Arts News
Arts Advocacy Day is March 4th!
The 2025 legislative session is underway, and now is the time to take action for the arts. Arts Advocacy Day, on March 4th, is your opportunity to show just how many people care about the arts, and the more voices we have, the stronger our impact.
It’s crucial we demonstrate to legislators how many communities rely on arts funding to thrive. Every community, from urban centers to rural towns, benefits from the arts, and it’s important that legislators hear directly from you how vital this funding is to your area. The number of people who show up matters - it sends a clear message that the arts are a priority.
We’ve made it easy for you to take part and make a huge impact. By joining us on Advocacy Day, you’ll be helping secure funding to keep the arts strong in your community and across the state.
Your participation can make all the difference.
Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day!
Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 4th, 2025
Rally in the Capitol Rotunda: 10:00 AM
Legislative Meetings: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
This is your chance to make a real impact! Rally with us in the heart of the Capitol and then meet directly with legislators to advocate for vital arts funding in our communities.
Thief River Falls Concert Association Upcoming Shows Feb 8, March 28, and April 22
Thief River Falls Concert Association Winter/Spring 2025 Shows Feb 8, March 28, and April 22
For info and tickets visit their website trfconcerts.com and order online. Or stop by Kezar Music, The Times, or Hugos. All shows at 7 PM at the Lincoln High School Auditorium.
Concert Venue
Lincoln High School Auditorium
101 Knight Ave. So.
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Map this Location
Parking is available in the east parking lot, across Knight Ave.
from the school. Door 6 (the northeast entrance at the corner
of First St. and Knight Ave.) is the entrance for all concerts.
UMC Sponsors Women’s History Month “With Her Hands” Fiber Art Celebration
The University of Minnesota is holding an upcoming Women’s History event March 3 - 14, 2025. Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society, and through a fiber art event they would like to further educate and generate engagement focusing on fiber art in the Red Lake River area community. This Women’s History Month event is intended to bring awareness of the strong tradition and knowledge of women and the fiber arts.
Consider displaying your work as well as sharing your presence during a social on Monday, March 3 from 5-6:30 PM. They are preparing a welcoming space for individuals, like you, with unique skills and various skill levels to come together and display your fiber arts and informally share about your art. While knitting, crocheting, quilting, spinning, weaving, dyeing, embroidery, and stitching come to mind, they hope to include any other textile crafts that support fiber art. They would like this collaborative event to encourage individuals to learn, explore and participate in future textile arts culture in rural Minnesota.
Monday, March 3, 2025
Sargeant Student Center, first floor
Northern Lights Lounge and the International Lounge
Women’s History Month Fiber Art Reception with modest hors d'oeuvres, 5 PM - 6:30 PM
Registration is free, you may sign up at: z.umn.edu/fiberart25.
Grant Writing Training is Tuesday, Feb 11 at 4PM — RSVP Today
We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Tuesday, February 11 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!
Repurpose, Preserve, and Rejuvenate Artist Reception for Sherri Kruger-Kukowski at Warroad RiverPlace January 18
Everyone is welcome to celebrate and experience Warroad RiverPlace’s first-ever solo art exhibit, “Repurpose, Preserve, Rejuvenate,” at a gallery open house and artist reception for northwest Minnesota mosaic creator Sherri Kruger-Kukowski on Saturday, January 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.
The public is invited to view the art, meet the artist, and socialize over light refreshments at this free event.
For the past 30 years, Kruger-Kukowski, a retired Badger educator and founder of Winding River Mosaics, has refined the art of multimedia mosaics, creatively incorporating various elements from antlers to snowshoes to rocks, even giving new life to second-hand materials like tables and chairs. Her work and arts advocacy have earned her numerous awards, grants, and media features. (Full biography at: warroadriverplace.org/events)
“Repurpose, Preserve, Rejuvenate” consists of a diverse array of the artist’s collection, featuring pieces that reflect the beauty of nature — like local flora and fauna — and others that express a sense of community and shared identity.
