Arts News

In Progress Hosts The Art of Making Music Sundays Through Feb 8
Events, Resources, workshops, 2026 Kristin Eggerling Events, Resources, workshops, 2026 Kristin Eggerling

In Progress Hosts The Art of Making Music Sundays Through Feb 8

In Progress Hosts

THE ART OF MAKING MUSIC

SUNDAYS 1-3PM JANUARY 4 - FEBRUARY 8 /Studio 110 Crookston

Please join In Progress for a series of open learning and making sessions with their Art of Music Workshop presented by In Progress artist Arley Sinks

This hands-on workshop is your chance to:

-    Produce your own beats

-    Record your music with professional guidance

-    Have fun and learn and create with others

Arley Sinks is a self taught artists who has been producing and selling beats for five years now.  He is a homegrown Crookston artist and at the age of 13 has already proven his ability to teach and guide others.  Supported in each session with their studio director Rena Zapata you can drop in learn music, work on photography, or create a video.  

These winter sessions will be dedicated to shared learning —you won’t want to miss it!

Sundays 1-3PM January 4 - February 28

Studio 110 - 110 South Main Street, Crookston 56716

Questions? Contact info@in-progress.org

To RSVP, click here or https://in-progress.org/rsvp-artofmakingmusic?utm_source=sqmktg_email

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Sarah Pester’s Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” exhibit is Open Jan 6 - mid April
Other Exhibits, Exhibits, News, 2026 Kristin Eggerling Other Exhibits, Exhibits, News, 2026 Kristin Eggerling

Sarah Pester’s Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” exhibit is Open Jan 6 - mid April

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces the opening of

 Stardust & Soul: ”it’s in everything”

an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester

Open January 6 Through Mid-April at the 

Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway

Downtown Crookston

2nd Floor in the Atrium

Artist Reception TBD

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 41 original pieces of art in oil, watercolor, and mixed media, many of which are for sale. 

Sarah shared, “I really love how this collection captures the thread running through everything. Earth, space, and us -- all of it being more connected than we usually realize. I hope these pieces remind people that we aren't just out here on our own but a part of the whole and connected to everything.”

Sarah Faith Pester is an artist and yoga teacher from Crookston. Her work is an expression of her inner world and her connection to something beyond the physical. When she paints, she's exploring the unseen energies and emotions that guide us. Sarah mainly uses oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints to create vibrant pieces, and she also finds joy in crafting crystal-beaded bracelets. 

As a yoga teacher and energy practitioner, Sarah's artistic and healing practices are deeply connected. The sense of flow and connection she finds in her work is a direct reflection of the healing and spiritual exploration she shares with others through her business Burnham Creek Healing. Through her paintings, bracelets, yoga, and healing practices she shares a piece of her spiritual journey, inviting others to explore their own inner worlds and find their own sense of peace and connection.

Sarah explained that her paintings “invite viewers on a journey beyond the visible, exploring the profound interconnectedness that binds all living things. Each canvas is a vibrant testament to the idea that beneath the surface of our physical reality is an intricate web of energy that connects every living thing from the smallest earthly creatures to the grandness of the universe. Through layers of oil or acrylic, I dive into spiritual dimensions, suggesting that our individual forms are merely temporary vessels for an eternal soul and spirit, mirroring the universe's own boundless energy. My artistic process is one of meditative exploration, where I aim to visualize the unseen forces that unite us. I get lost in blending celestial space clouds, allowing colors to flow and merge, nebulae forming new stars, with delicate intricate details. Everything is purposeful as I feel we are. "Stardust and Soul" seeks to awaken an awareness of the deeper spiritual currents that flow through us and around us, encouraging reflection on our shared origins in energy, the essence of who we truly are.”

An Artist Reception will be held at the Fournet. Watch our website, newsletters, or social media for an announcement of the date, time, and other details.

You won't want to miss this exhibit open through mid-April at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston. Parking and admission is free. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. 

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/tzfxVHhhgDM or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.

For more information about this exhibit 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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Artist Spotlight with Therese Masters Jacobson
Events, 2025, Artist Spotlight Kristin Eggerling Events, 2025, Artist Spotlight Kristin Eggerling

Artist Spotlight with Therese Masters Jacobson

Join NWMAC Staff Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling in a live discussion with Artist Therese Masters Jacobson. We spoke about Therese's art, her current exhibit, her background, philosophy, and inspiration, and much more! The discussion was live. You can watch the recording at https://www.youtube.com/live/-3oQp8Cfy_g?si=_VjQlM_xmpybD9u6 or at our YouTube page.

