Arts News
Cathy Erickson receives NW Star Award
The NW Star Award is Given to Cathy Erickson
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to announce that Cathy Erickson of Middle River has received the Northwest Star Award. The award was presented to Erickson on Sunday, April 30 in Middle River at the Middle River Legacy Center during the NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception and Program.
Erickson is a well-known musician and radio show host in the area. She has been entertaining professionally in northwestern Minnesota and beyond, playing music for almost 50 years. Cathy plays the accordion, piano, organ, guitar, and vocals. She also hosts her own radio show Cathy’s Variety Show that airs every Monday night on the Northland Community and Technical radio station KSRQ Pioneer 90.1 FM. The live variety show consists of polkas, waltzes, classic country, bluegrass, gospel, and local artists. Additionally, she hosts two other live weekly radio shows – Country Church and Live from the Farm. In 2022, Cathy received the “Volunteer of the Year'' award from AMPERS, the Association of Minnesota Public and Educational Radio Stations, for the volunteer work she has done in broadcasting and in promoting 90.1 FM community radio and old-time music.
Cathy has a two-year degree from Northland Community College, majoring in music and journalism. She completed a broadcasting class in 2007 to learn how to operate the sound board while on the radio. She worked as a reporter for the Middle River Record and became editor of the hometown newspaper for some time. Cathy taught music for three years at St Bernard’s Catholic School in Thief River Falls. Cathy also acted in three Goose Festival Productions for the Middle River Community Theatre. She served as East Valley Township Supervisor for 25 years. She has been organist and song leader at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Middle River for 50 years and prior to that was organist at St. Ann’s in Goodridge.
Cathy has received grants from the NWMAC making it possible for her to purchase the necessary equipment to broadcast her radio show “live from the farm” and still take phone call requests, and to increase its hours and to also share her old-time music with residents in nursing homes or senior apartments.
Cathy reflected, “Polkas, waltzes, and variety music is still as exciting for me today as it was before the band began years ago. It is happy music that can make you laugh or cry.
I feel the time on the radio reaches out to a lot of shut-ins and elderly people who wait for my shows each week and call-in requests. Most of them I have never met, but I recognize their voices. Some have even called outside of radio time just to talk because they are lonesome. I have standing invitations to visit listeners in Alabama, Arkansas, Virginia, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Sharing the music of the piano and the accordion and the old-time music of polkas, waltzes, schottisches, and country music to residents of nursing homes, assisted living, senior apartments, and shut-ins and to my family and community has proven that music is therapy and is a very important part of a healthy living environment. I am still actively going to several nursing homes and senior apartments that include Thief River Falls, Warren, Greenbush, and a DAC in Ada.”
Cathy likes that you can express your feelings through music. She also appreciates the “joy that it brings on the receiving end of music. It makes people alert and feel good. You can see it on your audience. There is music for every mood. It can soothe and calm you. It’s for all ages.”
Cathy has advice for aspiring artists. “Don’t give up. It’s always good to visit with people who share the same interest as what you have. Share your emotions about art. Put in your time. It’s a process. Parents, keep encouraging your kids to be involved. Don’t let them give up too soon.”
According to Mark Johnson, “Cathy’s weekly variety show reaches over-the-air-listeners in 13 counties in Minnesota and North Dakota and is also heard worldwide through Pioneer 90.1’s web stream. Her shows draw a growing number of calls, emails, and donations from several states. Each of her radio shows features recordings from a variety of local musicians, which makes Cathy an advocate and promoter of local artists.
Her programs also help our nonprofit community radio station meet its fundraising goals. In addition to donations from listeners, Cathy has organized several live concerts to raise money. Cathy’s volunteer work has also brought Pioneer 90.1 several business underwriters who support the station with financial contributions.”
Jason Rominski has worked with Cathy and hired her to perform at county fairs and events. He explained, “Cathy has established herself as one of this area’s premier performers, and her audience continues to grow and support her at every event. Her professionalism and strong support of the arts through her performances are second to none.”
