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:
Artist of the Year Samantha Harrill
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!
Arts Advocate of the Year Jane Anderson
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!
NW Star Awardee Rebecca (Becky) Rosenkrans
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!
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.
