Arts News
McCanna House Artist-in-Residence Applications Open
Mc Canna House Applications for Artists in Residence
Open to Artists in Music, Theatre, Literature, & Visual Arts
The North Dakota Museum of Art is accepting applications for the 2024 McCanna House Artist-in-residence season. Artists working in music, theatre, literature, or the visual arts are encouraged to apply. Open to artists in all stages of their career.
The Program
The residency consists of 2 - 5 week blocks of time layered throughout the operating year. The house is open from June 1 through the end of September or early October. There will only be one artist on the property at a time unless a group project is specified in the application process. There are no expectations for the artist to complete work during the residency. However, artists are asked to use their time wisely and be aware of the transformative potential of time spent there.
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2024
Announcements: February 15, 2024.
Amenities:
-Wireless Internet
-Well-lit French country-style farmhouse, detached 40x70 foot steel building, and ample outdoor space with yards and surrounding tree lines
-3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
-Washer and dryer
-New electric stove in a well-appointed kitchen
-Screened-in porch area with convenient BBQ
-Opportunities to work with surrounding community groups
-10 miles from the town of Larimore (pop.2,000), yet it feels remote and private
-35 miles from Grand Forks (pop.55,000), with its thriving art scene and good shopping/dining
-5 hours to Minneapolis and 2 hours to Winnipeg, Manitoba
-Well-stocked library
-Fruit trees
-Surrounded by working fields producing soybeans, potatoes, canola, and more...
-Endless sky
-Big weather
North Dakota Museum of Art | 261 Centennial Drive Stop 7305, Grand Forks, ND 58202
Minnesota Playwrights’ Center Offers Mentorships and Fellowships. Applications are open!
The Playwrights' Center sustains, develops, and advocates for playwrights and their work to realize their full artistic potential. The Playwrights' Center focuses on both supporting playwrights and promoting new plays to production at theaters across the country. It is a resource for playwrights statewide.
Applications are currently open for:
-The Many Voices Mentorship — for beginning Black playwrights, Indigenous playwrights, and/or playwrights of color or artists in other disciplines who are interested in learning about playwriting (deadline December 7)
-The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship -— for theater artists other than playwrights based in Minnesota (deadline March 28, but we recommend submitting and intent to apply earlier)
-The McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting — for playwrights in Minnesota who have had at least one play professionally produced (Deadline January 11)
-Core Writer Program — for any committed professional playwright (Deadline January 25)
Reach out to the Center with any questions you might have.
Julia Brown (she/her/hers), Artistic Programs Manager
Playwrights’ Centerwww.pwcenter.org | 612-332-7481 x.11152301 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
NEA and Arts Midwest offer grants to theater companies for young audiences
NEA and Arts Midwest Offer Theater Arts Opportunity for Young Audiences
Shakespeare in American Communities Opportunity
About Shakespeare in American Communities
Shakespeare in American Communities is a theater program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Through grants to theater companies, this program supports productions and educational activities for young audiences throughout the United States. Applicants can choose from two paths: Schools or Juvenile Justice. Grants range from $15,000 to $25,000 each.
What: Shakespeare in American Communities is a project-based, matching grant that helps theater companies and organizations bring Shakespeare and works inspired by Shakespeare to students.
When: The mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 25, with final applications due February 8, 2024, and funded projects must occur between August 2024 – July 2025.
Where: Nonprofit theater companies and organizations located across the United States and the Native nations that share this geography can apply.
Who: The schools program is available to theater companies producing a play that is a work written or inspired by Shakespeare, an adaption of Shakespeare’s text, or a production that incorporates scenes, monologues, and/or sonnets by Shakespeare, with related educational activities in partnership with schools. The Juvenile Justice program is available to nonprofit organizations providing Shakespeare educational activities in partnership with the Juvenile Justice System.
Ready to Apply?
Learn more about Shakespeare in American Communities, review eligibility requirements, and read the guidelines on Arts Midwest website.
