Arts News

McCanna House Artist-in-Residence Applications Open
News, Resources, Artist Residency, Call to Artists Kristin Eggerling News, Resources, Artist Residency, Call to Artists Kristin Eggerling

McCanna House Artist-in-Residence Applications Open

Mc Canna House Applications for Artists in Residence

Open to Artists in Music, Theatre, Literature, & Visual Arts

The North Dakota Museum of Art is accepting applications for the 2024 McCanna House Artist-in-residence season. Artists working in music, theatre, literature, or the visual arts are encouraged to apply. Open to artists in all stages of their career. 

The Program

The residency consists of 2 - 5 week blocks of time layered throughout the operating year. The house is open from June 1 through the end of September or early October. There will only be one artist on the property at a time unless a group project is specified in the application process. There are no expectations for the artist to complete work during the residency. However, artists are asked to use their time wisely and be aware of the transformative potential of time spent there. 

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2024

Announcements: February 15, 2024. 

Amenities:

-Wireless Internet

-Well-lit French country-style farmhouse, detached 40x70 foot steel building, and ample outdoor space with yards and surrounding tree lines

-3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms

-Washer and dryer

-New electric stove in a well-appointed kitchen

-Screened-in porch area with convenient BBQ

-Opportunities to work with surrounding community groups

-10 miles from the town of Larimore (pop.2,000), yet it feels remote and private

-35 miles from Grand Forks (pop.55,000), with its thriving art scene and good shopping/dining

-5 hours to Minneapolis and 2 hours to Winnipeg, Manitoba

-Well-stocked library

-Fruit trees

-Surrounded by working fields producing soybeans, potatoes, canola, and more...

-Endless sky

-Big weather

North Dakota Museum of Art | 261 Centennial Drive Stop 7305, Grand Forks, ND 58202

ndmoa.com

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Minnesota Playwrights’ Center Offers Mentorships and Fellowships. Applications are open!
Resources, News Kristin Eggerling Resources, News Kristin Eggerling

Minnesota Playwrights’ Center Offers Mentorships and Fellowships. Applications are open!

The Playwrights' Center sustains, develops, and advocates for playwrights and their work to realize their full artistic potential. The Playwrights' Center focuses on both supporting playwrights and promoting new plays to production at theaters across the country. It is a resource for playwrights statewide.

Applications are currently open for:

-The Many Voices Mentorship — for beginning Black playwrights, Indigenous playwrights, and/or playwrights of color or artists in other disciplines who are interested in learning about playwriting (deadline December 7)

-The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship -— for theater artists other than playwrights based in Minnesota (deadline March 28, but we recommend submitting and intent to apply earlier)

-The McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting — for playwrights in Minnesota who have had at least one play professionally produced (Deadline January 11)

-Core Writer Program — for any committed professional playwright (Deadline January 25)

Reach out to the Center with any questions you might have.

Julia Brown (she/her/hers), Artistic Programs Manager

Playwrights’ Centerwww.pwcenter.org | 612-332-7481 x.11152301 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406

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Artist Spotlight with Stephanie Olson Saturday, November 4
2023, Artist Spotlight, Events Kristin Eggerling 2023, Artist Spotlight, Events Kristin Eggerling

Artist Spotlight with Stephanie Olson Saturday, November 4

Watch our Artist Spotlight with Stephanie Olson here or on our Facebook or YouTube pages. This was live on Saturday, November 4 at 11 AM.

NWMAC staff Trey and Kristin spoke with Stephanie Olson for an Artist Spotlight to highlight the Figures of Ghosts and Dreams Exhibit. We spoke with Stephanie about her what influences her artistically, her art, the exhibit, her writing background, and much more. Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson is open until November 29. Let us know if you have questions!

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Minnesota State Arts Board is hiring a Grants Management Systems Administrator
Resources, Jobs Kristin Eggerling Resources, Jobs Kristin Eggerling

Minnesota State Arts Board is hiring a Grants Management Systems Administrator

The Minnesota State Arts Board seeking applicants

for a key systems administration position

Are you an organized systems thinker? A person who can develop clear and efficient ways to collect, store, and retrieve data? Do you like to find ways to make online systems and processes more effective? Are you a strong project manager? Do you want to find a meaningful role that combines your skills and experience with online systems administration and your passion for the arts?

