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.
Warroad RiverPlace Pottery Classes with Betsy Saurdiff July 9 & 12
Pottery Classes with Betsy Saurdiff
Handbuilt Clay Trinket Tray Workshop Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 3 PM to 5 PM
Join featured RiverPlace gallery potter Betsy Saurdiff for a hands-on workshop where you'll create a custom trinket tray to hold your treasures. Learn simple slab construction and sgraffito techniques (carving through underglaze). No experience necessary—all materials provided.
16 Seats | Ages 14+ | $40 ticket (all necessary tools, materials, and firings provided)
Where: Warroad RiverPlace
Handbuilt Clay Tumbler Workshop Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Join featured RiverPlace gallery potter Betsy Saurdiff for a hands-on pottery workshop where you'll create a functional tumbler—perfect for your favorite drink. Learn basic slab construction and sgraffito techniques (carving through colored underglaze). No experience necessary—all materials provided.
16 Seats | Ages 14+ | $40 ticket (all necessary tools, materials, and firings provided)
Traveling Art Exhibit is Open in Red Lake Falls
NWMAC Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Red Lake Falls to Start
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 Red Lake Falls Public Library until June 26. This is the first stop of this exhibit this year. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.
The 2024-2025 Artists and Artwork:
Lucille Nelson, Argyle, “Waiting to be Restored” (Acrylic Painting)
Andy Hall, Climax "Rose Leaves” (Photography)
Paulette Christianson, Badger, “Serene” (Pastel Painting)
Dennis Kinkead, Hallock, “Where Are You Guys Going?” (Watercolor Painting) (Merit)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Water Tower” (Acrylic Painting)
Alicia Spilde, Karlstad, “Dreams” (Mixed Media)
Jessica Lundeen, Thief River Falls “Bee’s Marigold” (Acrylic Painting) (3rd Place)
Melody Voeltz, Lancaster, “Field Bunny” (Watercolor Painting) Lancaster School Student 2nd Place
Daniel Jones, Crookston, “Retro Modern” (Ink Print) Crookston School
Josiah Sjothun, Ada, “Chevette” (Sculpture) Ada-Borup-West High School
Alyssa Foster, Thief River Falls, “One Act Matters” (Drawing) TRF School Student 1st Place
Kaytlyn Knutson, Red Lake Falls, “Masquerade” (Acrylic Painting) Red Lake Falls School
Anthony Lucio, Red Lake Falls, “Bridge From My Window” (Mixed Media) Red Lake Falls School
Addison Severts, Grygla, “Serenity” (Sculpture) Grygla School Student 3rd Place
The 2024-2025 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
May 8 to June 26 Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls
June 26 to August 5 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls
August 5 to September 23 Roseau Public Library, Roseau
September 23 to November 12 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
November 12 to December 18 Ada Public Library, Ada
December 18 to February 3, 2026 Godel Public Library, Warren
February 3, 2026 to Mid-March Annual Exhibit TBD** Sorenson Gallery, Fosston Public Library, Fosston
*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.
Warroad RiverPlace Gallery Rural Traditions Exhibit and Artist Reception
New Gallery Exhibit: Rural Traditions at Warroad RiverPlace
May 27 - July 19, 2025
Free | Tuesday - Saturday
Blueberry picking. Hunting. Fishing. Baking. Grain bins. Canned preserves. And, of course: Family. Long-rooted life on the land in northern Minnesota is the inspiration behind the artistry of potter Betsy Saurdiff (Grygla) and watercolorist Debbie Dahl Aune (Gatzke).
A collection of heartfelt memories from yesteryears and a celebration of time-honored practices that continue to bring people together, Rural Traditions engages all of the senses — recalling the smells of Grandma's kitchen to the heat while picking berries to the mouthwatering taste of fresh, home-cooked meals to the sound of crunching leaves underfoot in the crisp, fall months and seeing elevators and grain bins dotting the vast farmland.
Weaving stories from their lives, the artists invite gallery visitors to tell their own as they interact with this unique combination of two- and three-dimensional pieces designed to nourish both body and soul.
Gallery Hours: Experience Rural Traditions from May 27 to July 19, 2025. It is free to visit Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Artist Reception: The public is invited to a free reception celebrating the artists on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Browse the artwork, meet Betsy and Debbie, and socialize over light refreshments. Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos afterwards at 7 PM.
Tickets on Sale Now for Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos
Friday, June 27 | 7 PM
Clap along, laugh along, and sing along at this musical comedy show where the audience is always a part of the action.
Artist Reception | 4:30-6:30 PM: Join the community prior to the show for a gallery open house celebrating Debbie Dahl Aune and Betsy Saurdiff, creators of the exhibit Rural Traditions.
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!
Artist Spotlight with Ceramic Artist Kate Hammer Monday, March 20
Watch this online discussion with Ceramic Artist Kate Hammer here.
Tune into the NWMAC Facebook or YouTube pages on Monday, March 20 at 11 am to watch a discussion with Roseau Ceramic Artist Kate Hammer. Hammer’s art will be featured in the NWMAC Exhibit The Art of Addiction, which is open from Wednesday, March 8 - Friday, April 28 at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Can’t make it on the 20th? No problem. You’ll be able to watch a recording of the the spotlight any time afterwards. Let us know if you have questions.