Arts News
Artist-in-Residency Program in New Ulm
Artist in Residence Program in New Ulm for Printmaking, Letterpress, and Book Arts — Apply Now
The Grand Center for Arts & Culture in New Ulm has an Artist-in-Residence program that is open to all Minnesota residents working in printmaking, letterpress, and book arts. It's free to apply and selected artists receive 2-3 weeks of access to our studio, free housing, materials stipend, and weekly stipend. They would love to see more applications from folks in Greater Minnesota.
2027 Cellar Press Minnesota Artist Residency
The Grand Center for Arts & Culture (GCAC) is a nonprofit community hub for arts and cultural experiences. They have an art gallery, private artist studio spaces, an arts education area, and live performance spaces. Their mission is “to enrich community life through arts and cultural education and experiences; and support local artists by offering them opportunities to develop and demonstrate their artistry.”
GCAC is pleased to announce their artist residency program for the calendar year 2027. They are inviting guest artists to apply for a residency with the opportunity to use their Cellar Press studios — letterpress, printmaking, and bookbinding — to create works of art or as an integral part of their artistic practice. Residencies last 2 – 3 weeks, and while artists are not required to stay in New Ulm, they are expected to spend a significant amount of time in the studios gaining skills and producing work.
Applications are open June 1 – August 14, 2026.
QUALIFICATIONS
The Grand will host up to eight residents during the 2027 calendar year, with priority given to early career artists. To be considered “early career,” artists must have been generating work in their medium for 2-10 years outside of a degree-granting program. Students, recent graduates, mid-career, and established artists are encouraged to apply, as well. The selection committee may choose to award one residency to an out-of-state artist, however, their priority is supporting Minnesota artists.
Please note that they cannot accommodate pets during artist residencies. A spouse, family member, or friend may visit for a short time during the course of the residency (maximum of three nights stay).
BENEFITS
· Materials Stipend
· Grand Membership: a $100 value
· All-hours access to Cellar Press during residency period
· Free lodging at The Grand Apartment (food not included)
· Stipend of $300 per week paid to individual artists
· Storage space for supplies and consumables
· Participation in the Artist Residency Gallery Show held annually
· Profiles in GCAC print and online communications
EXPECTATIONS
Artists-in-Residence are expected to:
· Be a current resident of Minnesota.
· Have some technical skills in the medium they pursue (GCAC staff will introduce artists to the specifics of Cellar Press equipment and available materials, and artists will complete a virtual equipment training).
· Immerse themselves in a new or continuing body of work.
· Work independently in the GCAC Cellar Press studio.
· Lead a public (virtual and/or in-person) community project. Examples include public demonstrations; teaching a class on printmaking or book arts; presenting an activity for public engagement at a farmer’s market or festival; a public art installation or performance; leading a workshop at one of our summer Kid’s Creativity Camps; designing and carving a series of linoleum blocks for The Grand’s use at events, demonstrations, etc. Feel free to propose an idea other than what is listed here!
· Provide The Grand with at least two works produced during the residency for The Grand’s exclusive use.
· Maintain a safe and clean working area.
· Complete an exit interview upon the completion of the residency.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be actively engaged in an artistic practice with an interest in book arts, letterpress, or printmaking. Artists are expected to spend significant time in the studios and produce works (either as a part of an exploration, a limited series, or a cohesive body of work), and have a willingness to demonstrate their practice through informal and/or formal presentation.
Applicants must submit the following items in two documents, saved as either doc, docx, or pdf files:
Document 1:
· Artist resume (3 page maximum).
· Artist statement or bio (approx. 300 words maximum).
· Project proposal (approx. 500 words maximum). Applicants are required to submit a realistic proposal that demonstrates their vision and how they will utilize GCAC studios and equipment.
· Community component proposal (approx. 300 words maximum). Applicants are required to describe their ideas for a community outreach component of their proposal which meets the expectations outlined above.
· 2027 Availability.
Document 2:
· Six-eight image samples. Applicants are required to submit a minimum of six and a maximum of eight image samples. Images should be presented as a portfolio with the following information appearing along with the image: title, medium, size, and year completed. The maximum file size for the portfolio is 40 MB.
