Arts News
Artist Spotlight with Bert Foster January 23
Watch the recording of our online discussion with Thief River Falls Photographer Bert Foster on January 23. The artwork of Bert and his wife Christine Foster is featured in our exhibit — Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through March 3. We talked about the exhibit, Bert’s background and photography, insight into creativity and inspiration, and much more! The discussion was live on our Facebook page and YouTube Live (and you can still find it there). You can also view it here: https://youtu.be/WHHi9r23Y8U.
You can view Christine’s Artist Spotlight here: https://youtu.be/JbZA18Mld88
For questions about Bert’s photography or to purchase any of his photographs, reach out to him at fosterbert1987@gmail.com.
North Country Fiddle and Dance New Year Dance January 28 Open to Everyone!
North Country Fiddle and Dance
“New Year Dance”
Saturday, January 28
7:30 to 10:00 pm
live music with Four Mile Portage of Duluth
Callers: Tom Maloney, Brandy Forsman and Jeanne O'Neil
East Grand Forks Senior Center 538 Rhinehart Dr. S.E.
East Grand Forks
All ages -singles, couples, families
Reels, squares, circle mixers and more...
all dances are taught and easy to learn!
Donations at the door
Campbell Library in East Grand Forks offers arts programming
The Campbell Library in East Grand Forks regularly offers new and exciting programming. January programming includes:
The library will be starting a new Sensory Storytime with Miss Andrea on January 11th @ 10am. This activity helps engage the 5 senses while the group reads stories and sings songs.
UND Chemistry Club will be hosting a Children's Chemistry Day on January 22nd @ 2p, exploring the science of polymerization and creating a bowl of gelatinous worms'.
A photo & video workshop will be held on Thursday, January 26th from 5:30p-6:30p with special guest speaker Robert Benda, videographer from the UND Marketing & Creative Services Department. Learn basic techniques--camera settings, lighting, photo and video editing--and how you can apply them in your work, hobbies, and social media. Q&A session will tackle specific questions you have about your camera or projects.
These are just a few of the events and activities that will be coming to the library this month. If you have any questions about an upcoming event or program, feel free to contact Robyn Johnson Benda at the library or call the library front desk at 218-773-9121.
Call for Entries for the 2023 Annual Art Exhibit — Submit your artwork now!
The NWMAC is Calling for Entries for the
2023 Annual Art Exhibit.
The deadline to submit your artwork is
February 28, 2023!
This year, the annual Art Exhibit will be in Middle River at the Legacy Center in March and April. Adult artwork will be dropped off starting on Monday, March 6 and student artwork later that month. More information will be announced soon.
Artists from our 7 county- service region can enter into this art exhibit and will be competing for $2,300 in cash awards. Artists must reside in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, or Red Lake counties to be eligible. Both adult and student artists are encouraged to enter. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by a qualified juror. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception at the Middle River Legacy Center on Sunday, April 30. Artists are welcome to have their work in the exhibit available for sale.
See https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/nwmnartsexhibit-apply for more information, including the exhibit entry rules and directions. If you would like the application mailed to you, please contact our office 218-745-8886 or director@nwartscouncil.org. The application must be submitted no later than February 28, 2023.
Minnesota Playwrights’ Center Opportunities for Writers, Fellowships, Theater Artists, Artist Statements, Digital Work Samples
Here are some of the resources offered or administered by the the Minnesota Playwrights’ Center. Reach out to Julia Brown (she/her/hers), Artistic Programs Manager, with questions at Playwrights’ Center, www.pwcenter.org | 612-332-7481 x.1115, 2301 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting application deadline January 12, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. CT
For Minnesota playwrights with some professional experience. Benefits include at $25,000 stipend, $2,500 in development funds, and $1,400 in travel funds.
Core Writer Program application deadline January 19, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. CT
Open to playwrights throughout the country. Selected writers receive three years of development and career support.
Working Session: Artist Statements on Zoom, January 23, 2023 6-7:30 p.m. CT
A free online work session about creating effective artist statements. Presented in partnership with Springboard for the Arts and lead by Alison Bergblom Johnson.
Working Session: Digital Work Sampleson Zoom, February 13, 2023 6-7:30 p.m. CT
A free online work session for theater artists about putting together digital work samples. Presented in partnership with Springboard for the Arts and lead by Aaron Fiskradatz and Abbee Warmboe.
McKnight Theater Artist Fellowshipapplication deadline March 30, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. CT
For Minnesota theater artists other than playwrights (i.e. actors, directors, designers, stage managers, etc). Selected fellows receive a $25,000 stipend and the opportunity to develop a new project.
