Arts News

Artist Spotlight with Shawna Grapentine on November 6
Artist Spotlight, News Kristin Eggerling Artist Spotlight, News Kristin Eggerling

Artist Spotlight with Shawna Grapentine on November 6

NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett spoke with artist Shawna Grapentine on Tuesday, November 6. The conversation took place live on our Facebook and YouTube channels. If you missed the live broadcast, you can listen to the recording is available here or https://streamyard.com/i9dtngjp6baj.

Shawna Grapentine along with artists Joan Kauppi, Candace Same, and Therese Masters Jacobson are featured in the current NWMAC Gallery Exhibit at NCTC in Thief River Falls — Immersed in Color, Inspired by Culutre. The conversation touched on the exhibit, her process and inspiration, her art, what she offers, classes that she teaches, and much more!

You can reach Shawna or find out more information on her website moonandbackcustomarts.com. You can also meet her at the Artist Reception on Thursday, November 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Gallery.

The exhibit is open through November 21 at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. This colorful exhibit features 29 pieces of art in acrylic, watercolor, beading, collage, and an award-winning hockey stick design.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8 -5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please check to make sure the college is open before making a special trip to see the exhibit. Summer hours can change. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery.

Please let us know if you have questions about the Artist Spotlight.

Read More
Immersed in Color Inspired by Culture Exhibit Opens at NWMAC Gallery
Exhibits, NCTC Gallery, News Kristin Eggerling Exhibits, NCTC Gallery, News Kristin Eggerling

Immersed in Color Inspired by Culture Exhibit Opens at NWMAC Gallery

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces

Immersed in Color Inspired by Culture

Open Through Thursday, November 21

Featuring the Artwork of Shawna Boulette Grapentine

With Joan Kauppi, Therese Masters Jacobson, and Candace Sam

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery

NCTC in Thief River Falls

Artist Reception Thurs, Nov 21 from 5:30 -7:30 PM

 The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Immersed in Color Inspired by Culture an exhibit open through November 21. This colorful exhibit includes 29 pieces of art created by four artists in acrylic, watercolor, beading, collage, and an award-winning hockey stick design.

NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett explained, "Our latest exhibit features three Native American Minnesota artists and one non-Native artist. It's a fantastic display of multifaceted creativity. Acrylic, watercolor, beading, mixed media, and college are all part of this unique exhibit." 

You won't want to miss this incredible exhibit open through November at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. An artist reception will be held on Thursday, November 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Artist Shawna Boulette Grapentine is a Cree-Ojibway from the Metis community of Manigotagan and is a member of the Hollow Water First Nation. She is known for using silhouettes of nature and vibrant colors in her custom paintings. Shawna’s artwork highlights the beauty of the indigenous culture, her love for mother earth and everything that surrounds her. She is the featured artist in this exhibit.

Candace Sam is from Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and White Fish Bay First Nations, Ontario. Her mixed media piece in the exhibit is a replica of a drum and is untitled. 

Therese Masters Jacobson of Alvarado has four watercolor and two acrylic portraits. Therese said, "My paintings and drawings are usually water-based acrylics, watercolor, or pen and ink. I paint commissions on request."

Joan Kauppi is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation and is an Anishinaabe businesswoman. She explained that her collage pieces in the exhibit are esemplastic -- having the ability to shape diverse elements or concepts into a unified whole. “The pieces I create are simple, often pairing opposing scale, different eras, backgrounds and focal points. The transformation of merging images changes the story through simplicity.”

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at youtu.be/UxaVpsctorQ.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are 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 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.

Read More
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Warren
Traveling Exhibit, News, Exhibits Kristin Eggerling Traveling Exhibit, News, Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Warren

        NWMAC Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Warren

 The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 14 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit is currently at the Godel Public Library in Warren until November 19. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.

