Arts News

Tending the Creative Soul All About Murals
Resources, Events Kristin Eggerling Resources, Events Kristin Eggerling

Tending the Creative Soul All About Murals

The topic of next Tending the Creative Soul is "All About Murals." Have you created murals? Are you curious about how murals are made? Do you have advice, questions, thoughts, etc. about murals? Are you interested in having a mural created but don’t know how to go about having one created?

Feel free to join the Zoom conversation on Wednesday, May 10 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. Reach out to Trey for the Zoom invite at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com

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Northwest Minnesota Art Reception and Awards
News, Events Kristin Eggerling News, Events Kristin Eggerling

Northwest Minnesota Art Reception and Awards

Student and adult artists residing in our seven-county region including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau and Red Lake entered into the Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit and competed for $2,300 in cash awards. The exhibit was open in March and April. The NWMAC held an art reception and awards program on April 30 in Middle River. Visitors came from all over to view the art and honor the artists. The winners were recognized at the reception at the Middle River Legacy Center.

The reception included fantastic catered sushi and fun desserts, dragonfruit fizzy tea, and coffee made with beans roasted in the building. NW Star Awardee Cathy Erickson played music.

Of the Year Awards -- the NW Star Award -- Lifetime Achievement, Artist of the Year, and Arts Advocate of the Year were presented. The Exhibit and Reception were open to the public and free to attend. Many pieces of art were for sale. The reception was 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.

Exhibit cash award winners were chosen while the exhibit was on display at the Middle River Legacy Center, 335 4th Street, Middle River by qualified juror and Project Director of the Miikanan Gallery at the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji Karen Goulet. The public voted for People’s Choice.

This “art exhibition was wonderful to jury. It was challenging to make final selections for the art awards, as there were so many interesting and well-made works of art. As a curator and juror, I have criteria in making final decisions that reflect on innovation, content, and advancing craft. Creative courage is what moves arts and artists forward and keeps the arts invigorated. I can say that if there had been two more awards to give in each group this would have been easier for me to do.

I am particularly impressed with how many schools were represented in the exhibit. I know it has not been easy for the arts in the last few years because of the pandemic, and budget challenges. Art is something that makes the world better. There must be dedication by teachers and students to keep creating. I could see this dedication in the variety of work that was submitted.

Rural artists do not always have the same opportunities to be seen as are available in urban areas. The talent I saw in this exhibit reinforces my belief that rural arts are thriving. Whether artists can work full time, or they need to make around other commitments, the quality of the work is so impressive. Juried art exhibitions are subjective to the selection criteria of the juror. Each year is another opportunity to have work recognized and seen. I hope the artists in this exhibit will keep submitting work and seek other venues for their talent to be seen.”

Walk through the exhibit at https://youtu.be/bQGJLtDppB0.

Exhibit Awards include:

Adult Winners

1st Place $500 Jessica Ross of Thief River Falls for painting “Field Work”

2nd Place $300 Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla in Folk/Traditional Fine Craft “Grandma's Quilt”

3rd Place $200 Megan Sugden of Hallock for photography ‘Abandoned Divco Milk Truck’

Merit $100 Dennis Lee of Red Lake Falls in acrylic painting “Old House”

Merit $100 Nancy Vraa of Red Lake Falls in Folk/traditional Fine Craft ‘Country Classic”

Merit $100 Tim Anderson of Goodridge in Folk/Traditional Fine Craft “Let Your Light Shine” (wood bowl)

Merit $100 Debbie Dahl Aune of Gatzke for watercolor painting “Long Shadows”

Merit $100 Andrea Halvorson of Goodridge for drawing “Carrying Mom to Heaven”

People’s Choice $100 Tammy Hansen of Newfolden

Student Winners

1st Place $300 Carter Lee Johnsrud of Goodridge for mixed media “Masking”

2nd Place $150 Andrew Glad of Greenbush for Other Folk Art “Vincent“

3rd Place $100 Geneva Gartner of Fertile in sculpture “Moth”

Merit $50 Quinn Pittman of Greenbush for drawing “Moe”

Merit $50 Ashton Jensrud of Fertile for other typewriter drawing “15” (Boston terrier)

Merit $50 Rhiana Utter of Greenbush for print “Elsa”

Merit $50 Paris Sondreal of Middle River in sculpture Vase Tumbler

Merit $50 Logan Krueger of Fertile for mixed media “Frederick” (burned paper skull)

People’s Choice $50 Carter Lee Johnsrud of Goodridge

Fifteen exhibit pieces of student and adult art were chosen to be included in the Traveling Art Exhibit, which will travel this next year to area libraries. Watch for the schedule to be announced and for it to arrive in your community. Five exhibit pieces of student art were also chosen to be hung in the hallway of Senator Mark Johnson’s office in St. Paul.