Cathy’s daughter and bandmate Mary Jo Sturman said, “Cathy's love for playing and sharing her music has been evident in everything she does. She is a talented and professional entrepreneur; a teacher; a mentor; and admired by all. My mother is an icon, a mentor, and truly my idol.”
Congratulations, Cathy!
The NW Star 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. 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.
Debbie Dahl Aune is Artist of the Year
Debbie Dahl Aune is Artist of the Year
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce that Debbie Dahl Aune of Gatzke is the Northwest Artist of the Year for Visual Arts. This award was presented on Sunday, April 30 at the Middle River Legacy Center.
Aune is a visual artist who works in many mediums. She is the Art Teacher at the Greenbush Middle River Public School, as well as the Greenbush Middle River Art Club Advisor, a frequent art project presenter at the Creativity Festival in Bemidji, and a community ed instructor. She has entered and placed often in the annual NW Minnesota Art Exhibit, receiving merit, second, first, and People’s Choice awards. Finally, Aune has exhibited her work in many NWMAC themed exhibits, including several solo shows. Last year Debbie was featured on a MPR (Minnesota Public Radio) segment and in a Prairie Mosaic video on Prairie Public Television.
Aune received a BS in Art Education from Bemidji State University and has taken graduate course work at several institutions, allowing her to study under many well-known artists.
Aune said “My biggest joy is watching children and adults find their inner artist.” When asked what she enjoys about creating art, she stated, “The personal side. The connection with the people, the place. Doing a piece for someone and they love it.”
Susan Hougen Lieberg explained, “Debbie's gift as an art teacher is that she is an artist, a true artist. She can find inspiration in anything, and she finds so much in her students. Just like her paintings invite viewers into the scenes she's created, she also invites her students into the creative process -- all the bumps and warts and making lemonade out of lemons. Almost magically, her students tap into themselves to create beautiful works of art: woodcuts, watercolors, sculptures, portraits, and more… Aune’s artwork delivers joy to so many.”
Greenbush Middle River Superintendent Larry Guggisberg shared, “During her nearly three decades as an art teacher, Debbie has single-handedly developed arts programs for the entire K-12 program in the GMR School District. Over the years, her experience at making contacts and savvy at securing funding for arts programs has been invaluable and has touched the lives of students. Without her successful efforts and dedication, our students would not receive the exposure to the Arts as they have. Mrs. Aune has kept Visual Arts in this northwest Minnesota school at the forefront.”
Finally, KayDell Super explained “The most important aspect of Deb’s artistic skills is her ability to spread the love of art to her students and everyone around her. Her enthusiasm for art, creative possibilities, and life in general radiates as soon as she steps in the room. During her tenure as art teacher, hundreds of students have been encouraged to pursue their love of art – and those that were unsure, left her program with the love of art in their hearts. Deb has not kept her talents to herself – her community has benefitted and been enriched with not only her final artistic works, but with her creative ideas and energy to improve the community with these ideas and leadership.”
Aune is passionate about painting outdoors. She explained, “I take care of my personal side with painting en plein air. A painter can go to an en plein air event. It doesn’t cost much. Join others. Get out there. You are outside. There is no better place to paint.”
She encourages everyone to give art a try. “Elementary is where you get the most bang for your buck. If you are in high school, take those art classes. There are workshops. Many are available for no cost. Don’t be scared to jump right in.”
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. Funding for the Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. 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.
Congratulations, Debbie Dahl Aune!
Springboard for the Arts Rural Regenerator Fellowship Applications Open Until June 20
Springboard for the Arts is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2023-25 Rural Regenerator Fellowship.
Rural places need leaders who know the importance of creativity and culture in cultivating human-centered systems for rural community health, economic vitality, and civic engagement. Expanding on over a decade of rural programming, Springboard's Rural Regenerator Fellowship supports these creative leaders in the Upper Midwest through unrestricted funding, and ongoing learning and exchange.