Nominate Area Artists or Arts Advocates for an Of the Year Award
Nominate Area Artists or Arts Advocates for an Of the Year Award
It’s that time of the year …
Of the Year Award Nominations Accepted Until
February 28
Nominate one of the many deserving artists or arts advocates in our region for Artist of the Year, Arts Advocate of the Year, or the once in a lifetime NW Star Award!
Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Often people serve in both roles. Nominations are due on the last day of February each year.
The Northwest Star Award is a lifetime achievement award. This award is for $5,000 and can be a wonderful gift to those who have chosen a hard career path related to artistic expression. Artists can only receive this award once.
Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500 to use however they see fit.
Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and honors someone who keeps being a voice and advocate for arts within the community or local school or the region. Arts includes all disciplines.
An ELIGIBLE NOMINATION must include one completed nomination form, narrative on merit, letters supporting the nomination, a copy of the nominee’s resume or detailed qualifications, five work samples if artist, and be received by the last day of February. Only residents of the Minnesota counties Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau are eligible for these $500 awards. We also give a large Northwest Star Artist award. The first step is to nominate the person for Northwest Artist. One person will be selected to receive a $5,000 cash award from the pool of candidates and receive our Northwest Star recognition. This person must be beyond an emerging or student status to be considered. This truly is a once in a lifetime award. Additional criteria apply so please contact our office for more information if you feel your nominee will be considered 218-745-8886.
RESTRICTIONS: Each award can be received only once in a lifetime. Nominations will not be carried over from year to year. Previous nominees must be re-nominated each year. It is the policy of NWMAC that nominees will not be notified of their nomination unless they are chosen to receive an Award.
* * * * * * * *
Please consider nominating someone who you view as a deserving candidate from our seven-county service area in northwestern Minnesota. Questions? Contact our office at (218) 745-8886 or email director@NWArtsCouncil.org for more information. The nomination form is here. Curious who has received these awards in the past? Find out here.
Awards are presented at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Exhibit reception. 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.
CANCELED —Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP) has upcoming training scheduled Apply until January 11!
Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP) Training Will Be Held January-February 2023
Apply by January 11
What is being offered?
This is a series of 7 training sessions on professionally marketing and teaching your art form to students. Sessions include business skills on lesson plans, artistic statements, web listing, mock grant application on sponsoring you, mock press release on yourself.
Who should apply?
Area creatives interested in earning income by working within our local schools and festivals as an artist in residency.
Who will facilitate the training?
Jane Anderson of Thief River Falls again has agreed to serve as our consultant. Jane has led four cohorts in the past and does a great job. She’s also lots of fun.
When and Where will this be held?
Online for six Thursdays in 2023 from January 19 until February 23 from 6-9 PM on Zoom. Training ends on Saturday, February 25, 2023 in person in Warren from 10 AM - 4 PM.
What is the result?
In addition to honing your teaching skills, you will join our Teaching Artist Roster list on our website where schools and festivals go to select who they would like to sponsor with our grant funds. This is a wonderful opportunity to receive training for free! Being selected into the TARP cohort is the equivalent of receiving a $500 grant award.
How Do I Apply?
Log into our grants systems via the Grant Login button in the top righthand corner of our website. You will apply through that system.
Questions?
Reach out to our director, Mara Hanel at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or 218-745-8886.
December Newsletter 2022
Read about the latest in regional arts opportunities, including exhibits, grants, announcements, events, trainings, workshops, calls for art, and more in our December newsletter.
Artist-in-Residence Apply Now
McCanna House ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM through ND Museum of Art
Consider applying for the North Dakota Museum of Art McCanna House Artist-in-Residence Program. This retreat consists of a 1920’s farmhouse and large outlying steel building in the midst of the thriving farmland of the Red River Valley of Eastern North Dakota.
While the residency affords no dedicated media specific facilities at this time, the open mutable space of the house, barn and grounds affords opportunity for the creation of work in many scales. The powerfully vast physical space of the Great Plains allows the imagination to run wild, with the close proximity to large scale agriculture drawing one into the cycles of growth and harvest. Out of this open horizon emerges a peace and presence of mind uniquely conducive to creativity and artistic shift.
The solo residency consists of 2-4 week blocks throughout the operating year. Winter dictates that the house is open from June 1st to the end of September.
While there are no expectations for the artist to complete work during the residency, artists are asked to use their time wisely, and be aware of the transformative potential of time spent there. Artists will not be asked to teach classes, or give public lectures as a requirement of the residency.
Visit the NDMOA’s website for more info: https://ndmoa.com/artist-residency/
Join us for Tending the Creative Soul Dec 14 SPACE in Artwork
Please join us for our next Tending the Creative Soul where we will be exploring SPACE in artwork. Space is one of the most important elements in art.
