Arts News
Artist Reception Iron and Feathers Thursday, August 13 from 6:00 to 7:30
Artist Reception for
Iron and Feathers: Art of the Northwest
an exhibit featuring paintings by Ross Hier and Beau Bakken
Open Through August
at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway
Downtown Crookston
2nd Floor in the Atrium
Artist Reception Thursday, August 13 from 6 to 7:30 PM
Violin Music by Eden Johnson of Lake Bronson
Please join the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) for an artist reception for Iron and Feathers: Art of the Northwest an exhibit featuring paintings by Ross Hier and Beau Bakken at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 35 original pieces of art in watercolor on paper and acrylic on canvas, most of which are for sale.
The Artist Reception will be on Thursday, August 13 from 6 to 7:30 PM. Refreshments will be served. Live music will be provided by Violinist Eden Johnson of Lake Bronson. Everyone is welcome to attend this FREE event.
Artist Beau Bakken. Beau Bakken of Hallock has been professionally creating art by commission since 2008. Beau has been a consistent entrant into NWMAC’s exhibits and won 1st place in the annual NW Minnesota Art Exhibit in 2011, 2014, and 2022, and given a People’s Choice award in 2025. He won the Artist of the Year in 2016. Beau was the featured artist in the Around the Farm exhibit at our gallery in Thief River Falls. His work consists of large outdoor murals, outdoor business signs, indoor murals, and indoor wall hangings and paintings. About his 8 pieces of work in the exhibit, Beau said, “My paintings in this exhibit are captures of the Red River Valley, painted with the hope that fellow citizens of the valley would find them relatable.”
Artist Ross Hier. Ross H. Hier attended the University of Minnesota earning a BS in Wildlife Management and had a 35-year career with the Section of Wildlife in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. His time was spent researching mallards, ring-necked ducks, and the Lesser scaup, as well as managing wildlife management areas in Polk and Red Lake Counties. Nature has excited him for as long as he can remember and his creative need to express this love led him to watercolor painting. He shared, “Northwest Minnesota is such a diverse piece of geography … native grasslands, the Aspen Parklands and transition zone between prairie and forest landscapes interspersed with agricultural tracts. The ancient Lake Agassiz beach lines are quite profound on the east side of the Red River Valley and serve as linear maps for migrant birds where substantial grasslands and wetlands serve as stop-over areas for birds moving further north. The diversity of nature in northwest Minnesota is amazing. Nature has always been a force that triggers my creative thought process. I love painting with watercolors for their elusive nature and spontaneity.”
Ross continued, “It’s an honor to exhibit in the town I have long resided in and to share this exhibit with the outstanding artist, Beau Bakken. His work never ceases to amaze me. This exhibit presents the viewers with two different artists who use different painting mediums and rather different styles. I hope the exhibit brings viewers much joy and thankfulness as we celebrate the premier region of Minnesota through art. Thanks to the Northwest Arts Council and especially Exhibit Specialist Trey Everett.” Twenty-seven works in the exhibit were created by Ross.
You can find both Ross and Beau in our most recent Artists of NW Minnesota booklet.
Musician Eden Johnson lives in Lake Bronson with her husband and their three daughters. Depending on the day one might find Eden either accompanying her local Lutheran church, watching musicals with her family, reading, giving violin lessons, or practicing on one of her instruments. While her main focus and passion is the violin, Eden also sings, plays the piano, and is currently learning the harp. The violin Eden plays once belonged to her great grandmother. Eden recently completed the NWMAC Teaching Artist Training and is available for residencies and workshops.
You won't want to miss this exhibit open through August at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston. Parking and admission is free. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/emdN39orEZE or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
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.
FREE Outdoor Immersive Theater Coming to Hallock June 27
Outdoor, Immersive Theater in Hallock June 27
FARM A new immersive outdoor theater experience from Sod House Theater
Celebrate the Return of Summer with Outdoor Theater in Rural Hallock
Far North Spirits — Rural Hallock
2045 220th Avenue, Hallock MN 56728
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Performance begins at 7:00 PM
Food Truck at 6:00 PM
“Each day I go into the fields to see what is growing and what remains to be done. It is always the same thing: nothing is growing, everything needs to be done.”