Drawn from Observation, An Exhibit featuring Art by Therese Masters Jacobson, is open through Mid-December at the Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston, on the 2nd Floor in the Atrium.

This exhibit includes 29 pieces of art in pen and ink, acrylic, and colored pencil created by Visual Artist Therese Masters Jacobson of Alvarado.

Jacobson explained, “All my artwork begins with observing life: the vegetable and flower gardens we grow, wildlife in our world, my family, children and grandchildren. Subjects vary widely as everything I see around me always has interesting shapes, lines, textures, forms, contrasts, or colors which I imagine drawing or composing. This exhibit features a few of my observations in a variety of mediums drawn first in my mind, then composed on paper or canvas.”

Therese Masters Jacobson has always loved colors. While she studied with professionals at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and Bemidji State University, she became a self-trained artist through exploration. She is a visual artist who uses standard media, including acrylics, watercolor, pen and ink, and colored pencils, but she says that “no medium is off the table.” She has created portraits by snipping construction paper, and by making collages with torn magazine. Most recently she has been re-purposing sticky address labels to create portraits.

Parking and admission is free. Some pieces are for sale. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/rXEBWfAczs8 or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.

Please let us know if you have questions about the Artist Spotllight or the exhibit.

Therese is also featured in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet and has work in our Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College. There will be an Artist Reception on Thursday, Nov 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM at the gallery. The Artists of NW Minnesota exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. 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.

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MCA Tour Will Stop in Crookston October 28
Events Kristin Eggerling Events Kristin Eggerling

MCA Tour Will Stop in Crookston October 28

MCA Announces Tour of the State

Join the Conversation on the Arts in our region at the Crookston Public Library on October 28 from 2 to 4 PM

Starting September 29th, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is bringing the Creative MN report directly to communities across the state. These conversations will highlight the powerful impact of the arts on Minnesota’s economy, communities, and quality of life.

We’d love for you to be part of the discussion in Crookston from 2 to 4 PM at the Riverside Room at the Crookston Public Library. Before that, a group of arts leaders along with MCA will meet up at noon the Historic Fournet Building at 101 N Broadway Avenue downtown Crookston to view Drawn from Observation, an exhibit featuring artwork by Therese Masters Jacobson. There will be a walking art tour that includes a stop at Queen City Art Center, Sweetlight Gallery, In Progress/Studio 110, and the Care and Share ending at the Crookston Public Library. The Riverside Room at the library has been reserved from 2-4 PM for a presentation and discussion.

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of the arts in Minnesota. Register below to get full details on times, dates, and locations.

Sign up here.

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The Art of Making Music Workshop Series by In Progress
News, Resources, workshops, 2025 Kristin Eggerling News, Resources, workshops, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

The Art of Making Music Workshop Series by In Progress

THE ART OF MAKING MUSIC

Workshop Series

First Session - September 27 & 28 /Studio 110 Crookston

Please join Studio 110 for the first Art of Music Workshop presented by In Progress artist Jeremy Gardner.

This hands-on workshop is your chance to:

-    Learn how to write original songs

-    Produce your own beats

-    Record your music with professional guidance

Jeremy Gardner is a highly recognized performer in Minnesota with over 10 years of experience teaching and mentoring musicians. This workshop is the first in a three-part series of opportunities to learn, create, and grow as an artist—you won’t want to miss it!

Saturday & Sunday September 27 & 28 1-5 PM

October 11 & 12, October 25 & 26

Studio 110 - 110 South Main Street, Crookston MN 56716

 Questions? Contact them at info@in-progress.org

 To RSVP, click the link below:

RSVP

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Drawn from Observation Exhibit is Open in Crookston
Other Exhibits, 2025, News, Exhibits Kristin Eggerling Other Exhibits, 2025, News, Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

Drawn from Observation Exhibit is Open in Crookston

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces 

Drawn from Observation

An Exhibit featuring Art by Therese Masters Jacobson 

Open Through Mid-December at the 

Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway

Downtown Crookston

2nd Floor in the Atrium

Artist Reception Thursday, September 4 from 7 to 8:30 PM

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Drawn from Observation, an exhibit featuring work by Therese Masters Jacobsonat the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 29 pieces of art in pen and ink, acrylic, and colored pencil created by Visual Artist Therese Masters Jacobson of Alvarado.

