Arts News
Arts Grants Applications have Fall Deadline for Organizations, Schools, Individuals — Apply Now!
The NWMAC Announces Fall Deadlines for Arts Grant Applications.
Applications are open for arts grants to nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, individuals, and other nonprofit organizations. Applications are being accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Nonprofit arts organizations can apply as of September 1 each year for first consideration of their general operating grant. The grant amount they are eligible for is based on total expenses within the previous two completed years and their history of arts programming. These organizations will be able to add to this grant, as the year progresses, if they need additional funding. Funding sources for these grants come from Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
All other nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are August 1 (which has been extended to September 1 this year), November 1 and March 1. Grants are between $500 and $10,000. Funding sources for these grants are Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
Organizational arts activities funded through these two very important grant opportunities include festivals, community theatre projects, folk music entertainment, sponsorship of visual demonstrations, creative writing workshops and many other activities that improve the quality of life of people in our communities.
Schools in our seven-county region can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $2,600 plus an additional $400 if the residency needs supplies. Our teaching artist roster is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area and is available on our website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org under the artists tab. Another resource to view artists available to enhance curriculum is COMPAS.
Schools can initially apply for one residency. Then based on remaining funding, can request up to three additional residencies into spring and summer. Funding for residency activities comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Minnesota.
Schools can also apply for Arts Equipment for their school by November 1 each year. Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match requirement. Funds for this arts equipment in schools grant program come from the general fund of the State of Minnesota.
Individual Artist Grants have an October 1 deadline for $5,000 grants and November 15 deadline for $1,500 and an ongoing deadline for quick turnaround grants for $500. These grants are awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau counties.
Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals and $5,000 going to four individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.
Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2023). In the case of college students, your school or your home mailing address must be in our region. You will have to show proof of residency, usually your driver’s license.
And to Make the Grant Process Easier ....
If you have applied to us before, an easy way to start is with a copy of your previous grant. We strongly recommend that you reach out to our director, Mara Hanel, so she can make a copy within our online grant software. Many data collection fields stay the same from year to year. A copy auto fills those routine fields. It uses your previous answers as a template to begin your next grant.
To learn more about these grant programs and start an application login to the grants application on the top of each webpage. The grant application process is completely online and NWMAC's Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal to get accustomed to it. Please contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886.
Calling All Artists for Fosston’s 4th Annual Juried Art Show
Calling All Artists for the 4th Annual Juried Art Show in Fosston.
Artist Spotlight with Dynamic Voices Artists August 22
Join us for an online discussion with the artists who have work in our Dynamic Voices Exhibit! We spoke about the exhibit, their backgrounds, insight into creativity and inspiration, and much more! The discussion was on our Facebook page and YouTube Live. Once the broadcast is done, you can watch it at anytime with this link https://youtu.be/FPSx5KBAoWQ. Let us know if you have any questions!
August Newsletter
Read about what’s happening in NW Minnesota Arts — Events, Exhibits, Grants, Calls for Art, Opportunities, and More!
Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations Application Deadline + More
Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations
application deadline and open hours with program officers
Are you planning to apply for a Creative Support for Organizations grant?
Not sure if you will apply or even how to apply, then read on…
Creative Support for Organizations application deadline
The second and final application deadline in the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Creative Support for Organizations fiscal year 2023 grant cycle is approaching. The program offers flexible support for Minnesota arts organizations, and for non-arts organizations that regularly offer arts programming as an integral part of their missions.
The second application deadline is September 9, 2022. These grants will support activities that take place between May 2023 – April 2024.
Funds from this program can be used to help organizations continue to adapt their arts programming to the changing environment in which they work so that they will be able to continue connecting with and serving Minnesota communities.
Organizations that submitted an application for the first deadline in May 2022 may not submit a second application.
Please visit the Creative Support for Organizations webpage to find the complete Program Overview and Application Instructions; other details about the program; and a free, recorded information webinar.
Open “office” hours with a program officer
If you have questions that you’d like to ask a program officer about any aspect of the Creative Support for Organizations program or the application process plan to join a virtual open office hours online session. Sessions are virtual only, not in person. You can login to join the online meeting, or call via phone, any during the scheduled 90 minutes. Two sessions will be held:
Thursday, August 11 from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Monday, August 15 from 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.