APPLICATION DEADLINE/DETAILS
All materials must be submitted via application form on The Grand’s website by Friday, August 14th, 2026, at 3 PM CST.
Artists will be notified by late October 2026. The earliest residency may begin in January 2027 (residency dates to be negotiated with artists).
GCAC STUDIOS AND EQUIPMENT
The Cellar Press artist studio at The Grand is well equipped with both state-of-the-art and vintage presses and other letterpress tools, including: an SP-15 Vandercook press (non-motorized), a Vandercook 215 (motorized inking), a Vandercook 1 proofing press, Showcard Press, several small Platen presses, a 1938 Kluge, and a Takach 24’ by 36’ etching press. They have a large collection of vintage metal and wood type, as well as printing ink for use in the studio. Their bookbinding equipment includes a variety of hand tools for leather tooling, a board shear, Advance guillotine paper cutter, Ideal Kutrimmer, Kwikprint foil stamper, finishing press, nipping presses, and job backer.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applications are reviewed, via blind evaluation, by a jury of GCAC staff and area artist professionals. Applicants are evaluated and selected based on the quality of the materials submitted, with the most weight given to the project proposal and work samples, and with special consideration given to early career artists. Artists with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences are strongly encouraged to apply. They encourage artists that identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or artists with disabilities to apply. All artists will be notified in late October 2026.
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.
Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene Exhibit is Open at Historic Fournet Building Downtown Crookston
Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene
Red River Valley Artist and Printmaker
Open Through August at the
Historic Fournet Building
101 N Broadway Downtown Crookston
2nd Floor in the Atrium
Artist Reception on July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM
We are pleased to announce the opening of Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene, an exhibit open through July 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.
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.’”
You won't want to miss this interesting exhibit open through July at the Fournet Building Downtown Crookston. Parking and admission is free. Some pieces are for sale. 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.
An artist reception will be held on July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM. Light snacks and drinks will be served. Some art will be for sale. Everyone is encouraged to attend!
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.
Applications accepted for Artist in Residence Program in New Ulm
Artist-in-Residence Program in New Ulm is Accepting Applications
Grand Center for Arts and Culture in New Ulm is a nonprofit arts center with a letterpress, printmaking, and bookbinding studio called Cellar Press where they offer community classes in book arts and printmaking, as well as an artist-in-residence program for Minnesota residents.
The application period for their artist-in-residence program is currently open. It is free to apply and the residency provides housing, a weekly stipend, and access to the Cellar Press studio space and equipment for 2-3 weeks. For more info about this opportunity, visit their website at https://thegrandnewulm.org/experiences/artist-in-residence-program/
Artwork by Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil 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 artists and folk musicians Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil. Pieces in the display case include Erin's recently completed book, Twenty of Plenty, in which twenty of her original fiddle tunes are transcribed, prints from a series of sketches made over the past summers on Jeanne’s land, and Rag Folk pieces created by Erin.
You may know of Jeanne and Erin through their work playing in the O’Neil Family Band. Erin plays the fiddle and feet, while Jeanne plays the banjo and concertina. The band holds many community dances in our region.
The two recently had an exhibit in our gallery. To virtually walk through that exhibit, watch this video featuring Erin’s music at https://youtu.be/8lZbCEPmtik.
Highpoint Center for Printmaking is looking for an Education Programs Manager
$55,00040 hours FTEApplications due: May 8, 2024
Reports to Executive Director; supervises 1 part-time staff. Works collaboratively with the Director of Artist Programs, Development and Communications Manager, and Administrative Coordinator.
Work is performed on-site Monday - Friday from 9 am to 5 pm in Minneapolis, with occasional evening and weekend events and off-site workshops.
Highpoint Center for Printmaking (HP) is dedicated to advancing the art of printmaking. They create pathways for artists, learners, and the public to increase their understanding and appreciation of printmaking through artistic and educational programs, a cooperative studio, a public gallery, and collaborative publishing opportunities.
They are seeking an Education Programs Manager to develop and manage all aspects of Highpoint’s education programs in alignment with their strategic plan and organizational values.
