Arts News
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/
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!
In Progress Hosts The Art of Making Music Sundays Through Feb 8
In Progress Hosts
THE ART OF MAKING MUSIC
SUNDAYS 1-3PM JANUARY 4 - FEBRUARY 8 /Studio 110 Crookston
Please join In Progress for a series of open learning and making sessions with their Art of Music Workshop presented by In Progress artist Arley Sinks
This hands-on workshop is your chance to:
- Produce your own beats
- Record your music with professional guidance
- Have fun and learn and create with others
Arley Sinks is a self taught artists who has been producing and selling beats for five years now. He is a homegrown Crookston artist and at the age of 13 has already proven his ability to teach and guide others. Supported in each session with their studio director Rena Zapata you can drop in learn music, work on photography, or create a video.
These winter sessions will be dedicated to shared learning —you won’t want to miss it!
Sundays 1-3PM January 4 - February 28
Studio 110 - 110 South Main Street, Crookston 56716
Questions? Contact info@in-progress.org
To RSVP, click here or https://in-progress.org/rsvp-artofmakingmusic?utm_source=sqmktg_email
NW Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit
NW Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit 2026
Thursday, April 2- Saturday, April 25
Warroad RiverPlace, 103 State Avenue, Warroad 56763
Artists and creatives from our 7 county- service region have been invited to enter this art exhibit and will be competing for $2,300 in cash awards. The first place prize for adults is $500! Artists must reside in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, or Red Lake counties to be eligible. Both adults and high school students are encouraged to enter up to two pieces. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by a qualified juror. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception at Warroad RiverPlace on Saturday, April 25. Artists are welcome to have their work in the exhibit available for sale. The exhibit will end with a reception and an awards program to honor entrants and Of the Year awardees.
Warroad RiverPlace is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. They are closed Sunday and Monday. The exhibit will be open during operating hours at RiverPlace and is free to view.
Fused Glass Pendant Class in Lengby Jan 29 & Feb 5
Two Part Fused Glass Class at the Old Lengby Schoolhouse
Sign up for a fused glass pendant class at the Old School Artist Retreat Center. Over two weeks (Jan 29 & Feb 5, 7-8:30 PM), you'll craft a pendant using fusible and dichroic glass, which will be kiln-fired overnight. In the second week, you’ll add a jewelry bail and create a soft sheepskin pouch, making it a thoughtful gift just in time for Valentine's Day. Unleash your creativity and surprise a loved one with a unique, handmade piece. This will be held upstairs at the Old Lengby Schoolhouse in Lengby, MN.
When?
Jan 29, 2026 & Feb 5, 2026 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Total of 2 sessions
Learn more and sign up at https://www.oldschoolarts.org/service-page/2-part-fused-glass-pendant-class-1?utm_campaign=cb6a3265-3b84-4f7d-8837-cf06db172678&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=2baef9e8-217b-41da-8ec4-981ef017d595&referral=service_list_widget
Virtual Workshop on Writing Artist Statements January 10
Virtual Workshop: Writing Artist Statements
Offered by Springboard for the Arts
Artist Statements
Zoom Meeting
Saturday, January 10 from 1:00 PM – 3:30 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. Presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library.
This workshop is part of a series of virtual workshops being presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library, and 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. For more info and to register visit https://springboardforthearts.org/event/artist-statements/
Arts Advocacy Day is March 3
Arts Advocacy Day is March 3
Put this event on your calendar
Arts Advocacy Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026—and we need you there.
This session will shape the future of arts funding in Minnesota. Showing up together is how we make sure lawmakers see the full force, scale, and diversity of the arts community.
Your early registration = bigger crowds, stronger organizing, and a louder voice at the Capitol.
Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day!
Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd, 2026
Rally in the Capitol Rotunda: 10 - 11 AM
Legislative Meetings: 11 AM - 3 PM
Beginner Stained Glass Class in Fosston Dec 7
Beginner Stained Glass Class on Dec 7
Back by popular demand!
Due to popular demand, Old School Arts is offering another Christmas tree stained glass class. Join them on December 7 from 2 - 6 PM to create beautiful Christmas trees. All supplies are included, and beginners are welcome. The cost is $75. The class will be held upstairs in the old Lengby Schoolhouse. Sign up at oldschoolarts.org/book-a-class to reserve your spot.
207 S. Dove Avenue, Lengby, MN701-566-4611
Engaging Customers & Selling Your Work — virtual workshop December 2
Work of Art: Engaging Customers & Selling Your Work is a free virtual workshop offered by Springboard for the Arts on Tuesday, December 2 from 6 to 8:30 PM. Sign up at https://springboardforthearts.formstack.com/forms/work_of_art_engaging_customers_selling_your_work
Community Dance Nov 15 — All are Welcome
North Country Fiddle & Dance
presents a
Community Dance with O'Neil Family Band
Saturday, November 15 from 3-5:30 PM
Bernie’s Restaurant
121 DeMers, East Grand Forks
The O'Neil Family Band will provide rousing fiddle tunes for American folk dances including reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more. You do not need to know how to dance -- all dances are taught and easy to learn. All are welcome — singles, couples, and families!
Join us!