Wednesday, December 14 from 5 to 6PM via Zoom
What is space in art and how do we work with it?
If you aren’t on our Tending the Creative Soul list, reach out to Trey for a Zoom link. We hope to see you there!
Find Accessible Arts Activities and/or Promote Your Accessible Arts Activities
Minnesota arts & cultural organizations offering accessible programs and services are welcome to list events on the Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar. An account is required; register today or log in to submit events. New accounts need to be approved by the Minnesota Access Alliance board before you’ll be able to submit events. Please allow 48 hours for your registration to be approved.
The Minnesota Access Alliance (MNAA) provides this Accessible Arts & Culture Calendar for patrons who use accessibility accommodations. At the their website you’ll find listings of (in order):
* Captioning,
* ASL interpreting,
* Audio Description,
* Sensory-friendly accommodations, and
* Disability-related events.
Each listing links to more details on MNAA’s online calendar (https://calendar.mnaccess.org). Be sure to check the listing or venue to find out its COVID-19 protocol and if you need to make an advance reservation for the accessibility service.
Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar is here: https://calendar.mnaccess.org
If you previously had an account to submit events to VSA Minnesota’s Accessible Art Activities Calendar, your credentials for that calendar are still valid here.
All submitted events are reviewed by the MNAA board before being published to the calendar. Please allow 48 hours for your submission to be approved.
This calendar only lists events that provide explicit accommodations for people with disabilities. Information about the accessibility of the event location and provided accommodations is a requirement in order to be listed.
To submit events and register start at this page: https://calendar.mnaccess.org/calendar/submit/
If you know of other accessible events, please ask those venues to submit their events to the MNAA Calendar (and to MinnesotaPlaylist.com).
Anyone can get this monthly calendar: email mactfactor@icloud.com and/or info@mnaccess.org and indicate which list you want: the entire list or specifically ASL Interpreting, Captioning, Audio Description, Sensory Friendly accommodations or Disability-related topics.
Perpich Arts High School Accepting Applications until Feb 1
Perpich Arts High School is accepting applications until February 1
Perpich is a public, residential-optional, tuition-free high school for MN students in 11th and 12th grade. They are a unique public school created by the MN Legislature in 1985 and opened in 1989 to provide an in-depth art curriculum for students from across the state. Students study state required academics in the morning, then spend the afternoon in one of seven art concentrations:
Dance, Literary Arts (creative writing), Media Arts (photography and cinema), Music, Musical Theater, Theater, and Visual Arts.
Learn more: https://perpich.mn.gov/arts-high-school/
"Inspire people to believe in themselves and they will accomplish extraordinary things." - Gov. Rudy Perpich
Minnesota State Arts Board’s Operating Support Grant Program
Minnesota State Arts Board launches
FY 2024 Operating Support grant program
Application materials and online application forms are now available for the FY 2024 Operating Support grant program. Applications must be received before 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023.
Operating Support provides general support to high quality, established arts organizations that produce, present, or exhibit works of art; to organizations that provide a broad range of services to practicing artists; and to community arts schools and conservatories that make arts learning available to Minnesotans of all ages and abilities.
More detailed and specific requirements for this program are described in the FY 2024 Operating Support Program Overview and Application Instructions document posted on the Arts Board website: http://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/operating-support.htm
All applicants are encouraged to carefully review the FY 2024 Operating Support Program Overview and Application Instructions, and pay particular attention to the program's eligibility requirements, before beginning an application.
For questions about the program, eligibility, or application requirements, please contact:
Sue Gens
(651) 539-2658; toll-free (800) 866-2787
Sue.Gens@arts.state.mn.us
For accessibility inquiries and accommodation requests contact:
Annick Dall-Desbois, outreach and accessibility coordinator
(651) 539-2651; toll-free (800) 866-2787 Minnesota Relay 711
Annick.Dall-Desbois@arts.state.mn.us
Traveling Art Exhibit is at Ada Public Library
Traveling Art Exhibit Tours NW Minnesota Region
Visits Ada 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 Ada Public Library until mid-January 2023. 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.
Playwrights’ Center Programs Applications Open
PLAYWRIGHTS’ CENTER PROGRAMS
In partnership with the McKnight and Jerome Foundations, the Playwrights’ Center provides more than $400,000 each year to playwrights and theater artists in the United States. In addition, they continue breaking ground with playwright-centric development processes, bold theater partnerships, and online and onsite resources serving 2,300 member playwrights worldwide. Their programs for playwrights and other theater artists, including deadlines are below.