— The Farmer by W.D. Ehrhart
Sod House Theater, the Minneapolis-based company known for creating immersive, community-engaged performances in rural spaces, announces the summer tour of FARM, a moving theatrical meditation on small family farming in Minnesota, including rural Hallock.
Blending music, dance, storytelling, and large-scale visual imagery, FARM explores the labor, rituals, joys, and uncertainties of agricultural life. Featuring Twin Cities artists alongside local community performers, the production invites audiences to reflect on farming traditions, food accessibility, and Minnesotans’ relationship to the people who grow their food.
Through a series of vivid theatrical vignettes, audiences will encounter scenes of hard work in the fields, family meals, celebrations, storms, dance, and play — culminating in a music-filled “ghost grove” honoring the past, present, and future of farming in Minnesota.
Performed outdoors at working farms and community gathering spaces, FARM offers audiences an immersive journey through the landscapes and stories that shape rural Minnesota.
Ticket information and reservations are available at Sod House Theater Tickets & Information
Audience
Audience members will be guided to four different locations throughout each site during the performance. The experience includes walking and standing, so guests are encouraged to bring:
A lawn chair or blanket
Comfortable walking shoes
An umbrella or weather protection for sun or rain
Parking will be available. In the event of severe weather, performances may be canceled. Cancellation notices will be posted on the Sod House Theater website and emailed to ticket holders. Rain locations may be used.
About Sod House Theater
Founded in 2011 by co-artistic directors Darcey Engen and Luverne Seifert, Sod House Theater is now in its 16th season of collaborating with Minnesota communities to create imaginative, site-specific performance events.
The company has produced acclaimed reimaginings of classics including The Cherry Orchard, The Visit, Peer Gynt, and Urinetown, alongside original productions such as Hoopla Train with Yard Master Yip and His Polkastra and Arla Mae’s Booyah Wagon.
Sod House Theater selects touring works for their relevance to small-town communities and stages them in nontraditional venues that connect deeply to local history and culture.
For more information, visit Sod House Theater Official Website
Created by Darcey Engen and Luverne Seifert
Choreography by Berit Ahlgren
Original Music by Jenna Wyse and Christopher Hepola
Media Contacts: Darcey Engen, 612-281-8998, darcey@sodhousetheater.org
Luverne Seifert, 612-414-2032, luverne@sodhousetheater.org
Danish Folk Music, Songs and Stories May 15 East Grand Forks
East Grand Forks Campbell Library and North Country Fiddle and Dance present:
A Concert of Danish Folk Music, Songs and Stories on
Friday, May 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
KRISTIAN BUGGE, of Copenhagen, Denmark, (fiddle, vocals) and WB REID, of Seattle, ( guitar ) will take you on an entertaining journey through the traditions of Danish folk music with songs and stories in Danish and English, wild polkas, fiery reels, jigs and lyrical waltzes from every corner of Denmark.
Campbell Library at 422 4th St. NW in East Grand Forks
Artist Reception March 19 in Crookston with Sarah Pester
Please join us for an Artist Reception for
Stardust & Soul: ”It’s in everything”
an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester
Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, 2nd Floor in the Atrium
Downtown Crookston
Live Music by Anthony Diaz, Refreshments, Free Event
Exhibit is Open Through Mid-April
Please join us for an artist reception for Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything,” an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 41 original pieces of art in oil, watercolor, and mixed media, many of which are for sale. The reception is open to everyone and the public is encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served.
There will be live music by Crookston musician Anthony Diaz. Diaz blends jazz, blues, and bluegrass influences into expressive and approachable instrumental guitar music. With over 30 years of playing, he’s less interested in flash and more interested in feel — creating a relaxed atmosphere that invites people to settle in and enjoy the moment. He’ll be playing instrumental jazz and blues as background music to complement the space and the artist being featured.
Sarah shared, “I really love how this collection captures the thread running through everything. Earth, space, and us -- all of it being more connected than we usually realize. I hope these pieces remind people that we aren't just out here on our own but a part of the whole and connected to everything.”
