Arts News
Emergency Relief Fund Upcoming Deadline is June 15
Emergency Relief Fund
APPLY NOW -- JUNE 15 DEADLINE
Additional Deadlines August 15, October 15, & December 1 as funds allow
The Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) provides short-term relief to individual artists facing housing, healthcare, income, transportation, legal, or property loss emergencies that impact their wellbeing or ability to work.
This program offers one-time awards of $500. In general, payments for emergency assistance are considered gifts and are not taxable income. Individuals must be currently active in a creative practice and live in Region 1: (Minnesota counties of Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, or Roseau). The Artists Emergency Relief Fund Network is stewarded by Springboard for the Arts and supported by F. R. Bigelow Foundation, Jerome Foundation, McKnight Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.
The application process opened May 1, 2026.
Application deadlines are June 15, August 15, October 15, and December 1 as funds allow.
Read more and download application here.
Reach out to NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel with questions about the program or application process at director@nwartscouncil.org or 218-745-8886, ext 1.
June Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including awards, upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click https://conta.cc/4u7HRkK
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Cohort of Artists Added to NWMAC’s Teaching Artist Roster
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is Excited to Announce 14 New Artists Available for Residencies
Fourteen area artists recently completed the Northwest Minnesota Art Council’s teaching artist training and are available for school and community residencies. Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is proud to now promote a roster of 23 local artists trained in our Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP).
This new cohort of artists include visual artists Alyssa Aune of Gatzke, Beau Bakken of Hallock, Trey Everett of Crookston, Amy Fuglestad of Crookston, Samantha Harrill of Warroad, Jill Levene of Warren, Caylie Nicholson of Hallock, Gail Ose of Thief River Falls, Jodi Peterson of Moorhead who teaches in Ada, Jessica Ross of Fisher, Mandy Smestad of East Grand Forks, and Acacia Winters of Thief River Falls; and performing artists Eden Johnson of Lake Bronson and Megan Maloney of Thief River Falls.
They join Kristin Eggerling of Hallock, Christine Foster of Thief River Falls, Janet Johnson of Roseau, Jolene Juhl of Greenbush, Cindy Kolling of Gully, Misti Koop of East Grand Forks, Aliza Novacek-Olson of Roseau, Stephanie Olson of Thief River Falls, and Elizabeth Rockstad of Ada.
Residences and multi-day workshops offered are in ceramics, storytelling, writing, visual arts, violin, self-portraits, watercolor or acrylic painting, mural painting, creative expression, glass fusing, encaustic art, mixed media, collaborative design and technical theater, performing arts, textiles, mosaic, printmaking, and more.
To view the roster and learn more about the artists (including how to contact them) visit our website at:
https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/tarp-artists. Or click on Artists at the top of our website and then click on Teaching Artists List.
The Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP) is designed to support artists (visual, performing, writing, media, fine art) in refining and developing skills for conducting collaborative, in-depth arts learning experiences in organizations, community settings, and schools. Artists applied and a cohort was selected to participate in this training. Artists interested in being added to the roster can apply this Fall to be in the next group going through the mainly online training of seven sessions.
These artists learned valuable skills and tools to best teach their creative practice. The training helped them to expand the ways they apply their craft, belong to a network of fellow teaching artists who serve as resources, mentors and peers, and employ strategies that contribute to success as a teaching artist.
Schools and festivals can apply for funding to sponsor these local artists to come into their school for residencies or to their festival for a workshop experience over a couple days. Artists on the roster have created a residency plan with lesson plans, materials list, and other documents that take most of the work out of applying.
Schools can apply for an Artist Residency grant of $3,000 as early as this fall through our on-line grant system. The Login to create a user and start an application is in the upper right corner of our website.To apply, schools fill out an application showing interest in funding, then requests are made with add-on forms within the on-line grant software for specific project funding requests. Each residency requires a minimum 10% cash match. Funding for residency activities comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Minnesota. School residencies are first come, first served grants to school districts in our seven-county area. You will need to contact the artist directly to schedule the residency.
