Arts News
Attention: NW Minnesota Schools Arts Equipment for Schools Grant Deadline is September 30
ARTS GRANT FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS
Deadline for Arts Equipment Grants for Schools is
September 30
Grant Writing Workshop is Sept 22 at 4 PM
Arts Equipment Grants. Did you know that schools can apply to purchase artistic equipment for your visual art, performing art, media arts, or creative writing departments? Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match. The competitive deadline is September 30, first come first served. Equipment that is used solely for the pursuit of arts like a kiln or theater lights, or a band instrument has a better chance of being funded.
Artist Residency Grants. Schools can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $3,000. Our teaching artist roster is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area and is available on our website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org under the artists tab. Another resource to find teaching artists is COMPAS. To apply, schools fill out an application showing interest in funding, then requests are made with add-on forms within the on-line grant software for specific project funding requests.
Schools can initially apply for 2 residencies. Then, based on remaining funding, can request up to 4 residencies total. Each residency requires a 10% cash match.
Click the Grant Login button at the top right of our website www.nwartscouncil.org to start your application.
We are holding a free grant writing training session on Monday, September 22 at 4 PM to answer questions and help you with your application. Workshop is on zoom -- contact our office for a link. You can also come to our office in Warren and attend from our grant writing station. Want to work on your application before that? Reach out to our office with questions.
218-745-8886, ext 1, www.NWArtsCouncil.org
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.
Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit is Open
Artists of Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit is Open
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
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. Watch our website or social media accounts for details to be announced.
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.
Drawn from Observation Exhibit is Open in Crookston
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces
Drawn from Observation
An Exhibit featuring Art by Therese Masters Jacobson
Open Through Mid-December at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway
Downtown Crookston
2nd Floor in the Atrium
Artist Reception will be Thursday, September 4 from 7 to 8:30 PM
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Drawn from Observation, an exhibit featuring work by Therese Masters Jacobson at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 29 pieces of art in pen and ink, acrylic, and colored pencil created by Visual Artist Therese Masters Jacobson of Alvarado.
Jacobson explained, “All my artwork begins with observing life: the vegetable and flower gardens we grow, wildlife in our world, my family, children and grandchildren. Subjects vary widely as everything I see around me always has interesting shapes, lines, textures, forms, contrasts, or colors which I imagine drawing or composing. This exhibit features a few of my observations in a variety of mediums drawn first in my mind, then composed on paper or canvas.”
Therese Masters Jacobson has always loved colors. While she studied with professionals at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and Bemidji State University, she became a self-trained artist through exploration. She is a visual artist who uses standard media, including acrylics, watercolor, pen and ink, and colored pencils, but she says that “no medium is off the table.” She has created portraits by snipping construction paper, and by making collages with torn magazine. Most recently she has been re-purposing sticky address labels to create portraits.
An Artist Reception will be held on Thursday, September 4 from 7 to 8:30 at the Fournet. The event is free, and everyone is encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served.
You won't want to miss this exhibit open through mid-December at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, 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.
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/rXEBWfAczs8 or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
For more information about this exhibit 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, extension 1 to reach our office during regular business hours.
Mixed Blood Presents Warroad Community Potluck at Warroad RiverPlace September 12-14
Mixed Blood Theater Presents Warroad Community Potluck at Warroad RiverPlace September 12-14.
ANNOUNCING TICKET SALES | Tickets are now available for the free production of Warroad Community Potluck, a new play by Mixed Blood Theater made for the RiverPlace stage on:
Friday, September 12 | 7 PM
Saturday, September 13 | 7 PM
Sunday, September 14 | 2 PM
TICKETS: warroadriverplace.org/events/potluck
It’s Potluck Time—and the stakes have never been higher!
It’s the ultimate small-town showdown: a potluck battle judged by a mysterious visitor on a mission to determine Minnesota’s best. With hotdish drama, fishing contests, heritage trivia, and surprise guests, this lighthearted comedy celebrates the spirit of Warroad, where competition is fierce but community always wins.
*Special note: This play is a potluck in name only. Just bring yourself — no food, please! — and stay for light refreshments and community conversation after the show.
Written by nationally-recognized playwright Kira Obolensky and directed by award-winning director Michael John Garcés, Warroad Community Potluck is brought to you by Mixed Blood Theater—a nationally acclaimed theater company in Minneapolis that models reciprocity, inclusion, and genuine welcoming to build relationships—and Warroad RiverPlace.
**This production was made possible by the American Theatre Wing, National Endowment for the Arts Our Town program, the Ruth Easton Fund of the Edelstein Family Foundation, and by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
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.