SUMMARY
The vision for Highpoint’s Education division is to remain integral to their neighborhood, city, and Midwest by leading accessible printmaking education that is responsive to the needs of learners and the broader arts-educational landscape.
Ideal Candidate: The Education Programs Manager is an experienced and ambitious arts educator with a clear vision for designing innovative programs and curricula. They have a learning and teaching philosophy that guides their work and an understanding of learning pathways for a wide range of participants. They will define a pedagogical approach for Highpoint and work collaboratively with all team members to integrate and connect this approach across program areas. They foster a culture of welcome, embrace an expansive definition of printmaking, and believe in human-centered learning.
The Education Programs Manager will collaborate with the Executive Director to set the pedagogical direction for the organization. They will support a growing roster of contracted teaching artists by cultivating relationships, designing annual instructor training, and developing resources. They will nurture relationships with artists, K-12 educators and administrators, and community partners. They are an active community member and understand the Twin Cities arts ecosystem and contemporary art. They are a facilitator, a connector, and supporter who are always finding ways to bring others into the fold. Understanding program outcomes and evaluation methods is key for this role.
TO APPLY
Please email jobs@highpointprintmaking.org with the following:
A cover letter describing your related experience, education philosophy, familiarity with and interest in Highpoint Center for Printmaking
Your resume of professional and lived experiences.
The following will be requested from position finalists:
Two professional references upon notification of the interview
As a part of the interview process, you will be asked to prepare a presentation on your previous educational program experience.
All finalists will receive a background check
TIMELINE FOR APPLICANTS
Applications due May 8, 2024
June 3, 2024 Finalists Notified (references requested)
June 10 – 11, 2024 Interviews
Early to mid-July 2024 start date
For more information, visit https://www.highpointprintmaking.org/employment2024
Artist Spotlight with Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil on March 28
Watch our Artist Spotlight with Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil here. This was live on Thursday, March 28 at 10:30 AM on our Facebook and YouTube pages.
NWMAC Staff Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling spoke with Artists Jeanne O'Neil and Erin O'Neil. They talked about their music and the current exhibit Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through April 2024. They even played some tunes for the broadcast. Again, watch the recording here.
Jeanne O’Neil explained, “The focus of this show is the celebration of Erin's recently completed book, Twenty of Plenty, in which twenty of her original fiddle tunes are transcribed. We are both folk musicians and visual artists, and it is fitting to bring these forms of artistic expression together, as the tunes and art are both inspired by the rural landscapes we live in.”
The newest prints in this show come from a series of sketches made over the past summers on Jeanne’s land. “Walking the fields and pathways every day, year after year, the colors, contrasts, textures and lines of trees, grasses, sky, river are impressed in my mind, creating an accumulated knowledge of these places. The making of each print creates a deeper knowing and a stronger connection to that knowing.”
Jeanne’s daughter Erin O’Neil created the Twenty of Plenty tune book. This was an effort with a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council to get some of her tune compositions transcribed so that they could be introduced into wider circles of musicians. The descriptions and illustration throughout the book offer insight into the meaning of the compositions. The cultural influences for these tunes include French Canadian, Irish, Scandinavian, Scottish traditional fiddle music, New England Contra Dance music, Old Time Appalachian music, and Metis fiddle tunes.
Erin also has Rag Folk pieces in this exhibit. The Rag Folk represent preservation of what has been used in everyday life and creating new lives out of old scraps and rags. Erin started creating these pieces with a passion for recycling and reducing waste and a desire to connect with others.
Jeanne and Erin both play in the O’Neil Family Band. Erin plays the fiddle and feet, while Jeanne plays the banjo and concertina. The band holds many community dances in our region.
An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. The O'Neil Family Band will be performing and refreshments will be served. Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends.Please join us for the conversation! Let us know if you have questions!
Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces
Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints
Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls through April 2024
Artist Reception Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM — The O’Neil Family Band will perform
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil. This exhibit is open through April at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
East Grand Forks Artist Jeanne O’Neil explained, “The focus of this show is the celebration of Erin's recently completed book, Twenty of Plenty, in which twenty of her original fiddle tunes are transcribed. We are both folk musicians and visual artists, and it is fitting to bring these forms of artistic expression together, as the tunes and art are both inspired by the rural landscapes we live in.”