  

The 2024-2025 Artists and Artwork: 

Beau Bakken, Hallock, “Sunday Evening Classy Entertainment” (Acrylic Painting)

Kelly Chisholm, Gary "John Lennon” (Drawing)

Tammy Hansen, Newfolden, “Flower and Feather” (Acrylic Painting)

Denise R. Jenson, Badger, “Found Lying Together” (Photography)

Steve Bernard, Erskine, “Candlelight Dinner” (Oil Painting)

Sarah Solberg, Plummer, “Canyon X” (Photography)

Jessica Lundeen, Thief River Falls “Sunny” (Drawing)

Izzy Swensen, Lancaster, “Purple Iris” (Watercolor Painting) Lancaster School Student Merit

Kerstyn Lindsey, Borup, “Sprinkles” (Ceramic Sculpture) Ada-Borup-West School

Brigitta Novacek, Roseau, “The Pink Cloud Replica” (Acrylic Painting) Roseau High School

Geneva Gartner, Fertile, “Flying Around” (Mosaic) Fertile-Beltrami School

Mary Jane Crane, Red Lake Falls, “Beauty in Self Image” (Drawing) Red Lk Falls School 3rd place

Ava Halvorson, Goodridge, “Sundown in Star Township” (Acrylic Painting) Goodridge School

Kinsley Oslund, Grygla, “Perfect and Deep Love” (Watercolor Painting) Grygla School

 

 

The 2024-2025 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:

 

May to June 11 Crookston Public Library, Crookston

June 11 to August 6 Warroad Public Library, Warroad

August 6 to September 24 Hallock Public Library, Hallock

September 24 to November 19 Godel Public Library, Warren

November 19 to January 21 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls

January 21 to March 4, 2025  Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls

March 4, 2025 to Annual Exhibit TBD Ada Public Library, Ada

 

*The start and end dates at each location are approximate, depending on weather, venue hours and other circumstances that may occur to prohibit travel. For specific library hours, please contact each location before planning your visit, especially if you are planning on bringing a group.

**Tentatively scheduled

 

For more information about the Traveling Exhibit or our other exhibits call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com

Read More
Artist Spotlight with Pamela Edevold on September 6
Artist Spotlight, News Kristin Eggerling Artist Spotlight, News Kristin Eggerling

Artist Spotlight with Pamela Edevold on September 6

NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett spoke with artist Pamela Edevold. The conversation took place live on our Facebook and YouTube channels. If you missed the live event, you can listen to the recording of the conversation is available here.

Pamela Edevold along with artists Jessica Lundeen, Heidi Danos, and Therese Masters Jacobson are featured in the current NWMAC Gallery Exhibit at NCTC in Thief River Falls — The Portrait Gallery. The conversation touched on Edevold's work in the exhibit, how it came to be, mediums she works in, her philosophy and much more!

The exhibit The Portrait Gallery is open through September at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. This exhibit features 33 portraits in acrylic, watercolor, digital, and colored pencils. Portraits include Native American Dancers, parents, animals, and others.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8 -5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please check to make sure the college is open before making a special trip to see the exhibit. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery.

Please let us know if you have questions about the Artist Spotlight.

Read More
Artist Spotlight with Jessica Lundeen, Heidi Danos, and Therese Masters Jacobson September 4 at 2 PM
Artist Spotlight, News Kristin Eggerling Artist Spotlight, News Kristin Eggerling

Artist Spotlight with Jessica Lundeen, Heidi Danos, and Therese Masters Jacobson September 4 at 2 PM

NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett spoke with regional artists Jessica Lundeen, Therese Masters Jacobson, and Heidi Danos on Wednesday, September 4 at 2 PM.. The conversation took place live on our Facebook and YouTube channels. If you missed the live event, you can listen to the recording of the conversation is available here.

These artists along with Pamela Edevold are featured in the current NWMAC Gallery Exhibit at NCTC in Thief River Falls — The Portrait Gallery. The conversation touched on the exhibit, the inspiration of the artists, their body of work, how they market themselves, their philosophy and much more!