Sarah Faith Pester is an artist and yoga teacher from Crookston. Her work is an expression of her inner world and her connection to something beyond the physical. When she paints, she's exploring the unseen energies and emotions that guide us. Sarah mainly uses oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints to create vibrant pieces, and she also finds joy in crafting crystal-beaded bracelets.
As a yoga teacher and energy practitioner, Sarah's artistic and healing practices are deeply connected. The sense of flow and connection she finds in her work is a direct reflection of the healing and spiritual exploration she shares with others through her business Burnham Creek Healing. Through her paintings, bracelets, yoga, and healing practices she shares a piece of her spiritual journey, inviting others to explore their own inner worlds and find their own sense of peace and connection.
Parking and admission is free. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/tzfxVHhhgDM or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
For more information about this exhibit 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.
Community Dance on January 24 with North Country Fiddle & Dance in East Grand Forks
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Folk Dance
Saturday, January 24 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM
Bernie's Restaurant
121 DeMers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN
with music by O'Neil Family Band
Live Music! All join in, all ages are welcome; families, couples, singles
Traditional American folk dances: Reels, barn -dance squares, circle mixers and more...
All dances are taught and easy to learn!
November Newsletter … What’s happening in the arts?
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the November 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/47VzqQP.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Community Dance Nov 15 — All are Welcome
North Country Fiddle & Dance
presents a
Community Dance with O'Neil Family Band
Saturday, November 15 from 3-5:30 PM
Bernie’s Restaurant
121 DeMers, East Grand Forks
The O'Neil Family Band will provide rousing fiddle tunes for American folk dances including reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more. You do not need to know how to dance -- all dances are taught and easy to learn. All are welcome — singles, couples, and families!
Join us!
Donations at the door
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
October Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the October 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3ICnn26.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Community Folk Dance with Corner Booth String Band Oct 11
North Country Fiddle and Dance presents a Community Folk Dance with
Corner Booth String Band
Saturday, October 11 from 3 to 5:30 PM
Bernies Restaurant, 121 DeMers, East Grand Forks
Corner Booth String Band, from Fergus Falls, will provide rousing dance tunes on banjo, guitar, bass, and harmonica for reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more.
All dances are taught and easy to learn, all ages are welcome! Everyone is welcome!
Donations at the door.
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
September Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the September 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/47qcZo2
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Northern Lights Concert Association Hosts The Mexican Brass
The Mexican Brass
Friday, October 17 | 7:30 PM
Hosted by the Northern Lights Concert Association
Concert is at the Warroad RiverPlace (103 State Avenue, Warroad, MN 56763)
Celebrating 20 years as a brass quintet, M5 The Mexican Brass is a world-class ensemble seamlessly blending virtuosic musicianship, non-stop audience interaction, and showmanship to produce a great musical-theatrical experience every night!
*Please note: This concert is part of the Northern Lights Concert Association series. Season tickets—for only $45!—are required to attend any or all of the five shows lined up for the 2025-2026 season.
North Country Fiddle & Dance September Events
North Country Fiddle and Dance September Events
Nordic Fiddle with Vidar Skrede
September 8th, 5:30 PM at the EGF Campbell Library
Vidar Skrede is a performer and composer of Nordic folk music. Originally from western Norway, and currently living in Milwaukee, WI, he is a multi-instrumentalist performing fiddle, Hardanger fiddle, guitar, and mandolin.
Vidar is a leading musician on the Nordic folk music scene and is well known for his own tune creations across the scene.
Community Dance with Eric Lind and Teresa Neby-Lind
Saturday, September 13th, 3 to 5:30 PM at
Bernies Restaurant, 121 DeMers, EGF
Fiddle and banjo duo Eric Lind and Teresa Neby-Lind from the Twin cities, will provide rousing dance tunes for reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more.
All dances are taught and easy to learn, all ages are welcome! Join us!
Donations at the door for both events.