The Fellowship is open to individual artists, makers, and culture bearers, grassroots organizers, community development workers, public sector workers and other rural change makers who are committed to advancing the role of art, culture and creativity in rural development and community building.
About the Fellowship:
Fellows participate in two years of peer learning and exchange, and receive an unrestricted $10,000 stipend.
Eligible applicants must live and work in a rural place in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, or Nebraska and/or the Native Nations that share those geographies.
Applicants who are Black, Indigenous, Native, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, and/or People with disabilities will be prioritized in the selection process.
Apply by Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at:
https://springboardforthearts.org/rural-regenerator-fellowship/
Have questions before you apply? Attend the Fellowship info session on Friday, May 5 from 12:00-1:00pm Central Time via Zoom!
NW Art Exhibit + Awards
NW Art Exhibit Award Winners Announced
The Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit is open until April 30 at the Legacy Center in Middle River
Reception and Program on April 30 to Honor Exhibit & Of the Year Award Winners
Adult artists from our 7 county- service region (Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, and Red Lake Falls) entered 60 pieces of art, including photography, sculpture, drawings, and paintings, into this exhibit and are competing for $2,300 in cash awards. Attendees at the exhibit can vote for People’s Choice. Exhibit cash award winners were chosen while the exhibit is on display by Karen Goulet, a qualified juror. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception. Student art is also be eligible for cash awards.
The awards are as follows:
Adults
1st Place Jessica Ross painting Field Work
2nd Place Betsy Saurdiff pottery Grandma's Quilt
3rd Place Megan Sugden photo Abandoned Divco Milk Truck
Merit Dennis Lee acrylic painting Old House
Merit Nancy Vraa hat and mitten set Country Classic
Merit Tim Anderson wood bowl Let Your Light Shine
Merit Debbie Aune watercolor painting Long Shadows
Merit Andrea Halvorson drawing Carrying Mom to Heaven
People’s Choice TBD Voting through April 30
Students
1st Place Carter Lee Johnsrud of Goodridge mixed drawing Masking
2nd Place Andrew Glad of Greenbush textile Vincent
3rd Place Geneva Gartner of Fertile mixed Moth
Merit Quinn Pittman of Greenbush drawing Moe
Merit Ashton Jensrud of Fertile typewriter drawing 15 (boston terrier)
Merit Rhiana Utter of Greenbush print Elsa (cat)
Merit Paris Sondreal of Middle River sculpture Vase Tumbler
Merit Logan Krueger of Fertile mixed Frederick (burned paper skull)
People’s Choice TBD Voting through April 30
The exhibit is at the Middle River Legacy Center at 335 4th Street, Middle River and will be open for the public to view art and vote for People’s Choice
· Mon - Fri Until April 28. City office business hours.
· Sunday, April 30 from 1 - 4:00 PM. Closing day.
There will be a reception and program on April 30 at the Middle River Legacy Center. Exhibit will be open for viewing artwork at 1:00 PM. Reception with light refreshments and music will start at 3:00 PM in the cafeteria with the program at 4:00 PM. Of the Year Awards -- the NW Star Award -- Lifetime Achievement, Artist of the Year, and Arts Advocate of the Year will be presented, in addition to exhibit awards. The Exhibit and Reception are open to the public and free to attend. Many pieces of art are for sale and the public is encouraged to shop. Purchases can be marked as sold and picked up on April 30 after the reception. The reception is a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region.
Funding for these awards is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Legislature.
Take a virtual tour of the exhibit here: https://youtu.be/bQGJLtDppB0
This year’s annual exhibit was judged by Karen E. Goulet. Goulet is a practicing artist, poet, community organizer and educator. She is the Project Director of the Miikanan Gallery at the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji, Minnesota. This gallery, dedicated to Indigenous arts, is the first of its kind in the region. Karen received her BA from The Evergreen State College, MFA in Sculpture from The University of Wisconsin – Madison, and MEd from University of Minnesota Duluth.
