Arts News
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
Applications Open for Minnesota State Arts Board FY2027 Arts Education Grant Program
Minnesota State Arts Board
accepting applications for its
FY 2027 Arts Education grant program
Application materials are now available for the FY 2027 Arts Education grant program. This program is open to both individuals and organizations.
Arts Education offers project grants to help Minnesotans develop personal relationships with an art form(s) by supporting arts learning experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities. In this program, funds may be used for age-appropriate classes, workshops, camps, after-school programs, online education programs, community arts education, school residences or partnerships, etc.
Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000.
More details, including program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Arts Education program page. Potential applicants are encouraged to review all information and resources on the program page and in the FY 2027 Arts Education Program Overview and Application Instructions document before beginning an application.
The Arts Board will offer 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 the program officer at the end of the session.
Important Dates
January 6, 2026: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. It will be recorded and available for later viewing.
February 6, 2026: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.
August 2026: Arts Board will approve and announce grant awards.
October 2026 - September 2027: All funded activities must take place within these dates.
Apply for the Annual Art Exhibit
You are Invited to Apply for the
Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit
Submissions Accepted January 1 Through February 28
We are pleased to announce our latest “Call for Entries” for the 2025 Annual Art Exhibit. This will open on January 1.
The deadline to submit your artwork is February 28, 2026.
This year, the annual Art Exhibit will be at the Warroad RiverPlace from Thursday, April 2 until Saturday, April 25. Artwork will be dropped off on Tuesday, March 31 from 10 AM - 7 PM at Warroad RiverPlace.
Artists and creatives from our 7 county- service region are 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.
See https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/nwmnartsexhibit-apply for more information, including the exhibit entry rules and directions. If you would like the entry form mailed to you, please contact our office 218-745-8886 ext 1 or director@nwartscouncil.org. The entry form must be submitted no later than February 28, 2026.
Need help completing the application form? Follow this step by step guide here.
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
Attention Songwriters, Composers, & Others in the Music Industry
Call for Songwriters, Composers, and Others in the
Music Industry!
Help Us Celebrate the Artists Behind the Music!
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is sponsoring an exhibit featuring songwriters, composers, and others involved in the music industry opening mid-January through April at our gallery in Thief River Falls.
Who are we looking for?
Singer/Songwriters
Composers
Performers
Instrument Makers
Others involved in music publishing, recording, management, production, distribution, marketing, merchandising, art design, and more!
What are the items that will be showcased?
Gig posters
Musical Instruments
Picks
Drum Sticks
Notebooks with music or lyrics
Awards
Newspaper/magazine articles
Photos
Sheet music
Albums
CD cases
Clothing or Merch
Other
Those featured will primarily be residents of our 7 county region. Former residents or others with a connection to the region can also be included.
Please reach out with questions and interest. We will need bios, artist statements, websites, and contact information. treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or 218-280-4917
Individual Artist Grant Deadline Added — Apply by January 15
Are you a non-hobby artist who makes most of your income from your art? We have funding available! Apply Now for an Individual Artist Grant!
There is an additional grant deadline of January 15 for Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500. 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; $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.
Nominations for Of the Year Awards Due Saturday, January 31
Nominations for Of the Year Awards Due January 31
Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Often people serve in both roles. Nominations are due on Saturday, January 31.
Northwest Star Award
The Northwest Star Award is a lifetime achievement award. This award is for $5,000 and can be a wonderful gift to those who have chosen a hard career path related to artistic expression. Artists can only receive this award once.
Artist of the Year
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 to use however they see fit.
Arts Advocate of the Year
Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and honors someone who keeps being a voice and advocate for arts within the community or local school or the region. Arts includes all disciplines.
An ELIGIBLE NOMINATION must include one completed nomination form, narrative on merit, letters supporting the nomination, a copy of the nominee’s resume or detailed qualifications, five work samples if artist, and be received by January 31. Only residents of the Minnesota counties Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau are eligible for these $500 awards. We also give a large Northwest Star Artist award. The first step is to nominate the person for Northwest Artist. One person will be selected to receive a $5,000 cash award from the pool of candidates and receive our Northwest Star recognition. This person must be beyond an emerging or student status to be considered. This truly is a once in a lifetime award. Additional criteria apply so please contact our office for more information if you feel your nominee will be considered 218-745-8886.
RESTRICTIONS: Each award can be received only once in a lifetime. Nominations will not be carried over from year to year. Previous nominees must be re-nominated each year. It is the policy of NWMAC that nominees will not be notified of their nomination unless they are chosen to receive an Award.
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Please consider nominating someone who you view as a deserving candidate from our seven-county service area in northwestern Minnesota. Questions? Contact our office at (218) 745-8886 or email director@NWArtsCouncil.org for more information. The nomination form is here. Curious who has received these awards in the past? Find out here.
Awards are presented at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Exhibit reception in Warroad on Saturday, April 25. 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.
Summer Art Camp Instructor Proposals Now Open!
Summer Art Camp Instructor Proposals Now Open
Open to Practicing Artists in All Media
The North Dakota Museum of Art is now accepting proposals for the 2026 Summer Art Camp season. Practicing artists working in any media - painting, sculpture, fiber, design, printmaking, photography, and beyond - are invited to apply.
This is open to artists at all career stages.
Summer Art Camp is an exciting opportunity for kids to explore creativity and discover the many ways art can be made! As a practicing artist, your leadership and experience can inspire the next generation of creators. The North Dakota Museum of Art, our state’s official art museum, located in the beautiful city of Grand Forks, is the perfect place to make a meaningful impact.
Each camp functions as a weeklong teaching artist residency, offering professional artists the chance to work directly with children (ages 6-9 or 10-14) in a collaborative, hands-on setting. Projects should be designed for classroom-based spaces.
Projects should reflect the artist’s own practice while remaining accessible and engaging for young learners. Camps take place June 9–July 18, 2026, at the North Dakota Museum of Art and affiliated UND facilities. Artists will lead a single, week-long camp (Monday-Friday) with support from trained assistants and Museum staff.
Compensation and Support
$1,150 instructor stipend
$250 supply budget for materials
On-site staff and helper support
Limited travel stipends may be available for artists traveling long distances (typically 4+ hours) at the discretion of Museum staff.
Apply today and join the best part of Summer!
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all sessions are filled.
Final decision for the 2026 Season will go out in February, 2026.
Visit ndmoa.com/summer-art-camp for more information or call 701.777.3599