Arts News

North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance April 5
Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance April 5

North Country Fiddle and Dance

Community Dance

Saturday, April 5

3 to 5:30 PM

Bernie's Restaurant

121 DeMers Ave, East Grand Forks

with

Sugar on the Roof, (of Hibbing and Duluth)

Live Music! All Join Hands! All ages; families, couples, singles

North American Folk Dances: Reels, squares, circle mixers and more...

All dances are taught and easy to learn!

Donations at the door

Find them at northcountrydance.org


(This is an after hours event, if you would like to eat, come by 2:30 PM) 

Sugar on the Roof is Megan Orwig Reynolds on guitar and vocals, Jefferson Reynolds on banjo and trombone, and Clancy Ward on fiddle and vocals. They craft an evening of early Americana music from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. They met on the dance floor, so dancing is their thing. 

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Artist Reception for Around the Farm Exhibit is Tuesday, March 18 at 5 PM
Events, 2025, Exhibits Kristin Eggerling Events, 2025, Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

Artist Reception for Around the Farm Exhibit is Tuesday, March 18 at 5 PM

Please join us on Tuesday, March 18 for an Artist Reception for our Around the Farm Art Exhibit at our NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to all.

The reception is from 5 to 8 PM. At 6 PM the Northern Jazz Band will play.

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 Novacek, Loreen Hanson, Alice Hamness, and Kate Hammer

Open Through April 25

This 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."

You won't want to miss this interesting exhibit open through April 25 at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls.

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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NW Art Exhibit is April 7-27 in Crookston
Annual Exhibit, Exhibits, 2025, Events Kristin Eggerling Annual Exhibit, Exhibits, 2025, Events Kristin Eggerling

NW Art Exhibit is April 7-27 in Crookston

NW Art Exhibit is April 7-27 in Crookston

Make plans to see our annual NW Art Exhibit. This year the exhibit will be in Crookston at the University of Minnesota Crookston in the International Room in the Sergeant Student Center. The exhibit will open on April 7 and run until April 27. Hours are Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM, Saturday from noon to 3 PM, and Sunday from 4 to 7 PM.

The exhibit will feature original art by regional adult and high school student artists. They will be competing for $2,300 in cash prizes. Visitors will be able to vote for People’s Choice. Some pieces of art will be for sale.

Parking during the exhibit will be free in Lot A.

On Sunday, April 27 the exhibit will open at noon. There will be a reception with free refreshments at 2 PM. The awards program will start at 3 PM in Bede Ballroom. The public is encouraged to attend this free event.

Please reach out to our office with any questions at director@nwartscouncil.org.

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Community Dance Feb 22 from 3 to 5:30PM in East Grand Forks Everyone is welcome
Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

Community Dance Feb 22 from 3 to 5:30PM in East Grand Forks Everyone is welcome

North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance

Saturday, February 22, 2025

3:00 to 5:30

Bernie's Restaurant, The Farmhouse Room

121 DeMers Ave. East Grand Forks, MN

Music by Four Mile Portage

Callers: Jeanne O'Neil, Tom Maloney

All ages – singles, couples, families

Traditional American folk dances : Reels, squares, circle mixers and more... all dances are taught, fun, and easy to learn!

Donations at the door

This event sponsored in part by a grant from the Minnesota Northwest Arts Council

Note: This is an after hours event, Bernie's closes at 3:00. If you would like to order from the menu, come early !


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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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Live music and Community Dance in East Grand Forks January 25 from 3 to 5:30 PM
Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling Events, 2025 Kristin Eggerling

Live music and Community Dance in East Grand Forks January 25 from 3 to 5:30 PM

North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance

Saturday, January 25, 2025

3:00 to 5:30 PM

Bernie's Restaurant, 121 DeMers Ave. East Grand Forks, MN

Music by O'Neil Family Band

Caller: Jeanne O'Neil

All ages – singles, couples, families

Traditional American folk dances : Reels, squares, circle mixers and more... all dances are taught, fun, and easy to learn!

Donations at the door

Note: This is an after hours event. Bernie's closes at 3 PM, so if you would like to eat, come early!

Read More