She grew up in a family of 'makers' and artists. Her mother sewed and knitted and her father was an oil painter and woodworker who also taught her to embroider. Her decision to become an artist occurred when she went to college and met instructors who would become her mentors and supported and encouraged her to go on and pursue a degree that would give her opportunity to stay in the arts for a career. She has lived in interesting places, mostly rural, where she has met many interesting creative people. She believes in the power of art and community and takes opportunities like this to visit new places to see what creative people are doing.
April Newsletter
Read our April 2023 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3Lb2FUn. We have 3 exhibits open right now, Of the Year Awards, an added grant deadline, an awards reception and program… the list goes on.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.Read here: https://conta.cc/3JBDE3A.
Frost Fire Summer Arts Camp 2023
Registration is NOW OPEN for the Art Camp June 5-9 and Drama Camp August 7-11 at Frost Fire Park.
Use this link to download all the forms you need to register. https://frostfirepark.org/encore-camp
Of the Year Award Winners Announced
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is Pleased to Announce this Year’s
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:
Debbie Dahl Aune of Gatzke is the Northwest Artist of the Year for Visual Arts. Aune is a visual artist who works in many mediums. She is the art teacher at the Greenbush Middle River Public School, as well as the Greenbush Middle River Art Club Advisor, a frequent art project presenter at the Creativity Festival in Bemidji, and a community ed instructor. Debbie has entered and placed often in the annual NW Minnesota Art Exhibit, receiving merit, second, first, and People’s Choice awards. Finally, she has exhibited her work in many NWMAC themed exhibits, including several solo shows. Last year Debbie was featured on a MPR (Minnesota Public Radio) segment and in a Prairie Mosaic video on Prairie Public Television. 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. Congratulations, Debbie!
Bonnie Stewart of Fosston will be awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award. Stewart has been a champion of the arts in Fosston for decades. She serves on the boards of the East Polk Heritage Center, the Pine to Prairie Folk School, the FCLAA, and the Firefly Center for Art and Wellbeing. Through these board positions and volunteering in city-related and other projects, she has led and initiated programming and education efforts, secured artwork for exhibition at the Sorenson Gallery and performing artists at the Fosston Community Library and Arts Center Theatre, written numerous grants and assisted area artists with grant writing. Bonnie’s tireless commitment to the arts has made a tremendous impact in our region. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Congratulations, Bonnie!
Cathy Erickson of Middle River will receive the Northwest Star Award. Erickson is a well-known musician and radio show host in the area. She has been entertaining professionally in northwestern Minnesota and beyond, playing old-time music for almost 50 years. Cathy plays the accordion, piano, organ, guitar, and vocals. She also hosts her own radio show Cathy’s Variety Show that airs every Monday night on the Northland Community and Technical radio station KSRQ Pioneer 90.1 FM. The live variety show consists of polkas, waltzes, classic country, bluegrass, gospel, and local artists. Additionally, she hosts two other live weekly radio shows – Country Church and Live from the Farm. In 2022, Cathy received the “Volunteer of the Year'' award from AMPERS, the Association of Minnesota Public and Educational Radio Stations, for the volunteer work she has done in broadcasting and in promoting 90.1 FM community radio and old-time music. The NW Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award. Congratulations, Cathy!
These awards will be presented on Sunday, April 30 in Middle River at the Middle River Legacy Center. The NW Art Exhibit will be open that day for viewing artwork starting at 1:00 PM. A reception with light refreshments and music will start at 3:00 PM in the cafeteria with the awards program at 4:00 PM. The exhibit and reception are open to the public and free to attend. 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.
Minnesota State Arts Board Grant Opportunities for Organizations & Individuals
Minnesota State Arts Board
Grant Opportunities for Organizations and Individuals
The following grant programs are now accepting applications:
Arts Education: Project grants to help Minnesotans develop personal relationships with an art form(s) by supporting learning experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Arts Experiences: Project grants to provide Minnesotans with arts experiences and opportunities they value within their communities.