“I hope this exhibit, which blends the old world art of mosaic with my personal twist, will leave you inspired and rejuvenated,” said Kruger-Kukowski.
“Sherri is not only a talented artist, she is also a great ambassador for the arts in northern Minnesota — one who educates and enthusiastically invites all into a shared space for creation and ideation, cultivating creative expression for our local communities. We invite you to explore her exhibit and take the opportunity to visit with her at this event,” said John Davis, executive director of Warroad RiverPlace.
The exhibit is open at the Warroad RiverPlace art gallery from January 10 to March 8, 2025. It is free to visit Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
MACALESTER AFRICAN MUSIC ENSEMBLE
The artist reception will be followed by a free concert at 7:00 PM. with the Macalester College African Drum Ensemble, hosted by the Warroad Elementary School Music Department. Learn more at warroadriverplace.org.
For more information about Warroad RiverPlace and upcoming events, visit the new arts, culture, and events center Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM. to 5:00 PM. The art gallery and tours of the space are free and open to the public. Contact the center at arts@warroadriverplace.org or (218) 986-0001. Learn more at warroadriverplace.org.
Live music and Community Dance in East Grand Forks January 25 from 3 to 5:30 PM
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance
Saturday, January 25, 2025
3:00 to 5:30 PM
Bernie's Restaurant, 121 DeMers Ave. East Grand Forks, MN
Music by O'Neil Family Band
Caller: Jeanne O'Neil
All ages – singles, couples, families
Traditional American folk dances : Reels, squares, circle mixers and more... all dances are taught, fun, and easy to learn!
Donations at the door
Note: This is an after hours event. Bernie's closes at 3 PM, so if you would like to eat, come early!
Immersed in Color, Inspired by Culture Artist Reception November 21
Please join us for an Artist Reception for our current exhibit at NCTC on November 21.
Immersed in Color Inspired by Culture an exhibit open through November 21. This colorful exhibit includes 29 pieces of art created by four artists in acrylic, watercolor, beading, collage, and an award-winning hockey stick design.
NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett explained, "Our latest exhibit features three Native American Minnesota artists and one non-Native artist. It's a fantastic display of multifaceted creativity. Acrylic, watercolor, beading, mixed media, and college are all part of this unique exhibit."
You won't want to miss this incredible exhibit open through November 21 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. An artist reception will be held on Thursday, November 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Refreshments will be served. This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Please join us!
Community Dance in East Grand Forks November 23 Everyone Welcome
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance
Saturday, November 23rd
2:00 to 4:30 PM
East Grand Forks Senior Center
538 Rhinehart Dr. SE, East Grand Forks
Music by Leatherwood String Band from Bemidji
Caller: Jeanne O'Neil
All ages – singles, couples, families
Reels, squares, circle mixers and more... all dances are taught and easy to learn!
Donations at the door
Grant Writing Training November 4 — RSVP
Grant Writing Training is November 4. RSVP today!
This grant writing training is Monday, November 4 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!
FYI The Deadline for Individual Artist Grants is Coming Soon
November 15 for $5,000 and $1,500 Grants
Free Grant Writing Session on November 4
Here’s the background on the grants. Applications are open for arts grants to individuals from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
This year both the individual Artist Grants for $5,000 and $1,500 have a November 15 deadline. Quick turnaround grants for $500 are also available on an ongoing basis. These grants are awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals and $5,000 going to four individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.
Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2025). In the case of college students, your school or your home mailing address must be in our region. You will have to show proof of residency, usually your driver’s license.
Make sure you RSVP for the grant writing training. It’s free!
North Country Fiddle & Dance October 26 Community Dance — Open to All
North Country Fiddle and Dance
Community Dance
All ages/ Families/ Couples/ Singles — Come one and all!
All dances taught, no experience needed.
