Arts News
Rural Connection Fund — grant money to support rural artist gatherings
Do you miss connecting with other rural artists in-person? Apply to the Rural Connection Fund.
The Rural Connection Fund will provide rural artists in the Upper Midwest with $2,000 to support informal gatherings of rural artists and creatives to witness one another’s work, exchange ideas and learning, and build a foundation for long lasting peer support.
Who is Eligible? Culture bearers, makers, artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, performers and other creatives in rural and tribal communities of 30,000 people or less in the Upper Midwest (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois and the Native Nations that share those geographies). Gatherings must connect at least two rural artists who live at least 75 miles apart.
Types of gatherings may include but are not limited to:
Informal exchanges to visit one another’s community and witness one another’s work in person
Mini-retreats of 2 or more rural artists/creatives to explore a specific topic and share learning
Gatherings of artists from multiple locations to connect .Note: Springboard encourages simplicity! It is rare to get a chance to visit another artist without an obligation to fulfill, so consider how this can nurture other aspects of your artistic life without adding new major commitments to your life.
The Rural Connection Fund has 3 rolling deadlines to enter your request in their lottery-based selection process. The lottery pool is reset after each selection, but in your form, you can choose to automatically resubmit your request for each deadline.
November 1, 2022
January 6, 2023
March 3, 2023
Job Openings at Minnesota State Arts Board
Minnesota State Arts Board seeking
candidates for key positions
Are you looking for a position where you can make a difference? Where you can help make arts and creative activities available to residents and communities throughout the state? Where you can support the work of Minnesota’s creative individuals and organizations? Then consider applying for a position at the Arts Board:
Grant program officer – The person in this position will manage the Arts Board's largest grant program, Operating Support, which provides general support to established arts organizations. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
Grant programs assistant – The person in this position will provide administrative support for Arts Board grant programs. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, October 6, 2022.
Executive assistant – The person in this position will provide administrative support to the executive director and to the board. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
All are full-time, permanent positions. Telework and/or hybrid work arrangements are available.
Visit the Arts Board’s Web site to find more details about the positions and a link to required qualifications, salary range, and application instructions: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/about/employment.htm/
If you’d like to receive Arts Board updates directly, please sign up for their mailing list: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/contact/enews-signup.htm
Auditions for Fall Play A.C.T. of Thief River Falls — Consider Trying Out!
AUDITIONS FOR FALL PLAY
A.C.T. of Thief River Falls is seeking auditions for its fall play, which will feature two titles: “It’s All an Act” by Carl L. Williams and “Bad Auditions for Bad Actors” by ian McWethy.
Auditions will take place at the Eagles Club on September 28 and 29 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Please be prepared to read from the script: “Bad Auditions” is available online at www.playscripts.com/play/2257 Copies will be available at the audition also.
Performances will take place on November 17-19 at the Eagles Club in Thief River Falls. The play will be directed by Jane Anderson.
This is a great opportunity for new actors or for seasoned actors on a tight schedule. This evening will feature several short segments with a large cast.
For more information, contact Jane Anderson at trfact56701@gmail.com.
Stage Lighting and Design Workshop Oct 15 & 16
Northern Light Opera Company in Park Rapids will be hosting their first ever Stage Lighting Design Workshop on October 15th and 16th.
Led by professional lighting designer Heidi Eckwall, the workshop will be two packed days of hands-on lighting design.
The workshop is free to all, but sign up now as space is limited!
More information, including the application can be found here.
Workbench Filmmaker Intensive Oct 20 - 22
Announcing:
A 3 Day Intensive for Aspiring Filmmakers!
Led by award winning LA filmmaker David Leidy, the Workbench Filmmaker Intensive will lead a group of aspiring filmmakers through 3 packed days of learning the ins and outs of making your own film. The Intensive runs October 20th & 21st and culminates with a showing of the newly created films and a reading of the full length screenplay The Secret Keepers on October 22nd.
They are currently accepting applications for filmmakers interested in making their own short film.
Filmmakers of all levels are welcome. Participants will be led through a series of exercises by award winning LA filmmaker David Leidy and NYC screenwriter Gregory Paul, culminating in a public showing of the created films and a reading of the full length screenplay The Secret Keepers. The cost for this workshop is free but come ready to work!
No previous experience is required to participate.
