Arts News
NW Art Exhibit & Of the Year Award Reception and Program
Our annual Awards reception and program was held on Sunday, April 21 at the Kittson County History Museum. The exhibit opened at noon that day. Mingling and refreshments started at 2:00 PM along with live music by Eagle Creek and Eden Rowan Johnson.
The Awards Program started at 3 PM.
Of the Year Awards were 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 performed 2 songs with his adult children.
The Exhibit and Reception were open to the public and free to attend. 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 was a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region.
NW Art Exhibit Winners Announced and Presented
Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit Winners Announced
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to announce the Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit Winners. Student and adult artists residing in a seven-county region including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau and Red Lake recently entered the Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit and competed for $2,300 in cash awards. The winners were recognized at the Northwest Minnesota Artist Reception in Lake Bronson on April 21.
Exhibit cash award winners were chosen while the exhibit was on display at the Kittson County History Museum in Lake Bronson by qualified juror and Grand Forks Artist Pat Danielson.
Danielson has been an active, well known visual artist for decades and is a member of the River Forks Watercolor Society and of Arts for Vets. She has a B.S. in Education from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Of the exhibit, she said, “What a pleasure it was to see the rich display of art at NWMAC’s show at Lake Bronson! As this year’s juror, I viewed each piece several times. While technique is important, I looked for art that surprised with its original idea, showed clear intention, was well executed and presented, and especially that drew me back to learn more about it.
This exhibit showed a wide variety of media — paintings, ceramics, fiber arts, sculpture, photography, fused glass, mosaic, assemblages, digital art — in many sizes and many shapes! Some of the treasures offered were small works and made no less impact than large ones. Congratulations to all the artists who entered this exhibit. Art is a community where everyone can participate. I hope you will continue to show your work, learn from one another, and support each other. You all win — with or without prizes awarded.”
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 Debbie Aune of Gatzke
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 Dana Brown of Lancaster
Fourteen exhibit pieces of student and adult art were chosen to be included in the Traveling Art Exhibit, which will travel this next year to area libraries. Watch for the schedule to be announced and for it to arrive in your community. Five exhibit pieces of student art were also chosen to be hung in the hallway of Senator Mark Johnson’s office in St. Paul. These students and their work include Lydia Christianson of Fertile “Omaha Jellyfish,” Kyleigh Halvorson of Fosston “Iris,” Carter Lee Johnsrud of Goodridge “A Broken Heart,” Dana Brown of Lancaster, (Kittson Central) “Jesse and Walt,” and Melody Voeltz, of Lancaster “Barred Owl.”
NW Art Exhibit Adult and Student Award Winners
Juror Pat Danielson judged the NW Art Exhibit in Lake Bronson late last week.
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
Of the Year Award Winners Announced
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is Pleased to Announce Of the Year Award Winners
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 for 2024 include:
Randy Larson of Gatzke is the Northwest Artist of the Year for Music. Larson has played with many bands, including Back Behind the Barn Boys and Eagle Creek. He’s been a mentor to aspiring musicians in our region. 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, Randy!
Rom Ogaard of Crookston will be awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award. Ogaard has been a longtime radio host at KSRQ 90.1 radio at Northland Community and Technical College and will be retiring in April. As Ron West, he has partnered with the NWMAC to offer a weekly radio segment that promotes artists, the arts, and arts organizations. He also hosts segments that feature the Campbell Library in East Grand Forks, and the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks. These radio programs have brought news and information about the arts to our region and beyond. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Congratulations, Rom!
Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla will receive the Northwest Star Award. Betsy is a retired German and visual arts teacher from the Grygla and Goodridge School Districts. In 2018 Betsy was named Arts Advocate of the Year. She is a well-known potter in our region and sells her work out of her studio BettsPottery and at art shows. She's had a solo show in our gallery and is a regular entrant and award winner in our annual NW Art Exhibit. The NW Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award. Congratulations, Betsy!
These awards will be presented on Sunday, April 21 in Lake Bronson at the Kittson County History Museum. The NW Art Exhibit will be open that day for viewing artwork starting at Noon. A reception with light refreshments and music will start at 2:00 PM with the awards program at 3:00 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.
NW Art Exhibit Opens April 3 in Lake Bronson
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 over 70 pieces of art and students have entered over 40 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.
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, light refreshments, and music will start at 2:00 PM with the program at 3:00 PM. Of the YearAwards -- the NW Star Award -- Lifetime Achievement, Artist of the Year, and Arts Advocate of the Year will be presented, in addition to exhibit awards. 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.
Funding for these awards is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Legislature.
Northwest Minnesota Art Reception and Awards
Student and adult artists residing in our seven-county region including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau and Red Lake entered into the Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit and competed for $2,300 in cash awards. The exhibit was open in March and April. The NWMAC held an art reception and awards program on April 30 in Middle River. Visitors came from all over to view the art and honor the artists. The winners were recognized at the reception at the Middle River Legacy Center.
The reception included fantastic catered sushi and fun desserts, dragonfruit fizzy tea, and coffee made with beans roasted in the building. NW Star Awardee Cathy Erickson played music.