Festivals within our seven county service area can apply for our July 31, October 31, February 28 or April 30 deadlines to include artists in what they are offering the public with grant funding in the arts. There is a minimum 10% cash match.
Please contact Northwest Minnesota Arts Council in Warren with any questions about this TARP program, to receive a flyer in the mail with the artists available, or to receive grant funding to bring one of these teaching artists into your school or festival. The NWMAC phone number is 218-745-8886 ext 1 and email is director@nwartscouncil.org.
Q & A Sessions for Call for Proposals for art exhibitions in the 3rd Floor Exhibit Gallery of the Minnesota State Capitol
Q & A Sessions offered about Call for Proposals for art exhibits in the 3rd floor exhibit gallery of the MN State Capitol.
Please join a question and answer session to hear more about the opportunity to exhibit your art at the Capitol. There will be two identical information sessions facilitated by the committee’s chair and vice chair, held virtually via Zoom. Bring your questions, or join to listen. Read more about these sessions and the opportunity at Call for Proposal website
Great State of Minnesota Exhibit is Open until August 28
The Great State of Minnesota
an exhibit reflecting
What Minnesota Means to Me
Open Now Through August 28
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
Artist Reception Tuesday, June 30 from 6:30 to 8 PM
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 August 28.
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 on Tuesday, June 30 from 6:30 to 8 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend this FREE event. Refreshments will be served. Thief River Falls ACT will be performing the play Frozen in the NCTC theater that evening.
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.
Otherworld Echos — a collection by Sarah Pester exhibited at NCTC Display Case
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
May Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including awards, upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click
https://conta.cc/3QPUW4i
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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!
Samantha Harrill is Artist of the Year
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!
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!
Springboard Work of Art: Portfolio Kit — virtual workshop April 21
Springboard’s Work of Art: Portfolio Kit — virtual workshop April 21
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
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
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
Minnesota State Arts Board offers Cultural Expression Funding Opportunity and Evaluation Capacity Building Webinars
Funding Opportunity: FY 2027 Cultural Expression
Evaluation Capacity Building Webinars
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_XIlllQUKOGcc6aK2O0gWednesday 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.
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
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: TBD
Student Winners
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 TBD
April Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including awards, upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click https://conta.cc/4txRSYJ
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Of the Year Award Winners Announced
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is Pleased to Announce
Of the Year Award Winners for 2026
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.
Of the Year Award Winners include:
Samantha Harrill of Warroad is the
Northwest Artist of the Year for Visual Art
Originally from Red Lake Falls, Harrill is a gifted ceramic artist. She creates functional and decorative pottery pieces that are thoughtfully designed, well-crafted, and finished with great attention to detail. Samantha is also 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. 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. Congratulations, Samantha!
Jane Anderson of Thief River Falls will be 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. 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. When she saw a need, she created and stewarded youth programs to provide theater opportunities for young performers. 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. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Congratulations, Jane!
Rebecca Rosenkrans of Roseau will receive the
Northwest Star Award
Rebecca (or Becky) has been creating one-of-a-kind jewelry for over 30 years. 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. 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. The Northwest Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award. Congratulations, Becky!
These awards will be presented on Saturday, April 25 at Warroad RiverPlace,103 State Avenue, Warroad. The NW Art Exhibit will open that day at 2:30 PM with mingling, light refreshments, and live music. The awards program will be at 3:30 PM. The exhibit and reception are open to the public and free to attend. The reception is a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region. Please join us!
For more information about these awards, see our website at http://www.northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/
Funding for Northwest Star and Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Funding for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.
Arts Grants Deadline is April 30
Upcoming Deadline for Arts Grants is April 30
Arts Project Grants & Individual Artist Grants
Free Grant Writing Session will be held on
Wednesday, April 15 at 11 AM
Applications are open for grants from the NWMAC. It’s time to start writing your arts grant application! April 30 is the final deadline for this fiscal year.
