Arts News
NW Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit Open Until April 27
The Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit Open Through April 27
NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls
Reception and Program on April 27 to
Honor Exhibit and Of the Year Award Winners
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce the NW Annual Art Exhibit is in Thief River Falls until April 27.
Adult artists from our 7 county- service region (Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau and Red Lake Falls) have entered 60 pieces of art, including photography, sculpture, drawings, and paintings, into this exhibit and will be competing for $2,300.00 in cash awards. Attendees at the exhibit can vote for People’s Choice. 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.
About our juror: Matthew Anderson is from the rural town of Gackle, North Dakota. 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.
The student art will be included in the exhibit on April 11 and will also be eligible for cash awards.
The exhibit is at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls and will be open for the public to view art during the week from 8:30 am - 5 pm and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door A. Visitor parking is free in the large end lot.
There will be a reception on April 27 at the gallery. According to NWMAC Director Mara Hanel,
“Our artist reception is a great time to celebrate our award winners and the talented residents from our area. Please attend to show your support and see the high-quality art on display. Reception day this year, includes an art creation workshop from 4:00 - 5:30. Come early to make a piece centered around the theme of nature and nature's offerings. Pieces created will remain at our gallery and be part of our next showcase. Registration for the workshop is encouraged so we can prepare correctly. I look forward to this reception each year since it is an annual highlight!"
Mingling, dessert, and live music begin at 7:00 pm and the program at 7:30 pm in the auditorium. Of the Year Awards, the NW Star Award -- Lifetime Achievement, Artist of the Year, and Arts Advocate of the Year will be presented. The Exhibit and Reception are open to the public and free to attend. Many pieces of art are for sale and the public is encouraged to shop. Purchases can be marked as sold and picked up on April 27 at the reception. The reception is a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region.
To sign up for the art creation workshop around the theme of nature within the visual art classroom, email nwartscouncil@gmail.com. Funding for these awards is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Legislature.
Minne-Mural Coloring Art Online Adventure March 23 — Bald Eagles Nest
The next Minne-Mural™ Coloring Art Adventure will be Wednesday (new day) March 23 at 6:30 p.m. This is a free Adventure into coloring art tips & techniques with info about the subject content.
Suitable and fun for all ages.
The subject will be The Bald Eagles Nest. (Other birds of prey will be included, too)
Check out your favorite specialty store for "The Eagles Nest" Minne-Mural™ or order a home delivered care pack from www.kollingcards.com/shop.
If you are close to the Campbell Library in East Grand Forks, you pick one up there at no charge while they last! Register for the online zoom Adventure at the Library or contact Kolling Cards and Things Made Here!
Please email a picture of your in-progress Eagles Nest or related Minne-Mural™ and it will be included in the presentation! kollingcards@gvtel.com
See you online March 23.
Painting Retreat in Ely Aug 13-20 with Gail Ose
Calling all Creative hearts for a Magical North American Bear & Wolf Painting Retreat August 13th-20th 2022 in Ely, MN.
Art, Connection, and Nature. Weclome your artventure starts here!
This magical retreat is designed to inspire your creative heArt and love of nature. Join Creatively Fit Coaches — Kim Sales of Lantern Light Studio & Gail Ose of Serendipity Art Hub as they take you on a creative adventure to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This retreat is a week filled with intuitive painting workshops, bonfires, guided meditations and more, all while relaxing in a fully modern cabin on the edge of a lake. You explore the American Bear & Wolf centers in Ely MN and the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary in Orr MN to support and inspire the energy of your wild heArt. For more info visit their website here.
Arts Action Week 2022 — Please join us!
Participate in Arts Action Week 2022!
In addition to protecting our Legacy Amendment and state grant funds, this year Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is pushing for passage of a bill that would grant $100 million to arts and cultural groups that were hurt by the pandemic. Mark your calendar for March 14-18, 2022. The kick off rally will be March 14 at 8:30 am online.
With your action—online and as part of Zoom calls with legislators—we can help legislators understand the importance of the arts who have been hit disproportionately hard by COVID-19.
To attend any of the meetings you will need to sign-up in advance so that we can email you the zoom information. To register, visit this page on their website.
MCA is a recognized national leader in arts advocacy. Arts Action Week helps us show that people across the state want to see funding for the arts.
Searching for Executive Director for Donald G Gardner Humanities Trust in Ely
Position Title: Executive Director
Organization: Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust
Reports to: Board of Directors
Job Location: Ely, Minnesota (must become an area resident)
Status: 20-22 hours/week; up to 3⁄4 time in first year for training. Hourly exempt employee
Salary Range: Commensurate with qualifications
Benefits: Paid time off, 4 -9 paid Holidays each year. There are no relocation funds.
