Arts News

Warroad RiverPlace Gallery Exhibit: An Indigenous Artist’s Journey Through Leather, Beadwork, and Portraiture by Cindy Godin Hamilton
Exhibits, Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling Exhibits, Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

Warroad RiverPlace Gallery Exhibit: An Indigenous Artist’s Journey Through Leather, Beadwork, and Portraiture by Cindy Godin Hamilton

Gallery Exhibit: An Indigenous Artist’s Journey Through Leather, Beadwork, and Portraiture by Cindy Godin Hamilton

Opens Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10 AM 
Closes Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 5 PM

Every stitch, every beadwork, and every brushstroke tells the story of a profound journey of ancestral discovery turned into creative exploration and expression for Ojibwe artist Cindy Godin Hamilton.

Known as “The Moccasin Lady,” Hamilton is recognized for her beautiful craftsmanship of traditional leatherwork—like moccasins, mukluks, and mitts—incorporating Metis embroidery and Ojibwe florals into many of her designs in honor of her heritage and to preserve these Indigenous cultural practices.

But she wasn’t always a culture bearer—or an artist. 

Hamilton fully awakened to her Indigenous roots in her adult years after seeing a photograph of her great-grandmother adorned in split-toe moccasins, ushering in a new mission to research, self-teach, and pass on the art of moccasin making and other Native artisanship.

A life of ever-evolving, creative expression followed this transformational journey of ancestral homecoming. Hamilton began exploring different art forms, finding passion, curiosity, and natural talent in portraiture—painting a diverse array of subjects, from animals to warriors to celebrities.

An Indigenous Artist’s Journey is an opportunity to celebrate the power of Indigenous art and to experience the diverse ways in which culture, history, and individual expression intertwine, inviting viewers to appreciate the artist's unique vision and voice.

Gallery Hours: Experience An Indigenous Artist’s Journey from July 29 to September 27, 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 Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Browse the artwork, meet Cindy, and socialize over light refreshments. More information>

CINDY GODIN HAMILTON

Cynthia “Cindy” Godin Hamilton is a talented Ojibwe artist hailing from Treaty 3 with a rich cultural heritage that encompasses both European and First Nations ancestry, including Metis roots. Born in Baudette, Minnesota, to Canadian parents, Emil and Iona Godin, she was raised along with her brother, Mike Godin, and sister, Teresa McDowell, in Rainy River, Ontario.

Cindy and her husband, Dave Hamilton, live in Williams, Minnesota. They have two adult daughters, Tori and Tina.

As an adult in the late 1990s, Cindy was working on her genealogy when she was inspired by a picture of her great-grandmother adorned in beautiful moccasins—an image that would change her life’s journey and purpose. Awakening to her family’s Indigenous ancestry, Cindy immediately knew she had to learn the art of moccasin craftsmanship. Despite being in California far from home, she persevered, self-teaching herself through extensive research and experimentation, eventually crafting her own unique patterns. What started as a hobby transformed into a meaningful artistic expression, keeping her family’s cultural traditions alive and deepening an identity with her familial roots. Each pair of moccasins that she creates represents the resilience and beauty of Indigenous culture.

With moccasins as her original inspiration, Cindy’s diverse skills now span from crafting traditional leather, embroidered mukluks and mitts to portrait painting in pastels, oils, and acrylics. Her dedication to honoring her First Nations and Metis heritage is evident in her work. 

During this journey of ancestral homecoming through creative expression and cultural preservation, Cindy has experienced many highlights and recognitions for her work. She is the recipient of several Individual Art grants and an Artist Fellowship through the Minnesota Region 2 Arts Council. Over the last three years, she has been included in nine group art exhibitions across the state of Minnesota; her works have appeared at All My Relations Arts (Minneapolis), American Swedish Institute (Minneapolis), Watermark Art Center (Bemidji), The Reif (Grand Rapids), and MacRostie Art Center (Grand Rapids). Cindy was chosen by Manitobah Mukluks to be a contributing artist for their online Indigenous Market the last two years, and she won Best in Show at the juried art contest at the Third Annual Anishinaabe Art Festival in Bemidji in July 2024. Cindy is a 2025 recipient of the Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Individual grant; she is currently creating 10 new works that will be on display at Bemidji’s Watermark Art Center in 2026. As a local arts advocate and educator, she brings leadership service as the current president of the Lake of the Woods Art Guild in Baudette, while teaching and cultivating Indigenous craftsmanship at a variety of workshops across the region.