For playwrights:
-The Many Voices Mentorship supports specifically BIPOC artists from Minnesota who are new to playwriting. (deadline December 1)
-The McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting supports mid-career/established Minnesota-based playwrights (deadline December 15)
For other theater artists:
-The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship supports mid-career Minnesota-based theater artists other than playwrights (while the deadline for this program is March 30, 2023, it is helpful to submit an intent to apply as soon as possible.)
-The Core Writer Program supports professional playwrights from anywhere in the US for three years, including development support and career resources (deadline January 19)
Reach out to Julia Brown (she/her/hers), Artistic Programs Manager, for more information at juliab@pwcenter.org.
Playwrights’ Centerwww.pwcenter.org | 612-332-7481 x.11152301 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
November Newsletter
Read about the latest in regional arts opportunities, including exhibits, grants, announcements, events, trainings, workshops, calls for art, and more!
Springboard’s With Us: Artists with Disabilities on Empowerment Nov 22
With Us: Artists with Disabilities Panel Series with David Fallon, Minda Mae & Alison Bergblom Johnson
Coming up on Tuesday, November 22, Springboard for the Arts is excited to welcome the start of the With Us panel series, where disabled artists will hold space for each other, share tips and practices, and embody the informal motto of the disability rights movement, “Nothing about us, without us.”
This panel series is space for artists with disabilities:
+ at any career level+ who practice with supports, such as…— within an organization that supports artists with disabilities— with services such as a PCA or ARMHS worker— within a Community Support Program— or any other needed supports+ who practice independently without formal supports+ who partner with mainstream arts organizations+ who are public about their disability+ who are quiet about itLed by artists and organizers Alison Bergblom Johnson, Minda Mae, and David Fallon, this event is open to all and closed captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided. Sign up to attend below!
Learn more and register at https://springboardforthearts.org/events/with-us-artists-with-disabilities-on-empowerment/
Springboard for the Arts Ask Me Anything Zoom meeting Nov 21
NEW AMA conversation with Bethany Lacktorin and Dominic Facio
Monday, November 21 join performance artist, organizer, media producer, and musician, Bethany Lacktorin, and multidisciplinary artist, and “fun facilitator” Dominic Facio for a conversation on pushing the bounds of what’s possible in an artistic career! This conversation is open to all and will be held via Zoom, sign up at the “Events” link in Springboard’s bio.
Bethany Lacktorin (she/her) is a performance artist, organizer, media producer and musician. Her practice revolves around issues and meanings surrounding identity, displacement and our connection through land, place and shared experiences. Currently based in rural Minnesota, she is Board Chair of Crow River Players and New London Arts Alliance, Program Director of @littletheatreauditorium in New London, serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of New London Food Co-op, and is graphic designer and producer for her local newspaper, Lakes Area Review. Learn more at bethanylacktorin.org.
Dominic Facio (he/they) is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on subculture, and challenges the status quo and provokes curiosity. Dominic has been creating since the mid-2000s, beginning with makeup design and photography, expanding to wearable art and, what they’ve become known for today, unique inclusive live production experiences with immersive ethereal aesthetics. As Springboard’s Rural Program Coordinator, Dominic is eager to help artists find what they need and assist with the many programs that Springboard has to offer. Read more about Dominic on Creative Exchange.
Sign up to attend on Springboard for the Arts website at https://springboardforthearts.org/events/ask-me-anything-pushing-the-boundaries-of-the-possible/.
WAO School is seeking artists to teach mini classes on December 20
The Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District is looking for artists to come into their K-5 classrooms to teach mini-Christmas classes on the afternoon of December 20. Examples include, but aren’t limited to, making musical instruments, tree ornaments or other Christmas decorations, singing, theater, game playing or more. Contact Samantha Sellers at 218-745-4441 with questions and for details.
Call for Student Art: Art Inspired by Art
Call for Student Art
for an exhibition
Art Inspired by Art
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is announcing a call for student art in the NW Minnesota region. This exhibit is titled Art Inspired by Art and will feature visual art, writing, and music. Consider submitting illustration, watercolor, acrylics, 3-D works of clay, ceramics, or other 3-D mediums. Written works, such as music lyrics and poetry, along with recorded music will also be considered.
Include a description of the art your work is based on, along with your thought process.
Example of lyrics inspired by a famous piece of literature…
Song: “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by the Beatles
Inspired by: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Popular Lyric:
"Picture yourself in a boat on a river/With tangerine trees and marmalade skies/Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly/A girl with kaleidoscope eyes.”
Submissions Due May 19, 2023
Art Inspired by Art will be open June-July
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
Thief River Falls.
Contact Trey Everett at the NWMAC for details. https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/
218-745-8886