The Arts Board is looking for its next grants management systems administrator. This person will ensure that the board has a fully functioning online grants management system that meets the needs of both internal and external users. Successful candidates for this position will have at least four years' experience in information systems project management and business analysis. They will have the ability to work with software programs, databases, and operating systems. They will be able to develop online forms to collect information from applicants and grantees. They will create efficient and organized ways to store, maintain, and retrieve data (i.e., applications, reports, contracts, requests for proposals, etc.).

In addition to the day to day work of systems administration, this person will join the agency at a key moment, as it completes an upgrade or conversion of its online grants management system. The systems administrator will manage the planning and implementation for this important project.

This is a full-time, permanent position. It is eligible for hybrid or telework arrangements.

Applications must be submitted by November 15, 2023.

All interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Arts Board's Employment Opportunities web page at http://www.arts.state.mn.us/about/employment.htm to get more details about the job including the salary and benefits information, required qualifications, and application instructions.

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McKnight Printing Fellowship at Highpoint Deadline is Nov 26
Fellowships, Resources Kristin Eggerling Fellowships, Resources Kristin Eggerling

McKnight Printing Fellowship at Highpoint Deadline is Nov 26

McKnight Printmaking Fellowship at Highpoint

The specific intent of the McKnight Printmaking Fellowship is to recognize and support mid-career artists living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence in the field of printmaking.

Two selected artists will receive:

  • An unrestricted $25,000 award

  • One year access to Highpoint’s state-of-the-art print shop

  • Technical support from the fellowship coordinator

  • Professional development opportunities

  • Storage space for materials, use of inks, and standard shop supplies

  • Provided access to Highpoint classes

  • Group discussions and critiques with local and national experts in the field

  • McKnight Printmakers' exhibition, public talk, and reception at Highpoint

  • Professional digital documentation of exhibited artwork

  • Opportunity to participate in a fully-funded artist residency through a partnership with the Artist Communities Alliance following the fellowship year

  • Highpoint supporting membership

Fellowship Timeline:

Wednesday, November 1 @ 7 pm — info session (join at Highpoint or via Zoom)

A recording of the session will be made available on our website at a later date

Sunday, November 26 @ 11:59 pm — applications due

Thursday, January 18 — applicants notified

Thursday, February 1 — Fellowship begins

Friday, January 31, 2025 — Fellowship ends

Eligibility Requirements

This program is open to Minnesota-based printmakers, including artists living outside the metro area.

Have or maintain MN residency for at least one year prior to application and for the duration of the fellowship.

Are beyond emerging with a body of work that demonstrates a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and excellence in the field of printmaking.

Have not been awarded a McKnight Artist Fellowship in any artistic discipline in the last five years.

Demonstrate growth and ongoing artistry since their most recent McKnight Artist Fellowship (if applicable).

Are not staff, board, or immediate family of the McKnight Foundation or fellowship administrative partners.

Are not enrolled full-time in an academic program.

Artists must demonstrate excellence in at least one traditional printmaking technique (intaglio, lithography, screenprinting, mono printing, or relief).

Applicant may only apply to one McKnight Artist Fellowship per year (in any/all artistic disciplines).

Questions about eligibility or anything else? Contact josh@highpointprintmaking.org

or visit: https://www.highpointprintmaking.org/mcknight/ for FELLOWSHIP/APPLICATION FAQ

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McKnight Fellowships for Musicians Deadline to Apply is January 30
Fellowships, Resources Kristin Eggerling Fellowships, Resources Kristin Eggerling

McKnight Fellowships for Musicians Deadline to Apply is January 30

McKnight Fellowship for Music

With the generous support of the McKnight Foundation, MacPhail awards four $25,000 fellowships to outstanding and distinctive mid-career solo artists or small ensembles/bands. A McKnight Fellowship in Music can help an artist set aside periods of time for study, reflection, experimentation, and exploration; take advantage of an opportunity, or work on a new project. Ensembles/bands recognized as finalists and/or fellowship recipients will split awards between members; individual ensemble/band members will not each receive the full award amount. Awards are subject to state and federal income tax guidelines.