Aurora Center for the Arts Presents Up North LitFest
Aurora Center for the Arts Presents Up North Litfest September 25 and 26 in Fosston.
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
Upcoming Arts Grant Deadlines
Upcoming Deadlines for Arts Grants
School Arts Equipment Grant September 30
Arts Project Grant Oct 31
Individual Artist Grant November 15
Applications are now open for arts grants from the NWMAC
Nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are July 31, October 31, February 28, and April 30. Grants are between $500 and $10,000. Funding sources for these grants are Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds, and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
Organizational arts activities funded through this very important grant opportunity includes festivals, community theatre projects, folk music entertainment, sponsorship of visual demonstrations, creative writing workshops and many other activities that improve the quality of life of people in our communities.
Schools in our 7-county region can apply for a grant for Arts Equipment. Supported by general allocation funds from the Minnesota state legislature, schools can apply to purchase artistic equipment for their visual art, performing art, media arts, or creative writing departments. Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match. The competitive deadline has recently changed to September 30, first come first served. Equipment that is used solely for the pursuit of arts like a kiln or theater lights, or a band instrument has a better chance of being funded.
Schools can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $3,000. Our teaching artist roster is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area and is available on our website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org under the artists tab. Another resource to view artists available to enhance curriculum is COMPAS.
To apply, schools fill out an application showing interest in funding, then requests are made with add-on forms within the on-line grant software for specific project funding requests. Schools can initially apply for two residencies. Then, based on remaining funding, can request up to four residencies total. Each residency requires a 10% cash match. Funding for residency activities comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Minnesota.
Applications are open for Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500 and have a November 15 deadline. These grants are awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals; $3,000 going to three individuals and $5,000 going to three individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota.
Free Grant Writing Workshops are on zoom -- contact our office for a link. You can also come to our office in Warren and attend from our grant writing station.
Monday, September 22 at 4 PM mainly for School Applicants
Wednesday, October 8 at 4 PM mainly for Organization Applicants
Tuesday, October 28 at 10 AM mainly for Individual Applicants
These free grant writing sessions are offered to help you write your grant application or to answer any questions. You can attend via Zoom or at our office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend.
To learn more about grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. The grant application process is completely online and NWMAC's Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal to get accustomed to it. Please contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886, extension 1.
Credible Writing Workshop with Candace Simar
Credible Writing Workshop with Candace Simar
Jackpine Writers’ Bloc Writers’ Workshop
Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 9 AM to 12 Noon
Jack Pines Resort, 53014 State Highway 34, Osage (located 9 miles west of Park Rapids and 1 mile west of Osage])
Cost: $60
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CREDIBLE WRITING—What is it?
Everyone wants to share brilliant words with readers across the world. But what makes writing good? How does a writer find the words that will draw the reader into his world? This multi-genre class investigates the key elements of good writing by studying examples from published works and excerpts from this year’s Talking Stick. Join the fun and elevate your skills in creating credible writing. This year, the Talking Stick 34's first and second place winners are invited to participate in a panel discussion concerning their inspiration and writing process. Time will be allowed for questions from the audience. The panel will be the last 30 minutes of the workshop.
The workshop will run from 9 AM to 12 Noon. The Workshop cost includes lunch at noon.
Candace Simar lives in Pequot Lakes and began her writing career after attending a Jackpine Writers' Bloc workshop in 1999. Candace writes historical fiction set in Minnesota and North Dakota. Candace has been blessed with awards from Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Laura Awards in short fiction, Midwest Book Awards, Will Rogers Gold Medallion, and Western Fictioneers, as well as regional awards. She is a grateful recipient of Five Wings Grant funds. Learn more about her work at www.candacesimar.com.
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YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP. Please email Sharon Harris at sharrick1@wcta.net to sign up. Phone 218-732-3782 if questions. Be sure to include your name and mailing address, phone number, and email address. Make your $60 check out to Jackpine Writers' Bloc and mail it to: Sharon Harris, 13320 149th Ave, Menahga MN 56464.
This workshop will be limited to the first 35 participants and then put names on a waiting list.
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.
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Roseau
NWMAC Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Roseau
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 14 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit is currently at the Roseau Public Library until September 23. Please stop by to see these works of art during library hours. Some of these pieces of art are for sale. Please reach out to the Arts Council with questions about the exhibit.