Of the Year Awards -- the NW Star Award -- Lifetime Achievement, Artist of the Year, and Arts Advocate of the Year were presented. The Exhibit and Reception were open to the public and free to attend. Many pieces of art were for sale. The reception was a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region.
Funding for these awards is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Legislature.
Exhibit cash award winners were chosen while the exhibit was on display at the Middle River Legacy Center, 335 4th Street, Middle River by qualified juror and Project Director of the Miikanan Gallery at the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji Karen Goulet. The public voted for People’s Choice.
This “art exhibition was wonderful to jury. It was challenging to make final selections for the art awards, as there were so many interesting and well-made works of art. As a curator and juror, I have criteria in making final decisions that reflect on innovation, content, and advancing craft. Creative courage is what moves arts and artists forward and keeps the arts invigorated. I can say that if there had been two more awards to give in each group this would have been easier for me to do.
I am particularly impressed with how many schools were represented in the exhibit. I know it has not been easy for the arts in the last few years because of the pandemic, and budget challenges. Art is something that makes the world better. There must be dedication by teachers and students to keep creating. I could see this dedication in the variety of work that was submitted.
Rural artists do not always have the same opportunities to be seen as are available in urban areas. The talent I saw in this exhibit reinforces my belief that rural arts are thriving. Whether artists can work full time, or they need to make around other commitments, the quality of the work is so impressive. Juried art exhibitions are subjective to the selection criteria of the juror. Each year is another opportunity to have work recognized and seen. I hope the artists in this exhibit will keep submitting work and seek other venues for their talent to be seen.”
Walk through the exhibit at https://youtu.be/bQGJLtDppB0.
Exhibit Awards include:
Adult Winners
1st Place $500 Jessica Ross of Thief River Falls for painting “Field Work”
2nd Place $300 Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla in Folk/Traditional Fine Craft “Grandma's Quilt”
3rd Place $200 Megan Sugden of Hallock for photography ‘Abandoned Divco Milk Truck’
Merit $100 Dennis Lee of Red Lake Falls in acrylic painting “Old House”
Merit $100 Nancy Vraa of Red Lake Falls in Folk/traditional Fine Craft ‘Country Classic”
Merit $100 Tim Anderson of Goodridge in Folk/Traditional Fine Craft “Let Your Light Shine” (wood bowl)
Merit $100 Debbie Dahl Aune of Gatzke for watercolor painting “Long Shadows”
Merit $100 Andrea Halvorson of Goodridge for drawing “Carrying Mom to Heaven”
People’s Choice $100 Tammy Hansen of Newfolden
Student Winners
1st Place $300 Carter Lee Johnsrud of Goodridge for mixed media “Masking”
2nd Place $150 Andrew Glad of Greenbush for Other Folk Art “Vincent“
3rd Place $100 Geneva Gartner of Fertile in sculpture “Moth”
Merit $50 Quinn Pittman of Greenbush for drawing “Moe”
Merit $50 Ashton Jensrud of Fertile for other typewriter drawing “15” (Boston terrier)
Merit $50 Rhiana Utter of Greenbush for print “Elsa”
Merit $50 Paris Sondreal of Middle River in sculpture Vase Tumbler
Merit $50 Logan Krueger of Fertile for mixed media “Frederick” (burned paper skull)
People’s Choice $50 Carter Lee Johnsrud of Goodridge
Fifteen exhibit pieces of student and adult art were chosen to be included in the Traveling Art Exhibit, which will travel this next year to area libraries. Watch for the schedule to be announced and for it to arrive in your community. Five exhibit pieces of student art were also chosen to be hung in the hallway of Senator Mark Johnson’s office in St. Paul.
Debbie Dahl Aune is Artist of the Year
Debbie Dahl Aune is Artist of the Year
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce that Debbie Dahl Aune of Gatzke is the Northwest Artist of the Year for Visual Arts. This award was presented on Sunday, April 30 at the Middle River Legacy Center.
Aune is a visual artist who works in many mediums. She is the Art Teacher at the Greenbush Middle River Public School, as well as the Greenbush Middle River Art Club Advisor, a frequent art project presenter at the Creativity Festival in Bemidji, and a community ed instructor. She has entered and placed often in the annual NW Minnesota Art Exhibit, receiving merit, second, first, and People’s Choice awards. Finally, Aune has exhibited her work in many NWMAC themed exhibits, including several solo shows. Last year Debbie was featured on a MPR (Minnesota Public Radio) segment and in a Prairie Mosaic video on Prairie Public Television.
Aune received a BS in Art Education from Bemidji State University and has taken graduate course work at several institutions, allowing her to study under many well-known artists.
Aune said “My biggest joy is watching children and adults find their inner artist.” When asked what she enjoys about creating art, she stated, “The personal side. The connection with the people, the place. Doing a piece for someone and they love it.”
Susan Hougen Lieberg explained, “Debbie's gift as an art teacher is that she is an artist, a true artist. She can find inspiration in anything, and she finds so much in her students. Just like her paintings invite viewers into the scenes she's created, she also invites her students into the creative process -- all the bumps and warts and making lemonade out of lemons. Almost magically, her students tap into themselves to create beautiful works of art: woodcuts, watercolors, sculptures, portraits, and more… Aune’s artwork delivers joy to so many.”
