Arts News
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.
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Red Lake Falls for Final 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 Red Lake Falls Public Library until late April. Please stop by to see these works of art as this is the final stop for this traveling exhibit. Stay tuned for the upcoming schedule and locations for our next exhibit.
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 25 -- 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
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.
March 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.
Art Creation Workshop April 27 — RSVP now
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is Offering an
Art Creation Workshop April 27 in Thief River Falls
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce a FREE Creative Art Session Workshop to create work for an upcoming exhibit – Nature’s Offerings in June and July. The workshop will be held at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls from 4 to 5:30 pm on April 27. You must RSVP.
Nature’s Offerings is a broad concept. Everything we need as human beings has been given to us by Nature. Food, water, shelter, medicine, resources for creating our homes, our smart phones, and every material object we have ever created or will ever create as human beings. Nature provides natural cycles of the year, warmth and coolness, fire and water, oceans and rivers, and the air we breathe. Nature offers us the natural cycles of the seasons so that we can plant and harvest. All our canning, baking, seasoning, and meals we prepare and eat are ultimately given from Nature.
Besides all the tangible offerings, Nature also provides intangible qualities of healing, rejuvenation, and inspiration. When we spend time by a river, take a walk in the snow, look at a sunset, catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights we receive healing. Nature helps lower blood pressure, calm our anxious minds, cause us to stare in wonder and awe, and brings connection and consolation when we feel alone and distant.
During this free session, attendees will be able to create a 3-dimensional creative piece that represents what "Nature's Offerings" means to them. Participants don't have to consider themselves an artist to join this workshop. Artwork created in the workshop will become part of the gallery exhibit for June and July. Supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring items from nature if they like. Examples include deer antlers, animal skulls or bones, branches, dried fruit, rocks, and dried grasses or flowers. This is a low stress, fun time to create whatever inspires at NO cost.
Space is limited for this free class. RSVPs are required. Sign up by emailing Trey Everett at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com.
Following the workshop, the NW Art Exhibit reception and program will be held. Come to experience the NW Art Exhibit and celebrate the exhibit’s artists and Of the Year awardees.
Writing Retreat in Fosston April 21-23
Take advantage of this writing retreat in our NW region! April 21-23. Sponsored by FCLAA and led by Kim Hruba of Red Shoes Writing. Grant funding from the NWMAC.
Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Support for Individuals Grant Program
Minnesota State Arts Board launches
FY 2023 Creative Support for Individuals Grant Program
The Minnesota State Arts Board has posted guidelines and application forms for the FY 2023 Creative Support for Individuals grant program. The program offers flexible support for Minnesota artists and culture bearers.
This grant program provides support to help individual artists and culture bearers sustain their creative practices and meaningfully engage with their communities in a time of transition. Creative Support grants are designed to be flexible and allow for adaptability in response to unexpected changes during the grant period. While proposed grant activities may focus more heavily on one or the other, applicants must demonstrate how funds will be used both to continue a creative practice and meaningfully connect to and engage audiences, participants, students, and/or communities during the grant period.
There will be two application deadlines — one on May 6, 2022, and another on July 15, 2022.
This is a statewide program. Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements is welcome to apply.
Please visit the Creative Support for Individuals Web page to find the complete FY 2023 Program Overview and Application Instructions, details about eligibility and grant amounts, and resources to help you learn more about the program.
The Minnesota State Arts Board is a state agency that stimulates and encourages the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the state. It works to ensure that all Minnesotans can participate in and benefit from the arts.
Elevate Youth Center Teen Art Show March 24
Elevate Youth Center is hold a Teen Art Show on March 24 from 6 to 7:30 pm in Thief River Falls. Live music, entertainment, refreshments.
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.