Cultural Expression: Project grants to support activities that express, celebrate, explore, or share culture through the arts.
Each program is open to both individuals and organizations. Organizations may submit an application in only one of these grant programs. Individuals may submit an application in either Creative Individuals OR one of these grant programs.
Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000.
Deadlines vary; see the Arts Board grant cycle calendar for specific program deadlines.
Information Sessions
The Arts Board will host free, virtual information sessions for each of the grant programs listed above.
Wednesday, April 19: Arts Education Virtual Information Session, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 16: Cultural Expression Virtual Information Session, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 14: Arts Experiences Virtual Information Session, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Each session will provide details about the program purpose, eligibility, and application process. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a live Q & A with a program officer at the end of the session. No registration is required.
Sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing on the Arts Board website.
Automated closed captioning will be provided. For other accommodations, please contact the Arts Board accessibility coordinator: Annick.Dall-Desbois@arts.state.mn.us.
For questions about the eligibility or content of the application, contact:
Jamie Marshall or Rina Rossi, program officers
ArtsEducation@arts.state.mn.us
ArtsExperiences@arts.state.mn.us
CulturalExpression@arts.state.mn.us
For questions about the technical aspects of the application forms, or how to submit the online forms, please contact:
Justine Pearson, WebGrants administrator
Apply.Arts@state.mn.us Email preferred.
(651) 539-2663
For accessibility inquiries or accommodation requests, please contact:
Annick Dall-Desbois, outreach and accessibility coordinator
Annick.Dall-Desbois@arts.state.mn.us
(651) 539-2651 | Minnesota Relay 711
All staff can be reached toll-free at (800) 866-2787 or via Minnesota Relay 711.
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.
North Country Fiddle & Dance Spring Dance April 29
North Country Fiddle and Dance
Spring Dance
Saturday, April 29
7:30 to 10:00 pm
Live music with Tickwoods String Band of Fergus Falls
Caller : 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. Find them online at northcountrydance.org.
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the MN State Legislature with money from the State general fund.
Flowers That Dance Exhibit in Crookston
Save the date & invite your friends.
Join Courtney Olson at Andy Hall's Sweetlight Gallery in downtown Crookston for an opening reception of 'Flowers That Dance'.
Thursday May 4 | 5-8pm
Free & Open to the public (all ages welcome)
Crookston Artist and 2022 Artist of the Year Ross Hier featured in Prairie Mosaic Video
Watch this Prairie Mosaic video featuring Crookston Wildlife Artist and 2022 Artist of the Year Ross Hier. https://youtu.be/US4WLCBQ93k
Request for Applications for the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design
National Endowment for the Arts
Citizens' Institute on Rural Design
The National Endowment for the Arts has opened a Request for Applications for the Citizens' Institute on Rural Design.
The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) is a program of the NEA in partnership with the Housing Assistance Council and design partner, To Be Done Studio. Communities selected to participate will receive at least four Local Design Workshops that address the community's specific rural design challenge, and a Design Learning Cohort program that will invite approximately twenty rural communities to engage in peer learning and expert led sessions online.
All rural communities with populations of 50,000 or less are eligible to apply for the CIRD opportunities. The NEA welcomes applications from nonprofits, tribal or municipal governments, regional planning organizations, arts organizations, and other community partners. The NEA will hold open office hours on April 11 from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (Zoom link here) to assist applicants.
The city of Spring Grove, MN (population 1,200) recently participated in CIRD's 2021-2022 cycle. Read more about Spring Grove's Local Design Workshop with CIRD (link here) and the resulting plan to create a one-room schoolhouse for the 21st century (link here).
Will yours be the next Minnesota community to participate?
The Request for Applications contains further details about the program goals, eligibility, benefits, expectations, and a preview of all the application questions.