Saturday, October 26th
2:00 to 4:30 PM
East Grand Forks Senior Center
538 Rhinehart Dr. S.E., East Grand Forks
Music by Tickwood String Band ( Fergus Falls)
Caller: Jeanne O'Neil
Free will donation at the door
Ross Hier Exhibit + Artist Reception in Crookston
Please stop by an exhibit featuring work by Crookston artist Ross Hier from September 23-28 at the University of Minnesota Crookston. You are invited to an artist reception for Ross at the University of Minnesota Crookston on Monday, September 23 from 5:00-6:30 PM in Bede Ballroom with light hors d'oeuvres and beverages provided. The gallery, which will include items on display from the University's wildlife museum, will be open for viewing during daytime hours through September 28 and groups are welcome. If interested in bringing a group to campus, please contact Jess Bengtson at jessbeng@crk.umn.edu or call 218-281-8432.
Hier worked as an assistant area wildlife manager for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for 35 years and was an adjunct instructor at U of M Crookston for 15 years before retiring. He is a self-taught artist whose love of nature shines through in his watercolor and acrylic paintings, drawings, and duck decoys.
Hier’s art has been showcased at a number of exhibits in several states and he has won regional and national awards including the Northwest Artist of the Year by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council in 2022 and the Jay N. “Ding” Darling Memorial National Award by The National Wildlife Society for Wildlife Stewardship through Art in 2020. He was also a featured artist on Prairie Public TV in 2023.
To learn more about Hier, visit https://crk.umn.edu/news/u-m-crookston-feature-artist-ross-h-hier-gallery-and-reception-september-23-28
Portrait Gallery Artist Reception is Wednesday, Sept 18 from 5 to 7PM. Presentation by Artist Pamela Edevold at 5:30 PM. Everyone is welcome
Please join us for an artist reception on Wednesday, September 18 from 5 to 7 PM at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. Take advantage of the opportunity to tour our current exhibit The Portrait Gallery and meet the artists who created this body of work — Pamela Edevold, Jessica Ross, Therese Masters Jacobson, and Heidi Danos. Some of the art is available to purchase. Snacks and drinks will be provided. There is no charge for this event and everyone is welcome to attend!
Artist Pamela Edevold will give a special presentation at 5:30 PM about the Native portraits. You won’t want to miss this!
Warroad RiverPlace invites the public to a welcoming celebration October 5
Warroad RiverPlace is Opening October 5
The public is invited for a day of festivities at the new
arts, culture, and events center
Warroad RiverPlace, an arts, culture, and events center, will be opening on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The public is invited to a free, family-friendly “Grand Welcoming,” a day of festivities celebrating community and creative expression at the state-of-the-art facility located along the bank of the Warroad River (104 State Ave., Warroad).
Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the 20,000-square-foot, multipurpose building designed to be a welcoming space for everyone in the region to connect, learn, and thrive. The center will be home to an art gallery; a 320-seat performance hall for theater, the performing arts, and social gatherings; a classroom for multigenerational learning; a fireside area; a commercial kitchen for culinary arts courses and catering services; and a patio for outdoor events and picnics.
A local art exhibition, live music, children’s activities, and art demonstrations will animate the center and its outdoor spaces. A full schedule will be announced in September.
“This is an exciting milestone for the entire Northern Minnesota region and the community of Warroad,” said Executive Director John Davis. “I’ve seen firsthand how art, culture, and events centers can transform small, rural communities and economies in ways that were never thought imaginable. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the Board of Directors and the local community to bring the vision to life. RiverPlace is for everyone, and I want to extend an invitation to join us at our ‘Grand Welcoming’ on Saturday, October 5."
The inaugural season of programming will begin in 2025. Visitors can expect to experience performances, exhibits, and fireside chats by a range of local, regional, and nationally recognized artists, as well as enriching educational opportunities for all ages. A free gallery will be open daily.
To stay connected with Warroad RiverPlace, follow the center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts (@warroadriverplace) or visit warroadriverplace.org.