The exhibit The Portrait Gallery is open through September at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. This exhibit features 33 portraits in acrylic, watercolor, digital, and colored pencils. Portraits include Native American Dancers, parents, animals, and others.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8 -5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please check to make sure the college is open before making a special trip to see the exhibit. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery.

Please let us know if you have questions about the Artist Spotlight.

Read More
Artist Spotlight with Cindy Kolling and Gail Ose July 24 at 1 PM — Please note rescheduled time.
Artist Spotlight, News Kristin Eggerling Artist Spotlight, News Kristin Eggerling

Artist Spotlight with Cindy Kolling and Gail Ose July 24 at 1 PM — Please note rescheduled time.

NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett spoke with regional artists Cindy Kolling and Gail Ose on Wednesday, July 24 at 1 PM. PLEASE NOTE THE change in DAY and TIME. The conversation took place live on our Facebook and YouTube channels. The recording of the conversation is available here.

Kolling and Ose are featured in the current NWMAC Gallery Exhibit at NCTC in Thief River Falls — Awareness: within and without. The conversation will be about the exhibit, the inspiration of the artists, their body of work, and much more!

The exhibit Awareness: within and without is open until July 30 at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. This exhibit features 54 pieces of artwork by Gully Visual Artist Cindy Kolling and Thief River Falls Visual Artist Gail Ose and is open through July at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

Showcase Specialist Trey Everett shared, “Cindy Kolling is a master at capturing the life cycle of plants through her pen and ink and silkscreen artistry. Gail Ose's visionary and highly symbolic work is a fascinating process as well as mesmerizing to gaze into. This exhibit is a complementary combination of two distinct styles which give careful attention to the form and the formless, what is without and what is within."

Cindy Kolling’s work includes two sets of 12 silkscreen prints of the life cycle of native plants white sage and blazing star plus other work. These are different handprints of one plant in a continuing series originating from pen & ink drawings of Cindy’s that reference her field sketches, artist’s photos, and observation experiences.

No two handprints are alike and there are no more. These original prints may be released as high quality digital reproductions later, as determined by the artist ,but the original handprint is unique and unable to be done the same again.

Gail Ose is a visionary artist and founder of Serendipity Art Hub based in Thief River Falls, where she lives on a farm. In her studio classroom and workshops, Gail offers painting classes taught from the perspective of Heart, Soul, and Spirit while nurturing authentic, creative expressions regardless of talent or experience. Gail weaves her passion for creativity and spiritual connection into her painting practice and throughout her life and leads others into uncharted areas of their creativity, both inward and outward, to live and create more authentically.

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at youtu.be/Rcys2dLpwlg

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8 -5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please check to make sure the college is open before making a special trip to see the exhibit. Summer hours can change. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery.

Please let us know if you have questions about the Artist Spotlight.

Read More
Call for Art for Around the Farm Art Exhibit — Deadline to Submit is Dec 6
News, Call for Art, 2024, Call to Artists Kristin Eggerling News, Call for Art, 2024, Call to Artists Kristin Eggerling

Call for Art for Around the Farm Art Exhibit — Deadline to Submit is Dec 6

Call for Art for

Around the Farm Art Exhibit January/February 2025

Mediums include collage, pen and ink, photography, mosaic, fiber arts, oil, acrylic, sculpture, creative writing, printmaking, and more

Submission Deadline is December 2

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is announcing a Call for Art on the theme “Around the Farm.”

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 will celebrate farm life and farming and will highlight the importance of agriculture in the lives of residents of our northwest Minnesota region through art.

The exhibit will be held in January and February of 2025 at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The featured artist is Beau Bakken of Hallock.

Art will be around the theme of farms, farming, farm machinery, harvest, farmland, agricultural heritage, farm animals, and farm life. Artwork must be original from any art medium including painting, mixed medium, drawing, mosaic, fiber arts, writing, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and more.

Submission deadline is December 6, 2024 and limited to two submissions. Send dimensions, medium, title, sale price, and where you are from, along with a photo of the artwork to treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. We welcome submissions from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties. Physical artwork will be dropped off at the gallery in Thief River Falls in mid-December. Date to be determined.