To apply and for more information visit: https://www.macphail.org/mcknight-fellowships/

Application Deadline: Monday, January 30, 20233:00 p.m. CST

You will not be able to upload files after 3 pm CST on January 30, 2023. At that time the system immediately stops accepting applications, even if you are in the middle of working on it.

https://www.macphail.org/mcknight

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McKnight Fellowships for Dancers Deadline is March 20, 2024
Fellowships, Resources Kristin Eggerling Fellowships, Resources Kristin Eggerling

McKnight Fellowships for Dancers Deadline is March 20, 2024

The McKnight Fellowships for Dancers annually award three fellowships of $25,000 each to Minnesota dancers. The awards are unrestricted and can help an artist set aside periods of time for study, reflection, experimentation, and exploration; take advantage of an opportunity, or work on a new project.

The intent of the McKnight Artist and Culture Bearers Fellowship is to recognize and support Minnesota artists and culture bearers who are beyond early practice, have sustained experience in their discipline, and demonstrate exceptional accomplishments. In addition to the cash award, fellows receive additional support for career development, are invited to attend a four-day retreat in rural Minnesota, and are eligible to have an original solo work commissioned for an evening titled SOLO.

Support for individual artists has been a focus of the McKnight Foundation's Arts and Culture program since its inception. The foundation recognizes that the arts cannot flourish or enhance community life without the ideas, energy, and drive of individual artists & culture bearers and that artists cannot make these contributions without unfettered creative time. Fellowship awards are made in 15 disciplines through 13 arts organizations and presenters. The Cowles Center is the administrative home for the McKnight Fellowships for Dancers, the McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers, and the McKnight International Choreographer Residency Program.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The Intent to Apply application opened July 19th, 2024.

The Intent to Apply application deadline was Wednesday, September 6th, 2023, at 11:59 pm CST.

Applicants who miss the Intent to Apply deadline may still submit a final application. However, they will not receive programming updates and other resources, and their live performances will not be viewed by panelists.

First-time applicants who miss the Intent to Apply deadline may send an email for further information to mckfell@thecowlescenter.org

Final Application: Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 at 3:00 pm CST

Their website will be open to accepting final applications in early January 2024. The final deadline is firm, the application site will close down at exactly 3:00 pm CST on the deadline date.

Applicants will be notified of the decisions in early June 2024.

HOW TO APPLY or http://www.mcknightdancechoreo.org/dancer-guidelines/

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McKnight Fellowship for  Culture Bearers Submissions Open Nov 6
Resources, Fellowships Kristin Eggerling Resources, Fellowships Kristin Eggerling

McKnight Fellowship for Culture Bearers Submissions Open Nov 6

McKnight Fellowships for Culture Bearers Opens Nov 6

The McKnight Foundation and the Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center of St. Paul have partnered to launch the first-ever McKnight Artist Fellowship for culture bearers. The McKnight Culture Bearers Fellowship will support three culture bearers who practice sacred and healing lifeways and share cultural art practices across generations. Fellows will receive a $25,000 unrestricted award and public recognition in support of their cultural practice. Additionally, fellows receive:

  • Professional development support, including a stipend to honor mentors/teachers

  • Participate in a network of culture bearers in Minnesota

  • Access to Indigenous Roots facilities and resources

  • Honored and recognized at gathering ceremony

Selection Process. There will be three rounds of reviewing submissions before selecting the final three fellows.

First round. This initial round centers on a collective peer review process. In this round, every person who enters a submission will have the option to review another person’s submission along with the additional community members and Culture Bearers (local) who did not apply.

Second and Third Rounds. Following the peer review process, there will be two rounds of community reviews. In these rounds, additional community members and Culture Bearers (local and national) who did not apply will be reviewing submissions.

The submission review process will occur between January to March 2024.

What is a culture bearer?

Culture Bearers practice intergenerational lifeways and living, evolving cultural art practices that educate, exchange, and share in order to preserve ancestral knowledge. In this work, Culture Bearers hold a direct throughline from ancestors and teachers and center sharing their practice with youth. The role of culture bearer is particularly important within ancestral cultures undergoing transition or experiencing threat from outside and dominizing culture(s). 

Culture Bearers accept a responsibility to share ancestral and cultural knowledge. The practice of being a Culture Bearer is distinct from other individual art practices because the practice is a full life tradition (not separate) and includes intergenerational transmission of learning. While we honor the role of guests within lineages, the intent of this opportunity is to first resource individuals and cultures that are from the cultural and heritage lineage that they practice.