ABOUT WARROAD RIVERPLACE
Warroad RiverPlace is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission to become a welcoming place for everyone and a way of life that will promote inspired living through creative expression, art education, human connectedness, and appreciation for beauty throughout the region.
North Country Fiddle & Dance Fall Dance
North Country Fiddle and Dance Fall Dance
reels, squares, circle mixers, all dances taught and easy to learn, all ages, families, couples, singles.
Saturday, Sept 7 from 2:30 to 5 PM
With Four Mile Portage – Tom Maloney on banjo and guitar, Brandy Forsman on fiddle and bass, from Duluth and Caller -Jeanne O'Neil
East Grand Forks Senior Center, 538 Rhinehart Drive SE, East Grand Forks
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.
For more information: northcountrydance.org
Lynx Lynx Concert in East Grand Forks July 22 at 5PM
Lynx Lynx Concert
Enjoy an evening of traditional Nordic fiddle tunes and original music. Vidar Skrede and Patrik Ahlberg join their Scandinavian fiddle forces together in this Norwegian-Swedish folk music duo.
Mon, July 22 @ 5:00 pm
Free will donations to support North Country Fiddle and Dance accepted at the door.
This event is sponsored by North Country Fiddle and Dance, the EGF Arts and Crafts Council, and the EGF Campbell Library.
Writing Workshop with Hallock Author Jeanne Cooney September 14
Register for this writing workshop with Hallock author Jeanne Cooney. The workshop will be held on September 14.
NWMAC Exhibit: Awareness: within and without featuring artists Cindy Kolling and Gail Ose
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces
Awareness: within and without
May 30 – July 31
Featuring Artwork by Cindy Kolling and Gail Ose
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls through July 2024
Artist Reception Wednesday, July 10 from 6 – 8 PM
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Awareness: within and without. This exhibit features 54 pieces of artwork by Gully Visual Artist Cindy Kolling and Thief River Falls Visual Artist Gail Ose and is open through July at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
Showcase Specialist Trey Everett shared, “Cindy Kolling is a master at capturing the life cycle of plants through her pen and ink and silkscreen artistry. Gail Ose's visionary and highly symbolic work is a fascinating process as well as mesmerizing to gaze into. This exhibit is a complementary combination of two distinct styles which give careful attention to the form and the formless, what is without and what is within."
Cindy Kolling’s work includes two sets of 12 silkscreen prints of the life cycle of native plants white sage and blazing star plus other work. These are different handprints of one plant in a continuing series originating from pen & ink drawings of Cindy’s that reference her field sketches, artist’s photos, and observation experiences.
No two handprints are alike and there are no more. These original prints may be released as high quality digital reproductions later, as determined by the artist ,but the original handprint is unique and unable to be done the same again. Cindy explained, “I want to make new art that invites viewers to expand their participation in life by developing and sharing appreciation and to consider our local world with fresh insight.”
Cindy continued, “I am not a medium purist and incorporate carefully researched information into the creation of my works, most of which are created in series. Much of what I do involves fine line technical pen drawing. My drawings almost always begin with some kind of in-field observations and sketches; and very often reference my photographs. The drawings are not meant to be technical or even very realistic renderings but do have interpretive accuracy to start with and evolve from there. Many of my drawings are taken further into hand printed pieces. I often work on carefully selected recycled fiber paper with quiet colors of hand-screened inks. My frames are repurposed “thrift store finds”, or custom-made by an area woodworker from reclaimed wood. I like mixing the old and new concepts to create something fresh. It is the result of experimenting with what one has; what one knows, and where one wants to go. The process is a work in progress.”
