Arts News
Debbie Dahl Aune Featured Artist Spotlight
Watch a discussion we had with Artist Debbie Aune. The video is on our YouTube page and website. We spoke with Debbie on Friday, June 24 about her watercolor paintings featured in our NWMAC Gallery exhibit at NCTC. The exhibit, Nature’s Offerings, will be open May 24 until July. An Artist Reception will be held on Wednesday, June 22 at the gallery.
Traveling Art Exhibit Tours NW Minnesota. First Stop Hallock
Traveling Art Exhibit Tours NW Minnesota Region
Visits Hallock Public Library
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. The exhibit includes 17 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 Hallock Public Library until June 16. Please stop by to see these works of art as this is the first stop for this traveling exhibit. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.
The 2022-2023 Artists and Artwork:
Ross Hier, Crookston, “Wood Splitter’s Alarm Clock” (Watercolor Painting) (Merit)
Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad, Ada, “Cornflower Bee” (Mosaic)
Heidi Danos, Fosston, “Hot Pink Sadness” (Mixed Media)
Stephanie Olson, Thief River Falls, “Monday’s Cat” (Painting)
Alicia Spilde, Karlstad, “Leaving” (Mixed Media)
Cindy Kolling, Gully, “Prairie Smoke” (Mixed Media/Other)
Jodi Peterson, Ada, “Cardinal” (Mosaic)
Kate Hammer, Roseau, “Abandoned” (Sculpture)
Nick Reitzel, Karlstad, “Across the Purple Sky” (Painting) (Merit)
Paulette Christianson, Badger, “Under the Orange Moon” (Pastel Drawing) (Merit)
Mason Owens, Crookston, “Peace is in the Roughness” (Wood Sculpture) (student) (Merit)
Kinsley Oslund, Grygla, “Crush” (Sculpture) (student)
Emily Balboa, Crookston, “Timeless Beauty” (Painting) (student)
Autumn Ruikka, Thief River Falls, “Bull Stamp” (Printmaking) (student)
Carlie Nehrus, Ada, “Jelly Fish” (Pen and Ink) (student)
Lakylie Brobst, Grygla, “Hayes Lake Skies” (Photography) (student) (Merit)
Paige Sturre, Thief River Falls, “Escaping the Bland” (Mixed Media/Watercolor) (student)
The 2022-2022 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
April 29 – June 16, 2022 Hallock Public Library
June 16 – August 8, 2022 Godel Memorial Library, Warren
August 8 – September 28, 2022 Greenbush Public Library
September 28 – November 22, 2022 Fosston Public Library
November 22, 2022 – January 17, 2023 Ada Public Library
January 17 – March 1, 2023 Red Lake Falls Public Library
March 1 – April TBD** Crookston 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 call our office at (218)-745-8886, email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
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.
Textile Center of Minnesota is expanding their Outreach Teaching Artist Roster
The Textile Center of Minnesota is expanding their Outreach Teaching Artist Roster. They are looking specifically to connect with Textile and Craft enthusiasts in greater and rural Minnesota locations. No teaching experience required, as long as you have experience with one or more forms of fiber art and would like to join them in sharing new skills with your community.
The opportunity listing can be found here: https://textilecentermn.org/teach-outreach/
They are holding informational Zoom meetings for those who have questions about the roster, the program, and their process. The invitation is below:
The Textile Center would like to invite you to join them for an online informational session via Zoom! They’ll provide information about the Outreach Program, what it means to be a part of the Outreach Teaching Artist Roster, hear from current instructors, and answer any questions you may have. This session is meant to provide information for anyone who is interested in being considered for the Outreach Teaching Artist Roster, in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota locations!
They’re holding two sessions, and you’re welcome to join whichever date best fits your schedule. Please register with the link below:
April 27th, 5:00 PM
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://textilecentermn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsd-yprj8uG9GhfQw242_sxpUzkax09SGK
May 3rd, 5:00 PM
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://textilecentermn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvfuGgpz0tGdAbJAOqSbrF47B5asVwUQ9v
Fast*Fest 20 Minute Plays will be August 19 & 20
Fast*Fest 2022
Minnesota Association of Community Theatre — MACT’s biennial festival of 20-minute plays, Fast*Fest, will be held August 19 (welcome social) and August 20 (workshops, performances and social) in Faribault. Workshops and performances will be at the Paradise Center for the Arts.
Tentative Fast*Fest Schedule:
Fri, Aug 19 Welcome Social at a location TBA
Sat, Aug 20 Workshops at Paradise Center for the Arts
The deadline for registering your theatre to present a show is June 20th. Visit their website for more information and to sign up. https://www.mact.net/?page=MACT-Events/Fast-Fest-2022-1898
Workshops:
Workshops will be live. There will be two workshop sessions, with two concurrent workshops per session.
Theatre performances:
Will be live Saturday afternoon and Evening
Social gathering at end of festival:
At end of the day, after all theatre performances are completed, MACT will host a live after-glow social at a location TBA.
Guidelines for theaters for Fast*Fest:
Who can perform:
The festival is open to Minnesota community theatres, college/university programs, high school theatre programs and ad hoc groups (pretty much anyone EXCEPT groups using any professional actors). Registration for performing companies is free to MACT members. Non-MACT-members will pay a $25 registration fee which includes a MACT membership through December. Registration deadline for performing companies is June 20th by midnight (received, not postmarked). Performance order will be by random drawig from entries received by the deadline, filling the last performance slot first and working backwards. MACT may cancel the festival if at least six productions are not registered. Additional productions may be accepted after the registration if space is available and all other guidelines are met.
Basic guidelines for participating productions:
Please consider the following guidelines and options to participate:
Actors and technicians may not be professionals (not members of Actors Equity or equivelant)
Each production will be briefly introduced by a moderator announcing the show title and possibly author, director, cast, & time/place/setting.
Following each production, a moderated live discussion will take place.
Performance cannot exceed 20 minutes
You will have 5 minutes to setup before your performance and 5 minutes to strike after your performance
Works presented may be original scripts or otherwise licensed materials including author or licensing house approved cuttings. You must have the rights to perform the show as presented.
Cultural Heritage Grants — Applications Open Until May 31
Through Legacy’s ACHF, the Minnesota Humanities Center offers grants for cultural heritage and community identity projects, for individuals and organizations who work to create/educate/celebrate a diversity of cultures in Minnesota. They’re open to accept applications, and they’re also seeking review panelists.
Visit their website for more information.
Fiddlers on the Green May 14
Fiddlers on the Green, sponsored by North Country Fiddle and Dance
May 14th 11:00 to 3:00
East Grand Forks Heritage Village 219 20th St. N.E.
Featuring concerts by:
11:00 - The O'Neil Family Band, from East Grand Forks - A unique blend of fiddle styles, including traditional and original reels, jigs, waltzes, hornpipes, interspersed with step dancing.
12:30 - Leatherwood, from Bemidji - Lively old time fiddle tunes and lighthearted songs that will have you smiling and tapping your toes.
2:00 - Alex Conwell, from Grand Forks - A mixture of folk fiddle and contemporary violin with a cosmic twist tied together with a looping pedal.
Free admission
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
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.