Arts News

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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Loreen Hanson is Artist of the Year
News, 2025, of the year Kristin Eggerling News, 2025, of the year Kristin Eggerling

Loreen Hanson is Artist of the Year

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce that Loreen Hanson of Thief River Falls is the Northwest Minnesota Artist of the Year for Visual Arts. This award was presented on Sunday, April 27 at the University of Minnesota in Crookston.

 

With over 76 years of experience, Loreen has worked in numerous mediums, but she prefers to paint with watercolors. Her artwork ranges from images of wildlife, flora, and fauna, still life arrangements, portraits, and paintings of people doing everyday activities -- all of which celebrate life. She has skillfully captured the beauty of the world around her and has demonstrated her exceptional talent and dedication to the arts through her contributions to the art community.

 

Throughout the years, Hanson has painted murals on the sides of buildings in area small towns, participated in more than 30 art exhibits, painted a landscape in a window well at a nursing home, and painted theater backgrounds. She has been an active member of Artists Unlimited for over 40 years. Although she has not had any formal training, she has always been eager to learn and has sought to improve her work by attending several workshops, skill exchanges with other painters, and pored over books by professional artists. Her dedication to learning and honing her craft has shown through her works of art. Last fall Loreen had an impressive one-woman art show featuring 186 watercolor paintings in Thief River Falls.

 

Thief River Falls Artist Keith Wheeler said, “Loreen is gifted with a distinct style. For an artist this is a great gift. I just love that not only does her body of work span the decades, but it continues to grow as the years pass.”

 

Fellow Artists Unlimited Member Margaret Anderson of Lancaster praised Loreen’s contributions to the fine arts throughout the upper Midwest. She shared that Loreen has been a “mentor and teacher to many beginning artists and young people.”

 

Along with her artistic talents, Loreen also remains passionate about promoting the arts and has encouraged young and old alike to participate in it. Hanson gave this advice for aspiring artists, “If you can draw, you can paint. Choose your favorite medium and go for it.”

 

On the impact of the arts on society, Hanson shared “Art enriches our lives. Not just the artist’s life, but everyone’s. People appreciate art.”

 

Our Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500. Funding for the Northwest Artist of the Year 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, Loreen Hanson!                                  

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Call for Art for Welcome the Whimsical Exhibit
Call for Art, Call to Artists, 2025, News Kristin Eggerling Call for Art, Call to Artists, 2025, News Kristin Eggerling

Call for Art for Welcome the Whimsical Exhibit

Call for Art

Welcome the Whimsical Art Exhibit

Submissions Accepted Now Until Friday, May 9

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce a call for art for an upcoming exhibit Welcome the Whimsical: An Art Exhibit Featuring Your Imagination. The deadline for submissions is May 9.

Welcome the Whimsical features other worldly experiences. Think playful, unusual, odd, quaint, imagination, or fanciful art or Dr. Seuss-type images. This exhibit is open to students and adults in our 7 county area (Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Roseau, and Red Lake). Entry for the exhibit is free.

All mediums will be accepted including chalk, oil, sculpture, pencil,  folk art, photography, writing, music, watercolor, acrylic, collage, mixed media, fiber, pen and ink, crayon, clay, pottery, and more!

The exhibit will be open May 21- August 15 at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. Artwork will need to be dropped off on Monday, May 19 at NCTC in Thief River Falls between 12 PM noon to 6 PM.

For Submissions 

Please reach out to NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com with questions or for submissions email him the title, dimensions, medium, for sale price, any info about the piece (meaning, why created it, etc), and a photo of the piece.

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

Around the Farm Exhibit is Open

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces 

Around the Farm

Featuring the Artwork of Beau Bakken

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

Open Through April 25 at the 

NWMAC Gallery 

Northland Community and Technical College 

1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cindy Kolling has notecards available at https://kollingcards.com/shop/ols/categories/agriculture?page=2

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

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

The NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls is at 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls 56701. The gallery is open during Monday-Friday from 8 - 5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please call to make sure the college is open before making a special trip. Hours can change. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free. 

For more information about this exhibit, visit our website at NWArtsCouncil.org, or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 280-4917 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.

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Heritage Through Image Photography Exhibit at Thief River’s Carnegie Library
Events, Exhibits, 2025 Kristin Eggerling Events, Exhibits, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

Heritage Through Image Photography Exhibit at Thief River’s Carnegie Library

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces 

 

Heritage Through Image 

a photography exhibit

 

Open Through June at the 

 

Carnegie Library, 102 Main Ave N, Thief River Falls

Reception TBA

 

 The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce  Heritage Through Image, a photography exhibit open through JuneThis exhibit includes 22 images that depict traditional practices, customs, and folklore that serves a visual representation of regional heritage.