Videoconference links and phone numbers are available on the Arts Board Web calendar: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/calendar/information-sessions.htm
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Greenbush Public Library
Traveling Art Exhibit Tours NW Minnesota Region
Visits Greenbush 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 Greenbush Public Library until September 28. Please stop by to see these works of art. 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 or our other exhibits call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
Dynamic Voices: A Collection of Work by Women Artists of NW Minnesota
Dynamic Voices:
A Collection of Work by Women Artists of NW Minnesota
Where: Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls
When: August 8 - September 28
Artist Reception Wednesday, September 28 from 5- 7pm
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our exhibit – Dynamic Voices: A Collection of Work by Women Artists of NW Minnesota. The exhibit is open from Monday, August 8 to Wednesday, September 28 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701.
Artists include Connie Nelson of Hallock, Rachel Gustafson of Hallock, Therese Jacobson of Alvarado, Heidi Danos of Fosston, and Stephanie Olson of Thief River Falls.
To experience the exhibit virtually click here.
You won’t want to miss this exhibit! Please join us for a free Artist Reception with the artists on Wednesday, September 28 from 5 to 7 pm at the gallery. Refreshments will be served.
Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends.
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door B. Visitor parking is free.
Stay tuned for an online discussion with the artists. You will be able to watch this Artist Spotlight on Facebook Live or YouTube Live. Visit 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. Reach out to us with questions.
If you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, contact Trey Everett at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.
North Country Fiddle & Dance Heritage Days Concerts — Aug 13 & 14
North Country Fiddle and Dance presents Heritage Days Concerts Aug 13 & Aug 14, 2022
Free Admission, Heritage Days activities on-going
Where:
East Grand Forks Heritage Village, 219 20th St. N.E,. East Grand Forks
When:
August 13 at 1:30 pm – Dean and Peggy Ellingson - a light hearted romp featuring antique tunes and vintage songs to entertain the young at heart.
Call to Artists: You are invite to Sell your Art Sept 9/10 in Fosston
The Arts & Culture Commission in Fosston would like to invite you to display and sell your art September 9-10th. This event will coincide with Heritage Days and Forged in Fosston. All three organizations will be cross-promoting events to increase reach and awareness. Different this year... all artists will be housed together in one indoor location on Hwy 2 to provide optimal exposure to all those participating. The location will be clearly marked with several outdoor flags during the event days.
Current plans are as follows:
Friday, September 9th: 11am-2pm setup, 2pm-5:30pm OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Saturday, September 10th: 9am-3pm OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. 3pm-5pm takedown.
Allotted space per artist will be approximately 10x10.
You will be responsible for bringing any items you’ll need, including table, chairs, etc.
Water and snacks will be provided.
There is no charge to participate.
If you are interested in participating, please let Heidi Danos know by end-of-day on August 5. If you know other talented artists who may wish to participate please feel free to share this information. Reach out to Heidi with questions and to sign up at heididanos@gmail.com or 818.325.5053.
Upcoming Exhibit: dynamic voices: a collection of work by women artists of nw minnesota
Stay tuned for our upcoming exhibit — dynamic voices: a collection of work by women artists of nw minnesota at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River. The exhibit will open from August 8 to September 28. More information to come!
SCENE, the Building Block of Story Workshop
Writing Workshop: Scene: The Building Block of Story with instructor Candace Simar
When: Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 9 AM to 12 Noon
Where: Jack Pines Resort, 53014 State Highway 34, Osage MN 56570
(located 9 miles west of Park Rapids MN [1 mile west of Osage MN])
Cost is $60
*Masks are optional unless the COVID situation worsens
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Instructor: Candace Simar
Candace Simar lives in Pequot Lakes and began her writing career after attending a Jackpine Writers' Bloc workshop in 1999. Candace writes historical fiction. Her work has since received awards from the Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Western Fictioneers, The Will Rogers Medallion, the Laura Awards for Short Fiction, The Writer's Digest, The Midwest Book Awards, Brainerd Writer's Alliance, The League of MN Poets, The Lake Region Writers, and other regional awards. Learn more about her work at www.candacesimar.com.