If you are interested or know someone who might be, head on over to www.northernlightopera.org to apply or click this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1ABZ9gS4XCQyO14CGoeHONDkkR7PAAveoxPx83jqJ8oTVkQ/viewform?usp=pp_url
Cancelled Call for Art & Exhibit — Remember the Dead
In the best interest of the Latino communities throughout the region we are delaying the Remember the Dead exhibit until further notice. We’ll let you know when and if this call for art and exhibit are re-scheduled. Thank you for your understanding.
Arts Grants Applications have Fall Deadline for Organizations, Schools, Individuals — Apply Now!
The NWMAC Announces Fall Deadlines for Arts Grant Applications.
Applications are open for arts grants to nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, individuals, and other nonprofit organizations. Applications are being accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Nonprofit arts organizations can apply as of September 1 each year for first consideration of their general operating grant. The grant amount they are eligible for is based on total expenses within the previous two completed years and their history of arts programming. These organizations will be able to add to this grant, as the year progresses, if they need additional funding. Funding sources for these grants come from Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
All other nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are August 1 (which has been extended to September 1 this year), November 1 and March 1. 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 these two very important grant opportunities include 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 seven-county region can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $2,600 plus an additional $400 if the residency needs supplies. 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.
Schools can initially apply for one residency. Then based on remaining funding, can request up to three additional residencies into spring and summer. Funding for residency activities comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Minnesota.
Schools can also apply for Arts Equipment for their school by November 1 each year. Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match requirement. Funds for this arts equipment in schools grant program come from the general fund of the State of Minnesota.
Individual Artist Grants have an October 1 deadline for $5,000 grants and November 15 deadline for $1,500 and an ongoing deadline for quick turnaround grants for $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 and $5,000 going to four individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.
Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2023). In the case of college students, your school or your home mailing address must be in our region. You will have to show proof of residency, usually your driver’s license.
And to Make the Grant Process Easier ....
If you have applied to us before, an easy way to start is with a copy of your previous grant. We strongly recommend that you reach out to our director, Mara Hanel, so she can make a copy within our online grant software. Many data collection fields stay the same from year to year. A copy auto fills those routine fields. It uses your previous answers as a template to begin your next grant.
To learn more about these grant programs and start an application login to the grants application on the top of each webpage. 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.
Calling All Artists for Fosston’s 4th Annual Juried Art Show
Calling All Artists for the 4th Annual Juried Art Show in Fosston.
Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations Application Deadline + More
Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations
application deadline and open hours with program officers
Are you planning to apply for a Creative Support for Organizations grant?
Not sure if you will apply or even how to apply, then read on…
Creative Support for Organizations application deadline
The second and final application deadline in the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations fiscal year 2023 grant cycle is approaching. The program offers flexible support for Minnesota arts organizations, and for non-arts organizations that regularly offer arts programming as an integral part of their missions.
The second application deadline is September 9, 2022. These grants will support activities that take place between May 2023 – April 2024.
Funds from this program can be used to help organizations continue to adapt their arts programming to the changing environment in which they work so that they will be able to continue connecting with and serving Minnesota communities.
Organizations that submitted an application for the first deadline in May 2022 may not submit a second application.
Please visit the Creative Support for Organizations webpage to find the complete Program Overview and Application Instructions; other details about the program; and a free, recorded information webinar.
Open “office” hours with a program officer
If you have questions that you’d like to ask a program officer about any aspect of the Creative Support for Organizations program or the application process plan to join a virtual open office hours online session. Sessions are virtual only, not in person. You can login to join the online meeting, or call via phone, any during the scheduled 90 minutes. Two sessions will be held:
Thursday, August 11 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Monday, August 15 from 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.
Videoconference links and phone numbers are available on the Arts Board Web calendar: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/calendar/information-sessions.htm
Call to Artists: You are invite to Sell your Art Sept 9/10 in Fosston
The Arts & Culture Commission in Fosston would like to invite you to display and sell your art September 9-10th. This event will coincide with Heritage Days and Forged in Fosston. All three organizations will be cross-promoting events to increase reach and awareness. Different this year... all artists will be housed together in one indoor location on Hwy 2 to provide optimal exposure to all those participating. The location will be clearly marked with several outdoor flags during the event days.
Current plans are as follows:
Friday, September 9th: 11am-2pm setup, 2pm-5:30pm OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Saturday, September 10th: 9am-3pm OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. 3pm-5pm takedown.
Allotted space per artist will be approximately 10x10.
You will be responsible for bringing any items you’ll need, including table, chairs, etc.
Water and snacks will be provided.
There is no charge to participate.