 

This exhibit was first shown at the Sorenson Gallery in Fosston last year and was sponsored by the East Polk Heritage Center. The show features individuals that depict the heritage, art, culture, and talents of our region. Photographer Monika Lawrence, formerly of Bemidji now living in Germany, was commissioned to capture the images that reflect traditional practices, customs, and folklore to serve as a visual representation of the heritage of East Polk County.

 

Come and see images and information featuring folk arts such as Hardanger embroidery, Scandinavian desserts and pastries, rosemaling, historical storytelling including stories from Indigenous communities, woodworking, experimental archaeology and textiles, blacksmithing, tractor and vintage car restorations, and more. There’s something for everyone!

 

Lawrence moved to the United States in 2007 and lived in Bemidji until 2023 where she taught photography and photojournalism at Bemidji State University. She was also a freelance photographer for Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) News. She and her husband have now returned to Germany after their retirement. She explained, “In my photography, I focus on people in their environment as well as people’s impact on the environment. I want to tell stories that indicate our bonds to the past but that may also let us reflect about today and the time beyond tomorrow. I am also passionate about dance, which is about other, creatively imagined environments. Capturing briefly appearing moments before they are gone is what I am seeking.”

 

She interviewed and photographed the subjects who are featured in this exhibit. They include Stephenie Anderson, John Balstad, Dustin Carlson, Caleb Curfman, Amy Mulry, Al and Vicky Olson, Jeffrey Olson, Earl Steinbrenner, Lynn Sundrud, Rosalyn (Roz) Watnemo, and Carol Wold.

You won't want to miss this interesting exhibit open through June at the Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls. Details about a reception will be announced soon. Watch our website and social media pages for details about the time and date.

The Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls is at 102 Main Ave N. The exhibit is located on the second floor. Parking is available in the back of the building. It is open Mondays & Fridays from 10 AM - 2 PM and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 8-11 AM. It will also be open at other times when the Chamber of Commerce office is open. Contact the Chamber of Commerce to see about other possible open hours at trfchamber.com, 218-681-3720, or info@trfchamber.com.

 

For more information about this exhibit, visit our website at NWArtsCouncil.org, or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 280-4917 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.

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Thief River Falls Concert Association Upcoming Shows Feb 8, March 28, and April 22
Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

Thief River Falls Concert Association Upcoming Shows Feb 8, March 28, and April 22

Thief River Falls Concert Association Winter/Spring 2025 Shows Feb 8, March 28, and April 22

For info and tickets visit their website trfconcerts.com and order online. Or stop by Kezar Music, The Times, or Hugos. All shows at 7 PM at the Lincoln High School Auditorium.

Concert Venue
Lincoln High School Auditorium
101 Knight Ave. So.
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Map this Location

Parking is available in the east parking lot, across Knight Ave.
from the school.  Door 6 (the northeast entrance at the corner
of First St. and Knight Ave.) is the entrance for all concerts. 

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Traveling Exhibit is in Thief River Falls Until January 21
Traveling Exhibit, News, 2024 Kristin Eggerling Traveling Exhibit, News, 2024 Kristin Eggerling

Traveling Exhibit is in Thief River Falls Until January 21

NWMAC Traveling Art Exhibit Visits

Thief River Falls

 

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 Thief River Falls Public Library until January 21. 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.

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Immersed in Color, Inspired by Culture Artist Reception November 21
Events, NCTC Gallery, 2024 Kristin Eggerling Events, NCTC Gallery, 2024 Kristin Eggerling

Immersed in Color, Inspired by Culture Artist Reception November 21

Please join us for an Artist Reception for our current exhibit at NCTC on November 21.

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 21 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. This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Please join us!

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Artwork by Jessica Lundeen featured in NCTC display case
News, Exhibits Kristin Eggerling News, Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

Artwork by Jessica Lundeen featured in NCTC display case

Just outside the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls are display cases that feature work by area artists.. Check out the display case with work by visual artist Jessica Lundeen. Pieces in the display case are colored pencil drawings of cats, dogs, a chicken, and a horse. Jessica creates pet portraits on commission.

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Immersed in Color Inspired by Culture Exhibit Opens at NWMAC Gallery
NCTC Gallery, News, 2024 Kristin Eggerling NCTC Gallery, News, 2024 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.

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