As Cindy continues to create breathtaking artwork and to impart her knowledge through community workshops and exhibitions, her profound connection to her roots remains an essential foundation in all her artistic endeavors.

Follow Cindy on social media to learn more about her journey: Facebook: Cindy Hamilton - Indigenous Artist; Instagram: cindy_hamilton_native_artist

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Warroad RiverPlace offers Plein Air Watercolor Workshop with Debbie Dahl Aune July 16
News, workshops, 2025, Events Kristin Eggerling News, workshops, 2025, Events Kristin Eggerling

Warroad RiverPlace offers Plein Air Watercolor Workshop with Debbie Dahl Aune July 16

Plein Air Watercolor with Debbie Dahl Aune

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 3 PM 6 PM

Watercolor has a mind of its own, but, with a bit of clever direction and a few tools from ‘the junk drawer,’ you can find much satisfaction and success. Join current RiverPlace gallery artist Debbie Dahl Aune as she and the participants take to the outdoors (“en plein air”) with simple masking techniques, some splatter painting fun, and a couple of basic design/composition rules to paper.

“Plein air” is Impressionist painting “in the open air.” This course will take place outdoors, if weather permits.

Optional: Bring bug spray and sunscreen if you think you’ll need it. Bring a lawn chair if you'd like; stools are provided.

15 Seats | Ages 16+ | $45 (all painting equipment and materials provided)

Register

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Warroad RiverPlace Pottery Classes with Betsy Saurdiff July 9 & 12
News, workshops, 2025 Kristin Eggerling News, workshops, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

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

Register

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)

Register

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Warroad RiverPlace Gallery Rural Traditions Exhibit and Artist Reception
Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

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.

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Repurpose, Preserve, and Rejuvenate Artist Reception for Sherri Kruger-Kukowski at Warroad RiverPlace January 18
Events, Exhibits, 2025 Kristin Eggerling Events, Exhibits, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

Repurpose, Preserve, and Rejuvenate Artist Reception for Sherri Kruger-Kukowski at Warroad RiverPlace January 18

Everyone is welcome to celebrate and experience Warroad RiverPlace’s first-ever solo art exhibit, “Repurpose, Preserve, Rejuvenate,” at a gallery open house and artist reception for northwest Minnesota mosaic creator Sherri Kruger-Kukowski on Saturday, January 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.

The public is invited to view the art, meet the artist, and socialize over light refreshments at this free event.

For the past 30 years, Kruger-Kukowski, a retired Badger educator and founder of Winding River Mosaics, has refined the art of multimedia mosaics, creatively incorporating various elements from antlers to snowshoes to rocks, even giving new life to second-hand materials like tables and chairs. Her work and arts advocacy have earned her numerous awards, grants, and media features. (Full biography at: warroadriverplace.org/events)

“Repurpose, Preserve, Rejuvenate” consists of a diverse array of the artist’s collection, featuring pieces that reflect the beauty of nature — like local flora and fauna — and others that express a sense of community and shared identity.

I hope this exhibit, which blends the old world art of mosaic with my personal twist, will leave you inspired and rejuvenated,” said Kruger-Kukowski.

Sherri is not only a talented artist, she is also a great ambassador for the arts in northern Minnesota — one who educates and enthusiastically invites all into a shared space for creation and ideation, cultivating creative expression for our local communities. We invite you to explore her exhibit and take the opportunity to visit with her at this event,” said John Davis, executive director of Warroad RiverPlace.

The exhibit is open at the Warroad RiverPlace art gallery from January 10 to March 8, 2025. It is free to visit Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.

MACALESTER AFRICAN MUSIC ENSEMBLE

The artist reception will be followed by a free concert at 7:00 PM. with the Macalester College African Drum Ensemble, hosted by the Warroad Elementary School Music Department. Learn more at warroadriverplace.org.