Background:
The Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust (Trust), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1989, dedicated to advancing the arts throughout the City of Ely with an endowment valued over $800,000 and two grant rounds per year. The Trust is seeking an Executive Director who will be responsible for managing and growing the grants program and endowment. The Executive Director will be the face of the organization, building on established relationships with City of Ely officials and staff, Ely Chamber of Commerce, artists, arts organizations and arts supporters.TheExecutiveDirectorreportstotheTrust’sBoardof Directors.
The mission of the Trust shall be for the enhancement, growth and improvement of: 1. The Ely Public Library
2. The arts and artisans of Ely and surrounding area, to include the performing arts, the visual arts and literature.
3. The creating and funding of scholarships, educational and artistic grants. 4. The cultural and aesthetic environment of the City of Ely and its surrounding area.
Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust PO Box 720 www.gardnertrust.org 218-365-2639
Ely, MN 55731
The Trust seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Executive Director to advance the mission of the organization as it enriches life in the Ely community.
The Executive Director will promote the best interests of the Trust and actively engage in the growth of its endowment and grant programs. In so doing, the Executive Director is expected to articulate the cultural, social and economic value of arts to the community and make that vision and purpose clear to supporters and the region’s arts and cultural enthusiasts. The Executive Director provides full oversight of the Trust’s operations including strategic planning, financial stability, community engagement, grant administration, marketing, and any public events.
The successful candidate will bring deep skills and experience with nonprofit organizations and demonstrated relationship savvy in building and growing collaborations with individuals and groups. He or she must be self-motivated, a problem solver, organized, adaptable, able to meet deadlines, manage simultaneous multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and work independently. The candidate will have strong written and verbal communications skills. Experience with arts organizations and public art is preferred. The Executive Director should be able to “hit the ground running.”
Call for Art: Nature’s Offerings
Call for Art for Nature’s Offerings Exhibit. A special call to folk artists. Exhibit will be open June and July 2022. Deadline for Submissions is no later than May 13. Nature’s Offerings: Why is it that we feel a sense of healing and rejuvenation when we spend time in nature? Consider creating art from nature for this exhibit! Questions and to submit your art, contact Trey Everett at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com.
Kolling Cards Free Online Coloring Event — Digging It (Paleontology)
Kolling Cards and Things Made Here! is holding a free online adventure into the amazing world of coloring art and celebration of a featured Minne-Mural™subject in Nature, History, Heritage, Art, or Science.
Join via Zoom Minne-Mural™ Coloring Art Free Online Adventure! Friday, February 11, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. “Digging It” (paleontology)
Sponsored by Campbell Library in East Grand Forks
Pick up your free “Digging it” Minne-Mural™ at the library while they last. Don’t dawdle… the library has a limited qty of “Digging It!” Minne-Murals™ to hand out at no charge. First come First served! All Ages!
Questions? Call the Library (218) 773-9121
Arts Midwest is hiring!
Arts Midwest is hiring two Program Managers to oversee initiatives that center creativity, equity, capacity building, and community building. These positions are fully remote, but you must reside in one of Arts Midwest’s regional states or in a Native Nation that shares this geography.
Equity Grantmaking
One Program Manager will oversee a new equity grantmaking program at Arts Midwest. They will coordinate the setup of capacity-building workshops, issue grant awards to selected organizations, and help create a peer network among grantee organizations.
We the Many
The other Program Manager will oversee We the Many, a program that seeks to expand the understanding of what it means to be a Midwesterner through the creative exchange of voices, cultures, and ideas. They will work with community stakeholders, advisors, planning committees, and artists leading up to an artist residency in selected communities.
Applications are due February 24, 2022 via their online application
Chief Financial Officer
They’re also looking for a full-time, remote Chief Financial Officer, who will be a thought partner and strategic advisor on our senior leadership team. The ideal candidate will have keen insight into the trends and opportunities in philanthropic funding, and substantial experience working with government grants and contracts.
Online Writing Workshop
Online Writing Workshop — Register Today
Marge Barrett will be teaching an upcoming online class for the Marine Mills Folk School, Saturday, February 19, 10 am-1:00 pm. It is open to all.
Outside My Window: A New Look: A breaking, bending, blending literary vision in thought and style. Join in reading works of Danez Smith, Claudia Rankine, Anne Carson, Maggie Nelson, Tommy Orange, Ocean Vuong, contemporary voices with compelling stories written in a hybrid form of poetry and prose.