If you are interested in participating, please let Heidi Danos know by end-of-day on August 5. If you know other talented artists who may wish to participate please feel free to share this information. Reach out to Heidi with questions and to sign up at heididanos@gmail.com or 818.325.5053.
Need a Head Shot or Photos of Work Samples? We’ve got you covered!
We now offer a photography room for artists to create work sample shots at no cost at our office space in Warren. The photography room will also offer amateur headshots, photography of instruments and samples of art pieces, as well as live recording shots. This is a wonderful opportunity for artists and creatives in our region.
You must make an appointment for this free service. Contact our office assistant Brittany at nwartscouncil.assistant@gmail.com with questions and to make an appointment.
Innovate Grants for Artists + Photographers Apply Now
☀️ $550.00 Innovate Grants for Artists + Photographers
Applications close 15 September 2022
SUMMER 2022 OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS — Innovate Grant awards (2) $550.00 grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer. In addition, (4) honorable mentions (2 in art and 2 in photo), will be featured and recognized on their website and join a growing community of vibrant and talented artists. Innovate Grant's commitment extends beyond the grant cycle by promoting the work of selected winners and honorable mentions into the future. For more information and to apply visit https://innovateartistgrants.org
Innovate Grant supports artists and photographers through quarterly grants.
How to Apply: Visual Artists and Photographers 18 years and older, from all around the world, are eligible to apply. All media and genres are accepted. All applicants retain the right to the work they submit. Apply today at https://innovateartistgrants.org
Explore the work of All Past Innovate Grant recipients and read their interviews at https://innovateartistgrants.org
Category: Multiple disciplines and genres accepted
Deadline: September 15, 2022
Region: US & International
Awards: $550.00 USD Grants
May Newsletter
Read about what’s happening in NW Minnesota Arts — Events, Exhibits, Grants, Calls for Art, Opportunities, and More! View the newsletter or download a copy.
April Newsletter
Read about what’s happening in NW Minnesota Arts — Events, Exhibits, Grants, Calls for Art, Opportunities, and More! View the newsletter or download a copy.
Phil McKenzie is Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year
Philip McKenzie is Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce this year’s recipient for the Arts Advocate of the Year Award is Philip McKenzie of Thief River Falls. McKenzie received the award at a program in Thief River Falls on April 27.
Originally from Crookston, McKenzie is a musician and is active in promoting the arts in our region and statewide. He is the Chair of the Minnesota State Arts Board, an adjunct oboe faculty at both UND and NDSU, and hosts a weekly radio show – Northern Classics on Pioneer 90.1 radio -- that brings classical music to our region. He was an executive director of the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, played in the Virginia Symphony, has served on the board of Thief River Falls Community Theater, Greater Grand Forks Sympathy, and Rotary. He has conducted many musicals in Thief River Falls over the years. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines.
McKenzie has a Master of Management degree from Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University; a Master of Music degree from Michigan State University; and a Bachelor of Arts in music from University of North Dakota.
McKenzie realized he wanted to be a professional musician when, during his sophomore year in high school, he heard the Minnesota Orchestra play in the Crookston gymnasium as part of a statewide tour funded by a State of Minnesota grant. Exposure to the arts at that one event changed the course of his life. McKenzie feels a strong connection to music and a camaraderie among musicians. He described the visceral “soul filling” experience he feels when listening.
According to Thief River Falls Area Theater Director Jane Anderson, “Phil is a masterful musician unlike any I’ve worked with. Although he is infinitely talented, he lacks the attitude and ego that many with his degree of talent possesses. He works well with amateurs and is a joy to be around. We are very fortunate to have Phil in our region.”
Minnesota State Arts Board Executive Director Sue Gens said, “This is such a fitting honor given Phil’s vast talents, experiences, and contributions to the arts in Minnesota. He’s a Renaissance person — a professional musician, music educator, arts administrator, arts board member and volunteer. He is a tireless champion for the arts, a tremendous advocate, and a leader. Phil was first appointed to serve on the Minnesota State Arts Board by then-Governor Mark Dayton and reappointed to a second term by Governor Tim Walz. In four short years he has demonstrated strong statewide leadership and was elected chair of the board in July 2021, a post he still holds. Congratulations, Phil, on this well-deserved award!”
Asked about the impact of the arts on individuals or society, Phil explained, “The arts act as a glue for our culture. They are almost exclusively a uniter than a divider. They do more to unite us than anything else.” Phil also shared that “I couldn’t be more proud to be a Minnesotan where we per capita provide more to the arts than any other state. We impact Minnesotans in every geographic corner of the state.”
