Arts News
Fertile is looking for artists to provide after school programming or residency
The Fertile-Beltrami School ISD#599 is looking for artists to provide arts programming for upper elementary school students for after school programming. Think of this as an after school artist residency! This might be for 1-2 weeks and could be grade level specific).
Please reach out to Brian Clarke at bclarke@isd599.org.
Tending the Creative Soul March 8 — Calligrams
Our next Tending the Creative Soul is Wednesday March 8 from 5 to 6pm. We will be working with calligrams. Calligrams are images that are made with words or simply have words within them. They can be used in all sorts of art projects, classroom activities with students, and personal inspirational artwork.
Watch the video of this session here: https://youtu.be/m-tBYTf9gdo
We will be creating our own calligrams so bring paper and markers or something to write with.
Join Trey and other area creatives on March 8 from 5:00-6:00 via Zoom. If you don’t have the Zoom invite, reach out to Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com.
North Country Fiddle & Dance Events Feb 26 and March 18
North Country Fiddle & Dance has 2 upcoming events in February and March. Both are free to attend!
February 26 from 1 to 3 PM in Warren
Marshall County Historical Society , in collaboration with North Country Fiddle and Dance, is hosting an afternoon Community Dance at Settler's Square, 808 E. Johnson Ave. in. Warren. This community dance is from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. It features live music by O'Neil Family Band.
Donations at the door
All are welcome!
Saturday, March 18 from 7:30 to 10 pm in East Grand Forks
North Country Fiddle and Dance will be hosting a St. Patrick's Day Dance from 7:30 to 10:00 pm.
Live music with O'Neil Family Band
Caller: Shawn Glidden of St.Paul MN
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
To learn more find them online at northcountrydance.org.
February Newsletter
Read our February 2023 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more! Read here: https://conta.cc/3YCLd0c.
Arts Action Week is March 20-24. Register today!
Attend MCA's Arts Action Week from March 20-24th. We know you care deeply about the arts and state arts funding, now is your chance to talk directly to your state legislators about the importance of the arts to your community, district and the state.
SCHEDULE
MARCH 20th ONLINE
10:00 a.m. VIA ZOOM
Opening Rally webinar to learn the “Message of the Day,” celebrate arts supportive legislators and hear from other special guests.
10:30 a.m.
Facts and figures to make your case.
10:40 a.m.
First time advocate training
MARCH 20th – 24th ONLINE
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. VIA ZOOM
Legislative Zoom calls as scheduled
MARCH 21st IN-PERSON
2:30 p.m.
NEW THIS YEAR!!
RALLY AT THE CAPITOL!
Rally for arts funding and hear from legislative leaders.
JOIN US FOR A HYBRID ARTS ACTION WEEK.
Sign-Up to attend the in-person rally on March 21st and to receive links for the opening rally and legislator meetings.
JOIN ADVOCATES ACROSS MINNESOTA TO RALLY FOR THE ARTS!
Minnesota’s premiere arts gathering will be going hybrid this year! You are needed to help “rally the troupes,” recognize this community’s resilience, and make our voice heard at the State Capitol and advocate for arts Legacy/General funds and our $100+ million bill for the arts.
With your action—in-person and as part of Zoom calls with legislators—we can help legislators understand the importance of the arts to guarantee funding at this critical time. There are multiple ways to advocate from letter writing and legislative Zoom Meetings to an in-person rally on MARCH 21st at 2:30.
MCA is a recognized national leader is arts advocacy. Arts Action Week helps to preserve our Legacy Amendment and state grant funds.
Attend Arts Advocacy Day and help protect the arts funding you love.
PRE-REGISTER BY MARCH 13th AT ARTSMN.ORG
Tending the Creative Soul — Join us for a discussion of future Creative Souls February 8
Hello Artists! Your input is requested.
Join us on Wednesday, February 8 from 5 to 6 pm via zoom or email Trey with your ideas.
Tending the Creative Soul is transforming. Trey would love to hear your ideas for TCS in 2023.
Would you like TCS to meet at a different time? Evenings, mornings, weekends, midnight?
In-person gatherings instead of/along with Zoom gatherings?
What locations would you recommend for in-person gatherings?
Would you be open to hosting occasionally either in person or Zoom?
What length of time seems good to you?
What topics are you interested in?
What topics have you appreciated in the past?
Special guests?
Multiple Zoom or in-person gatherings to choose from each month?
Other thoughts?
For our next TCS, Wednesday, February 8 from 5PM to 6PM, we will be discussing the future of TCS. If you can't make it to our Zoom gathering this week please send Trey an email with your thoughts at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com.