Fellowship Timeline

-November 6th Submissions open

-November 22nd & 24th Info Sessions

-Submission Support (Tuesday & Wednesdays from 5p to 7p/ Fridays 1p to 3p)

-January 1st, 2024 Submission are due by 11:59p

-January to March Review of submissions

-March 2024 Announcement of McKnight Culture Bearer Fellows

Visit their website to learn more at https://iroots-mcknight-culturebearers.org

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ACF McKnight Composer Fellowships Application Deadline is December 1
Resources, Fellowships Kristin Eggerling Resources, Fellowships Kristin Eggerling

ACF McKnight Composer Fellowships Application Deadline is December 1

ACF MCKNIGHT COMPOSER FELLOWSHIPS

For Music Creators Living in Minnesota

Application Deadline: Friday, December 1, 2023 11:59 p.m. Central

The intent of the McKnight Artist and Culture Bearers Fellowship is to recognize and support artists and culture bearers who are beyond emerging and have sustained experience in their area of practice. Fellows demonstrate achievement, commitment, and high level proficiency in artistic and/or culture bearer practice that contributes to their field and impacts and benefits people in Minnesota.

ACF will award four McKnight Composer Fellowships consisting of $25,000 in unrestricted funds. Awards are subject to state and federal income tax guidelines. Fellows have an opportunity to attend an artist residency program coordinated by the Alliance of Artist Communities within two years of the fellowship program. Fellows will also have an opportunity to present their work as part of an ACF-produced showcase event, and will receive consultation, time, and resources from Springboard for the Arts.

For application and complete details, visit https://composersforum.org/programs/mcknight-composer-fellowships/

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McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers Deadline to Apply is March 20, 2024
Resources, Fellowships, Artist Kristin Eggerling Resources, Fellowships, Artist Kristin Eggerling

McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers Deadline to Apply is March 20, 2024

The McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers annually awards three fellowships of $25,000 each to Minnesota choreographers. The awards are unrestricted and can help an artist set aside periods of time for study, reflection, experimentation, and exploration; take advantage of an opportunity, or work on a new project.

The intent of the McKnight Artist and Culture Bearers Fellowship is to recognize and support Minnesota artists and culture bearers who are beyond early practice, have sustained experience in their discipline, and demonstrate exceptional accomplishments. In addition to the cash award, fellows receive additional support for career development and are invited to attend a four-day retreat in rural Minnesota. Fellows are also offered funds for research and development that can be used to visit New York City during APAP and engage collaborators and spaces in their creative process.

Support for individual artists has been a focus of the McKnight Foundation's Arts and Culture program since its inception. The foundation recognizes that the arts cannot flourish or enhance community life without the ideas, energy, and drive of individual artists and culture bearers and that artists cannot make these contributions without unfettered creative time. Awards are made in 15 disciplines through 13 arts organizations. The Cowles Center is the administrative home for the McKnight Fellowships for Dancers, the McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and the McKnight International Choreographer Residency program.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The Intent to Apply application opened July 19th, 2023.

The Intent to Apply application deadline was Wednesday September 6th, 2023, at 11:59 pm CST.

Applicants who missed the Intent to Apply deadline may still submit a final application. However, they will not receive programming updates and other resources, and their live performances will not be viewed by panelists.

First-time applicants who missed the Intent to Apply deadline may send us an email for further information at mckfell@thecowlescenter.org

Final Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 at 3:00 pm CST

Their website will be open to accepting final applications in early January 2024. The final deadline is firm, the application site will close down at exactly 3:00 pm CST on the deadline date.

Applicants will be notified of the decisions in early June 2024.

HOW TO APPLY

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NEA and Arts Midwest offer grants to theater companies for young audiences
Resources, News Kristin Eggerling Resources, News Kristin Eggerling

NEA and Arts Midwest offer grants to theater companies for young audiences

NEA and Arts Midwest Offer Theater Arts Opportunity for Young Audiences

Shakespeare in American Communities Opportunity

About Shakespeare in American Communities

Shakespeare in American Communities is a theater program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Through grants to theater companies, this program supports productions and educational activities for young audiences throughout the United States. Applicants can choose from two paths: Schools or Juvenile Justice. Grants range from $15,000 to $25,000 each.

What: Shakespeare in American Communities is a project-based, matching grant that helps theater companies and organizations bring Shakespeare and works inspired by Shakespeare to students.

