Arts News

Around the Farm Exhibit is Open
Exhibits, NCTC Gallery, 2025 Kristin Eggerling Exhibits, NCTC Gallery, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

Around the Farm Exhibit is Open

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces 

 

Around the Farm

 

Featuring the Artwork of Beau Bakken

 

With Rock Bakken, Aimee Ross, Betsy Saurdiff, Stephanie Olson, Jessica Lundeen, Cindy Kolling, Debbie Aune, Janet Knutson, Therese Masters Jacobson, Ross Hier, Annethea NovacekLoreen Hanson, Alice Hamness, and Kate Hammer

 

Open Through April 25 at the 

NWMAC Gallery 

Northland Community and Technical College 

1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls

 

We are pleased to announce the opening of Around the Farm, an exhibit open through April 25This exhibit includes 27 pieces of art created by 15 artists in acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, photography, ceramic, and mixed media. Beau Bakken, the featured artist, has twelve 2' X 3' acrylic on canvas paintings of tractors, elevators, trucks and farmers from NW Minnesota. Many of the pieces are for sale.

In addition to the pieces by Beau Bakken, artists from throughout the region contributed to this showcase, including Rock Bakken of Hallock, Aimee Ross of Fisher, Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla , Stephanie Olson of rural Thief River Falls, Jessica Lundeen of Thief River Falls, Cindy Kolling of Gully, Debbie Aune of Gatzke, Janet Knutson of Gully, Therese Masters Jacobson of Alvarado, Ross Hier of Crookston, Annethea Novacek of Greenbush, Loreen Hanson of Thief River Falls, Alice Hamness (deceased), and Kate Hammer of Roseau. 

Farming is more than a job or a career. It is fundamental to our community's way of life, part of our region's cultural identity and history, and deeply rooted in where and how we live, work, and play. This art exhibit celebrates farm life and farming and will highlight the importance of agriculture in the lives of residents of our northwest Minnesota region through art. Art is around the theme of farms, farming, farm machinery, harvest, farmland, agricultural heritage, farm animals, and farm life.

Featured Artist Beau Bakken of Hallock explained, “Ten years ago or so I was working on a farm and found visual inspiration from my boss’s farm trucks. They were decades old, rusty, and full of battle scars. But at the turn of a key, their engines fired and were ready for the day’s work. I filed away in the back of my brain to paint a picture of at least one of these modern workhorses. I’m good for packing away more ideas than I ever have time to put into reality, so this inspiration sat dormant for almost a decade. But over the last year or two, I’ve finally leaned into painting pictures of trucks, tractors, and machinery and quite enjoyed it. Most have been painted from personal photos but also from generous photograph lenders. I never took a photo of the 1960-something green Ford truck that first inspired me, but a photo recently was given to me of my former boss pouring grain out of the old Ford’s back gate. The painting titled, “Ron and the Ford” was a meaningful capstone for me and this farm art project in many ways. Ron Petersen, now with Jesus, was a great boss, farmer, and man of God.  If I continue painting farm related pictures, I hope to find more ways to depict farmers along with their machinery.”

Of her two pieces in the exhibit, Artist Stephanie Olson said, “Both pieces incorporate traditional quilt square patterns, combined with personal feelings and witness to current times."

Aliza Novacek-Olson shared:  "I love paintings of red barns, so I was excited when I heard about the topic of the upcoming exhibit. I own a painting done by my grandmother, Alice Hamness (deceased) about 60 years ago. Alice is the mother of my mom Annethea Novacek and my aunt Loreen. I thought it was special to see paintings of the same subject matter from three different women in the same family, so I convinced my Mom and Loreen Hanson to submit their paintings, too."

You won't want to miss this interesting exhibit open through April 25 at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Details about an artist reception will be announced soon. Watch our website and social media pages for details about the time and date.

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/NoQwejK5jmI

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 - 5 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. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free. 

For more information about this exhibit, visit our website at NWArtsCouncil.org, 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.

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NW Star Award is Given to Betsy Saurdiff
News, of the year, NW Star Award Kristin Eggerling News, of the year, NW Star Award Kristin Eggerling

NW Star Award is Given to Betsy Saurdiff

The NW Star Award is Given to Betsy Saurdiff

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to announce that Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla received the Northwest Star Award. The award was presented to Saurdiff on Sunday, April 21 in Lake Bronson at the Kittson County History Museum during the NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception and Program.

Saurdiff is a well-known and accomplished potter in the area. She is a retired visual arts and German instructor in the Grygla and Goodridge School districts. Currently, she substitute teaches, works part-time at the Grygla Library, and teaches art classes in her community.

In 2023, three pieces of Betsy’s pottery were selected for the “It’s Only Clay National Competition and Exhibition” at the Watermark Center in Bemidji. One of the pieces "Brown Antler Bowl" won the Harlow Purchase Award. She has been named Teacher of the Year three times and has been awarded numerous grants for her art and equipment.

Former student and current art teacher Tausha Sieverts shared, “Mrs. Saurdiff is not just a great artist, she is an amazing person all around. She cares deeply about her family and community. Mrs. Saurdiff is willing to go above and beyond to help whoever and wherever needed. She stays involved in our school and community by holding community education classes, attending school events, subbing at our area schools, and even mentors [me] with ceramics.”

The well-known quote by Pablo Picasso – “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life” resonates with Betsy. She reflected about the impact of the arts on society. “Without art we could live, but it wouldn’t be quite so precious.”