Arts Grants for non-profit and governmental organizations. Non-profits and cities or counties can apply for one arts project at a time. The next deadline for these grants is April 30. Grants are between $500 and $10,000. Funding sources for these grants are Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
Organizational arts activities funded through this very important grant opportunity includes festivals, community theatre projects, folk music entertainment, sponsorship of visual demonstrations, creative writing workshops and many other activities that improve the quality of life of people in our communities. Public art like murals or sculptures also fall into this category.
Individual Artist 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. Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500 have an April 30 deadline. 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 a substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals, $3,000 going to three individuals, and $5,000 going to three individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota.
Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year. 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.
We offer free grant writing sessions to help you write your grant application or to answer any questions. The upcoming session will be:
Wednesday, April 15 at 11 AM
This free Grant Writing Workshop is on Zoom -- contact our office for a link. You can also come to our office in Warren and attend from our grant writing station. You must RSVP to attend! Email director@nwartscouncil.org to RSVP or with questions. Don’t let your questions about the grant process keep you from applying! We are here to help. This is a great opportunity to come to our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space. If you can’t attend these trainings but would like assistance, please contact our office.
To learn more about our grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. The grant application process is completely online and NWMAC's Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal to get accustomed to it. Please contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886, extension 1.
March Newsletter What’s happening in the Arts?
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click https://conta.cc/40KwCm0
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Apply Now for a 2026 McKnight Visual Artist Fellowship
The 2026 McKnight Foundation Visual Artist Fellowships application is now open. This opportunity is for mid-career/established artists. There are two pre-recorded information sessions on the application site and they also offer one-on-one meetings with applicants before submitting their application materials. They can provide feedback on work sample sections, editing artist statements, organizing resumes, and more. Learn about the application guidelines on their website. For Greater Minnesota artists, the fellowship does cover mileage and lodging for finalist/curator studio visits and fellow meetings so this is not a financial burden on the artists.
Find the application at https://mcad.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: Friday, March 20 at noon CT.
Contact info: gallery@mcad.edu
Keisha Williams, Program Director
Melanie Pankau, Fellowship Coordinator
TRF Area Community Theater Offers Free Workshops, Auditions
FREE workshops, auditions by TRFACT
Thief River Falls Area Community Theater (TRFACT) will be offering free workshops, audition opportunities, and more. See their website for updates, more information, or with questions at trfact.org.
FREE Musical Audition Prep Workshops
Location: NCTC Theater
Cost: Free (registration required)
• Saturday, March 1 | 4:00–5:00 PM
• Wednesday, March 5 | 6:00–7:00 PM
These workshops are designed for performers new to auditions or looking for a refresher. Both sessions cover the same material and are open to all ages. They are especially helpful for those planning to audition for TRFACT’s summer 2026 production of The Sound of Music.
Each workshop includes:
Overview of dialogue and singing expectations
Q&A with the creative team
Time to practice dialogue and/or music in small groups
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/TRFACTMARCH26
Auditions: The Sound of Music (all ages) and The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (adult female cast)
Location: NCTC Theater
• March 19–20 | 5:00–7:00 PM
• March 21 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
TRFACT Kids’ Theater Workshop (Grades 2–5)
Location: NCTC Theater
Tuesdays, 3:15–4:30 PM
Dates: March 3, 10, 17, and 24
Cost: $25 for all four sessions
Limited to 25 students
Students will build stage confidence, learn basic acting techniques, and explore how auditions work. On the final day, March 24, participants may audition for the summer production of Frozen KIDS.
Registration: https://our.show/a2tqphfelb
Teen Audition Prep Workshops (Grades 6–11)
These workshops focus on audition preparation, including reviewing materials, audition sides, songs, and providing time for questions.
Lincoln High School
• Sessions: April 15 and 22, 2026
• Auditions for Something Rotten Jr.: April 29, 2026
Franklin Middle School
• Sessions: April 16 and 23, 2026
• Auditions for Something Rotten Jr.: April 30, 2026
Summer Performances NCTC Theater:
The Sound of Music: June 10-12, 15-17, 7pm
Frozen KIDS: June 30-July 2, 7pm
The Sweet Delilah Swim Club: July 14-16, 7pm
Something Rotten Jr.: July 28-30, 7pm