The 2024-2025 Artists and Artwork:
Lucille Nelson, Argyle, “Waiting to be Restored” (Acrylic Painting)
Andy Hall, Climax "Rose Leaves” (Photography)
Paulette Christianson, Badger, “Serene” (Pastel Painting)
Dennis Kinkead, Hallock, “Where Are You Guys Going?” (Watercolor Painting) (Merit)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Water Tower” (Acrylic Painting)
Alicia Spilde, Karlstad, “Dreams” (Mixed Media)
Jessica Lundeen, Thief River Falls “Bee’s Marigold” (Acrylic Painting) (3rd Place)
Melody Voeltz, Lancaster, “Field Bunny” (Watercolor Painting) Lancaster School Student 2nd Place
Daniel Jones, Crookston, “Retro Modern” (Ink Print) Crookston School
Josiah Sjothun, Ada, “Chevette” (Sculpture) Ada-Borup-West High School
Alyssa Foster, Thief River Falls, “One Act Matters” (Drawing) TRF School Student 1st Place
Kaytlyn Knutson, Red Lake Falls, “Masquerade” (Acrylic Painting) Red Lake Falls School
Anthony Lucio, Red Lake Falls, “Bridge From My Window” (Mixed Media) Red Lake Falls School
Addison Severts, Grygla, “Serenity” (Sculpture) Grygla School Student 3rd Place
The 2024-2025 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
May 8 to June 26 Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls
June 26 to August 5 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls
August 5 to September 23 Roseau Public Library, Roseau
September 23 to November 12 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
November 12 to December 18 Ada Public Library, Ada
December 18 to February 3, 2026 Godel Public Library, Warren
February 3, 2026 to Mid-March Annual Exhibit TBD** Sorenson Gallery, Fosston Library and Arts Center, Fosston
*The start and end dates at each location are approximate, depending on weather, venue hours and other circumstances that may occur to prohibit travel. For specific library hours, please contact each location before planning your visit, especially if you are planning on bringing a group.
**Tentatively scheduled
For more information about the Traveling Exhibit or our other exhibits call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
Designz in Metal featuring Dennis Kinkead at the Carnegie in TRF
Designz in Metal
Featuring Dennis Kinkead
Open Through October 7 at the
Carnegie Library, 102 Main Ave N, Thief River Falls
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce Designz in Metal featuring Dennis Kinkead, an exhibit open through October 7. This exhibit includes 12 metal sculptures -- mirror, 2 tables, raven, dragon, roses, and deer antlers -- and four watercolor pieces.
Kinkead is a 2-D and 3-D artist from Hallock who specializes in sculpture and iron works and painting. From boilermaker to grain farmer to customs officer at the US border, Dennis Kinkead’s interests and abilities know no bounds. A native of Aitken, Minnesota, he has always had a passion for learning and new experiences. Inspired and taught by his father-in-law in the late 1990s, Dennis started learning the craft of metalworking. His first large project was a coffee table that he handcrafted entirely on his own, including all the jigs and fixtures. After taking home first prize at the county fair, Dennis knew he had found a new art form to be passionate about. His work progressed over the years, including metal roses, the front railing on his family home, a hall table with matching mirror, and other pieces of household furniture. He soon shifted gears into a more natural and mythical theme including birds, skull heads and dragons. Recently, Dennis signed up for an online art class where he has been honing his drawing and painting skills. Today, his art is distinctly influenced by Asian culture as evidenced by the images of koi fish, blossoming trees, and Chinese and Japanese characters. When asked what inspires his love of Asian imagery, he simply replied, “I just like it.”
You won't want to miss this interesting exhibit open through October 7 at the Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls.
The Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls is at 102 Main Ave N. The exhibit is located on the second floor. Parking is available in the back of the building. It is open Mondays & Fridays from 10 AM - 2 PM and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 8-11 AM. It will also be open at other times when the Chamber of Commerce office is open. Contact the Chamber of Commerce to see about other possible open hours at trfchamber.com, 218-681-3720, or info@trfchamber.com.
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.
2025/2026 MCAD Jerome Foundation Fellowships for Early Career Artists
The 2025/26 MCAD–Jerome Foundation Fellowships for Early Career Artists application is now open. The Jerome Foundation defines early career as at least 2 years but not more than 10 years of creative generative experience not including any exhibition opportunities provided through a school or college program. Please see p.2 of the application guidelines for more information.
There are two pre-recorded information sessions on the application site. They also offer one-on-one meetings with applicants before submitting their application materials. They can provide feedback on work sample sections, editing artist statements, and organizing resumes, etc. Attached are the application guidelines. For Greater MN artists, the fellowship does cover mileage and lodging for fellow meetings, curator studio visits, and the exhibition installation so this is not a financial burden on the artists.