The deadline to apply is April 21, 2023. Apply now!
Click here to learn how to apply
Arts Funding Available — additional grant deadline is May 1
Arts Grants Funding Available!
May 1 Deadline for Project Grants Added
Artist Residency Grants Available
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. There is a bonus grant deadline of May 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.
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 under the artists tab on our website. 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.
You can begin your grant application by clicking on the Grant Login button on the top right of every page on our website. Please reach out with questions.
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.
March Newsletter
Read our March 2023 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more! Read here: https://conta.cc/3JBDE3A.
Traveling Exhibit Visits Crookston for Final Stop
Traveling Art Exhibit Tours NW Minnesota Region
Visits Crookston 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 Crookston Public Library until April 28. Please stop by to see these works of art — this is the final stop of this touring 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 28 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.
Tending the Creative Soul with Ross Hier April 12
For our next TCS we will have birder and fellow artist Ross Hier. Ross will share about his February birding adventure in Costa Rica as well as his lifelong bird artwork.
Like art, birds reveal a spot of beauty with their plumes and songs and allow us to escape the stressful and mundane. Ross has captured the simplicity, as well as the complexity of birds.
Ross’s love of nature from a young age led him to a career as a wildlife biologist. He retired after 35 years with the Minnesota DNR Wildlife Section. A self-taught artist, he thoroughly enjoys the versatility of transparent watercolors. Nature provides him with unlimited subject material. Many of his subject ideas arose after observing some interaction in nature, landscape, or creatures. “I am drawn more to days when life wasn’t so driven by technology and was lived at a slower pace.“
Our next TCS is April 12, 5:00 PM via Zoom. Reach out to Trey for a Zoom invite. Everyone is welcome to attend!
The Art of Addiction: An Exhibit Featuring the Ceramic Art of Kate Hammer
The Art of Addiction
An Exhibit Featuring the Ceramic Art of Kate Hammer and
Artwork by Other NW Minnesota Artists
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls through Friday, April 28
Artist Reception Rescheduled to April 18 from 3 to 5PM
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of our latest exhibit -- The Art of Addiction. This exhibit is open through Friday, April 28 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
The exhibit features ceramic art by Roseau Potter Kate Hammer and other pieces of art by NW Minnesota artists around the theme of addiction. Kate Hammer explained, “For me this exhibit symbolizes healing and growth as an artist and a person living in recovery.” Other artists with work in the exhibit are Courtney Olson of Crookston, Mara Hanel of Warren, and Karrie Taie of Roseau.
In addition, there are 9 12 x12 canvas paintings included in the exhibit that were created in a workshop with residents of the Northwestern Apartments transitional living facility in Crookston. Mike Anderson who manages the apartments stated, “For those who have struggled with mental health and substance use problems in their life, recovery is a sometimes long and arduous path. Often it can literally be a life and death struggle. Residents of the Northwestern Apartments (NWA) transitional living facility know that struggle intimately. Many residents come to NWA from inpatient mental health facilities, homeless shelters, substance use programs, and incarceration. Criteria for admission is to have a serious mental illness, and about 3/4 of residents also have a co-occurring substance use disorder. But whether it is stabilizing mental health symptoms, or the daily challenge to stay clean and sober, recovery is the goal of all. Inclusion in this art therapy project, The Art of Addiction, was a great way for residents to “go deeper.” After an initial session with local artist Trey Everett, the residents engaged with supplies and canvas to work on their own creation, with the general theme of addiction and recovery as a guide. Residents spent a week with their art. Many did several art pieces. Some were unable to finish one. Others felt their art was too personal to put on display. The project was captivating – residents were in the community room, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups, at all times of the day and night, working on their art, talking, and healing. One of the keys to recovery is connection, and this project provided that in addition to a personal and therapeutic experience that helped all involved on their healing path.”
Join us for an online discussion with Kate Hammer on Monday, March 20 at 11:00 am on the NWMAC Facebook or YouTube pages. After the broadcast, you’ll be able to watch the Artist Spotlight recording on our website, Facebook or YouTube.