Arts Midwest and NEA Big Read “Where We Live” Accepting Applications
Arts Midwest and the National Endowment for the Arts Accepting Applications for the NEA Big Read
About the NEA Big Read
An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read supports community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. The goal of this program is to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 each.
What: The NEA Big Read is a reading program that brings communities together around the central theme, "Where We Live," using one of 50 available NEA Big Read Books as inspiration.
When: The mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 10, with final applications due January 24, 2024 , and funded projects must occur between September 2024 and June 2025.
Where: Nonprofit organizations and public libraries located across the United States and the Native nations that share this geography can apply.
Who: Arts organizations, universities, libraries, service organizations, museums, school districts, and tribal governments are all encouraged to apply.
Ready to Apply?
Learn more about the NEA Big Read review eligibility requirements, and read the guidelines on Arts Midwest website.
Showcase Specialist Trey Everett Receives Rural Arts Award
NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett Receives the
National Association for Rural Mental Health’s
Peter G. Beeson Rural Arts Award
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is proud to announce that our staff person Trey Everett of Crookston recently received the Peter G. Beeson Rural Arts Award from the National Association for Rural Mental Health.
The 2023 award was presented to Trey Everett during their National Convention in Pittsburgh on September 20, 2023. Trey is a visual artist, pastor, teacher, and spiritual guide. He mostly works with pen and ink, which includes calligrams (images made with words), lectionary art, editorial cartoons, and commissions. He also creates murals, including an outdoor mural on a building wall in downtown Crookston titled "Unity and Diversity", and art related to cinema inside the Crookston Grand Theater. At the awards ceremony, Trey was recognized for his healing workshop with the residents of the Northwestern Apartments (NWA) transitional living facility in Crookston. Residents at NWA have mental health and often substance health challenges. Trey presented ideas of how art can be another therapeutic tool on the path of recovery. The workshop provided residents a way to touch on vulnerabilities and feelings sometimes not available in more traditional therapies. After an initial session residents spent a week with their art. Many created several art pieces. His work with people and the art he provokes are hopeful and healing, with a sense of wonder and humor, reflecting the best spirit of who we are and who we can be.
The National Association for Rural Mental Health established the Rural Arts Award in 2007 to honor the life-long contributions of Peter G. (Pete) Beeson to both rural mental health and the rural arts.
Congratulations, Trey and thank you for your positive impact on rural arts and mental health in our region!
Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission is inviting design ideas for New State Flag and Seal
Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission
Inviting Design Ideas for New State Flag and Seal
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Legislature established a commission to consider and select new designs for the state flag and seal. The commission includes seventeen members, including the former chair of the Minnesota State Arts Board. Administrative support and coordination for the commission is provided by the Minnesota Historical Society.
The commission is now inviting members of the public
to submit ideas and designs for a new flag and seal.
Submissions will be accepted through October 30, 2023.
To read the guidelines and submit a design for the
new state flag and/or seal, visit the commission website.
Visit the commission website
The commission meets virtually every Tuesday. If you are interested, you can sign up to receive notices from the commission, find the names and affiliations of commission members, learn about the current state flag and seal, and watch the commission meetings online at the commission's website.
2024 McKnight Fellowships in Fiber Arts — Apply by Dec 4
Attention Textile and Fiber Artists!
There is an open call for the 2024 McKnight Fellowships in Fiber Arts.
Two $25,000 UNRESTRICTED fellowships will be awarded in support of mid-career Minnesota artists who use textile and fiber arts materials, processes, histories, traditions, and/or sensibilities in their artistic and creative practice throughout the conception, execution, and resolution of their work. Mid-career, for the purposes of the application, refers to anyone who has practiced fiber art for 8 years and has received recognition for their work from their community and the larger creative community in our state, region, and nationally (not including work done in an academic higher-education program).
The deadline for application is December 4, 2023, at 5PM.