Course: Scene, the Building Block of Story
Attempting to write a longer writing project is daunting. Did you know that most novels contain 35 to 100 scenes? If you can write one scene, you can write as many as you need to finish your book. This class investigates ways to create vivid scenes that move your story forward to the end and keep your readers reading.
This Writers' Workshop will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Jack Pines Resort, 53014 State Highway 34, Osage, MN 56570 from 9 A.M. to 12 Noon. The Workshop cost includes lunch at noon. There will be a Book Release Party from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. There is no charge to attend the Book Release Party.
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YOU MUST PREREGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP. Please email Sharon Harris at sharrick1@wcta.net to sign up. Call 218-732-3782 with any questions. Be sure to include your name and mailing address, phone number, and email address. Make your $60 check out to Jackpine Writers' Bloc and mail it to: Sharon Harris, 13320 149th Ave, Menahga MN 56464. The sign-on information will be sent to you before the workshop.
The workshop will be limited to the first 35 participants and then names will be put on a waiting list.
Need a Head Shot or Photos of Work Samples? We’ve got you covered!
We now offer a photography room for artists to create work sample shots at no cost at our office space in Warren. The photography room will also offer amateur headshots, photography of instruments and samples of art pieces, as well as live recording shots. This is a wonderful opportunity for artists and creatives in our region.
You must make an appointment for this free service. Contact our office assistant Brittany at nwartscouncil.assistant@gmail.com with questions and to make an appointment.
July Newsletter
Read about what’s happening in NW Minnesota Arts — Events, Exhibits, Grants, Calls for Art, Opportunities, and More in July’s newsletter. You can also download a copy.
Innovate Grants for Artists + Photographers Apply Now
☀️ $550.00 Innovate Grants for Artists + Photographers
Applications close 15 September 2022
SUMMER 2022 OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS — Innovate Grant awards (2) $550.00 grants each quarter, to one Visual Artist and one Photographer. In addition, (4) honorable mentions (2 in art and 2 in photo), will be featured and recognized on their website and join a growing community of vibrant and talented artists. Innovate Grant's commitment extends beyond the grant cycle by promoting the work of selected winners and honorable mentions into the future. For more information and to apply visit https://innovateartistgrants.org
Innovate Grant supports artists and photographers through quarterly grants.
How to Apply: Visual Artists and Photographers 18 years and older, from all around the world, are eligible to apply. All media and genres are accepted. All applicants retain the right to the work they submit. Apply today at https://innovateartistgrants.org
Explore the work of All Past Innovate Grant recipients and read their interviews at https://innovateartistgrants.org
Category: Multiple disciplines and genres accepted
Deadline: September 15, 2022
Region: US & International
Awards: $550.00 USD Grants
Artist Reception with Debbie Aune
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls
Artist Reception Wednesday, June 22 from 4 to 6 pm
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce an artist reception for our exhibit -- Nature’s Offerings: An Art Exhibit Featuring Works by Debbie Dahl Aune and Other NW Minnesota Artists. The exhibit is open from May 25 to August 1 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
Please join us for a free reception to meet with Artist Debbie Dahl Aune and see the exhibit. Refreshments will be served!
Nature’s Offerings is a broad concept. Everything we need as human beings has been provided by Nature -- food, water, shelter, medicine, and every material object we have ever created or will ever create as human beings. Nature delivers natural cycles of the year, warmth and coolness, fire and water, oceans and rivers, and the air we breathe. 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.
According to featured Artist Debbie Dahl Aune, “My daily dose of nature consists of a good, long walk. If you ask me, getting outside coupled with a walk is the very best medicine for aches, a sour mood, general well-being and health. There is one, even more exhilarating activity besides walking that takes us outdoors; painting en plein air. En plein air, a French phrase that means “in the open air,” describes the process of painting outdoors. No exercise or procedure will loosen up the brushstroke more than painting in the present, at the moment, and on site. Knowing the light is going to change, those shapes, values and colors better get laid down quick! No time for fussy, unnecessary details. Warm sunshine, exquisite bird songs and flowers make the experience that much more divine. Periodically, a mischievous gust of wind will topple my easel, but that just comes with the territory.