For more information, contact Trey at treyeverettecreates@gmail.com or 218-280-4917.

Read More
NWMAC Exhibit: Awareness: within and without featuring artists Cindy Kolling and Gail Ose
Art Exhibits, NCTC Gallery, Events Kristin Eggerling Art Exhibits, NCTC Gallery, Events Kristin Eggerling

NWMAC Exhibit: Awareness: within and without featuring artists Cindy Kolling and Gail Ose

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces

Awareness: within and without

May 30 – July 31

Featuring Artwork by Cindy Kolling and Gail Ose

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery

NCTC in Thief River Falls through July 2024

Artist Reception Wednesday, July 10 from 6 – 8 PM

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Awareness: within and without. This exhibit features 54 pieces of artwork by Gully Visual Artist Cindy Kolling and Thief River Falls Visual Artist Gail Ose and is open through July at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

Showcase Specialist Trey Everett shared, “Cindy Kolling is a master at capturing the life cycle of plants through her pen and ink and silkscreen artistry. Gail Ose's visionary and highly symbolic work is a fascinating process as well as mesmerizing to gaze into. This exhibit is a complementary combination of two distinct styles which give careful attention to the form and the formless, what is without and what is within."

Cindy Kolling’s work includes two sets of 12 silkscreen prints of the life cycle of native plants white sage and blazing star plus other work. These are different handprints of one plant in a continuing series originating from pen & ink drawings of Cindy’s that reference her field sketches, artist’s photos, and observation experiences.

No two handprints are alike and there are no more. These original prints may be released as high quality digital reproductions later, as determined by the artist ,but the original handprint is unique and unable to be done the same again. Cindy explained, “I want to make new art that invites viewers to expand their participation in life by developing and sharing appreciation and to consider our local world with fresh insight.

Cindy continued, “I am not a medium purist and incorporate carefully researched information into the creation of my works, most of which are created in series. Much of what I do involves fine line technical pen drawing. My drawings almost always begin with some kind of in-field observations and sketches; and very often reference my photographs. The drawings are not meant to be technical or even very realistic renderings but do have interpretive accuracy to start with and evolve from there. Many of my drawings are taken further into hand printed pieces. I often work on carefully selected recycled fiber paper with quiet colors of hand-screened inks. My frames are repurposed “thrift store finds”, or custom-made by an area woodworker from reclaimed wood. I like mixing the old and new concepts to create something fresh. It is the result of experimenting with what one has; what one knows, and where one wants to go. The process is a work in progress.

Gail Ose is a visionary artist and founder of Serendipity Art Hub based in Thief River Falls, where she lives on a farm with her husband, LeRoy, and their two Great Pyrenees dogs Carly and Thor. In her studio classroom and workshops, Gail offers painting classes taught from the perspective of Heart, Soul, and Spirit while nurturing authentic, creative expressions regardless of talent or experience. Gail weaves her passion for creativity and spiritual connection into her painting practice and throughout her life and leads others into uncharted areas of their creativity, both inward and outward, to live and create more authentically.

She explained, “I am honored to be paired with Cindy Kolling as one of the showcase artists in this exhibit and very grateful to the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council for supporting me and working with me in my endeavor to bring this dream of mine into the light as an emerging artist. It is my sincere hope that my paintings touch and inspire something inside visitors as they explore their unique images. Each of my portal paintings are sacred acts of allowing myself to be a vehicle for sharing an energetic message and each is infused with symbolic meaning designed to carry a specific energy of intention cohesive to its message. Each of my portal paintings are exercises in communing with spirit to bring forth the unseen realm and bridge it with the visible in the form of a painting. My portal paintings usually have a lot of symbology that usually invites the onlooker into wonderment and curiosity. They usually provoke introspection.

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at youtu.be/Rcys2dLpwlg

An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, July 10 from 6 – 8 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8 -5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please check to make sure the college is open before making a special trip to see the exhibit. Summer hours can change. 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. 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.