Info sessions are being scheduled over the next two (2) months across Minnesota and on Zoom, to provide potential applicants the opportunity to learn more about the specifics of these fellowships and the application process. The application details are available on the Textile Center website:
https://textilecentermn.org/mcknight/
The application portal is on Submittable, and can be accessed here:
https://textilecenter.submittable.com/submit
The work will be reviewed by three (3) jurors of national recognition with expertise in the field, and the winners will be selected by the end February for a fellowship period that runs from March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025. Reach out to Tracy Krumm, Director for Artistic Advancement Program Director, McKnight Fellowships for Fiber Artists, McKnight Visual Arts Fellow at 612-436-0464, 3000 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. www.textilecentermn.org
Individual Artist Grant Deadline has been extended to October 15. Other Upcoming Arts Grants Applications — it’s time to apply!
Individual Artist Grants for $5,000 Deadline is
Extended to Oct 15
Fall Deadlines for Arts Grants Applications
Organizations, Individuals & Schools -- Apply Now
Grant training for Organizations Tues, Oct 17 at 4 PM
Individuals Nov 1 at 10 AM
Applications are open for arts grants to nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, 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 start applying for general operating funds. Applications are open now. The eligible grant amount is based on total expenses within the previous two completed years and the organization's 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.
Individual Artist Grants have an October 15 deadline for $5,000 grants (this is an extension) and November 15 deadline for $1,500. Quick Turnaround Grants for $500 will be available in January 2024 . 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 (2024). 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.
All other nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Upcoming grants deadlines for these are October 31 and February 29. 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 October 31 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.
We are offering several grant training workshops via Zoom or in person at the NWMAC office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend. Email director@nwartscouncil.org to RSVP or with questions. Don’t let your questions about the grant process keep you from applying! We are here to help.
Upcoming trainings will be:
· October 17 at 4 pm. Organizations Grant training
· November 1 at 10 am. Individual Artist grant training
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.
Artwork of Gail Ose in Display Case at NCTC
If you are at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls, stop by the display cases outside of our gallery. The most recently created space features the work of Thief River Falls Artist Gail Ose, who is the owner of Serendipity Art Hub.
Artists of Northwest Minnesota 6th Edition Accepting Applications for Artists and Groups
It's time to submit an entry for the 6th edition of our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call our office at 218-745-8886 to receive a form. The cost is only $20 for a listing + you receive 20 copies of the booklet! You are also able to have a piece of art hanging in our office space to help promote you. And, the booklet is online on our website. What a deal!
Submissions for individuals will be accepted until January 10. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to submit a listing for the booklet as well. The deadline for organizations and businesses is also January 10.
To learn more and to download the entry form visit this page on our website here.
Find our a free print edition of our current booklet Artists of Northwest Minnesota at your local library, from featured artists, or in other public spaces throughout our region. This is the 5th edition of this publication. The directory lists fine craft and visual artists, photographers, writers, and performing artists who answered our call for entries, as well as arts organizations. It's an invaluable resource when you are looking for art and artists in our region.
Upcoming Arts Grants Applications — it’s time to apply!
Fall Deadlines for Arts Grants Applications
Organizations, Individuals & Schools -- Apply Now
Grant training for Organizations Tues, Oct 17 at 4 PM
Individuals September 21 at 4 PM & Nov 1 at 10 AM
Applications are open for arts grants to nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, 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 start applying for general operating funds. Applications are open now. The eligible grant amount is based on total expenses within the previous two completed years and the organization's 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.
Contingent on funding, Individual Artist Grants have a September 30 deadline for $5,000 grants and November 15 deadline for $1,500. Quick Turnaround Grants for $500 will be available in January 2024. 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 (2024). 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.
All other nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Upcoming grants deadlines for these are October 31 and February 29. 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 October 31 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.