For more information: https://marinemillsfolkschool.org/2022/01/02/writing-workshop-outside-my-window-a-new-look-online-feb-19-2022/
Applications Open for Creative Community Leadership Institute Cohort
Applications are now being accepted for this year's Creative Community Leadership Institute (CCLI) Cohort!
See the website: https://www.creativecommunityinstitute.org/
CCLI is an intensive, in-person, cohort-based training program with real-world practice for artists, culture bearers, community organizers, community development practitioners, and other leaders seeking to deepen their impact in creative community building. CCLI is for artists, culture bearers, community organizers, community development practitioners, and other leaders from across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native Nations that share that geography.
Cohorts meet in person three times over six months from spring to fall, with each session in a different location within the state. CCLI has three regionally-based cohorts, with opportunities for collaboration and connection, as well as in-person gatherings:
The East Cohort will be held in Cloquet, MN at the Cloquet Forestry Center
The Central Cohort will be held in Grand Forks, ND at the University of North Dakota, Memorial Union
The West Cohort will be held in Rapid City, SD at Racing Magpie
Priority will be given to applicants who identify as Native and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), disabled, and/or are from rural and smaller-town communities.
Participants will receive modest financial support for the pilot project and to offset costs of travel. New cohorts can expect to gain more knowledge about the role of art and culture in community problem solving, build skills to be able to effectively integrate art and culture into community development, leadership growth, and gain networks of cross-sector peers.
Call for Art: Community Art Exhibit in East Grand Forks
Calling all artists, amateur and professional! The East Grand Forks Campbell Library is now accepting submissions for their annual Community Art Exhibit. If you are interested in submitting, please send an email with your name and phone number to Andrea at alorenz@egflibrary.org.
January Newsletter
Read about the Latest in Regional Arts Opportunities in our January newsletter.
Applications Open for NW MN Annual Art Exhibit — Apply Now
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce our latest “Call for Entries” for the 2022 Annual Art Exhibit.
The deadline to submit your artwork is February 28, 2022!
This year, the annual Art Exhibit will be in Thief River Falls at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College. Artwork will be immediately put up for viewing at our gallery starting March 7 through the end of April.
Artists from our 7 county- service region can enter into this art exhibit and will be competing for $2,300 in cash awards. Artists must reside in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, or Red Lake counties to be eligible. Both adult and student artists are encouraged to enter. 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 in Thief River Falls at the end of April.
If you would like the application mailed to you, please contact our office 218-745-8886 or director@nwartscouncil.org. The application must be submitted no later than February 28, 2022.
Nominations Open for Of the Year Awards
Nominations Open for Of the Year Awards Due February 28
Applications are open for nominations for the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Of the Year Awards. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Often people serve in both roles.
Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and often goes to a local leader who lives in the area where the artist reception will be held. But anyone is eligible to be nominated. Arts includes all disciplines.
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 to use however they see fit.
Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once, as a lifetime achievement award. This award is for $5,000.00 and can be a wonderful gift to those who have chosen a hard career path related to artistic expression.
Our deadline for nominations is February 28. Please consider nominating someone who you view as a deserving candidate from our seven-county service area in northwestern Minnesota. Persons who believe their nominee would qualify for this award and have questions should contact the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council office at (218) 745-8886 or email director@NWArtsCouncil.org for more information. The nomination form is on our website.
Artist Spotlight with Ceramic Artist Betsy Saurdiff January 27 at 2 pm
Please join us for an online discussion with Ceramic Artist Betsy Saurdiff on Thursday, January 27 at 2pm. Saurdiff currently has her work exhibited in the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC. The exhibit, Celebrations: The Ceramic Art of Betsy Saurdiff, is open through February 28. An Artist Reception will be held on Saturday, February 12 from 3 to 5 pm at the gallery.
You can watch the Artist Spotlight on Facebook Live or YouTube Live. See the NWMAC Facebook page or YouTube page for more information. The Artist Spotlight will also be available to view at any time after the live broadcast.
Saurdiff will be discussing her process, inspiration, and more. She’ll also talk about the theme of her current exhibit — celebrations.
Deadline March 1 for Arts Grants Applications
Arts Grants Applications have March 1 Deadline -- Apply Now
Arts Legacy grants of up to $10,000 & Arts Project grants of up to $3,000 Due March 1
Grant Writing Workshops February 8 and 16
Applications are open for Arts Project Grants and Arts Legacy Grants. 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.
Arts Project Grants are used primarily for small budget arts projects and the sponsorship of performances of touring companies and artists. These grants are a maximum of $3,000 with a required cash match.
Applications 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.