When: The mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 25, with final applications due February 8, 2024, and funded projects must occur between August 2024 – July 2025.

Where: Nonprofit theater companies and organizations located across the United States and the Native nations that share this geography can apply.

Who: The schools program is available to theater companies producing a play that is a work written or inspired by Shakespeare, an adaption of Shakespeare’s text, or a production that incorporates scenes, monologues, and/or sonnets by Shakespeare, with related educational activities in partnership with schools. The Juvenile Justice program is available to nonprofit organizations providing Shakespeare educational activities in partnership with the Juvenile Justice System.

Ready to Apply?

Learn more about Shakespeare in American Communities, review eligibility requirements, and read the guidelines on Arts Midwest website. 

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Arts Midwest and NEA Big Read “Where We Live” Accepting Applications
Resources, News Kristin Eggerling Resources, News Kristin Eggerling

Arts Midwest and NEA Big Read “Where We Live” Accepting Applications

Arts Midwest and the National Endowment for the Arts Accepting Applications for the NEA Big Read

About the NEA Big Read

An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read supports community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. The goal of this program is to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 each. 

What: The NEA Big Read is a reading program that brings communities together around the central theme, "Where We Live," using one of 50 available NEA Big Read Books as inspiration.

When: The mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 10, with final applications due January 24, 2024 , and funded projects must occur between September 2024 and June 2025.

Where: Nonprofit organizations and public libraries located across the United States and the Native nations that share this geography can apply.

Who: Arts organizations, universities, libraries, service organizations, museums, school districts, and tribal governments are all encouraged to apply.

Ready to Apply?

Learn more about the NEA Big Read review eligibility requirements, and read the guidelines on Arts Midwest website. 

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Showcase Specialist Trey Everett Receives Rural Arts Award
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Showcase Specialist Trey Everett Receives Rural Arts Award

NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett Receives the

National Association for Rural Mental Health’s

Peter G. Beeson Rural Arts Award

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is proud to announce that our staff person Trey Everett of Crookston recently received the Peter G. Beeson Rural Arts Award from the National Association for Rural Mental Health.

The 2023 award was presented to Trey Everett during their National Convention in Pittsburgh on September 20, 2023. Trey is a visual artist, pastor, teacher, and spiritual guide. He mostly works with pen and ink, which includes calligrams (images made with words), lectionary art, editorial cartoons, and commissions. He also creates murals, including an outdoor mural on a building wall in downtown Crookston titled "Unity and Diversity", and art related to cinema inside the Crookston Grand Theater. At the awards ceremony, Trey was recognized for his healing workshop with the residents of the Northwestern Apartments (NWA) transitional living facility in Crookston. Residents at NWA have mental health and often substance health challenges. Trey presented ideas of how art can be another therapeutic tool on the path of recovery. The workshop provided residents a way to touch on vulnerabilities and feelings sometimes not available in more traditional therapies. After an initial session residents spent a week with their art. Many created several art pieces. His work with people and the art he provokes are hopeful and healing, with a sense of wonder and humor, reflecting the best spirit of who we are and who we can be.

The National Association for Rural Mental Health established the Rural Arts Award in 2007 to honor the life-long contributions of Peter G. (Pete) Beeson to both rural mental health and the rural arts.

Congratulations, Trey and thank you for your positive impact on rural arts and mental health in our region!

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Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission is inviting design ideas for New State Flag and Seal
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Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission is inviting design ideas for New State Flag and Seal

Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission

Inviting Design Ideas for New State Flag and Seal

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Legislature established a commission to consider and select new designs for the state flag and seal. The commission includes seventeen members, including the former chair of the Minnesota State Arts Board. Administrative support and coordination for the commission is provided by the Minnesota Historical Society.

The commission is now inviting members of the public

to submit ideas and designs for a new flag and seal.

Submissions will be accepted through October 30, 2023.

To read the guidelines and submit a design for the

new state flag and/or seal, visit the commission website.

Visit the commission website

The commission meets virtually every Tuesday. If you are interested, you can sign up to receive notices from the commission, find the names and affiliations of commission members, learn about the current state flag and seal, and watch the commission meetings online at the commission's website.