We are offering several grant training workshops via Zoom or in person at the NWMAC office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend. Email director@nwartscouncil.org to RSVP or with questions. Don’t let your questions about the grant process keep you from applying! We are here to help.
Upcoming trainings will be:
· September 21 at 4 pm. Individual Artist grant training
· October 17 at 4 pm. Organizations Grant training
· November 1 at 10 am. Individual Artist grant training
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.
Attention Metal Artists! Call for Art for Metal Arts Festival
Attention Metal Artists! Call for Artists!
Metal Arts Festival
People’s Choice Art Competition with Cash Prizes
The Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance is looking for artists to compete in their Metal Arts Festival metal art competition. This year they are encouraging all artists to showcase their art at the Competition and Live Auction. All mediums are welcome if there is some metal component to the artwork. They are looking for sculpture, welded artworks, mixed media, jewelry, 3-dimensional art, fiber art, etc. All sizes accepted. Be as creative and inventive as you wish – push the boundaries of metal art!
How to participate in the Metal Arts Festival
Create an artwork to enter into the Metal Arts Contest. All works of art entered in the Metal Arts Contest are eligible for $600 in cash prizes, to be awarded by audience voting on the day of the festival. All works of art in the contest will be considered donations to the PRCA and will be auctioned off in a live auction following the contest. Proceeds will benefit the PRCA. Every artist who donates an artwork to the PRCA Metal Art Contest also gets a FREE vendor space to display and /or sell their artwork.
Donated art may be any size, and may be mixed media, but should include some metal materials. (Used and “found” materials are okay.)
Register your artwork by August 25, by emailing prca@prairierenaissance.org. Please include your name, address, phone number, and the approximate dimensions of your piece or pieces of artwork (to help us plan for display), and the value of your artwork. Attach a photo of your piece to your email.
Deliver your artwork to Eastside Park in Morris, MN on Saturday, Sept. 9 th from 9-11 a.m.
For more information, contact Diane Trew at 320-314-2262. prairierenaissance.org.
Experience Fiber Art by Aliza Novacek-Olson exhibited outside of NCTC Gallery
Fiber art created by Roseau Artist Aliza Novacek-Olson is displayed in one of the display cases outside of our NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. Aliza’s work will be displayed until the end of the year. Novacek-Olson’s work joins Artists Cindy Kolling and Kate Hammer in the display cases at the college.
Traveling Art Exhibit is in Roseau
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Roseau Public Library
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 15 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 August 29. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.
The 2023-2024 Artists and Artwork:
Ross Hier, Crookston, “Beach Ridge Bouquet” (Watercolor Painting)
Tim Anderson, Goodridge, “Let Your Light Shine” Wood Bowl (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit
Nancy Vraa, Red Lake Falls, “Country Classic” Hat and Mitten Set (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit
Lillian Ramsey, Thief River Falls, “Queen Mouse” (Acrylic Painting)
Kathy Panek, Goodridge, “Night Taxi” (Acrylic Painting on canvas board)
Jodi M Smith, East Grand Forks, “Swirls of Light “(Photography)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Old House” (Acrylic Painting) Merit
Madilyn Crompton, Borup, “Hang Time” (Digital Photo) Student Ada-Borup-West School
Makaela Longoria, Ada, “You Have My Heart“ (Ceramic Sculpture) Student Ada-Borup-West
Emma Gunderson, Crookston, “Go on a Trip” (Acrylic Painting), Student Crookston School
Kaydence Skibicki, Fertile, Untitled (Silk Screen Print), Student Fertile-Beltrami School
Carter Lee Johnsrud, Goodridge, “Masking” (Mixed Media Graphite Pencil) Student Goodridge School (1st Place and People’s Choice)
Quinn Pittman, Greenbush, “Moe” (Pen Drawing), Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit
Rhiana Utter, Greenbush, “Elsa” (Linoleum Print) Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit
Maryjane Crane, Red Lake Falls, “Time” (Acrylic Painting), Student Red Lake Falls School
The 2022-2022 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
June to July 11 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls
July 11 to August 29 Roseau Public Library, Roseau
August 29 to October 10 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
October 10 to November 28, Godel Public Library, Warren
November 28 to January 16 Fertile Public Library, Fertile
January 16 to February 27, 2024 Campbell Public Library, East Grand Forks
February 27 to March 26, 2024 Ada Public Library, Ada
March 26 to April TBD 2024** Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls
*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.