Gail Ose is a visionary artist and founder of Serendipity Art Hub based in Thief River Falls, where she lives on a farm with her husband, LeRoy, and their two Great Pyrenees dogs Carly and Thor. In her studio classroom and workshops, Gail offers painting classes taught from the perspective of Heart, Soul, and Spirit while nurturing authentic, creative expressions regardless of talent or experience. Gail weaves her passion for creativity and spiritual connection into her painting practice and throughout her life and leads others into uncharted areas of their creativity, both inward and outward, to live and create more authentically.
She explained, “I am honored to be paired with Cindy Kolling as one of the showcase artists in this exhibit and very grateful to the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council for supporting me and working with me in my endeavor to bring this dream of mine into the light as an emerging artist. It is my sincere hope that my paintings touch and inspire something inside visitors as they explore their unique images. Each of my portal paintings are sacred acts of allowing myself to be a vehicle for sharing an energetic message and each is infused with symbolic meaning designed to carry a specific energy of intention cohesive to its message. Each of my portal paintings are exercises in communing with spirit to bring forth the unseen realm and bridge it with the visible in the form of a painting. My portal paintings usually have a lot of symbology that usually invites the onlooker into wonderment and curiosity. They usually provoke introspection.”
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at youtu.be/Rcys2dLpwlg
An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, July 10 from 6 – 8 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends.
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8 -5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please check to make sure the college is open before making a special trip to see the exhibit. Summer hours can change. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.
If you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 745-8886 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.
Poetry Potluck with Brendan Steamer
This Poetry Potluck event, celebrating National Poetry Month, is on April 25 at 6:30 PM at the Campbell Library at 422 4th Street NW, East Grand Forks.
The event will open with a Poetry Potluck — an opportunity for anyone in attendance to share a poem that they love and say a bit about what it means to them. Participation is not mandatory and individuals with no knowledge of poetry are encouraged to attend and listen.
Local poet Brendan Sterner of East Grand Forks will be reading his poetry. Stermer is the author of “Forgotten Frequencies,” winner of the 2023 Poetry of the Plains and Prairie’s Award and published by North Dakota State University Press in December. He is also the host of Interesting People Reading Poetry — a podcast where well-known artists and cultural luminaries read a favorite poem and share what it means to them.
Sterner’s reading will include information on local literary history and the influence of Midwestern writers on different aspects of the collection.
This event is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the McKnight Foundation.
NW Annual Art Exhibit is Open April 3-21
The Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit
Open April 3 – April 21
Kittson County History Museum in Lake Bronson
Reception and Program on April 21 to
Honor Exhibit & Of the Year Award Winners
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce the NW Annual Art Exhibit is at the Kittson County History Museum in Lake Bronson from April 3 until April 21.
Adult artists from our 7 county- service region (Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, and Red Lake Falls) have entered 68 pieces of art and students have entered 59 pieces, including oil, acrylic, watercolor painting, pencil drawings, pen and ink, pottery, sculpture, fiber art, glass mosaic, and mixed media. and are competing for $2,300.00 in cash awards. Attendees at the exhibit can vote for People’s Choice. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by Pat Danielson, a qualified juror from Grand Forks. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception.
Walk through the exhibit at https://youtu.be/EeSvf3_tVVg.