2025 Association of the French of the North’s (AFRAN’s) Chautauqua & Arts Festival at Old Crossing Treaty Park Aug 23 and 24
Association of the French of the North’s (AFRAN’s) Chautauqua & Arts Festival at Old Crossing Treaty Park. This arts event is free and everyone is welcome. Featuring live music, dancing, and more! Huot, MN
August Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the August 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3HoqD0a
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
East Grand Forks Heritage Days with Live Music and Dancing Aug 8-10
East Grand Forks 2025 Heritage Days with
Live Music and Dancing
August 8, 9, 10
Heritage Village 219 20th Street NE, East Grand Forks
Bandstand Show
Open gate for all events
Friday, August 8 – Bandstand
Classic Swing Band - 6 - 8 PM dance / concert, hotdogs available at concessions, antique car show on grounds.
Saturday, August 9 : Bandstand, Heritage Village Grounds
1 - 2 PM – Peggy and Dean Ellingson, ( Bemidji ) - Light-hearted songs from the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s - Guitar and Mandolin
2 - 3 PM - Skally Line,- Original songs and stories about Minnesota history and traditional tunes.
3 - 4 PM- O'Neil Family Band - traditional and original songs, tunes, and dancing
Sunday, August 10: Bandstand, Heritage Village Grounds
12 -1 PM – Chuck Gust – accordion
1 - 2 PM – Skally Line - Original songs and stories about Minnesota history and traditional tunes.
2 - 3 PM - Fargo Spelemanslag- Hardanger Fiddle ensemble
3 - 4 PM – O'Neil Family Band - traditional and original songs, tunes, dancing, and dance participation
July Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the July 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://conta.cc/3Ibwczq
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene Exhibit Artist Reception will be July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM at Historic Fournet Building Downtown Crookston
Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene
Red River Valley Artist and Printmaker
Artist Reception July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM
Open Through August at the
Historic Fournet Building
101 N Broadway Downtown Crookston
2nd Floor in the Atrium
An artist reception will be held in honor of Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene, an exhibit open through August at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway in Downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 29 pieces of art in printmaking, pen and ink, fabric art, and mixed media created by Red River Valley Printmaker and Artist Jill Levene of Tabor. This is the first exhibit that the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council has created in this space.
The reception will be Thursday, July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM. There will be refreshments and live music. Some of the art is for sale. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.
NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett shared, “I first encountered Jill’s artwork at the Tettegouche State Park as our family was on vacation along the North Shore. I was immediately taken by her pen and ink skills. Jill is a versatile and accomplished artist flowing with creativity and inspiration. Her new exhibit at the Fournet Building in Crookston will pull you into another world of wonder and hope.”
Artist Jill Levene explained, “Gainfully retired from commercial graphic design, I now enjoy the freedom to integrate my world travels with natural history and the environment to create my “Inklings”— pen and ink renderings of people, non-human animals, and natural settings. In 2011, I was introduced to New England’s remarkable Folly Cove Fabric Designers of the mid-20th Century. This discovery inspired me in a new direction—block carving and printing on fabric using originally-designed, hand-carved linoleum blocks based on my Inklings. Added to this is my interest in repurposing various types of fiber-based food packaging, such as tea and gum wrappers, by incorporating fragments of these colorful containers onto the Inklings foundation. The combination of Inklings, block printing on fabric, and kitchen-based art led me to my current focus on functional art — hand-printed usable cloth pieces including dishtowels, bandanas, infant swaddles, aprons, and garden flags — anything fabric — with the goal of creating art that is both functional and perpetual, as well as beautiful and one-of-a-kind for the culinarian and collector alike: ‘Hand-printed. One at a time, every time.’”
Parking and admission is free. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/XB96nngkHhUor find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
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.
June Newsletter … Read it Now
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the June 2025 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-the-Northwest-Minnesota-Arts-Council.html?soid=1103359496097&aid=xv81VCiGjrc
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
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.
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance May 24 from 3 to 5:30 PM
The public is invited to
North Country Fiddle and Dance’s
Community Dance
Saturday, May 24 from 3:00 to 5:30 PM
Bernie's Restaurant
121 DeMers Ave, East Grand Forks
with
Four Mile Portage ( of 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>
Note: This is an after hours event, if you would like to eat, come by 2:30 PM