Art Grants Deadline July 31
Non-profit Organizations and Governmental Entities
Apply for an Arts Grant
Upcoming Deadline is July 31
Grant Writing Training Session is July 17 at 10 AM
Applications are open for government entities and nonprofit organizations for art grants. Applications are being accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are July 31, October 31, and February 29. 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.
Grant Writing Training Session is July 17 at 10 AM
We will offer grant writing training sessions on July 17, September 18, October 17, November 1, 2023 and February 16, and April 17, 2024. This can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend.
To learn more about grant programs and start an application click on the link on the top right of the 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.
Kids Summer Day Camp at the Lengby Schoolhouse
Kids summer day camp at the Lengby Schoolhouse July 10-14. Sign up and register at oldschoolarts.org.
Bemidji Sculpture Walk 2023 includes work by Roseau Metal Artist Sue Suess
Roseau metal artist Sue Suess has a piece of art in this year’s Bemidji Sculpture Walk near Patterson’s Clothing. “Strolling with the Wind” is the title of the sculpture. Suess established Raven Works Forge with her husband Joel Miller in 1990 in Roseau. They specialize in decorative and functional wrought iron. She received a grant from the NWMAC to help her complete this work.
Traveling Art Exhibit Tours NW MN Region Visits Thief River Falls Public Library until July 10
Traveling Art Exhibit Tours NW Minnesota Region
Visits Thief River Public Library for First Stop
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. The exhibit includes 15 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 Thief River Falls Public Library until July 10. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale. This is the first stop of this traveling art exhibit tour.
The 2023-2024 Artists and Artwork:
Ross Hier, Crookston, “Beach Ridge Bouquet” (Watercolor Painting)
Tim Anderson, Goodridge, “Let Your Light Shine” Wood Bowl (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit
Nancy Vraa, Red Lake Falls, “Country Classic” Hat and Mitten Set (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit
Lillian Ramsey, Thief River Falls, “Queen Mouse” (Acrylic Painting)
Kathy Panek, Goodridge, “Night Taxi” (Acrylic Painting on canvas board)
Jodi M Smith, East Grand Forks, “Swirls of Light “(Photography)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Old House” (Acrylic Painting) Merit
Madilyn Crompton, Borup, “Hang Time” (Digital Photo) Student Ada-Borup-West School
Makaela Longoria, Ada, “You Have My Heart“ (Ceramic Sculpture) Student Ada-Borup-West
Emma Gunderson, Crookston, “Go On A Trip” (Acrylic Painting), Student Crookston School
Kaydence Skibicki, Fertile, Untitled (Silk Screen Print), Student Fertile-Beltrami School
Carter Lee Johnsrud, Goodridge, “Masking” (Mixed Media Graphite Pencil) Student Goodridge School (1st Place and People’s Choice)
Quinn Pittman, Greenbush, “Moe” (Pen Drawing), Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit
Rhiana Utter, Greenbush, “Elsa” (Linoleum Print) Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit
Maryjane Crane, Red Lake Falls, “Time” (Acrylic Painting), Student Red Lake Falls School
The full schedule of the 2023-2024 Traveling Art Exhibit will be announced soon. 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.
Kate Hammer’s Art of Addiction ceramic art in NCTC display case
Stop by the display cases near the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC to view Kate Hammer’s Art of Addiction ceramic art pieces.
