it to social media with your own caption and the hashtag #mnlegacyinthewild

Kristin Eggerling 4/13/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/13/26

Danish Folk Music, Songs and Stories May 15 East Grand Forks

East Grand Forks Campbell Library and North Country Fiddle and Dance present:

A Concert of Danish Folk Music, Songs and Stories on

Friday, May 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM

KRISTIAN BUGGE, of Copenhagen, Denmark, (fiddle, vocals) and WB REID, of Seattle, ( guitar ) will take you on an entertaining journey through the traditions of Danish folk music with songs and stories in Danish and English, wild polkas, fiery reels, jigs and lyrical waltzes from every corner of Denmark.

Campbell Library at 422 4th St. NW in East Grand Forks

Kristin Eggerling 4/13/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/13/26

Minnesota State Arts Board offers Cultural Expression Funding Opportunity and Evaluation Capacity Building Webinars

Funding Opportunity: FY 2027 Cultural Expression

Learn more

Evaluation Capacity Building Webinars

Learn more

Grant Opportunity for Individuals and Organizations:
FY 2027 Cultural Expression

Application materials are now available for the FY 2027 Cultural Expression grant program.

Cultural Expression provides project grants to support activities that share, explore, pass on, express, or celebrate the culture of a community through the arts. Cultural communities may be defined by a common ethnicity, tribal affiliation, geographic or regional identity, language, or other significant characteristics, and will have shared beliefs, customs, traditions, and ways of life as a community. Projects may be designed to explore or pass on culture within a community, or to share or celebrate culture with Minnesotans outside the community. The program supports projects that express culture through traditional art forms that have been passed down within a community, and contemporary art forms rooted in cultural traditions.

Funds could be used to support community members learning or practicing a traditional cultural art form, presenting cultural festivals or performances, exhibitions that share or explore the culture of a community, apprenticeships with master artists or culture bearers, or documentation to preserve and pass on cultural traditions, etc. Projects that are intended to engage a particular demographic group or community in the arts, but that do not explore or express that community's culture, are not a good fit for this program.

Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000.

The Arts Board will host a virtual Information Session for potential applicants to learn more about the program purpose and application process. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions with program officers at the end of the session. Details, including full program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Cultural Expression program page.

Cultural Expression Program Page

Important Dates

May 5, 2026: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. Potential applicants can learn about the Cultural Expression grant program and how to submit an application. The session will be recorded and available for later viewing.
June 5, 2026: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.
January 2027: Arts Board approves grant awards.
March 2027 - February 2028: All funded activities must take place within these dates.

Building Evaluation Capacity for the Arts
Free, Webinar Series

The Minnesota State Arts Board is pleased to announce a two-part, free evaluation capacity building webinar series. This opportunity is being offered to any individuals or organizations that provide arts programming. This year’s series will focus on evaluating change—how we understand the change our programs have on participants and communities. As part of this, the focus will be on examples that highlight ways to better understand the populations benefitting from programs. Do you want to learn about how to understand the larger community impact of your arts programs? If so, this series is for you!

The goal of Building Evaluation Capacity for the Arts is to enhance evaluation skills in arts programs and to create a community of learners committed to evaluation. Participants can attend one or both sessions.

Please note participating in this training is optional and will not influence your current or any future grant applications with the Minnesota State Arts Board.

Webinars will be held from 1:00-2:30 PM. The following are dates and brief descriptions of each session:

May 7: The art of evaluationLearn more about evaluating arts programs and how you can develop outcomes to drive your evaluation. The discussion will also include ways to better understand the populations that your programs serve.
May 20: Evaluating change and impact Learn methods that are particularly useful for evaluating the impact of arts programs.

If you are interested in participating, please register by selecting each session you are interested in attending.

Thursday May 7:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OS_XIlllQUKOGcc6aK2O0g
Wednesday May 20:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/cNadXxPERzioOVTw3hRbdg

Individuals who attend will have the opportunity to interact with others interested in the arts, ask questions of the presenters, and apply their learning through interactive activities. The trainings will be recorded and available at a future date for those who are unable to attend.

If you have any questions reach out to Jeffrey Niblack, Arts Board research and evaluation director, at jeffrey.niblack@state.mn.us

The Minnesota State Arts Board is a state agency that stimulates and encourages the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the state. It works to ensure that all Minnesotans can participate in and benefit from the arts.

Kristin Eggerling 4/9/26 Kristin Eggerling 4/9/26

NW Art Exhibit Award Winners

NW Art Exhibit Winners

The annual NW Art Exhibit has been judged. The public is encouraged to vote for People’s Choice until the end of the NW Art Exhibit Reception before the program on April 25 at Warroad RiverPlace. The list of winners is below.

Adult Winners