Jacobson explained, “All my artwork begins with observing life: the vegetable and flower gardens we grow, wildlife in our world, my family, children and grandchildren. Subjects vary widely as everything I see around me always has interesting shapes, lines, textures, forms, contrasts, or colors which I imagine drawing or composing. This exhibit features a few of my observations in a variety of mediums drawn first in my mind, then composed on paper or canvas.”

Therese Masters Jacobson has always loved colors. While she studied with professionals at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and Bemidji State University, she became a self-trained artist through exploration. She is a visual artist who uses standard media, including acrylics, watercolor, pen and ink, and colored pencils, but she says that “no medium is off the table.” She has created portraits by snipping construction paper, and by making collages with torn magazine. Most recently she has been re-purposing sticky address labels to create portraits.

An Artist Reception was held on Thursday, September 4 from 7 to 8:30 at the Fournet. The event is free, and everyone is encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served.

You won't want to miss this exhibit open through mid-December at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston. Parking and admission is free. Some pieces are for sale. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. 

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/rXEBWfAczs8 or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.

For more information about this exhibit 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, extension 1 to reach our office during regular business hours.

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Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene Exhibit Artist Reception will be July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM at Historic Fournet Building Downtown Crookston
Exhibits, Events, 2025, Other Exhibits Kristin Eggerling Exhibits, Events, 2025, Other Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene Exhibit Artist Reception will be July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM at Historic Fournet Building Downtown Crookston

Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene

Red River Valley Artist and Printmaker

Artist Reception July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM

Open Through August at the 

Historic Fournet Building

101 N Broadway Downtown Crookston

2nd Floor in the Atrium  

An artist reception will be held in honor of Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene, an exhibit open through August at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway in Downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 29 pieces of art in printmaking, pen and ink, fabric art, and mixed media created by Red River Valley Printmaker and Artist Jill Levene of Tabor. This is the first exhibit that the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council has created in this space.

The reception will be Thursday, July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM. There will be refreshments and live music. Some of the art is for sale. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett shared, “I first encountered Jill’s artwork at the Tettegouche State Park as our family was on vacation along the North Shore. I was immediately taken by her pen and ink skills. Jill is a versatile and accomplished artist flowing with creativity and inspiration. Her new exhibit at the Fournet Building in Crookston will pull you into another world of wonder and hope.”

Artist Jill Levene explained, “Gainfully retired from commercial graphic design, I now enjoy the freedom to integrate my world travels with natural history and the environment to create my “Inklings”— pen and ink renderings of people, non-human animals, and natural settings. In 2011, I was introduced to New England’s remarkable Folly Cove Fabric Designers of the mid-20th Century. This discovery inspired me in a new direction—block carving and printing on fabric using originally-designed, hand-carved linoleum blocks based on my Inklings. Added to this is my interest in repurposing various types of fiber-based food packaging, such as tea and gum wrappers, by incorporating fragments of these colorful containers onto the Inklings foundation. The combination of Inklings, block printing on fabric, and kitchen-based art led me to my current focus on functional art — hand-printed usable cloth pieces including dishtowels, bandanas, infant swaddles, aprons, and garden flags — anything fabric — with the goal of creating art that is both functional and perpetual, as well as beautiful and one-of-a-kind for the culinarian and collector alike:  ‘Hand-printed.  One at a time, every time.’”

Parking and admission is free. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. 

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/XB96nngkHhUor find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.

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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Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene Exhibit is Open at Historic Fournet Building Downtown Crookston
Exhibits, Events, 2025, Other Exhibits Kristin Eggerling Exhibits, Events, 2025, Other Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene Exhibit is Open at Historic Fournet Building Downtown Crookston

Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene

Red River Valley Artist and Printmaker

Open Through August at the 

Historic Fournet Building

101 N Broadway Downtown Crookston

2nd Floor in the Atrium  

Artist Reception on July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM

We are pleased to announce the opening of Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene, an exhibit open through July at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway in Downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 29 pieces of art in printmaking, pen and ink, fabric art, and mixed media created by Red River Valley Printmaker and Artist Jill Levene of Tabor. This is the first exhibit that the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council has created in this space.

NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett shared, “I first encountered Jill’s artwork at the Tettegouche State Park as our family was on vacation along the North Shore. I was immediately taken by her pen and ink skills. Jill is a versatile and accomplished artist flowing with creativity and inspiration. Her new exhibit at the Fournet Building in Crookston will pull you into another world of wonder and hope.”

Artist Jill Levene explained, “Gainfully retired from commercial graphic design, I now enjoy the freedom to integrate my world travels with natural history and the environment to create my “Inklings”— pen and ink renderings of people, non-human animals, and natural settings. In 2011, I was introduced to New England’s remarkable Folly Cove Fabric Designers of the mid-20th Century. This discovery inspired me in a new direction—block carving and printing on fabric using originally-designed, hand-carved linoleum blocks based on my Inklings. Added to this is my interest in repurposing various types of fiber-based food packaging, such as tea and gum wrappers, by incorporating fragments of these colorful containers onto the Inklings foundation. The combination of Inklings, block printing on fabric, and kitchen-based art led me to my current focus on functional art — hand-printed usable cloth pieces including dishtowels, bandanas, infant swaddles, aprons, and garden flags — anything fabric — with the goal of creating art that is both functional and perpetual, as well as beautiful and one-of-a-kind for the culinarian and collector alike:  ‘Hand-printed.  One at a time, every time.’”

You won't want to miss this interesting exhibit open through July at the Fournet Building Downtown Crookston. Parking and admission is free. Some pieces are for sale. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. 

An artist reception will be held on July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM. Light snacks and drinks will be served. Some art will be for sale. Everyone is encouraged to attend!

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/XB96nngkHhUor find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.

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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Rena Zapata Bouchard is awarded Arts Advocate of the Year
News, of the year Kristin Eggerling News, of the year Kristin Eggerling

Rena Zapata Bouchard is awarded Arts Advocate of the Year

Arts Advocate of the Year is Rena Zapata Bouchard

 

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to announce that Rena Zapata Bouchard of Crookston was awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award.

 

A certified freelance makeup artist and portrait photographer, Rena is passionate about empowering others and using the arts as a tool for social change. In 2019, she spearheaded the creation of Studio 110, a permanent space dedicated to digital storytelling for youth and adults in Crookston and the surrounding area and has continued in an active leadership role with the organization.

 

A satellite site since 1996 for Minneapolis organization In Progress, Studio 110 first offered summer programs called Fresh Voices in Crookston. In high school, Rena participated in one of their sessions. Later in 2018, she enrolled her kids, and she joined them to chaperone and never left. There she learned portraiture and has continued to hone her craft.

 

Studio 110 has become a space for media arts creativity with themes related to breaking stereotypes and acceptance. Media arts is art made looking through a lens like photography and video. Rena helps students who identify as persons of color find a welcoming home base at Studio 110. She coordinates media arts workshops, bringing in talented professional artists from across the nation to teach and empower those who come to the downtown Crookston location. She also podcasts and utilizes her makeup artistry in creative projects with the students and offers free family portraits during themed holiday events at Studio 110.

 

According to Kristine Sorenson who nominated Rena, “This initiative (Studio 110) was a testament to Rena’s vision, as she designed programs, managed events, and actively promoted activities that honored cultural identity through the arts. Studio 110 has become a hub for creativity and community engagement, hosting workshops and creating opportunities for artistic expression.” Rena “is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in the arts, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or experience, has the opportunity to participate and express themselves. Rena’s advocacy for her community and her ability to bring the art of storytelling to the forefront are truly commendable. Rena’s artistic talent, her dedication to empowering others, and her passion for using the arts as a tool for social change make her an outstanding candidate for the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Arts Advocate Award. It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Rena Zapata Bouchard for the prestigious Artist of the Year Award. Rena’s remarkable journey as an artist, her unwavering dedication to her craft, and her inspiring contributions to the creative community make her a truly deserving candidate for this esteemed honor.“

 

Rena’s sister, Regina Zapata said, “Rena has dedicated her time, energy, and creativity to enriching our community through the arts, serving as a tireless advocate for artists and underrepresented voices in Northwest Minnesota. She has used her talents to foster community engagement and inspire others. She has curated exhibits, provided mentorship and education to both youth and adults, and consistently advocated for greater Latinx representation in the arts. Her dedication to inclusivity and cultural visibility has made a lasting difference in our region, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and celebrated. Rena’s passion for advocacy, her unwavering support for fellow artists, and her visionary leadership make her an ideal candidate for the Arts Advocate of the Year award.”