Greenbush Middle River Superintendent Larry Guggisberg shared, “During her nearly three decades as an art teacher, Debbie has single-handedly developed arts programs for the entire K-12 program in the GMR School District. Over the years, her experience at making contacts and savvy at securing funding for arts programs has been invaluable and has touched the lives of students. Without her successful efforts and dedication, our students would not receive the exposure to the Arts as they have. Mrs. Aune has kept Visual Arts in this northwest Minnesota school at the forefront.”
Finally, KayDell Super explained “The most important aspect of Deb’s artistic skills is her ability to spread the love of art to her students and everyone around her. Her enthusiasm for art, creative possibilities, and life in general radiates as soon as she steps in the room. During her tenure as art teacher, hundreds of students have been encouraged to pursue their love of art – and those that were unsure, left her program with the love of art in their hearts. Deb has not kept her talents to herself – her community has benefitted and been enriched with not only her final artistic works, but with her creative ideas and energy to improve the community with these ideas and leadership.”
Aune is passionate about painting outdoors. She explained, “I take care of my personal side with painting en plein air. A painter can go to an en plein air event. It doesn’t cost much. Join others. Get out there. You are outside. There is no better place to paint.”
She encourages everyone to give art a try. “Elementary is where you get the most bang for your buck. If you are in high school, take those art classes. There are workshops. Many are available for no cost. Don’t be scared to jump right in.”
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, Debbie Dahl Aune!
NW Art Exhibit + Awards
NW Art Exhibit Award Winners Announced
The Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit is open until April 30 at the Legacy Center in Middle River
Reception and Program on April 30 to Honor Exhibit & Of the Year Award Winners
Adult artists from our 7 county- service region (Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, and Red Lake Falls) entered 60 pieces of art, including photography, sculpture, drawings, and paintings, into this exhibit and are competing for $2,300 in cash awards. Attendees at the exhibit can vote for People’s Choice. Exhibit cash award winners were chosen while the exhibit is on display by Karen Goulet, a qualified juror. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception. Student art is also be eligible for cash awards.
The awards are as follows:
Adults
1st Place Jessica Ross painting Field Work
2nd Place Betsy Saurdiff pottery Grandma's Quilt
3rd Place Megan Sugden photo Abandoned Divco Milk Truck
Merit Dennis Lee acrylic painting Old House
Merit Nancy Vraa hat and mitten set Country Classic
Merit Tim Anderson wood bowl Let Your Light Shine
Merit Debbie Aune watercolor painting Long Shadows
Merit Andrea Halvorson drawing Carrying Mom to Heaven
People’s Choice TBD Voting through April 30
Students
1st Place Carter Lee Johnsrud of Goodridge mixed drawing Masking
2nd Place Andrew Glad of Greenbush textile Vincent
3rd Place Geneva Gartner of Fertile mixed Moth
Merit Quinn Pittman of Greenbush drawing Moe
Merit Ashton Jensrud of Fertile typewriter drawing 15 (boston terrier)
Merit Rhiana Utter of Greenbush print Elsa (cat)
Merit Paris Sondreal of Middle River sculpture Vase Tumbler
Merit Logan Krueger of Fertile mixed Frederick (burned paper skull)
People’s Choice TBD Voting through April 30
The exhibit is at the Middle River Legacy Center at 335 4th Street, Middle River and will be open for the public to view art and vote for People’s Choice
· Mon - Fri Until April 28. City office business hours.
· Sunday, April 30 from 1 - 4:00 PM. Closing day.
There will be a reception and program on April 30 at the Middle River Legacy Center. Exhibit will be open for viewing artwork at 1:00 PM. Reception with light refreshments and music will start at 3:00 PM in the cafeteria with the program at 4:00 PM. Of the Year Awards -- the NW Star Award -- Lifetime Achievement, Artist of the Year, and Arts Advocate of the Year will be presented, in addition to exhibit awards. 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 30 after the reception. The reception is a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region.
Funding for these awards is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Legislature.
Take a virtual tour of the exhibit here: https://youtu.be/bQGJLtDppB0
This year’s annual exhibit was judged by Karen E. Goulet. Goulet is a practicing artist, poet, community organizer and educator. She is the Project Director of the Miikanan Gallery at the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji, Minnesota. This gallery, dedicated to Indigenous arts, is the first of its kind in the region. Karen received her BA from The Evergreen State College, MFA in Sculpture from The University of Wisconsin – Madison, and MEd from University of Minnesota Duluth.
She grew up in a family of 'makers' and artists. Her mother sewed and knitted and her father was an oil painter and woodworker who also taught her to embroider. Her decision to become an artist occurred when she went to college and met instructors who would become her mentors and supported and encouraged her to go on and pursue a degree that would give her opportunity to stay in the arts for a career. She has lived in interesting places, mostly rural, where she has met many interesting creative people. She believes in the power of art and community and takes opportunities like this to visit new places to see what creative people are doing.