Goodridge Superintendent Tom Loberg explained that Betsy’s “unending passion of teaching art to others, mentoring area artists and art teachers, and her continuing pursuits to create art that serves as the inspiration to others has had a profound impact on our students, schools, communities, and the arts community in our region.” He went on, “In my opinion, Mrs. Saurdiff’s contributions to the area arts community are the definition of a lifetime achievement in art. Despite her retirement as art teacher, nothing has changed. She continues to educate, mentor, create, and inspire.”

Betsy has advice for aspiring artists. “Make use of the arts council. There is money available for you and people who can help you write your grants if needed.” She also said, “Work really, really hard. Don’t just dream about it. Every day do something. There’s no substitute for hard work.”

According to former student (and current art teacher) Andrea Halvorson, “Betsy is an exceptional artist both personally and professionally. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Betsy since I was middle school age. She has had a profound impact on me. Having her as an art teacher helped mold me into the artist I am today. As a teacher, Betsy always saw potential in all her students, even if they didn’t think they had talent. She did this by showing patience, providing guidance, as well as challenging students to keep reaching to their highest potential.”

She went on, “Betsy gives back to the community by teaching others. She holds community education pottery classes for people of all ages and levels. Betsy has taught me so much about art, even learning about the other artists in the area, as well as resources and people. She does this to educate others and knowing there is more out there for artists. This is huge when living in a small rural community where resources in the arts are so limited. She is always encouraging and teaching people about what is out there offered to them.”

Betsy wanted to say thank you to the arts council for all the support over the many years. “I wouldn’t be the potter I am without them.”

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, Betsy!

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Of the Year Award Winners Announced
News, of the year, awards Kristin Eggerling News, of the year, awards Kristin Eggerling

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.

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Art & Spirituality Exhibit featuring Sister Denise Schonhardt is Open
NCTC Gallery, Exhibits, Events Kristin Eggerling NCTC Gallery, Exhibits, Events Kristin Eggerling

Art & Spirituality Exhibit featuring Sister Denise Schonhardt is Open

Spirituality invites us to create art. Art invites us into spirituality.

 Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery

NCTC in Thief River Falls through September 29, 2023

Artist Reception Sept 27 from 6 to 8 PM

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Art & Spirituality, featuring the art of Sister Denise Schonhardt. This exhibit also includes artwork by Trey Everett, Gail Ose, Elizabeth Wavra, Betsy Saurdiff, and Noah Hanson and is open through September 29 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

Sister Denise Schonhardt of Crookston is an accomplished painter who “grew up among the hills, lakes, and trees,” which is evident in her art. She explained that her “paintings are about how colors interact, how they push and pull, how they change each other, and how they convey emotion.”

Watch the Artist Spotlight with Sister Denise here. She speaks about how spirituality influences her art and so much more!

The 35 pieces in this exhibit include oil and acrylic paintings, ceramic art, and pen and ink and depict the nuances and breadth of spirituality. Showcase Specialist Trey Everett explained, “I am very happy with our newest exhibit "Art and Spirituality." It is difficult to convey in words and sentences what spirituality is to us let alone our personal spiritual experiences. However, art, in any form, can express the transcendent. The artwork in this exhibit is highly varied and a very intimate expression of what spirituality is to each artist. Sister Denise's hypnotic and prophetic artwork gave the whole gallery a surreal orange-red tint when it was installed. The religious philosopher Rudolf Otto coined the word Numinous from the Latin word numen which means a "divine majesty" or "presiding spirit." He believed "that the essence of holiness was to invoke in the observer a feeling of awe, wonder, and even dread." He called this the "Numinous." I hope when people interact with this exhibit, they experience the numinous, a sense of peace and awe as well as a sense of unease and challenge.”

Gail Ose of Thief River Falls explained, “The canvas is a sacred meeting place for me between the seen and unseen realms.” Elizabeth Wavra disclosed, “My art is the fruits of my prayers and my contemplation of God, and my attempt to share those experiences with others.” Multilayered with meaning, Trey Everett’s works are symbolic images of stations of the cross. “These images of the stations of the cross are designed to be a meditation on themselves.” Finally, Noah Hanson’s pieces depict scenes from Dante’s Inferno and are a part of a series of 68 paintings. He shared, I wanted to connect with the text on a couple different levels. The Divine Comedy is a poem about witnessing. Dante in the story, and by extension the reader, is invited to come and see, and in seeing to make heaven and hell manifest. I wanted to bear witness and to understand the role of a witness, as such is a large part of the artists role. I also tried to put myself in the role of the poem's sinners, creating a purposefully laborious and repetitive project to give myself a taste of that kind of hell.”

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/t_nCcw8vrPg

An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on September 27 from 6 to 8 PM. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. During the summer, the college may be closed on Friday afternoons so please confirm before making a special trip. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.

For more information about this exhibit visit or for other information look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 745-8886 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.

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2015 Exhibits at the NWMAC Gallery Space at River Walk Artists in East Grand Forks

2015 Exhibits at the NWMAC Gallery Space at River Walk Artists in East Grand Forks

2015 Exhibits in the NWMAC Gallery space at the River Walk Gallery included:

  • February 2015  Jessica Pribula, EGF

  • Mar - Apr 2015  Deb Aune, Gatzke

    Midwest Living

  • May 2015  LaVonne Forsberg, TRF paintings

  • June 2015  Book Authors of NW Minnesota

  • July 2015  Functional Art

  • Aug 2015 Textiles

  • Sept 2015    Brenda Baumer, EGF - painting

  • Oct - Nov 2015 Janet Johnson and Karen Monson - art

  • Dec 2015 – Jan 2016  Winter Holiday Show

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