Aune went on to explain that her pieces in this exhibit “consist mostly of watercolor paintings about berry picking in the Beltrami Forest with family and friends. Several paintings were initiated on site and then finished in my studio. My uncle Melvin Hesse, Aunt Peggy and friend Betty Amiot are the senior members of our berry picking family. My Mom, Dad and Uncle Raymond aren’t far behind when there’s talk of a blueberry picnic. Several other family members can be found sprinkled about my blueberry compositions. Bring on the bug spray, hats, and pickles. And dear Lord, I hope there are blueberries this year!”
Aune lives in Gatzke and teaches art at Greenbush-Middle River Public School. She has exhibited her artwork in many exhibits in our region, including several solo shows. She has received numerous awards for her artwork at NW Minnesota Arts Council Exhibits. She has also been awarded many grants for her art, as well.
You won’t want to miss this exhibit! We can’t wait to see you at the free Artist Reception with Debbie and others on Wednesday, June 22 from 4 to 6 pm at the gallery.
Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends.
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door A. Visitor parking is free.
You can also join us for an online discussion with Debbie Dahl Aune on Friday, June 24 at noon. You can watch this Artist Spotlight on Facebook Live or YouTube Live. Visit 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. Reach out to us with questions.
If you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Godel Memorial Library in Warren
Traveling Art Exhibit Tours NW Minnesota Region
Visits Godel Memorial Library in Warren
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 Godel Memorial Library in Warren until August 8. Please stop by to see these works of art. 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 or our other exhibits call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
May Newsletter
Read about what’s happening in NW Minnesota Arts — Events, Exhibits, Grants, Calls for Art, Opportunities, and More! View the newsletter or download a copy.
Nature’s Offerings: An Art Exhibit featuring Debbie Dahl Aune’s Watercolors & Works by Others
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our exhibit -- Nature’s Offerings: An Art Exhibit Featuring Works by Debbie Dahl Aune and Other NW Minnesota Artists. The exhibit is open from May 25 to August 1 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
Nature’s Offerings is a broad concept. Everything we need as human beings has been provided by Nature -- food, water, shelter, medicine, and every material object we have ever created or will ever create as human beings. Nature delivers natural cycles of the year, warmth and coolness, fire and water, oceans and rivers, and the air we breathe. 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.
According to featured Artist Debbie Dahl Aune, “My daily dose of nature consists of a good, long walk. If you ask me, getting outside coupled with a walk is the very best medicine for aches, a sour mood, general well-being and health. There is one, even more exhilarating activity besides walking that takes us outdoors; painting en plein air. En plein air, a French phrase that means “in the open air,” describes the process of painting outdoors. No exercise or procedure will loosen up the brushstroke more than painting in the present, at the moment, and on site. Knowing the light is going to change, those shapes, values and colors better get laid down quick! No time for fussy, unnecessary details. Warm sunshine, exquisite bird songs and flowers make the experience that much more divine. Periodically, a mischievous gust of wind will topple my easel, but that just comes with the territory.
Aune went on to explain that her pieces in this exhibit “consist mostly of watercolor paintings about berry picking in the Beltrami Forest with family and friends. Several paintings were initiated on site and then finished in my studio. My uncle Melvin Hesse, Aunt Peggy and friend Betty Amiot are the senior members of our berry picking family. My Mom, Dad and Uncle Raymond aren’t far behind when there’s talk of a blueberry picnic. Several other family members can be found sprinkled about my blueberry compositions. Bring on the bug spray, hats, and pickles. And dear Lord, I hope there are blueberries this year!”
Aune lives in Gatzke and teaches art at Greenbush-Middle River Public School. She has exhibited her artwork in many exhibits in our region, including several solo shows. She has received numerous awards for her artwork at NW Minnesota Arts Council Exhibits. She has also been awarded many grants for her art, as well.
A workshop for the public was held to help create pieces for the exhibit.
Trey Everett shared, "I loved watching participants in the workshop create using objects found in nature. From rocks to branches. leaves to roots, antlers to leather, clay to shells... some fun and powerful pieces of artwork emerged."
Artists in addition to Aune include CL Nelson of Hallock, Mara Hanel of Warren, Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla, Sherri Kukowski of Badger, Mary Ann Laxen of East Grand Forks, Cindy Kolling of Gully, Kristin Eggerling of Hallock, Ross Hier of Crookston, and Badger students Noah G, Kaitlyn Gust, Cale Lindland, and Peyton Lee.