Northwest Minnesota Art Reception and Awards
Student and adult artists residing in our seven-county region including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau and Red Lake entered into the Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit and competed for $2,300 in cash awards. The exhibit was open in March and April. The NWMAC held an art reception and awards program on April 30 in Middle River. Visitors came from all over to view the art and honor the artists. The winners were recognized at the reception at the Middle River Legacy Center.
The reception included fantastic catered sushi and fun desserts, dragonfruit fizzy tea, and coffee made with beans roasted in the building. NW Star Awardee Cathy Erickson played music.
Of the Year Awards -- the NW Star Award -- Lifetime Achievement, Artist of the Year, and Arts Advocate of the Year were presented. The Exhibit and Reception were open to the public and free to attend. Many pieces of art were for sale. The reception was a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region.
Funding for these awards is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Legislature.
Exhibit cash award winners were chosen while the exhibit was on display at the Middle River Legacy Center, 335 4th Street, Middle River by qualified juror and Project Director of the Miikanan Gallery at the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji Karen Goulet. The public voted for People’s Choice.
This “art exhibition was wonderful to jury. It was challenging to make final selections for the art awards, as there were so many interesting and well-made works of art. As a curator and juror, I have criteria in making final decisions that reflect on innovation, content, and advancing craft. Creative courage is what moves arts and artists forward and keeps the arts invigorated. I can say that if there had been two more awards to give in each group this would have been easier for me to do.
I am particularly impressed with how many schools were represented in the exhibit. I know it has not been easy for the arts in the last few years because of the pandemic, and budget challenges. Art is something that makes the world better. There must be dedication by teachers and students to keep creating. I could see this dedication in the variety of work that was submitted.
Rural artists do not always have the same opportunities to be seen as are available in urban areas. The talent I saw in this exhibit reinforces my belief that rural arts are thriving. Whether artists can work full time, or they need to make around other commitments, the quality of the work is so impressive. Juried art exhibitions are subjective to the selection criteria of the juror. Each year is another opportunity to have work recognized and seen. I hope the artists in this exhibit will keep submitting work and seek other venues for their talent to be seen.”
Walk through the exhibit at https://youtu.be/bQGJLtDppB0.
Exhibit Awards include:
Adult Winners
1st Place $500 Jessica Ross of Thief River Falls for painting “Field Work”
2nd Place $300 Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla in Folk/Traditional Fine Craft “Grandma's Quilt”
3rd Place $200 Megan Sugden of Hallock for photography ‘Abandoned Divco Milk Truck’
Merit $100 Dennis Lee of Red Lake Falls in acrylic painting “Old House”
Merit $100 Nancy Vraa of Red Lake Falls in Folk/traditional Fine Craft ‘Country Classic”
Merit $100 Tim Anderson of Goodridge in Folk/Traditional Fine Craft “Let Your Light Shine” (wood bowl)
Merit $100 Debbie Dahl Aune of Gatzke for watercolor painting “Long Shadows”
Merit $100 Andrea Halvorson of Goodridge for drawing “Carrying Mom to Heaven”
People’s Choice $100 Tammy Hansen of Newfolden
Student Winners
1st Place $300 Carter Lee Johnsrud of Goodridge for mixed media “Masking”
2nd Place $150 Andrew Glad of Greenbush for Other Folk Art “Vincent“
3rd Place $100 Geneva Gartner of Fertile in sculpture “Moth”
Merit $50 Quinn Pittman of Greenbush for drawing “Moe”
Merit $50 Ashton Jensrud of Fertile for other typewriter drawing “15” (Boston terrier)
Merit $50 Rhiana Utter of Greenbush for print “Elsa”
Merit $50 Paris Sondreal of Middle River in sculpture Vase Tumbler
Merit $50 Logan Krueger of Fertile for mixed media “Frederick” (burned paper skull)
People’s Choice $50 Carter Lee Johnsrud of Goodridge
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. Five exhibit pieces of student art were also chosen to be hung in the hallway of Senator Mark Johnson’s office in St. Paul.