Donations at the door
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
Artist Spotlight with Kat Allen on November 18
NWMAC Staff Members Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling joined Artist Kat Allen for a live discussion recently. Kat is a visual artist, author, and graphic designer from Warroad and is originally from Stephen. Kat designed our recent Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. She is also currently exhibiting work in our Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at NCTC at 1101 State Hwy 1, Thief River Falls. The exhibit is open through November 21. We spoke about Kat’s art, her inspiration, background, and more! Watch the discussion at https://streamyard.com/yyxdut2jkm6u
An Artist Reception was held Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM. This exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Artist Spotlight with Samantha Thibert Harrill October 30 at 2 PM — Watch the recording
Please join NWMAC Staff Members Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling in a live discussion with Samantha Thibert Harrill. Watch the discussion at https://www.youtube.com/live/adNW0BAHZPM?si=nIWijlLQnDXejTJQ
Samantha is a potter from Warroad and is originally from Red Lake Falls. She was recently hired as the Executive Director of Warroad RiverPlace. We spoke with Samantha about her art and Warroad’s RiverPlace.
Samantha is currently exhibiting work in our Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at NCTC at 1101 State Hwy 1, Thief River Falls. The exhibit is open until November 21.
Meet Samantha at the Artist Reception on Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM at the gallery.
This exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Artist Spotlight with Therese Masters Jacobson
Join NWMAC Staff Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling in a live discussion with Artist Therese Masters Jacobson. We spoke about Therese's art, her current exhibit, her background, philosophy, and inspiration, and much more! The discussion was live. You can watch the recording at https://www.youtube.com/live/-3oQp8Cfy_g?si=_VjQlM_xmpybD9u6 or at our YouTube page.
Drawn from Observation, An Exhibit featuring Art by Therese Masters Jacobson, is open through Mid-December at the Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston, on the 2nd Floor in the Atrium.
This exhibit includes 29 pieces of art in pen and ink, acrylic, and colored pencil created by Visual Artist Therese Masters Jacobson of Alvarado.
Jacobson explained, “All my artwork begins with observing life: the vegetable and flower gardens we grow, wildlife in our world, my family, children and grandchildren. Subjects vary widely as everything I see around me always has interesting shapes, lines, textures, forms, contrasts, or colors which I imagine drawing or composing. This exhibit features a few of my observations in a variety of mediums drawn first in my mind, then composed on paper or canvas.”
Therese Masters Jacobson has always loved colors. While she studied with professionals at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and Bemidji State University, she became a self-trained artist through exploration. She is a visual artist who uses standard media, including acrylics, watercolor, pen and ink, and colored pencils, but she says that “no medium is off the table.” She has created portraits by snipping construction paper, and by making collages with torn magazine. Most recently she has been re-purposing sticky address labels to create portraits.
Parking and admission is free. Some pieces are for sale. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/rXEBWfAczs8 or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
Please let us know if you have questions about the Artist Spotllight or the exhibit.
Therese is also featured in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet and has work in our Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College. There will be an Artist Reception on Thursday, Nov 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM at the gallery. The Artists of NW Minnesota exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Sand Hill Mural Dedication Oct 25
Sand Hill Arts invites you to come to their mural dedication on October 25 at 11 AM in Climax. Hallock Artist Beau Bakken created the mural.
Beginner Stained Glass Workshop in Lengby Nov 15
Make a Stained Glass Christmas Tree
Making stained glass is a dying art (it is literally on the "endangered craft" list!), but you can learn how to do it! It's fun and easy. Grab a friend or two and sign up at oldschoolarts.org. The class will be held upstairs in the old schoolhouse in Lengby on November 15 from 1 to 5 PM.
MCA Tour Will Stop in Crookston October 28
MCA Announces Tour of the State
Join the Conversation on the Arts in our region at the Crookston Public Library on October 28 from 2 to 4 PM
Starting September 29th, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is bringing the Creative MN report directly to communities across the state. These conversations will highlight the powerful impact of the arts on Minnesota’s economy, communities, and quality of life.
We’d love for you to be part of the discussion in Crookston from 2 to 4 PM at the Riverside Room at the Crookston Public Library. Before that, a group of arts leaders along with MCA will meet up at noon the Historic Fournet Building at 101 N Broadway Avenue downtown Crookston to view Drawn from Observation, an exhibit featuring artwork by Therese Masters Jacobson. There will be a walking art tour that includes a stop at Queen City Art Center, Sweetlight Gallery, In Progress/Studio 110, and the Care and Share ending at the Crookston Public Library. The Riverside Room at the library has been reserved from 2-4 PM for a presentation and discussion.
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of the arts in Minnesota. Register below to get full details on times, dates, and locations.
Sign up here.
Nov 6 Artist Reception for Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit
Artist Reception for Artists of Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit
Thursday, Nov 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
Experience a showcase of works created by talented individuals from throughout our region, including visual and written works
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce an Artist Reception for the exhibit Artists of Northwest Minnesota will be held on Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PMat our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this FREE event.
Refreshments will be served.
The Northland Community Band will perform at the college at 7 PM that evening.
This exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. The exhibit will run from now until mid-December. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Artists featured in the exhibit include Kat Allen of Warroad, Beau Bakken of Hallock, Rock Bakken of Hallock, Debbie Dahl Aune of Gatzke, Paulette Christianson of Badger, Ross Harper Hier of Crookston, Kristin Eggerling of Hallock, Trey Everett of Crookston, Christine Foster of Thief River Falls, Therese Jacobson of Alvarado, Jesscia Lundeen of Thief River Falls, Cindy Kolling of Gully, Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad of Ada, Gail Ose of Thief River Falls, Jodi Peterson of Ada and Moorhead, Ivy Bailie of Fosston, Megan Sugden of Hallock, Betsy Saurdiff of Goodridge, and Samantha Thibert of Warroad.
Take a virtual walk through of this exhibit at https://youtu.be/cDKoo0en7lY (on the NWMAC YouTube page). The video is also available on our website under the exhibits tab on the top of the homepage.
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.