Take a virtual tour of the exhibit here.
Join us for an artist reception at the gallery on Tuesday, April 18 from 3 to 5pm. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome to attend. There is no cost. Please note this has been rescheduled from an earlier date!
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.
For more information about our exhibits or 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.
NWMAC Biennial Plan Draft
Biennial Plan Draft: Five Priority Areas
Priority 1: Re-grant funds for arts activity in our northwestern region with state funds.
GOALS: Award arts grants to arts organizations, schools, and communities.
OBJECTIVES:
a. Publicize the availability of grant funds in the seven-county area in a timely manner prior to each application deadline. Send reminders of deadlines through our e-newsletter.
b. Provide technical assistance on the grant application process.
c. Administer the review and evaluation process.
d. Measure outcomes related to these re-grant programs and adjust the process.
OUTCOME: The variety and diversity of applicants and participants increases, as they enrich the connections to their communities through the arts.
Evaluation will occur through asking needs assessment and demographic questions to all applicants, grantees, focus groups, and panelists.
Success will be measured by an increased percentage of people stating that they were enriched through arts in community, and our office documenting at least four different types of applicants including nonprofit arts organizations, schools, cities, and other nonprofit organizations.
STATEWIDE INDICATORS: Arts are interwoven. Arts are diverse and accessible.
Priority 2: Provide professional stewardship through executive and contract staffing, board orientation and equity training, and accessible office space.
GOAL: Provide Arts Council Director staffing to the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council to ensure planning and procedures are met and progress is made on equity training within board and staff.
OBJECTIVES:
a. Executive staff and maintain the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council.
b. Provide orientation as well as education on equity for Arts Council board members and staff.
c. Assess office space, programs and services related to accessibility for constituents with special needs or from marginalized racial communities.
d. Build relationships and communicate regularly with arts interested public.
e. Fulfill administrative requirements of the Minnesota State Arts Board, including preparation of: arts plan, budget, annual final report; needs assessment; and re-grant activities reporting.
f. Participate in statewide "arts system" planning/strategy within the Forum of RAC’s, MN Citizens for the Arts and MN State Arts Board.
g. Active arts advocacy efforts throughout the year
OUTCOME: Regional residents experience increased access to the arts via a reduction in cultural and/or physical barriers.
Evaluation will occur through our needs assessment and focus groups.
Success will be measured by Board, staff, and volunteer personnel reflecting the demographic of our area in terms of age distribution and race. Respondents say that they are highly satisfied with service and our office/showcase spaces.
STATEWIDE INDICATORS: Arts are diverse and accessible. Arts system is trusted.
Priority 3: Showcasing artists and arts organizations from our northwest region primarily through our annual NW Art Exhibit, our gallery, and display case exhibits.
GOALS: Organize and implement the Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibition in 2024 and 2025 funding the student portions with state funds. Schedule four exhibits with McKnight funds including one featuring artists of color, and two exhibits with state funding including a rotation within the display cases by the gallery.
OBJECTIVES:
a. Hire/train Showcase Specialist contract position.
b. Publicize the Call for Entries and contact artists.
c. Select and contract with the juror.
d. Coordinate and implement registration, hanging the exhibit, creating programs, volunteer coordination, and prompt wrap-up.
e. Coordinate and implement all Artist Receptions.
f. Organize the touring library schedule and administer the tour.
g. Measure outcomes and evaluate the program yearly.
OUTCOME: Minnesotans participate in the arts as creators and those interested gain inspiration, support, and encouragement to create new pieces of art and sell their art. (percentage increases)
Evaluation form completed by artists who display work in our gallery and evaluation on-line by artists who show pieces in our annual exhibit. Collect information from artists on whether they created new work and sold pieces while on display.
Artists state in the form that our showcasing opportunities stimulate an increase of at least 10% in new creations and report sales occurring during our showcases.