 

Finally, Keri Pinna described Rena as a creative collaborator. Pinna’s work with Rena includes recording a podcast and facilitating the production of a short documentary. “Rena’s passionate advocacy for inclusivity in the arts has facilitated community capacity for self-expression; especially where voice has historically been unheard.”

 

Rena spoke of Studio 110, “It is open to everyone. This is a safe space that allows kids to open up. And, It has a huge impact, especially in our area where resources and support is limited. Having this program benefits a lot of people, including the kids and the community. The programs are free and provide access to all kinds of media equipment. Participants learn to do things they wouldn’t have been able to, like making award-winning videos.” Rena’s advice to aspiring artists is “Do it. If it makes you scared, then it’s probably going to be positive. Just jump in and try it.”

 

This award was presented on Sunday, April 27 in Crookston at the University of Minnesota. 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. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Funding for this award comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.

 

Congratulations, Rena!

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Darcy Reese receives NW Star Award
News, of the year, 2025 Kristin Eggerling News, of the year, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

Darcy Reese receives NW Star Award

The NW Star Award is Given to Darcy Reese

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to announce that Darcy Reese of Thief River Falls received the Northwest Star Award. The award was presented to Reese on Sunday, April 27 in Crookston at the University of Minnesota during the NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception and Program.

 

Reese was given the NW Star Award for Creative Directing of the Choir. She was a choir teacher for 37 years in Thief River Falls and received national recognition and awards for choir direction. She received the Minnesota Music Educators Hall of Fame Legacy Award earlier this year. 

 

Originally from Greenbush, Reese grew up on a farm and attended Bemidji State University where she received a BS in vocal music and general classroom music. Immediately after college, she began teaching in Thief River Falls. Later she attended Mankato State where she received a master’s degree in educational leadership and her principal licensure. 

 

In the early 2000s Darcy experienced Black gospel music and conducting when professional artists began coming to her school to work with the students. She also took the students to the Minneapolis metro area and out of state, including New York City to perform and experience a variety of musical genres. These opportunities broadened her students and changed the way she conducted the choir. Darcy embraced and introduced her students to the music, culture, and history of Black gospel, American Indian dancers and drummers, the Holocaust and Judaism, and LGBTQ+ issues.

 

Darcy and the Lincoln High School Concert Choir were featured in a program on Prairie Public TV in 2019. Watch it at https://youtu.be/041C0j9upPA?si=Z4y__fyTACw_Sckw.

 

School Board Vice Chair Misty Hempel explained that in the classroom Darcy brought “forward music that is challenging and pushes the students beyond their comfort zone. Not only do they execute performances on pieces of collegiate difficulty, but they do so in languages and dialects from an incredibly diverse library of genres. Darcy allowed her students to come into her classroom and safely show up as themselves. No judgment, no criticism, and no expectations other than to be kind, do your best, and always listen and support others. She taught them so much more than the love of music … she taught them to love themselves and all of humanity.”

 

Principal Scott Brekke said, “Her enthusiasm, her innovation, and her dedication to choir education is exemplary. What truly sets Mrs. Reese apart from other educators is her ability to see students' strengths when they are not evident. Students in her choir are very diverse in their backgrounds. She cultivated that diversity and ability of each student into an amazing performance that resonates with a wide audience. Mrs. Reese provided many different experiences for students to learn how to connect with the music. They don't just sing. They personalize the music through classroom discussion, guest speakers, videos, and reflecting on how it impacts their life and the lives of others.”

 

School Board Member Michelle Westerman explained part of Darcy’s unique approach to teaching and directing. “Darcy not only encourages the best of her students as a choir teacher, but she understands the importance of cultural competence in our community and beyond. She has developed and worked on several projects that immerse her students in cultures outside of their own to give her students the opportunity to see the world in someone else’s shoes. Not only does she do that through her song selection, but through group and individual studies that dive into a deeper understanding of that culture. By leaning into the culture and meanings of the songs they sing; they can put the emotions and spirit into their songs. They have a personal understanding and interest in portraying the culture appropriately. It is not just a song, it becomes a part of who they are.”