Read More
NW Annual Art Exhibit is Open April 3-21
Annual Exhibit, Events, 2024, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling Annual Exhibit, Events, 2024, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

NW Annual Art Exhibit is Open April 3-21

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 68 pieces of art and students have entered 59 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.

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

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 and light refreshments will start at 2:00 PM with the program at 3:00 PM. Of the Year Awards will be 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 will play the music with his adult children. 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.

Visit our website for more information at www.NWArtsCouncil.org. Funding for these awards is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Legislature.

Read More
Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil
NCTC Gallery, Exhibits, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling NCTC Gallery, Exhibits, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces

Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints

Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery

NCTC in Thief River Falls through April 2024

Artist Reception Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM — The O’Neil Family Band will perform

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil. This exhibit is open through April at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

East Grand Forks Artist Jeanne O’Neil explained, “The focus of this show is the celebration of Erin's recently completed book, Twenty of Plenty, in which twenty of her original fiddle tunes are transcribed. We are both folk musicians and visual artists, and it is fitting to bring these forms of artistic expression together, as the tunes and art are both inspired by the rural landscapes we live in.”

The newest prints in this show come from a series of sketches made over the past summers on Jeanne’s land. “Walking the fields and pathways every day, year after year, the colors, contrasts, textures and lines of trees, grasses, sky, river are impressed in my mind, creating an accumulated knowledge of these places. The making of each print creates a deeper knowing and a stronger connection to that knowing.

Jeanne’s daughter Erin O’Neil learned to play the fiddle by the age of seven. Erin plays by ear and the Twenty of Plenty tune book project was an effort to get some of her tune compositions transcribed so that they could be introduced into wider circles of musicians who read music. With a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the McKnight Foundation, she collaborated with a folk musician originally from Norway. The descriptions and illustration throughout the book offer insight into the meaning of the compositions. The cultural influences for these tunes include French Canadian, Irish, Scandinavian, Scottish traditional fiddle music, New England Contra Dance music, Old Time Appalachian music, and Metis fiddle tunes.

Erin also has Rag Folk pieces in this exhibit. The Rag Folk represent preservation of what has been used in everyday life and creating new lives out of old scraps and rags. The Rag Folk contain memories and essences of what has passed, and the joy of childhood carried forward and honored in adulthood. Erin started creating these pieces with a passion for recycling and reducing waste and a desire to connect with others.

Jeanne and Erin both play in the O’Neil Family Band. Erin plays the fiddle and feet, while Jeanne plays the banjo and concertina. The band holds many community dances in our region.

Watch this video featuring Erin’s music for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/8lZbCEPmtik.

An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. There will be refreshments and live music by the O’Neil Family Band.

Most of the pieces in the exhibit are for sale. You can purchase at any time and pick it when the exhibit is over.

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.

For more information about this exhibit 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.

Read More
Pulled in Many Directions Exhibit Photography by Andy Hall is Open
Exhibits, NCTC Gallery, Events, 2024 Kristin Eggerling Exhibits, NCTC Gallery, Events, 2024 Kristin Eggerling

Pulled in Many Directions Exhibit Photography by Andy Hall is Open

We are pleased to announce the opening of Pulled in Many Directions Photography by Andy Hall. This exhibit is open through February 26 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

Take a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/81b-LEr1S8c

Andy Hall has been a full-time photographer for more than 23 years. He lives in Climax and owns Sweetlight Gallery in Crookston. According to Andy, his subject matter “varies tremendously and my techniques are ever evolving. What comes to life through my camera is all but invisible to me until I quiet my mind and allow my eyes to see the perfection in the obvious and the stunning beauty of the often overlooked. I revel in discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary!”

Of his technique and methods, Andy explained, “The photographs that you see here were created with digital cameras, a variety of lenses, a handful of filters and a tripod. I own camera gear from several different manufacturers. I print on archival photographic paper and canvas. I spray coat my canvases with a water-based UV protection that also makes them quite durable. I perform all aspects of my craft.”

