Arts News
NW Star Award is Given to Rebecca Rosenkrans
The NW Star Award is Given to Rebecca Rosenkrans
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to announce that Rebecca (Becky) Rosenkrans of Roseau received the Northwest Star Award. The award was presented to Rosenkrans on Saturday, April 25 at Warroad RiverPlace in Warroad during the NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception and Program.
Rosenkrans was given the NW Star Award for her jewelry artistry. Rebecca (or Becky) has been creating one-of-a-kind jewelry for over 30 years. Becky handcrafts new pieces of jewelry or recreates old into new with Greek and Italian leather, beads, crafted chain maille, glass, stone, silver, crystal, and vintage goods. She readily shares her knowledge, creativity, and talents and is a tireless advocate for fellow artists. She is the owner of Bead Gypsy, a shop in Roseau where handmade goods and original art from over 20 artists are sold. The store is a haven for artists and arts lovers who live and visit the region.
Originally from Roseau, Rosenkrans grew up in a family of artists, including her mother Frances Karlsson who was a well-known painter from the region. For over 14 years Becky worked with the court system as a Guardian ad Litem. She had always loved jewelry and found that creating it helped her relieve stress and worry from that position. Becky is a self-taught jewelry designer, though she has since taken courses at the Milan Village Art School in silversmithing, precious metal clay, and copper jewelry making. She especially enjoys creating the design and repurposing items. An example of this is when her husband discovered her mom’s copper boiler buried behind the garage. Becky and her siblings bathed in this boiler as toddlers and later used it to soak their clothes before washing as they grew up. After digging up the vessel, Becky flattened it out and created hundreds of pieces of jewelry from it. She admitted, “it was the most fun I’ve had.”
Becky’s jewelry skills are well-known, as is the creativity that goes into making the pieces. Debbie Dahl Aune shared, “Becky creates her own designs; she up-cycles, recycles and ingeniously brings new materials together with vintage to make unique jewelry. She once collected old, galvanized steel from the old, torn down Roseau grain elevator and made earrings.”
In their nomination letter, Tami Osweiler and Sue Carstens shared, “Becky's creations are always one of a kind. Sometimes she makes vintage jewelry into something new and unique. She has been known to cut apart vintage cookie tins and brass containers to create unique earrings. She reshapes old silverware to magically transform into beautiful pendants and bracelets. She has fulfilled many requests from locals to create a new piece from a family heirloom or to restore a broken piece of old jewelry. Becky is deserving of this lifetime artist award not only because of her 30-year history with creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry; but also, because she works hard at advocating for other area artists.”
On Becky’s passion and commitment to supporting other artists, Tallie Habstritt and Sheila Winstead explained, “Becky has reached out to painters, glassworkers, woodworkers and others and has encouraged them to display and market their art within her shop. But more than that, her encouragement and enthusiasm for art of all kinds helps others to see the value in the product they have been creating. Her store also provides a space where artists have the opportunity to hear suggestions and feedback from both customers and other artists, which makes it possible for artists to potentially increase their skills and their customer base. Becky also encourages artists to use her store as a place to demonstrate their art. As a bonus, a welcoming atmosphere, a cup of coffee, and a comfortable spot at the table are always a part of Becky’s store. Everyone is truly welcomed and encouraged. Becky is a wonderful example of someone who is an advocate of the arts.”
Becky has advice for aspiring artists. “Just try and if you fail that is ok. Come and ask me and I’ll help you.” About the impact that the arts has on individuals and society, Becky explained, “It’s huge. I gage that from the artists I have in my shop and my own passion. When you have the ability to create and you share with someone else, it is so fulfilling. It gives artists joy and fulfillment to show others and share their creations.”
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, Becky!
Fused Glass Pendant Class in Lengby Jan 29 & Feb 5
Two Part Fused Glass Class at the Old Lengby Schoolhouse
Sign up for a fused glass pendant class at the Old School Artist Retreat Center. Over two weeks (Jan 29 & Feb 5, 7-8:30 PM), you'll craft a pendant using fusible and dichroic glass, which will be kiln-fired overnight. In the second week, you’ll add a jewelry bail and create a soft sheepskin pouch, making it a thoughtful gift just in time for Valentine's Day. Unleash your creativity and surprise a loved one with a unique, handmade piece. This will be held upstairs at the Old Lengby Schoolhouse in Lengby, MN.
When?
Jan 29, 2026 & Feb 5, 2026 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Total of 2 sessions
Learn more and sign up at https://www.oldschoolarts.org/service-page/2-part-fused-glass-pendant-class-1?utm_campaign=cb6a3265-3b84-4f7d-8837-cf06db172678&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=2baef9e8-217b-41da-8ec4-981ef017d595&referral=service_list_widget
Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit is Open
Artists of Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
Open Until Mid-December
Artist Reception will be held Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM
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 on Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this FREE event. Refreshments will be served. The Northland Community Band will perform at the college at 7 PM.
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.