Arts News

Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit is Open
Artists of Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit is Open
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
Experience a showcase of works created by talented individuals from throughout our region, including visual and written works
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our latest exhibit – Artists of Northwest Minnesota at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. This exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. The exhibit will run from now until mid-December. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Artists featured in the exhibit include Kat Allen of Warroad, Beau Bakken of Hallock, Rock Bakken of Hallock, Debbie Dahl Aune of Gatzke, Paulette Christianson of Badger, Ross Harper Hier of Crookston, Kristin Eggerling of Hallock, Trey Everett of Crookston, Christine Foster of Thief River Falls, Therese Jacobson of Alvarado, Jesscia Lundeen of Thief River Falls, Cindy Kolling of Gully, Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad of Ada, Gail Ose of Thief River Falls, Jodi Peterson of Ada and Moorhead, Ivy Bailie of Fosston, Megan Sugden of Hallock, Betsy Saurdiff of Goodridge, and Samantha Thibert of Warroad.
Gully Artist Cindy Kolling shared, “This exhibit is an energy-filled composite of sample works from many Northwest Minnesota artists. It is a wonderful celebration of the varied and growing art that continues to develop in this area. It’s worth making a point to see this exhilarating exhibit!”
Photographer Megan Sugden of Hallock said, “I'm honored to have my acrylic photograph "Abandoned Divco Milk Truck" included in this exhibit. Through my lens, I aim to capture the quiet magic of the night sky, inspiring viewers to see the world from a new perspective and showcase how light and darkness can exist together to create a truly unique work of art.”
Alvarado Artist Therese Jacobson explained that her piece “Uncle Marty” is a portrait of her brother and that it, “illustrates his character as a radio host and musician on "the Left Coast," and also his compassionate heart toward others.” She went on to say that this exhibit, “is an opportunity for folks to see full-sized creative pieces by artists of Northwest Minnesota, to get a better sense of the depth of their works.”
Jessica Ross of Thief River Falls stated, “This exhibit features a wonderful collection of works from local artists. The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council does an incredible job of showcasing the artwork that we create. This exhibit reflects the minds behind the music, visual, and written art in our area. I encourage everyone to come see not only this exhibit but future exhibits as well. Many of the artists have beautiful work for sale. Supporting local artists enriches our communities which is what we aim to do with our art. I cannot thank this community enough for supporting me as an artist and enabling me to keep painting the beauty I see on my adventures in this life.”
Finally, Artist Kat Allen who designed the booklet and is participating in this showcase described the exhibit as "An illustrious and instinct-driven showcase of regional artists. The diverse collection includes familiar styles of exceptional skill and craft, as well as unique works created in response to the current political landscape and the effects on all of us."
Take a virtual walk through of this exhibit at https://youtu.be/cDKoo0en7lY (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. Watch our website or social media accounts for details to be announced.
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.

Louisville Days Fall Festival September 23 with arts workshop
Louisville Days is September 23. Take a painting workshop with Artist Christine Foster!

Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera Exhibit at NWMAC Gallery is Open
Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera
An Exhibit Featuring the Artwork of
Christine Foster and Bert Foster
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls through Friday, March 3
Artist Reception Tuesday, January 31 from 6 to 8 pm
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera -- An Exhibit Featuring the Artwork of Christine Foster and Bert Foster. The exhibit is open through Friday, March 3 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
The exhibit is composed of paintings created by Christine Foster and photographs taken by Bert Foster. Christine Foster has a masterful way of painting light amid everyday life. With rural scenes from NW Minnesota, Christine Foster’s work feels like you’re back on the farm. Of the photography in the exhibit, Bert Foster explained, “This exhibit is comprised of photos taken over the past four years. All the places, people, and animals you see are in Minnesota. These images come from the North Shore of Lake Superior, the Itasca State Park area, the Park Rapids lakes area, and my own backyard outside of Thief River Falls –- some of my favorite places in our beautiful state. My selection of color and black and white images capture scenes that inspire me and will hopefully inspire those who view them.”
Bert is a long-time photographer. He said, “I have been taking photos for about as long as I can remember. I recall snapping my first pics at age 8 using my parents’ Kodak Instamatic. In middle school I bought my first camera, a Kodak that produced instant prints, like a Polaroid. In high school I got my first 35mm SLR camera, and it’s been on and on from there...
My favorite subject to photograph is Nature. I greatly enjoy camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. While I am experiencing beautiful and interesting places, I love to capture images of what I see. Through my photos I seek to portray Nature in a way that is both familiar and unique, engaging, and inspiring.”
Bert appreciates the photography workshops that he’s taken with the help of grants from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council. Through the workshops, he learned new skills and was inspired to try new things as an artist.
Christine Foster is a visual artist who enjoys seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. “When I discover that moment, I feel compelled to capture it. Capturing the light is essential! When I am in the process of creating, I feel timeless -- at one with my Creator and free. My favorite way of painting is plein air, where I paint outside directly at the site -- the sounds I hear, the weather I feel, and the sights and smells I experience all influence the artwork. Art is about the communication between the artwork, the Creator, and the artist, and the artwork, the Creator, and the observer. Art is not just the end-product itself. Art is an expression, an experience, and a communication.”
Christine specializes in drawing, oil, and watercolor. She has been a working artist for over 30 years. She graduated from Bethel College (University) with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Art Education and had the privilege of mentoring under Dale Johnson. Dale taught her vision, visual expression, and artistic inspiration. She then had the honor of being mentored by Joe Paquet, a nationally renowned artist, for 7 years. Joe taught her how to see, as well as how to capture value, light, atmosphere, and color. He also showed her how to find unity and connectedness in her painting.
You won’t want to miss this interesting exhibit!
Please join us for an Artist Reception with Christine and Bert on Tuesday, January 31 from 6 to 8 pm at the gallery.
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. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.
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. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. 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.

Artist Spotlight featuring Christine Foster January 20
Did you miss our online discussion with Thief River Falls Visual Artist Christine Foster on January 20? The artwork of Christine and her husband Bert Foster is featured in our exhibit — Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through March 3. We talked about the exhibit, Christine’s background and her artwork, insight into creativity and inspiration, and much more! The discussion was live on our Facebook page and YouTube Live. The discussion with Christine is here: https://youtu.be/JbZA18Mld88
You can view the discussion with Bert here: https://youtu.be/WHHi9r23Y8U

River Walk Gallery Exhibits 2017
Exhibits at our NWMAC Gallery at River Walk Artists in 2017 included Megan Sugden Photography, New Hues (various artists), Equality and Justice for All (various artists), Christine Foster, Janet Johnson pottery and Lucille Nelson, Jeanne O’Neil silk screen prints,