McKenzie had this advice for aspiring artists, “Don’t forget why you became an artist. Keep the love and passion for it even when you need to earn a living while establishing yourself. Don’t let paying the bills get in the way of finding your pathway to being an artist.”
Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is given each year to recognize arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of volunteerism in the arts. Often our arts advocates are also artists. “Of the Year” award winners were nominated by area residents. This award comes with a cash award of $500. Funding for the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.
LaVonne Forsberg NW Star Artist of the Year
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce that LaVonne Forsberg of Thief River Falls has been selected as the 2022 Northwest Minnesota Star Artist of the Year for her lifetime achievement in art. Forsberg received her award at a program in Thief River Falls on April 27.
Originally from Goodridge, Forsberg, a visual artist, is known for her watercolors and stained glass. Forsberg began her painting career when she took a Rosemaling course through her homemaker’s club. She then branched into acrylics, watercolor, and stained glass and made art her life’s work. For many years, she owned Country Class Arts downtown Thief River Falls, which offered framing services, classes, and arts supplies.
Forsberg has received awards in past NWMAC art exhibits and other statewide exhibits for her art. You can find her stained-glass at the Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls (chandeliers), 13 area churches, the local hospital, and her paintings in the Kiehle Building on the campus at the University of Minnesota Crookston. She was commissioned by the state of Minnesota to design and paint the Old Mill State Park entrance permit and collector's mug in 200l.
Thief River Falls resident Faye Auchenpaugh said, “Imagine Faith Lutheran in Goodridge or Redeemer Lutheran in Thief River Falls without their phenomenal stained-glass windows that LaVonne created. Or the stained-glass chandeliers at the Carnegie in Thief River Falls. We are so fortunate to have an artist of LaVonne’s caliber in our community.”
According to Fellow Artist and NWMAC Board Member Therese Masters Jacobson, “LaVonne Forsberg is a superb candidate for this lifetime achievement award. She has participated in NWMAC exhibits frequently, often being selected for the highest awards. Her paintings and stained-glass pieces demonstrate the highest excellence and mastery. LaVonne has been the featured artist in the NWMAC Gallery, and her name is well known throughout northwest Minnesota for her fine artwork, and charisma.”
Asked about the impact of art, Forsberg said, “The arts help people learn in different ways.” She went on to explain that as someone who is dyslexic, she found reading challenging. Sewing, painting, and creating stained-glass allows her to visualize things and imagine how things are put together.
As for advice for aspiring artists, she shared, “Determination and pay attention to details. Always be looking at things: Shape (how was it made?), unique (how is it different?), and color (how do the colors come together or contrast?).”
The Northwest Star Artist Award is given each year to recognize artists within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry. Of the Year Award winners are nominated by area residents. This award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once, as a lifetime achievement award. Funding for the Northwest Star comes from the McKnight Foundation.
Congratulations LaVonne Forsberg on winning the Northwest Star Award!
Northwest Artist of the Year Award Given to Ross Hier
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce that Ross Hier of Crookston has been awarded the Northwest Artist of the Year Award. Hier is a talented visual artist from Crookston.
Originally from Jackson, Minnesota, Hier’s love of nature from a very early age led him to a career as a wildlife biologist. A self-taught artist, he thoroughly enjoys the versatility of transparent watercolors as they allow him to work in loose “washes” or fine detail. Hier also draws in pen and ink. Hier described his training as “from the School of Hard Knocks,” and stated that “every painting is a learning experience.” Nature provides Ross with unlimited subject matter and his painted subjects are wide-ranging. Although birds amaze him most of all, he also enjoys painting landscapes, prairie plants, fish, reptiles and hunting and fishing scenes. His watercolors have been exhibited at numerous venues in both the Dakotas and Minnesota, including many NWMAC exhibits. He also makes wooden, working duck decoys and many other creations.
According to Wayne Goeken of Erksine, “I have always been impressed with Ross’s ability to capture the essence and beauty of the natural world which he knows so well and how he brings images to canvas or paper in such detail and clarity that honors the subject matter at hand. In addition, Ross has generously shared his artistic skills via pen and ink drawings for nonprofit causes that I’ve been involved with over the years, including the Friends of the Rydell Refuge Association and the Agassiz Environmental Learning Center. His detailed images of prairie landscapes, flora, and fauna of the Fertile Sand Hills for an interpretive trail guide still stands today as a highlight to share with others the beauty of this special natural area which he captured so well.”
