Arts News
In Progress Hosts The Art of Making Music Sundays Through Feb 8
In Progress Hosts
THE ART OF MAKING MUSIC
SUNDAYS 1-3PM JANUARY 4 - FEBRUARY 8 /Studio 110 Crookston
Please join In Progress for a series of open learning and making sessions with their Art of Music Workshop presented by In Progress artist Arley Sinks
This hands-on workshop is your chance to:
- Produce your own beats
- Record your music with professional guidance
- Have fun and learn and create with others
Arley Sinks is a self taught artists who has been producing and selling beats for five years now. He is a homegrown Crookston artist and at the age of 13 has already proven his ability to teach and guide others. Supported in each session with their studio director Rena Zapata you can drop in learn music, work on photography, or create a video.
These winter sessions will be dedicated to shared learning —you won’t want to miss it!
Sundays 1-3PM January 4 - February 28
Studio 110 - 110 South Main Street, Crookston 56716
Questions? Contact info@in-progress.org
To RSVP, click here or https://in-progress.org/rsvp-artofmakingmusic?utm_source=sqmktg_email
Apply for the Annual Art Exhibit
You are Invited to Apply for the
Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit
Submissions Accepted Through February 28
We are pleased to announce our latest “Call for Entries” for the 2025 Annual Art Exhibit.
The deadline to submit your artwork is February 28, 2026.
This year, the annual Art Exhibit will be at the Warroad RiverPlace from Thursday, April 2 until Saturday, April 25. Artwork will be dropped off on Tuesday, March 31 from 10 AM - 7 PM at Warroad RiverPlace.
Artists and creatives from our 7 county- service region are invited to enter this art exhibit and will be competing for $2,300 in cash awards. The first place prize for adults is $500! Artists must reside in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, or Red Lake counties to be eligible. Both adults and high school students are encouraged to enter up to two pieces. There is a $10 fee to enter for adults and no cost for high school students. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by a qualified juror. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception at Warroad RiverPlace on Saturday, April 25. Artists are welcome to have their work in the exhibit available for sale.
See https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/nwmnartsexhibit-apply for more information, including the exhibit entry rules and directions. If you would like the entry form mailed to you, please contact our office 218-745-8886 ext 1 or director@nwartscouncil.org. The entry form must be submitted no later than February 28, 2026.
Need help completing the application form? Follow this step by step guide here.
NW Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit
NW Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit 2026
Thursday, April 2- Saturday, April 25
Warroad RiverPlace, 103 State Avenue, Warroad 56763
Artists and creatives from our 7 county- service region have been invited to enter this art exhibit and will be competing for $2,300 in cash awards. The first place prize for adults is $500! Artists must reside in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, or Red Lake counties to be eligible. Both adults and high school students are encouraged to enter up to two pieces. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by a qualified juror. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception at Warroad RiverPlace on Saturday, April 25. Artists are welcome to have their work in the exhibit available for sale. The exhibit will end with a reception and an awards program to honor entrants and Of the Year awardees.
Warroad RiverPlace is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. They are closed Sunday and Monday. The exhibit will be open during operating hours at RiverPlace and is free to view.
Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music
Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music
An Exhibit about Songwriters, Composers, & the Music Industry at NCTC in TRF
Stay tuned for our upcoming music industry exhibit at our gallery in Thief River Falls. This exhibit will open mid-January.
Help Us Celebrate the Artists Behind the Music!
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is sponsoring an exhibit featuring songwriters, composers, and others involved in the music industry opening mid-January through April at our gallery in Thief River Falls.
There’s still time to include
Singer/Songwriters
Composers
Performers
Instrument Makers
Others involved in music publishing, recording, management, production, distribution, marketing, merchandising, art design, and more!
Items that will be showcased
Gig posters
Musical Instruments
Picks
Drum Sticks
Notebooks with music or lyrics
Awards
Newspaper/magazine articles
Photos
Sheet music
Albums
CD cases
Clothing or Merch
Other
Those featured will primarily be residents of our 7 county region. Former residents or others with a connection to the region can also be included.
Please reach out with questions and interest. treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or 218-280-4917
Sarah Pester’s Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” exhibit is Open Jan 6 - mid April
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces the opening of
Stardust & Soul: ”it’s in everything”
an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester
Open January 6 Through Mid-April at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway
Downtown Crookston
2nd Floor in the Atrium
Artist Reception Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Plus Yoga Classes on Feb 17 & March 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of 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.