Grant Writing Workshops
We are offering two grant writing workshops online or in person to assist you with your application. You are welcome to come to our office in Warren for the workshop or to work on your grants in our new setting. RSVPs are required for grant writing sessions – please email director@nwartscouncil.org. Sessions will be held Tuesday, February 8 at 11:30 am or Wednesday, February 16 at 5pm. You can also set up a time to work one-on-one with our director on the grant writing process.
NWMAC Exhibit Celebrations: The Ceramic Art of Betsy Saurdiff
Celebrations: The Ceramic Art of Betsy Saurdiff
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls through February 28
Artist Reception Saturday, February 12 from 3 to 5 pm
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce Celebrations: The Ceramic Art of Betsy Saurdiff. The exhibit is open through February 28, 2021 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
People love to celebrate special occasions. This new collection of pottery will make these celebrations even more special. We serve birthday cakes on pedestal stands to elevate the celebration both literally and figuratively. We can use “potluck pots” at picnics and reunions to keep our salads safe and cool because of the lower ice compartment. Graduates appreciate mugs with the two-word inspirational sayings. Little covered jars hold special treasures for any occasion. Decanters with matching cups also make drinking juice, liquor or wine more special. Punch bowls bring back memories of celebrations like baptisms, confirmations and birthdays. Somehow the punch seems to taste better out of a punchbowl.
The ultimate celebration is the celebration of life. Saurdiff explained, “I explored the classic urn form, which I threw in one piece on the potter’s wheel. I was motivated to create urns when I went to the funeral of my high school art teacher, who introduced me to clay. He had made his own funerary urn in a style I recognized right away as being his own. Some art is put on the shelf or on the wall without interaction, a passive statement by the artist to be interpreted by the viewer. Functional pottery crosses this divide because it is meant to be touched and used, a conversation between the pottery and the user. This is why I make functional pottery. I hope you enjoy the exhibit.”
Betsy Saurdiff lives in Grygla and studied Art and German at Bemidji State University and the University of Minnesota. Highlights of her career include two McKnight Fellowship Awards, two Merit Awards at the NW MN Arts Council exhibit and Art Advocate of the Year. She has sold her functional pottery at local businesses and art fairs. She recently retired from teaching and began selling her pottery online. You can find her at https://bettspottery.com/.
You won’t want to miss this pottery exhibit! Please join us for an Artist Reception with Betsy on Saturday, February 12 from 3 to 5 pm at the gallery.
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Fosston
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 Fosston Public Library in Fosston until February 16. Please stop by to see these works of art. See below for the schedule for the year.
The 2021-2022 Artists and Artwork:
Aubree Bonham, Fertile, “No Evil” (Mixed Media) (student)
Riley Moland, Fertile, “Unique Askew” (Acrylic) (student)
Heidi Danos, Fosston, “Never Apologize” (Mixed Media)
Peggy Branden, Lake Bronson, “Emerging” (Mixed Media)
Glen Heppner, Warroad, “Pelican” (Oil Painting)
Lucille Nelson, Argyle, “Lending a Hand” (Drawing)
Bert Foster, Thief River Falls, “Old Man Resting” (Photograph)
Christine Foster, Thief River Falls, “Bridge to the Past” (Oil Painting)
Brennon Collins, Greenbush, “Lake Lounging” (Print) (student)
Phyllis Kalliokoski, East Grand Forks, “Amalfi Coast” (Watercolor Painting)
Dara Maunu, Warroad, “Whimsical Walks 1” (Acrylic Painting)
Cindy Kolling, Gully, “Snapping Turtle Laying Eggs” (Drawing)
James Johanneck, Red Lake Falls, “Buckthorn Root Ball Vase” (Wood Sculpture)
Eskyla Manriquez, Ada, “Air Jordan 1 Chicago Black Toe” (Sculpture) (student)
Trinity Walseth, Goodridge, “Titles of Trinity” (Print) (student)
The 2021-2022 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
August 27– September 22, 2021 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
September 22–October 14, 2021 East Grand Forks Campbell Library
October 15–Nov 17, 2021 Ada Public Library
Nov 17–Dec 16, 2021 Fertile Public Library
Dec 16, 2021– January 12, 2022 Thief River Falls Public Library
January 12 – February 16, 2022 Fosston Public Library
February 16 -- March 16, 2022 Crookston Public Library
March 16 -- April TBD** Red Lake Falls Public Library
*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
Virtual Writing Classes
The 2021 Red Shoes Retreat Writer-in-Residence Jill Swenson of Swenson Book Development LLC will be holding virtual classes, workshop, and a retreat for writers.