Here is a link to the application: https://mcad.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: Friday, September 12 at noon CT.
Contact info: gallery@mcad.edu
Keisha Williams, Program Director
Melanie Pankau, Fellowship Coordinator
Artist Spotlight with Karlstad Artist Alicia Spilde
An Artist Spotlight with Karlstad Artist Alicia Spilde was held on Thursday, August 7 at 11:30 AM.
NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett spoke with Karlstad Artist Alicia Spilde on Thursday, August 7 at 11:30 AM. We discussed Spilde and her art. She has been a frequent entrant in the NW Art exhibits and currently has a piece in the Traveling Art Exhibit and the Welcome to the Whimsical Exhibit. The conversation was live on our Facebook and YouTube channels. Watch the discussion at https://youtube.com/live/Fn0oj2WasPc
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
Artist Spotlight with Jill S Levene
Artist Spotlight with Jill Levene July 28 at 10 am
Listen to NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett in a conversation with Red River Valley Artist and Printmaker Jill Levene. Levene’s work is featured in our exhibit Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Leven” at the Historic Fournet Building Downtown Crookston, 101 N Broadway. We talked about her art, the exhibit, her inspiration, artistic practice, and much more! The exhibit is open until August 5 on the 2nd floor Atrium. The conversation was live on our Facebook and YouTube channels. You can watch it at https://www.youtube.com/live/8O-ymys7s8o?si=1Kgw_nbZ10o3XBZU
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.
Stop by the Carnegie Library During the Art & Wine Walk July 10
Heritage Through Image
a photography exhibit
and
Works by Hallock Metal Artist and Painter
Dennis Kinkead
Carnegie Library, 102 Main Ave N, Thief River Falls
Stop by During the Art & Wine Walk on
July 10 from 4 - 8:00 PM
This NWMAC exhibit will be a stop on the Art & Wine Walk in Thief River Falls on July 10. Heritage Through Image, an exhibit open through July. The exhibit includes 22 images (2 images of each subject), along with a 5 x 7 framed narrative for each person that depict traditional practices, customs, and folklore that serves as a visual representation of regional heritage.
For more information about the Art & Wine Walk or to purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trf-zehlians-art-wine-walk-2025-tickets-1259732075549?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Photographer Monika Lawrence, formerly of Bemidji now living in Germany, was commissioned to capture the images that reflect traditional practices, customs, and folklore to serve as a visual representation of the heritage of East Polk County. Come and see images and information featuring folk arts such as Hardanger embroidery, Scandinavian desserts and pastries, rosemaling, historical storytelling including stories from Indigenous communities, woodworking, experimental archaeology and textiles, blacksmithing, tractor and vintage car restorations, and more. There’s something for everyone!
Lawrence interviewed and photographed the subjects who are featured in this exhibit. They include Stephenie Anderson, John Balstad, Dustin Carlson, Caleb Curfman, Amy Mulry, Al and Vicky Olson, Jeffrey Olson, Earl Steinbrenner, Lynn Sundrud, Rosayn Watnemo, and Carol Wold.
Hallock Artist Dennis Kinkead will be joining this exhibit with his work on July 10. He is a 2-D and 3-D artist who specializes in sculpture and iron works. He will also be present during the event from 4 to 8 PM that evening.
From boilermaker to grain farmer to customs officer at the US border, Dennis Kinkead’s interests and abilities know no bounds. A native of Aitken, Minnesota, he has always had a passion for learning and new experiences. Inspired and taught by his father-in-law in the late 1990s, Dennis started learning the craft of metalworking. His first large project was a coffee table that he handcrafted entirely on his own, including all the jigs and fixtures. After taking home first prize at the county fair, Dennis knew he had found a new art form to be passionate about. His work progressed over the years, including metal roses, the front railing on his family home, a hall table with matching mirror, and other pieces of household furniture. He soon shifted gears into a more natural and mythical theme including birds, skull heads and dragons. Recently, Dennis signed up for an online art class where he has been honing his drawing and painting skills. Today, his art is distinctly influenced by Asian culture as evidenced by the images of koi fish, blossoming trees, and Chinese and Japanese characters. When asked what inspires his love of Asian imagery, he simply replied, “I just like it.”
Many pieces of Kinkead’s art will be for sale.
The Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls is at 102 Main Ave N. The gallery is open Mondays & Fridays from 10 AM - 2 PM and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 8-11 AM. It will be open when the Chamber of Commerce office is open. You can contact the Chamber of Commerce to see about other possible open hours at trfchamber.com, 218-681-3720, or info@trfchamber.com.