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Lovin’ Spoonful drummer Mike Arturi will facilitate a music workshop in East Grand Forks on Tues, Oct 24
Events Kristin Eggerling Events Kristin Eggerling

Lovin’ Spoonful drummer Mike Arturi will facilitate a music workshop in East Grand Forks on Tues, Oct 24

COMPAS Teaching Artist and drummer for The Lovin’ Spoonful Mike Arturi shared his story of music, experiences that gave him the life skills that guided him through a lifelong career in music, and being a teaching artist. Mike will be facilitating a music workshop at the Campbell Public Library of East Grand Forks on Tuesday, October 24 @ 6 PM. The event, funded through a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, is free and open to all ages. No drumming experience is needed! You can listen to Mike’s conversation with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West.

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2024 McKnight Fellowships in Fiber Arts — Apply by Dec 4
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2024 McKnight Fellowships in Fiber Arts — Apply by Dec 4

Attention Textile and Fiber Artists!

There is an open call for the 2024 McKnight Fellowships in Fiber Arts.  

Two $25,000 UNRESTRICTED fellowships will be awarded in support of mid-career Minnesota artists who use textile and fiber arts materials, processes, histories, traditions, and/or sensibilities in their artistic and creative practice throughout the conception, execution, and resolution of their work. Mid-career, for the purposes of the application, refers to anyone who has practiced fiber art for 8 years and has received recognition for their work from their community and the larger creative community in our state, region, and nationally (not including work done in an academic higher-education program). 

The deadline for application is December 4, 2023, at 5PM.   

Info sessions are being scheduled over the next two (2) months across Minnesota and on Zoom, to provide potential applicants the opportunity to learn more about the specifics of these fellowships and the application process. The application details are available on the Textile Center website:

https://textilecentermn.org/mcknight/

 

The application portal is on Submittable, and can be accessed here:

 https://textilecenter.submittable.com/submit

The work will be reviewed by three (3) jurors of national recognition with expertise in the field, and the winners will be selected by the end February for a fellowship period that runs from March 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025.  Reach out to Tracy Krumm, Director for Artistic Advancement Program Director, McKnight Fellowships for Fiber Artists, McKnight Visual Arts Fellow at 612-436-0464, 3000 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN  55414. www.textilecentermn.org

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Community Dance with North Country Fiddle & Dance Nov 18
Events Kristin Eggerling Events Kristin Eggerling

Community Dance with North Country Fiddle & Dance Nov 18

North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance

Saturday, November 18th 7:30 to 10:00 pm

East Grand Forks Senior Center, 538 Rhinehart Drive,

East Grand Forks

Music by O'Neil Family Band

Caller - Robin Nelson, Minneapolis, MN

Everyone is invited to a Community Dance with North Country Fiddle and Dance

These events are made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.

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Artist Reception for Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson Oct 18 6-8PM
Events Kristin Eggerling Events Kristin Eggerling

Artist Reception for Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson Oct 18 6-8PM

Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson Artist Reception Oct 18 from 6-8 PM

Exhibit is Open through Wednesday, November 29

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery

NCTC in Thief River Falls

Please join us for an Artist Reception on Wednesday, October 18 from 6 to 8 PM at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. There will be live fiddle music and refreshments will be served. Stephanie will be live painting at the event.

Stephanie Olson lives with her husband and kids in rural Thief River Falls. She holds a Writing MFA degree from Hamline University and works as a public-school English teacher. But visual art always calls her back. Her visual work has appeared in a number of group shows, including past exhibits with the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, two This Week Only exhibits at the North Dakota Museum of Art, and a group show at the Vine Arts Center in Minneapolis.

Figures of Ghosts and Dreams includes 42 pieces of watercolor on paper, India ink on paper, and acrylic on wood, cork, and canvas. Stephanie explained, “This exhibit reflects the art that comes to me. When I sit down with an idea, with a plan, my art fails almost every time. But when I sit down with no intention, it's like a door is left open. In the beginning, my art was more abstract: lines, color, depth. Now, I have these figures. Sometimes they seem peaceful, as if visiting from a dream. Sometimes they remind me of loved ones who have passed on, like visiting ghosts. There are undeniable motifs that I can't escape: houses, snakes, dogs, cats, women. I must let it all come as it is, like the weather. I wouldn't say it's like the notion of a muse taking over, not at all. It's more like a house filling up with guests. I'm never sure how long they'll stay, but this is what I find when I manage to steal time to sit down and paint. It's always a surprise. Try it! You never know who might show up, who you might meet.”

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 this exhibit 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. 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.

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