 

Darcy has advice for aspiring artists. “You have to put the time and energy in. It doesn’t happen overnight. And you must make connections. It takes patience. Work on your talent daily.”

 

About the impact that music and the arts has on individuals and society, Darcy explained, “Music and all other art forms brings out the HUMAN in us. When you hear a song, see a painting or watch dancers the human spirit feels something. Often you can’t describe what you experienced because words don’t do justice to the artistic experience. I believe that if the entire world faithfully experienced the arts once a day, the world would change for the better.”

 

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, Darcy!

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Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit Winners Announced
News, Annual Exhibit, 2025 Kristin Eggerling News, Annual Exhibit, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit Winners Announced

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 Crookston on April 27. It was a wonderful day to celebrate these artists and the arts in northwest Minnesota.

  

Exhibit cash award winners were chosen while the exhibit was on display at the University of Minnesota in Crookston by qualified juror Glen Henry. 

 

Henry is a versatile and accomplished Indigenous artist whose creative journey spans a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, and graphic design. He is the Director of Exhibitions at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He received his BA and MFA from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. His artwork often explores themes of identity, culture, and the complex intersections of the past and present, while using bold, expressive color palettes and innovative design methods. As an Indigenous artist, he incorporates aspects of his culture into his work, allowing for a unique narrative that resonates with both personal and universal experiences.

 

He explained that “jurying an exhibition can be a difficult process. There are numerous deserving artworks, with many exhibiting interesting subject matter, style, creativity and skill. However, these attributes are not the only ones considered when choosing artworks. I also consider aesthetic, ambition, insight and original thought. Congratulations to all the artists (the award winners and to the artists who were not selected) for their skill, ambition, and courage to submit artworks. Perseverance is key when creating and submitting art. Good luck to everyone in their future artistic endeavors. It was an honor to be the juror for the 2025 NW Minnesota Arts Exhibition.”

 

Walk through the exhibit at  https://youtu.be/QJeYb-pkZ-A?si=uAr8Rz1hzoX4PtJY

 

Exhibit Awards include:

Adults:

1st Place $500 Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad of Ada in mixed media for "In My Nature"

2nd Place $300 Denise Jenson of Badger in photography for "Underwater Pac-Men"

3rd Place $200 Jessica Lundeen of Thief River Falls in acrylic for "Bee's Marigold"

Merit $100 Cindy Kolling of Gully in pen and ink for "Slough pumper in Habitat"

Merit $100 Dennis Kinkead of Hallock in watercolor for "Where Are You Guys Going?" 

Merit $100 Fred Hartmann of Thief River Falls in folk/traditional fine craft for "Country Church" 

Merit $100 Jodi Peterson of Moorhead in fused glass for "The Wave"

Merit $100 Marj Mercil of Mentor in textile for "Little Boxes" 

People’s Choice $100 Beau Bakken of Hallock

 

Students:

1st Place $300 Alyssa Foster of Thief River Falls in drawing for "One Act Matters" 

2nd Place $150 Melody Voeltz of Lancaster in watercolor for "Field Bunny" 

3rd Place $100 Addison Severts of Grygla in sculpture for "Serenity" 

Merit $50 Ava Halvorson of Goodridge in drawing for "Grandpa Lewie" 

Merit $50 Autumn Osse of Wannaska in digital photography for "Tank" 

Merit $50 Mahli Holter of Red Lake Falls in photography for "All You Have to Do" 

Merit $50 Issybelle Johnson of Fosston in sculpture for "The Well" 

Merit $50 Aimee Ross of Fisher in mixed media for "Alaskan Dolly Varden" 

People’s Choice $50 Aimee Ross of Fisher

 

 

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 our website and social media 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 Courtney Webster of Lancaster “Sunflower,” Kyleigh Halvorson of Erskine “Existential,” Aimee Ross of Fisher “Kachemak State Park, AK,” Autumn Osse of Wannaska, “Tank,” and Addison Pal, of Crookston “Reflection.”

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