There are 45 pieces in this exhibit that are either wrapped in canvas or framed canvas. All are for sale. In addition, Andy can tailor make any print to multiple sizes. All of the images in the exhibit are available in at least 5 other sizes and offered on canvas or metal, framed or unframed. He also offers paper prints that can be matted or framed to your own personal preference. Visit his website sweetlightphoto.com to view many other photographs. To make a purchase, contact Andy at 612-269-3601.

Showcase Specialist Trey Everett shared, “I have known Andy and seen him work over the years. He is all about quality. He spends hours upon hours finding the perfect shot, sometimes standing outside in subzero weather, keeping his camera and hands as warm as possible. His artwork is instantly captivating and mesmerizing. Andy is continually experimenting with subject matter, so his work is always evolving and expanding. This exhibit is a taste of the talent of Andy Hall.”

An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, January 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. There will be live music, drinks, and dessert.

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.

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.

Read More
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Fertile Public Library
Traveling Exhibit, Events, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling Traveling Exhibit, Events, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Fertile Public Library

Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Fertile Public Library from November 28 to January 16.

Stop by the library to see these works of art from throughout our region!

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 15 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit is currently at the Fertile Public Library until January 16. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.

The 2023-2024 Artists and Artwork:

Ross Hier, Crookston, “Beach Ridge Bouquet” (Watercolor Painting)

Tim Anderson, Goodridge, “Let Your Light Shine” Wood Bowl (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit

Nancy Vraa, Red Lake Falls, “Country Classic” Hat and Mitten Set (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit

Lillian Ramsey, Thief River Falls, “Queen Mouse” (Acrylic Painting)

Kathy Panek, Goodridge, “Night Taxi” (Acrylic Painting on canvas board)

Jodi M Smith, East Grand Forks, “Swirls of Light “(Photography)

Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Old House” (Acrylic Painting) Merit

Madilyn Crompton, Borup, “Hang Time” (Digital Photo) Student Ada-Borup-West School

Makaela Longoria, Ada, “You Have My Heart“(Ceramic Sculpture) Student Ada-Borup-West

Emma Gunderson, Crookston, “Go on a Trip” (Acrylic Painting), Student Crookston School

Kaydence Skibicki, Fertile, Untitled (Silk Screen Print), Student Fertile-Beltrami School

Carter Lee Johnsrud, Goodridge, “Masking” (Mixed Media Graphite Pencil) Student Goodridge School (1st Place and People’s Choice)

Quinn Pittman, Greenbush, “Moe” (Pen Drawing), Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit

Rhiana Utter, Greenbush, “Elsa” (Linoleum Print) Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit

Maryjane Crane, Red Lake Falls, “Time” (Acrylic Painting), Student Red Lake Falls School

The 2022-2022 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:

June to July 11 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls

July 11 to August 29 Roseau Public Library, Roseau

August 29 to October 10 Hallock Public Library, Hallock

October 10 to November 28, Godel Public Library, Warren

November 28 to January 16 Fertile Public Library, Fertile

January 16 to February 27, 2024 Campbell Public Library, East Grand Forks

February 27 to March 26, 2024 Ada Public Library, Ada

March 26 to April TBD 2024** Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls

*The start and end dates at each location are approximate, depending on weather, venue hours and other circumstances that may occur to prohibit travel. For specific library hours, please contact each location before planning your visit, especially if you are planning on bringing a group.

**Tentatively scheduled

For more information about the Traveling Exhibit or our other exhibits look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.

Read More
Hispanic Heritage Month activities at NCTC
Events Kristin Eggerling Events Kristin Eggerling

Hispanic Heritage Month activities at NCTC

Northland Community and Technical College is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a number of activities including a photography exhibit Roots of the Red River Valley, an event called A Seat at the Table on Saturday, October 14 with individuals demonstrating dances and offering a few lessons for those interested, food, and more!

Read More