Fertile resident Matthew Forgit, OD explained, “Ross Hier's lifetime of artwork celebrating the biodiversity of our region is an absolute treasure. His works amazingly cover the entire spectrum of large landscapes down to absolute minutiae of individual small native prairie plants or insects, and everything in between. His larger landscapes always capture the colors of our region, especially through the eyes of an artist. After you've looked at some of his pieces and then pay attention to the next prairie sunset you see, you realize all the colors that you had been missing before.”
In 2020, Hier was awarded a national award – the Ding Darling Memorial Award from The National Wildlife Society for Wildlife Stewardship Through Art. Hier is on the Minnesota Prairie Chicken Society Board and serves as their Vice President, Secretary, Society Archivist, and Newsletter Editor. Annually, he donates original art to Minnesota and North Dakota chapters of The Wildlife Society to help them raise funds. He volunteered his time and talent to help paint a mural downtown Crookston last year.
When asked about the impact of the arts on individuals or society, Hier said, “Without the arts there is no society. Art is as close as you can get to some of the wonders of nature. The other things in our lives aren’t enough to sustain us. When you view art there is a spiritual interconnection.” He went on to say, “The arts are finally getting some due. The Legacy Amendment (Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment) has made a huge impact on the arts in Minnesota.”
As for advice for aspiring artists, Hier explained, “Not every painting is a homerun. Maybe it’s 1 out of 5 or 10 when everything comes together. Keep doing what you are doing. Go with what you feel inside your soul. Put it on paper or create it. Find contentment. You don’t have to prove to others.”
The Northwest Artist of the Year Award is given each year to recognize artists within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry. This award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. “Of the Year” Award winners were nominated by area residents and comes with a cash award of $500. Funding for the Northwest Artist of the Year comes from the McKnight Foundation.
Congratulations, Ross Hier on being named the Artist of the Year!
NW Minnesota Art Exhibit Award Winners Announced
Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit Winners Announced
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to announce the Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit Winners. Student and adult artists residing in a seven-county region including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau and Red Lake recently entered into the Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit and competed for $2,300.00 in cash awards. The winners were recognized at the Northwest Minnesota Artist Reception in Thief River Falls on April 27.
Exhibit cash award winners were chosen while the exhibit was on display at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls from March 8 to April 27 by qualified juror and North Dakota Museum of Art Education Director Matt Anderson. Anderson is from the rural town of Gackle, ND. He earned his BA from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, and his MFA from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. He is currently the Director of Education for the North Dakota Museum of Art. He has exhibited his works nationally and internationally and is a part of public and private collections.
“One of the most rewarding, but also challenging, tasks asked of arts professionals is to jury a show. Within a short time span of a few hours, I’m asked to make many decisions and ultimately conclude, does this work merit an award? There is no rule book, and the process is highly subjective. Another juror would choose differently. I come equipped only with the sum of my artistic knowledge, experience, and my intuition.
There are several elements and factors that I take into consideration. First, I look at craftsmanship, technical skill, presentation, and creativity. Secondly, I consider use of medium, subject matter, and composition. Does it express a mood or message? Does the piece resonate in some way with me? Does it invite me to explore it further? Has the artist created a style that is markedly his or her own? Would I like to see more work by this artist?
I appreciated the artistic conversation between the generations of art makers. Many of the pieces in the student work were highly emotive while the adult work tended to be more contemplative. The visual art conversation in this show also merges into the context of an overall large Conversation of Art that has been happening for hundreds of years. At the end of the day, all of the works are part of that larger dialogue and I hope all the artists continue to invest in their unique creative voice.
The jury process is not an exact science, but it is a time-honored method for artists to receive feedback. Again, I can only encourage artists to continue to submit works to shows such as this one.” Anderson said.