January Newsletter
Read about the latest in regional arts opportunities, including exhibits, grants, announcements, events, trainings, workshops, calls for art, and more in our January newsletter.
Traveling Exhibit Visits Red Lake Falls
Traveling Art Exhibit Tours NW Minnesota Region
Visits Red Lake Falls 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 Red Lake Falls Public Library until March 1st. 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.
Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera Exhibit at NWMAC Gallery is Open
Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera
An Exhibit Featuring the Artwork of
Christine Foster and Bert Foster
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls through Friday, March 3
Artist Reception Tuesday, January 31 from 6 to 8 pm
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera -- An Exhibit Featuring the Artwork of Christine Foster and Bert Foster. The exhibit is open through Friday, March 3 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
The exhibit is composed of paintings created by Christine Foster and photographs taken by Bert Foster. Christine Foster has a masterful way of painting light amid everyday life. With rural scenes from NW Minnesota, Christine Foster’s work feels like you’re back on the farm. Of the photography in the exhibit, Bert Foster explained, “This exhibit is comprised of photos taken over the past four years. All the places, people, and animals you see are in Minnesota. These images come from the North Shore of Lake Superior, the Itasca State Park area, the Park Rapids lakes area, and my own backyard outside of Thief River Falls –- some of my favorite places in our beautiful state. My selection of color and black and white images capture scenes that inspire me and will hopefully inspire those who view them.”
Bert is a long-time photographer. He said, “I have been taking photos for about as long as I can remember. I recall snapping my first pics at age 8 using my parents’ Kodak Instamatic. In middle school I bought my first camera, a Kodak that produced instant prints, like a Polaroid. In high school I got my first 35mm SLR camera, and it’s been on and on from there...
My favorite subject to photograph is Nature. I greatly enjoy camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. While I am experiencing beautiful and interesting places, I love to capture images of what I see. Through my photos I seek to portray Nature in a way that is both familiar and unique, engaging, and inspiring.”
Bert appreciates the photography workshops that he’s taken with the help of grants from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council. Through the workshops, he learned new skills and was inspired to try new things as an artist.
Christine Foster is a visual artist who enjoys seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. “When I discover that moment, I feel compelled to capture it. Capturing the light is essential! When I am in the process of creating, I feel timeless -- at one with my Creator and free. My favorite way of painting is plein air, where I paint outside directly at the site -- the sounds I hear, the weather I feel, and the sights and smells I experience all influence the artwork. Art is about the communication between the artwork, the Creator, and the artist, and the artwork, the Creator, and the observer. Art is not just the end-product itself. Art is an expression, an experience, and a communication.”
Christine specializes in drawing, oil, and watercolor. She has been a working artist for over 30 years. She graduated from Bethel College (University) with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Art Education and had the privilege of mentoring under Dale Johnson. Dale taught her vision, visual expression, and artistic inspiration. She then had the honor of being mentored by Joe Paquet, a nationally renowned artist, for 7 years. Joe taught her how to see, as well as how to capture value, light, atmosphere, and color. He also showed her how to find unity and connectedness in her painting.
You won’t want to miss this interesting exhibit!
Please join us for an Artist Reception with Christine and Bert on Tuesday, January 31 from 6 to 8 pm at the gallery.
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, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.
If you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 745-8886 or email NWArtsCouncil@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.
Upcoming Grant Deadlines March 1. Free Grant Writing Workshop February 14
Arts Grants Funding Available!
Upcoming Grant Deadlines
Free Grant Writing Workshop February 14
Apply Now
Applications are open for Project Grants for nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, and other nonprofit organizations from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Upcoming grants deadlines for these are 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 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. This is a great way to bring arts experiences to your community.
Free Grant Writing Session
February 14 at 11 am
We are offering a grant writing workshop online or in person to assist you with your application. You are welcome to come to our office in Warren for the workshop or to work on your grants in our new setting. RSVPs are required for grant writing sessions – please email director@nwartscouncil.org.
The session will be held Tuesday, February 14 at 11:00 am. You can also set up a time to work one-on-one with our director on the grant writing process.
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.
Also available on a first come-first served basis are 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.
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.
Artist Spotlight featuring Christine Foster January 20
Did you miss our online discussion with Thief River Falls Visual Artist Christine Foster on January 20? The artwork of Christine and her husband Bert 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, Christine’s background and her artwork, insight into creativity and inspiration, and much more! The discussion was live on our Facebook page and YouTube Live. The discussion with Christine is here: https://youtu.be/JbZA18Mld88
You can view the discussion with Bert here: https://youtu.be/WHHi9r23Y8U
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/