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.
Sarah explained that her paintings “invite viewers on a journey beyond the visible, exploring the profound interconnectedness that binds all living things. Each canvas is a vibrant testament to the idea that beneath the surface of our physical reality is an intricate web of energy that connects every living thing from the smallest earthly creatures to the grandness of the universe. Through layers of oil or acrylic, I dive into spiritual dimensions, suggesting that our individual forms are merely temporary vessels for an eternal soul and spirit, mirroring the universe's own boundless energy. My artistic process is one of meditative exploration, where I aim to visualize the unseen forces that unite us. I get lost in blending celestial space clouds, allowing colors to flow and merge, nebulae forming new stars, with delicate intricate details. Everything is purposeful as I feel we are. "Stardust and Soul" seeks to awaken an awareness of the deeper spiritual currents that flow through us and around us, encouraging reflection on our shared origins in energy, the essence of who we truly are.”
An Artist Reception will be held at the Fournet on Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Everyone is welcome and there is no cost to attend.
In addition, two yoga classes will be offered in the gallery on February 17 and March 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.
✨ Art in Motion - A Lunar Yoga Experience ✨
Move. Meditate. Connect.
Join us for a peaceful evening at The Fournet Gallery. Surrounded by original artwork, we will explore the intersection of art and movement. The evening is themed around the Moon and Divine Feminine energy. We will begin by exploring the inspiration behind Sarah’s focal painting, Lunar Wings, followed by a slow, Moon Salutation flow and grounding meditation.
February 17 & March 3 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
$8 per session. Open to all levels—no prior yoga experience required. Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in easily and bring 🧘 a yoga mat and 💧 a water bottle. Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate gallery experience. 🎟️ Sign up online at:
https://burnham-creek-healing.square.site/ 💬 Or register directly with Sarah by calling 218-280-0588 or emailing burnhamcreekhealing@gmail.com
You won't want to miss this exhibit open through mid-April 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/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.
Applications Open for 2026-27 NEA Big Read / Arts Midwest
2026-27 NEA Big Read | Arts Midwest
Applications are now open for the NEA Big Read, a national program that offers matching grants of up to $20,000 to support community-wide reading programs.
Who can apply? Nonprofit arts organizations, universities, libraries, service organizations, museums, school districts, and tribal governments are all encouraged to apply.
This year’s NEA Big Read centers around the theme America250, honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The 24 books that applicants can choose to program this cycle celebrate America’s culture, history, and resilience through the eyes of its people.
Learn More and Apply at ArtsMidwest.org
A mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 15, 2026
About NEA Big Read
The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is a program that awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to organizations.
These grants support community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. As our nation moves into its 250thyear, the goal of this program is to honor America’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community.
Grantees will receive funding for their programming and purchasing books, and tools to support them in working with local partners, developing public relations strategies, and leading meaningful book discussions.
NEA Big Read programs vary and can be as short as a week or as long as several months. Beyond discussions of the book, organizations may choose to include a kick-off event, invite the author for a visit, or have other events inspired by the content and themes of the book. These may include panel discussions, lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, poetry slams, writing workshops and contests, and community storytelling events.
In total, Arts Midwest will be awarding $1,090,000 in project grants through NEA Big Read this year. We anticipate making approximately 75 grants.
This Year’s Theme and Books
Programming for the 2026-2027 grant cycle will center around the theme America250.
Applicants will choose a book from these 24 titles available in the NEA Big Read Library. This year’s NEA Big Read titles celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. These books celebrate the country’s culture, history, and resilience through the eyes of its citizens.
Using a book selection as inspiration, applicants will facilitate discussions, writing workshops, and creative programming activities that explore this theme and celebrate the unique aspects of their communities.
Applications for the 2026-2027 cycle are now open.
The deadline to submit an Intent to Apply is January 15, 2026.
Full applications are due January 29, 2026.
Traveling Art Exhibit is in Warren
NWMAC Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Warren
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 Godel Public Library in Warren until February 3. 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 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 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 20 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, Aurora Center for the Arts, 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 look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
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
Applications Open for Minnesota State Arts Board FY2027 Arts Education Grant Program
Minnesota State Arts Board
accepting applications for its
FY 2027 Arts Education grant program
Application materials are now available for the FY 2027 Arts Education grant program. This program is open to both individuals and organizations.