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Arts Advocate of the Year is Bonnie Stewart
News, awards Kristin Eggerling News, awards Kristin Eggerling

Arts Advocate of the Year is Bonnie Stewart

Arts Advocate of the Year is Bonnie Stewart

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to announce that Bonnie Stewart of Fosston was awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award.

Stewart has been a champion of the arts in Fosston since the early 1990s. She has served on the boards of the East Polk Heritage Center, the Pine to Prairie Folk School, and the Firefly Center for Art and Wellbeing. She was instrumental in establishing the City of Fosston’s Art and Culture Commission and continues to serve on it. She is the part-executive director for the Fosston Community Library and Arts Association. Through these positions and volunteering with 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.

Stewart left her professional career as a non-profit administrator over fifteen years ago and still consults with non-profit organizations on a part-time basis. Five years ago, she obtained a Master of Liberal Arts at Minnesota State University Moorhead. In addition to her non-profit work, Bonnie also owned and operated two retail businesses in Fosston – Nellie’s Attic and Good Things. She co-founded Sisters Sojourn in 2011, a two-day event held annually in Mentor, MN that featured women artists, entertainers, and speakers.

Other activities she enjoys are reading, writing, travel, and kayaking. She professes to be an “artist wannabe” and has dabbled in art that primarily includes watercolor and collage.

According to Fosston Artist Heidi Danos, “Bonnie has been instrumental in supporting the arts in Fosston and the surrounding area in countless ways. She’s been on boards, written numerous grants, been active in projects, and simply been a rock in our community. She isn’t afraid to serve in any capacity. Most recently, Bonnie has been a huge instrumental force in propelling a new project forward, the Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing. The Center is partnering with Alluma to create a mixed-use space that will serve the community by providing accessible access to mental health with a creative twist.”

Stephenie Anderson said, “Bonnie has been a supporter of the Arts in Fosston for decades and is always willing to pitch in for the good of the community. I have known Bonnie to be a fantastic artist and arts advocate. Her quick wit, attention to detail, and loyalty to the art community have endeared her to the residents of Fosston. Bonnie has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to bring art and heritage to all the people in our community.”

About the impact of the arts Bonnie said, “I think they are one of the most important things that a person can experience. Art is essential to our wellbeing, to how we look at the world and other people. I’m so grateful we have these opportunities in Minnesota. The Legacy funding has been incredibly important. Art is life is my mantra.”

Bonnie’s advice to aspiring artists is, “Step out of that comfort zone and just do something. Take the class. Meet the other artist. Stretch your boundaries a bit. Seek information about something you are interested in. I’ve witnessed young artists who have been transformed by trying out their idea.”

This award was presented on Sunday, April 30 in Middle River at the Middle River Legacy Center. 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. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Funding for this award comes from the Minnesota State Legislature. Congratulations, Bonnie!

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Cathy Erickson receives NW Star Award
News, of the year Kristin Eggerling News, of the year Kristin Eggerling

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.

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Debbie Dahl Aune is Artist of the Year
News, Artist of the Year Kristin Eggerling News, Artist of the Year Kristin Eggerling

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!

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Springboard for the Arts Rural Regenerator Fellowship Applications Open Until June 20
Resources, News Kristin Eggerling Resources, News Kristin Eggerling

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!

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NW Art Exhibit + Awards
Annual Exhibit, News Kristin Eggerling Annual Exhibit, News Kristin Eggerling

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.

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April Newsletter
Newsletter Kristin Eggerling Newsletter Kristin Eggerling

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.

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Of the Year Award Winners Announced
News, of the year Kristin Eggerling News, of the year Kristin Eggerling

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.

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Minnesota State Arts Board Grant Opportunities for Organizations & Individuals
News, Grants, Resources Kristin Eggerling News, Grants, Resources Kristin Eggerling

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.

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North Country Fiddle & Dance Spring Dance April 29
Events Kristin Eggerling Events Kristin Eggerling

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.

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Flowers That Dance Exhibit in Crookston
Events Kristin Eggerling Events Kristin Eggerling

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)

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Request for Applications for the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design
Resources Kristin Eggerling Resources Kristin Eggerling

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

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Arts Funding Available — additional grant deadline is May 1
News, Grants Kristin Eggerling News, Grants Kristin Eggerling

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.

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