STATEWIDE INDICATORS: Arts are vital. Arts are diverse and accessible. Arts system is trusted.
Priority 4: Promotion and marketing of artists and arts activities in northwest Minnesota primarily through our e-newsletter, website, social media, and podcast interviews.
GOALS: Focus on podcasts, social media, website posts, and e-newsletters that feature artists, arts organizational leaders, and staff and board members within our various promotional activities.
OBJECTIVES:
a. Hire/train Promotions Specialist contract position.
b. Coordinate at least 40 Radio interviews that become podcasts on our website with a minimum of 4 being people of color.
c. Publish one e-newsletter per month with artists opportunities and arts leadership opportunities.
d. Increase performing artists, writers, and venue listings in the next Artists of Northwest Minnesota booklet.
e. Increase engagement in social media.
f. Increase individual artist pages on our website.
g. Measure outcomes and evaluate the program semi-annually at the NWMAC board meeting.
OUTCOME: Minnesotans value and view participation in our promotion and marketing efforts as enhancing their organization and individual careers.
Evaluation will occur through surveying participants in our booklet and podcasts to chart both the facet of community life and the population that they represent, and whether this activity enhanced their marketing efforts.
Success will show different facets of community life and diverse populations participating at an increased rate from last biennium.
STATEWIDE INDICATORS: Arts are vital. Arts are diverse and accessible. Arts system is trusted.
Priority 5: Training and networking of creative people, artists, and arts leaders in our northwest region through in-person and online workshops.
GOALS: Provide monthly training and networking experiences that appeal to and are attended by a diverse group of creative people.
OBJECTIVES:
a. Hire/train Training/Networking Specialist contract position.
b. Train artists in our resource rooms: grant writing station, recording studio and photography room.
c. Hold Tending the Creative Soul monthly gatherings for networking and trainings.
d. Announce one teaching artist roster program cohort with a training series, implement training for new and existing artists.
e. Announce a Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists series, implement training with artists.
f. Measure outcomes and evaluate the training program statistics semi-annually at a NWMAC Board meeting.
OUTCOME: Minnesotans develop a variety of skills through our trainings, including creating professional work samples within our resource rooms.
Evaluation will occur through surveying all participants who attend our workshops, trainings, networking sessions and those that use our resource rooms.
Success will show that at least 80% of participants say they had specific growth as they participated in our NWMAC training or networking session.
STATEWIDE INDICATORS: Arts are interwoven. Arts thrive.
Biennial Plan Public Meeting is Thursday, March 16
NWMAC Biennial Plan Public Meeting
Thursday, March 16
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council invites you to join us on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 3:30pm for Northwest Minnesota Arts Council’s FY24 & FY25 biennial plan public meeting.
The biennial plan is a two-year workplan and budget that outlines goals, programs, and services. Each Regional Arts Council is required to submit a biennial plan to the Minnesota State Arts Board prior to receiving any funds from the state. The public meeting is an opportunity to hear what we are planning, and to offer feedback. The meeting will be held over Zoom at 3:30 PM on March 16. Once you are registered, you will receive a unique link for participation. Register by emailing nwartscouncil@gmail.com or call 218-745-8886. Because we do not know how many people will be attending, your mic will be muted when you join. We also ask that you leave your camera off and use the chat feature for any questions or comments.
To read the draft biennial plan visit this page on our website: https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/blog/nwmac-biennial-plan-draft
Following the public meeting, (or if you cannot attend the meeting) we will ask you to submit any comments, suggestions and/or feedback for consideration to the priority sections of the plan within an email to director@nwartscouncil.org by March 22, 2023. The draft plan language is within a recent post on our website at www.northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org or it can be emailed or mailed to you upon request.
The event, held on Zoom in English, will be automatically captioned, and will be archived for future viewing with edited captions that can be translated into additional languages. If you would like any modifications to aid your participation in this activity, please indicate requests while registering.