You won’t want to miss this exhibit! Please join us for a free Artist Reception with Debbie and others on Wednesday, June 22 from 4 to 6 pm at the gallery. Refreshments will be served.
Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends.
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door A. Visitor parking is free.
Please join us for an online discussion with Debbie Dahl Aune on Tuesday, June 21 at 4 pm. You can watch this Artist Spotlight on Facebook Live or YouTube Live. Visit 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. Reach out to us with questions.
If you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.
Area Community Theater of Thief River Falls Announces Season
Thief River Falls Area Community Theater Announces Season
The Area Community Theater of Thief River Falls has announced casts and its schedule of shows for summer 2022. This is the A.C.T.’s 27th continuous season of summer theater on stage at Northland Community and Technical College. According to Executive Director Jane Anderson, “We’ve persevered through the COVID pandemic, keeping our actors and audiences in mind throughout this unusual and difficult time. We’ve continued to produce our weekly radio show on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. on Pioneer 90.1 FM. We even sneaked in a small-cast comedy last November between waves of COVID. During the summer of 2021, we staged two youth programs with limited audiences, while also streaming those shows online. We are proud of our resistance and the ability to create under the circumstances, but we are beyond delighted to be back on stage in front of full-capacity, live audiences this summer. We’ve selected three blockbuster shows that audiences and actors have been begging for—now is the time!”
The summer season will open on June 14 when Nunsensations! The Vegas Revue by Dan Goggin opens for a four-day run. Directing Nunsensations! is Jane Anderson, with Lisa Swanson, Leah Wattenphul, Rene Mooney, Kristal Kozicki, Ginger Kirkeby and Carl Dahlberg in the cast. Brianna Geer accompanies. Join the Little Sisters of Hoboken as they navigate their way around Sin City with singing, dancing and loads of laughs. Performances run each evening from June 14-17.
Next up in the summer line-up is Annie KIDS. This is an all-children’s version of the class beloved show about America’s favorite orphan. Our cast includes Karmyn Augustine as Annie; Kora Fuhrer, Lilly Bregier, Ophelia Mooney, Janaya Albers, Jaelynn Artmann, Olivia Sterry as the Orphans, Zoey Taggatz as Miss Hannigan, Rhesa Wattenphul as Grace Farrel, Sam Barth as Rooster, Cambry Carr as Lily, Braxton Eidelbes as Daddy Warbucks, Clarice St. Germain as Sandy and an orphan, Chava Wattenphul as Bundles, Lainey Boman as an Apple Seller and Star-to-Be, Zachary Ostercamp at Lt. Ward, Michael Dehaan as President Roosevelt, Isabel Kainz as Usherette and orphan, Joey Michalke and Josie Artmann as members of the ensemble playing multiple parts. There is room for a few more cast members for Annie KIDS. Contact Jane Anderson at trfact56701@gmail for more information.
Annie KIDS will run June 28-30.
The final show of the 2022 summer season is Beauty & the Beast Jr. This features an all-teen cast, which includes Alainna Lunsetter as Belle, Odin Mooney as the Beast, Logan Ballard as Maurice, Levi German as Gaston, Luquis Moser at Lefou, Olivia Wojahn as Lumiere, Liam Stavos as Cogsworth, Javyn Eidelbes as Mrs. Potts, Sadie Johnson at Babette, Andraya Bakken as Madame Wardrobe, and Wyatt Novak as Chip. The ensemble for Beauty & the Beastincludes Emma Westerman, Amellia Ballard, Aiden Eidelbes, Alyssa Foster, Annabelle Simoneau, Madelyn David, Alannah Fitzgerald, Karena Bakken, Riley Poppitz, Akilah Grahn, Hailee Eidelbes, Olivia Mooney, Anita Foster, Amelie Heaton, Madison Poissant and Danielle German.
Beauty & the Beast Jr. will run July 27-29.
All performances begin at 7 p.m. at the NCTC Theater.
Tickets are on sale at Hope Pediatrics in Thief River Falls during business hours. You may also purchase tickets online through www.trfact.org, and at the door on nights of the performances.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council and the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