Exhibit Awards include:
Adult Winners
1st Place $500 Beau Bakken of Hallock in acrylic painting “Sunny Day”
2nd Place $300 Bert Foster of Thief River Falls in photography “Gooseberry Cataract”
3rd Place $200 Ross Harper Hier of Crookston in painting “Wood Splitter’s Alarm Clock”
Merit $100 Nick Reitzel of Karlstad in painting “Across the Purple Sky”
Merit $100 Sarah Amaral of Fosston in mixed media/other “Record Cape”
Merit $100 Cindy Kolling of Gully in drawing “Looking Pretty Good”
Merit $100 Paulette Christianson of Badger in drawing “Under the Orange Moon”
Merit $100 Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla in sculpture “Butter Dish”
People’s Choice $100 Christine Foster
Student Winners
1st Place $300 Addison Severts of Grygla in mixed media “Wave of Money”
2nd Place $150 Morgan Chisholm of Ada in sculpture “Teatime in the Spring”
3rd Place $100 Anna Mickolio of Goodridge in drawing “Wilbur”
Merit $50 Kaytlyn Knutson of Red Lake Falls in digital art “A Night on Another Planet”
Merit $50 Valiant Underwood of Ada in painting “Leviathan”
Merit $50 Lakykie Brobst of Grygla in photography “Hayes Lake Skies”
Merit $50 Paige Sturre of Thief River Falls in drawing “Recognizing the Value”
Merit $50 Mason Owens of Euclid in wood sculpture “Peace in the Roughness”
People’s Choice $50 Addison Severts
Fifteen exhibit pieces of student and adult art were chosen to be included in the Traveling Art Exhibit, which will travel this next year to area libraries. Watch for the schedule to be announced and for it to arrive in your community.
Arts Grants May 1 Deadline — Apply Now
Arts Legacy grants of up to $10,000
Due May 1
Grant Information Training Session April 13
An additional deadline has been added for Arts Legacy Grants. Applications are open for Arts Legacy Grants and due May 1. Grants are awarded to nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, individuals and other nonprofit organizations. Applications are being accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau counties.
Arts Legacy Grants is a main category for funding artistic activity within the seven-county service region. Funding can be used for Arts Projects, Arts Equipment, General Support, Public Art Projects and Arts Events in northwest Minnesota.
Applications funded through this very important grant opportunity include 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.
Need assistance? We are offering a grant info training session on Wednesday, April 13 at 11:00 AM. Let us know if you’d like to participate in person or virtually. Or you can set up a time to work one-on-one with our director on the grant writing process. You are welcome to come to our office in Warren to work on your grants in our new setting or virtually. Please email Mara at director@nwartscouncil.org or call 218-745-8886.
Schools in our seven-county region can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $2,600 plus an additional $400 if the residency needs supplies. Our teaching artist roster online is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area. You can find our teaching artist roster on our website. Another resource to view artists available to enhance curriculum is COMPAS.
Also available on a first come-first served basis are Quick Turn Around Grants for $500. These grants can be used for missed gigs and income due to the pandemic. Use the Quick Turn Around application in the Individual Artist grants. See our website for more information and to apply!
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.
Of the Year Award Winners Announced
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is Pleased to Announce Of the Year Award Winners
Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents.
Of the Year Award Winners include:
Ross Hier of Crookston will be awarded the Northwest Artist of the Year Award for Visual Arts. A self-taught artist, he is a watercolor painter and works in pen and ink. Nature provides Hier with unlimited subject matter and his painted subjects are wide-ranging. His watercolors have been exhibited at numerous venues in both the Dakotas and Minnesota, including many NWMAC exhibits. He also makes wooden, working duck decoys and other creations. Our Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500.
Philip McKenzie of Thief River Falls will be awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award. McKenzie is a musician and is active in promoting the arts in our region and statewide. He is the Chair of the Minnesota State Arts Board, an adjunct oboe faculty at both UND and NDSU, and hosts a weekly radio show – Northern Classics on Pioneer 90.1. He was an executive director of the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, has served on the board of Thief River Falls Community Theater, Greater Grand Forks Sympathy, and the Sheridan Chamber Players. He has conducted numerous musicals in Thief River Falls. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines.
LaVonne Forsberg of Thief River Falls will receive the Northwest Star Award. Forsberg is a Visual Artist known for watercolor paintings and stained glass. For many years, she owned Country Class Arts downtown Thief River Falls, which offered framing services, classes, arts supplies. Forsberg has received awards in past NWMAC exhibits and other statewide exhibits for her art. You can find her stained-glass work throughout our region at 13 churches and at the Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls and her paintings at the University of Minnesota Crookston. She was commissioned by the state of Minnesota to design and paint the Old Mill State Park entrance permit and collector's mug in 200l. This award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award.
These awards will be presented on Wednesday, April 27 in Thief River Falls at Northland Community and Technical College in the cafeteria. Mingling, dessert, and live music begins at 7 pm and the program at 7:30 pm. The event is free of charge and open to everyone. The reception is a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region. Please join us!
Funding for Northwest Star and Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Funding for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.