Exhibit Awards include:
Adults:
1st $500 Andy Hall of Climax for photography “Backlit Milkweed”
2nd $300 Irene Bertils of Crookston for watercolor painting “Warm Summer Evening “
3rd $200 Aliza Novacek-Olson of Roseau for folk/traditional wool “Solitary Qoshmas”
Merit $100 Michael McColl of Lengby in drawing “You're Getting Very Sleepy”
Merit $100 Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla for folk/ traditional porcelain “Pitcher”
Merit $100 Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad of Ada in mixed media “No Constraints”
Merit $100 Sara Jo Trangsrud of Thief River Falls in sculpture “Bursting Out”
Merit $100 Gail Ose of Thief River Falls for fused glass “The Dreams We Hold Sacred”
People’s Choice $100 TBD
Students:
1st $300 Brigitta Novacek of Roseau in acrylic painting “Valorous”
2nd $150 Anita Foster of Thief River Falls for mixed media “Ruth”
3rd $100 Mary Jane Crane of Red Lake Falls for drawing “Beauty in Self-Image”
Merit $50 Kyleigh Halvorson of Fosston for drawing “Iris”
Merit $50 Kaytlyn Knutson of Red Lake Falls for digital art “Orion”
Merit $50 Mason Grivno of Felton for sculpture “German Wirehaired Pointer”
Merit $50 Mahli Holter of Red Lake Falls for mixed media “Almagations”
Merit $50 Izzy Swenson of Lancaster for painting “Purple Iris”
People’s Choice $50 TBD
The exhibit is at the Kittson County History Museum at 332 East Main Street, Lake Bronson and will be open for the public to view art and vote for People’s Choice on Mondays through Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Exhibit Hours
Monday - Friday 9 AM to 5 PM
Extended hours:
Wednesday, April 10 9 AM to 7 PM
Sunday, April 14 1 to 4 PM
Wednesday, April 17 9 AM to 7 PM
There will be a reception and program on April 21 at the Kittson County History Museum. The exhibit will open at noon that day. Mingling and light refreshments will start at 2:00 PM with the program at 3:00 PM. Of the Year Awards will be presented to Potter Betsy Saurdiff for the NW Star Award -- Lifetime Achievement, Musician Randy Larson for Artist of the Year, and Radio Host Rom Ogaard for Arts Advocate of the Year, in addition to exhibit awards. Randy Larson will play the music with his adult children. The Exhibit and Reception are open to the public and free to attend. Many pieces of art are for sale and the public is encouraged to shop. Purchases can be marked as sold and picked up on April 21 after the reception. The exhibit provides an opportunity to see what our regional adult and student artists are creating in their studio spaces and in the classroom. The reception is a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region.
Visit our website for more information at www.NWArtsCouncil.org. Funding for these awards is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Legislature.
Artist Spotlight with Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil on March 28
Watch our Artist Spotlight with Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil here. This was live on Thursday, March 28 at 10:30 AM on our Facebook and YouTube pages.
NWMAC Staff Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling spoke with Artists Jeanne O'Neil and Erin O'Neil. They talked about their music and the current exhibit Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through April 2024. They even played some tunes for the broadcast. Again, watch the recording here.
Jeanne O’Neil explained, “The focus of this show is the celebration of Erin's recently completed book, Twenty of Plenty, in which twenty of her original fiddle tunes are transcribed. We are both folk musicians and visual artists, and it is fitting to bring these forms of artistic expression together, as the tunes and art are both inspired by the rural landscapes we live in.”
The newest prints in this show come from a series of sketches made over the past summers on Jeanne’s land. “Walking the fields and pathways every day, year after year, the colors, contrasts, textures and lines of trees, grasses, sky, river are impressed in my mind, creating an accumulated knowledge of these places. The making of each print creates a deeper knowing and a stronger connection to that knowing.”
Jeanne’s daughter Erin O’Neil created the Twenty of Plenty tune book. This was an effort with a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council to get some of her tune compositions transcribed so that they could be introduced into wider circles of musicians. The descriptions and illustration throughout the book offer insight into the meaning of the compositions. The cultural influences for these tunes include French Canadian, Irish, Scandinavian, Scottish traditional fiddle music, New England Contra Dance music, Old Time Appalachian music, and Metis fiddle tunes.
Erin also has Rag Folk pieces in this exhibit. The Rag Folk represent preservation of what has been used in everyday life and creating new lives out of old scraps and rags. Erin started creating these pieces with a passion for recycling and reducing waste and a desire to connect with others.
Jeanne and Erin both play in the O’Neil Family Band. Erin plays the fiddle and feet, while Jeanne plays the banjo and concertina. The band holds many community dances in our region.
An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. The O'Neil Family Band will be performing and refreshments will be served. Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends.Please join us for the conversation! Let us know if you have questions!