For more information about Warroad RiverPlace and upcoming events, visit the new arts, culture, and events center Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM. to 5:00 PM. The art gallery and tours of the space are free and open to the public. Contact the center at arts@warroadriverplace.org or (218) 986-0001. Learn more at warroadriverplace.org.

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Call for Art for Warroad RiverPlace
Resources, News Kristin Eggerling Resources, News Kristin Eggerling

Call for Art for Warroad RiverPlace

CALL FOR ART: Warroad RiverPlace’s Inaugural “Grand Welcoming” Exhibit
Applications are due by September 13, 2024

Artists from Roseau County, Lake of the Woods County, and surrounding areas are welcome to submit an application for this inaugural exhibit


Warroad RiverPlace, a new arts, culture, and events center, is pleased to announce a call for area artists for its inaugural gallery exhibit, “Grand Welcoming.” With a mission to be an inviting and inspiring space for everyone, Warroad RiverPlace will curate a gallery show celebrating community in the region. Free to the public and open daily, the exhibit will begin on Saturday, October 5, 2024 — the day of the center's grand opening — and run through the end of the year.

It is exciting to announce our first call for artists,” said Executive Director John Davis. “We felt it was an important opportunity to showcase the incredible talent of regional artists and to tell the story of our area with our inaugural exhibit.” 

Artists from Roseau County, Lake of the Woods County, and surrounding areas are invited to submit works in any medium, two- or three-dimensional. Entry is free. To receive an electronic application form, contact arts@warroadriverplace.org. Applications are due by Friday, September 13, 2024, and selected artists will be notified the week of September 16, 2024.

To stay connected with Warroad RiverPlace, follow the center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts (@warroadriverplace) or visit warroadriverplace.org.

Call for the 2025 Program Year

Artists interested in being considered for the 2025 exhibition schedule are also invited to submit an application. Entry is free and is not contingent on physical location. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Contact arts@warroadriverplace.org for more information.

About Warroad RiverPlace

Warroad RiverPlace is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission to become a welcoming place for everyone and a way of life that will promote inspired living through creative expression, art education, human connectedness, and appreciation for beauty throughout the entire region. 

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Warroad RiverPlace invites the public to a welcoming celebration October 5
News, Events Kristin Eggerling News, Events Kristin Eggerling

Warroad RiverPlace invites the public to a welcoming celebration October 5

Warroad RiverPlace is Opening October 5

The public is invited for a day of festivities at the new

arts, culture, and events center


Warroad RiverPlace, an arts, culture, and events center, will be opening on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The public is invited to a free, family-friendly “Grand Welcoming,” a day of festivities celebrating community and creative expression at the state-of-the-art facility located along the bank of the Warroad River (104 State Ave., Warroad).

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the 20,000-square-foot, multipurpose building designed to be a welcoming space for everyone in the region to connect, learn, and thrive. The center will be home to an art gallery; a 320-seat performance hall for theater, the performing arts, and social gatherings; a classroom for multigenerational learning; a fireside area; a commercial kitchen for culinary arts courses and catering services; and a patio for outdoor events and picnics.

A local art exhibition, live music, children’s activities, and art demonstrations will animate the center and its outdoor spaces. A full schedule will be announced in September.

This is an exciting milestone for the entire Northern Minnesota region and the community of Warroad,” said Executive Director John Davis. “I’ve seen firsthand how art, culture, and events centers can transform small, rural communities and economies in ways that were never thought imaginable. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with the Board of Directors and the local community to bring the vision to life. RiverPlace is for everyone, and I want to extend an invitation to join us at our ‘Grand Welcoming’ on Saturday, October 5."

The inaugural season of programming will begin in 2025. Visitors can expect to experience performances, exhibits, and fireside chats by a range of local, regional, and nationally recognized artists, as well as enriching educational opportunities for all ages. A free gallery will be open daily.

To stay connected with Warroad RiverPlace, follow the center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts (@warroadriverplace) or visit warroadriverplace.org.

ABOUT WARROAD RIVERPLACE

Warroad RiverPlace is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission to become a welcoming place for everyone and a way of life that will promote inspired living through creative expression, art education, human connectedness, and appreciation for beauty throughout the region. 

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