The newest prints in this show come from a series of sketches made over the past summers on Jeanne’s land. “Walking the fields and pathways every day, year after year, the colors, contrasts, textures and lines of trees, grasses, sky, river are impressed in my mind, creating an accumulated knowledge of these places. The making of each print creates a deeper knowing and a stronger connection to that knowing.”
Jeanne’s daughter Erin O’Neil learned to play the fiddle by the age of seven. Erin plays by ear and the Twenty of Plenty tune book project was an effort to get some of her tune compositions transcribed so that they could be introduced into wider circles of musicians who read music. With a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the McKnight Foundation, she collaborated with a folk musician originally from Norway. The descriptions and illustration throughout the book offer insight into the meaning of the compositions. The cultural influences for these tunes include French Canadian, Irish, Scandinavian, Scottish traditional fiddle music, New England Contra Dance music, Old Time Appalachian music, and Metis fiddle tunes.
Erin also has Rag Folk pieces in this exhibit. The Rag Folk represent preservation of what has been used in everyday life and creating new lives out of old scraps and rags. The Rag Folk contain memories and essences of what has passed, and the joy of childhood carried forward and honored in adulthood. Erin started creating these pieces with a passion for recycling and reducing waste and a desire to connect with others.
Jeanne and Erin both play in the O’Neil Family Band. Erin plays the fiddle and feet, while Jeanne plays the banjo and concertina. The band holds many community dances in our region.
Watch this video featuring Erin’s music for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/8lZbCEPmtik.
An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. There will be refreshments and live music by the O’Neil Family Band.
Most of the pieces in the exhibit are for sale. You can purchase at any time and pick it when the exhibit is over.
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.
For more information about this exhibit our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 745-8886 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.
McKnight Printing Fellowship at Highpoint Deadline is Nov 26
McKnight Printmaking Fellowship at Highpoint
The specific intent of the McKnight Printmaking Fellowship is to recognize and support mid-career artists living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence in the field of printmaking.
Two selected artists will receive:
An unrestricted $25,000 award
One year access to Highpoint’s state-of-the-art print shop
Technical support from the fellowship coordinator
Professional development opportunities
Storage space for materials, use of inks, and standard shop supplies
Provided access to Highpoint classes
Group discussions and critiques with local and national experts in the field
McKnight Printmakers' exhibition, public talk, and reception at Highpoint
Professional digital documentation of exhibited artwork
Opportunity to participate in a fully-funded artist residency through a partnership with the Artist Communities Alliance following the fellowship year
Highpoint supporting membership
Fellowship Timeline:
Wednesday, November 1 @ 7 pm — info session (join at Highpoint or via Zoom)
A recording of the session will be made available on our website at a later date
Sunday, November 26 @ 11:59 pm — applications due
Thursday, January 18 — applicants notified
Thursday, February 1 — Fellowship begins
Friday, January 31, 2025 — Fellowship ends
Eligibility Requirements
This program is open to Minnesota-based printmakers, including artists living outside the metro area.
Have or maintain MN residency for at least one year prior to application and for the duration of the fellowship.
Are beyond emerging with a body of work that demonstrates a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and excellence in the field of printmaking.
Have not been awarded a McKnight Artist Fellowship in any artistic discipline in the last five years.
Demonstrate growth and ongoing artistry since their most recent McKnight Artist Fellowship (if applicable).
Are not staff, board, or immediate family of the McKnight Foundation or fellowship administrative partners.
Are not enrolled full-time in an academic program.
Artists must demonstrate excellence in at least one traditional printmaking technique (intaglio, lithography, screenprinting, mono printing, or relief).
Applicant may only apply to one McKnight Artist Fellowship per year (in any/all artistic disciplines).
Questions about eligibility or anything else? Contact josh@highpointprintmaking.org
or visit: https://www.highpointprintmaking.org/mcknight/ for FELLOWSHIP/APPLICATION FAQ