Arts Education offers project grants to help Minnesotans develop personal relationships with an art form(s) by supporting arts learning experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities. In this program, funds may be used for age-appropriate classes, workshops, camps, after-school programs, online education programs, community arts education, school residences or partnerships, etc.
Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000.
More details, including program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Arts Education program page. Potential applicants are encouraged to review all information and resources on the program page and in the FY 2027 Arts Education Program Overview and Application Instructions document before beginning an application.
The Arts Board will offer a virtual Information Session for potential applicants to learn more about the program purpose and application process. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions with the program officer at the end of the session.
Important Dates
January 6, 2026: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. It will be recorded and available for later viewing.
February 6, 2026: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.
August 2026: Arts Board will approve and announce grant awards.
October 2026 - September 2027: All funded activities must take place within these dates.
Virtual Workshop on Writing Artist Statements January 10
Virtual Workshop: Writing Artist Statements
Offered by Springboard for the Arts
Artist Statements
Zoom Meeting
Saturday, January 10 from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
VIRTUAL, WORKSHOP
Get a hands-on, step-by-step approach to writing a range of statements that best represent your work as an artist. Presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library.
This workshop is part of a series of virtual workshops being presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library, and is a unit in the 12-part Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists series, a professional development curriculum designed to teach business skills to artists in all disciplines. The curriculum is always available for free download, or you can buy a copy of the book to support your practice. For more info and to register visit https://springboardforthearts.org/event/artist-statements/
Arts Advocacy Day is March 3
Arts Advocacy Day is March 3
Put this event on your calendar
Arts Advocacy Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026—and we need you there.
This session will shape the future of arts funding in Minnesota. Showing up together is how we make sure lawmakers see the full force, scale, and diversity of the arts community.
Your early registration = bigger crowds, stronger organizing, and a louder voice at the Capitol.
Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day!
Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd, 2026
Rally in the Capitol Rotunda: 10 - 11 AM
Legislative Meetings: 11 AM - 3 PM
Attention Songwriters, Composers, & Others in the Music Industry
Call for Songwriters, Composers, and Others in the
Music Industry!
Help Us Celebrate the Artists Behind the Music!
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is sponsoring an exhibit featuring songwriters, composers, and others involved in the music industry opening mid-January through April at our gallery in Thief River Falls.
Who are we looking for?
Singer/Songwriters
Composers
Performers
Instrument Makers
Others involved in music publishing, recording, management, production, distribution, marketing, merchandising, art design, and more!
What are the items that will be showcased?
Gig posters
Musical Instruments
Picks
Drum Sticks
Notebooks with music or lyrics
Awards
Newspaper/magazine articles
Photos
Sheet music
Albums
CD cases
Clothing or Merch
Other
Those featured will primarily be residents of our 7 county region. Former residents or others with a connection to the region can also be included.
Please reach out with questions and interest. We will need bios, artist statements, websites, and contact information. treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or 218-280-4917
Individual Artist Grant Deadline Added — Apply by January 15
Are you a non-hobby artist who makes most of your income from your art? We have funding available! Apply Now for an Individual Artist Grant!
There is an additional grant deadline of January 15 for Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500. 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.
Playwrights’ Center Offers Programs for Area Artists
Playwrights’ Center Offers Opportunities for Area Artists
Applications are open for Playwrights' Center's fellowship programs. Artists are welcome to apply for multiple programs if they are eligible. See details below!
Core Writer: (committed US-based playwrights) Deadline Jan. 22
https://pwcenter.org/programs/core-writer-program/
McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting: (Minnesota-based playwrights who have had at least 1 professional production) Deadline Jan. 8
https://pwcenter.org/programs/mcknight-fellowship-in-playwriting/
Many Voices Mentorship: (beginning BIPOC Minnesota-based playwrights) Deadline Dec. 4
https://pwcenter.org/programs/many-voices-mentorship/
McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship: (experienced Minnesota-based non-playwright theater artists) Deadline March 26
https://pwcenter.org/programs/mcknight-theatre-artist-fellowships/