Arts News

Traveling Art Exhibit is in Red Lake Falls for Final Stop
Traveling Exhibit, News Kristin Eggerling Traveling Exhibit, News Kristin Eggerling

Traveling Art Exhibit is in Red Lake Falls for Final Stop

Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Red Lake Falls for

Final Stop of the Tour

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 15 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit is currently at the Red Lake Falls Public Library until April 18. Please stop by to see these works of art as this is the final stop of the exhibit. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.

The 2023-2024 Artists and Artwork:

Ross Hier, Crookston, “Beach Ridge Bouquet” (Watercolor Painting)

Tim Anderson, Goodridge, “Let Your Light Shine” Wood Bowl (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit

Nancy Vraa, Red Lake Falls, “Country Classic” Hat and Mitten Set (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit

Lillian Ramsey, Thief River Falls, “Queen Mouse” (Acrylic Painting)

Kathy Panek, Goodridge, “Night Taxi” (Acrylic Painting on canvas board)

Jodi M Smith, East Grand Forks, “Swirls of Light “(Photography)

Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Old House” (Acrylic Painting) Merit

Madilyn Crompton, Borup, “Hang Time” (Digital Photo) Student Ada-Borup-West School

Makaela Longoria, Ada, “You Have My Heart“(Ceramic Sculpture) Student Ada-Borup-West

Emma Gunderson, Crookston, “Go on a Trip” (Acrylic Painting), Student Crookston School

Kaydence Skibicki, Fertile, Untitled (Silk Screen Print), Student Fertile-Beltrami School

Carter Lee Johnsrud, Goodridge, “Masking” (Mixed Media Graphite Pencil) Student Goodridge School (1st Place and People’s Choice)

Quinn Pittman, Greenbush, “Moe” (Pen Drawing), Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit

Rhiana Utter, Greenbush, “Elsa” (Linoleum Print) Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit

Maryjane Crane, Red Lake Falls, “Time” (Acrylic Painting), Student Red Lake Falls School

The 2022-2022 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:

June to July 11 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls

July 11 to August 29 Roseau Public Library, Roseau

August 29 to October 10 Hallock Public Library, Hallock

October 10 to November 28, Godel Public Library, Warren

November 28 to January 16 Fertile Public Library, Fertile

January 16 to February 27, 2024, Campbell Public Library, East Grand Forks

February 27 to March 26, 2024 Ada Public Library, Ada

April 3 to April 18, 2024 Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls

*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 look to our website, call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.

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NW Annual Art Exhibit is Open April 3-21
Annual Exhibit, Events, 2024, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling Annual Exhibit, Events, 2024, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

NW Annual Art Exhibit is Open April 3-21

The Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit

Open April 3 – April 21

Kittson County History Museum in Lake Bronson

Reception and Program on April 21 to

Honor Exhibit & Of the Year Award Winners

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce the NW Annual Art Exhibit is at the Kittson County History Museum in Lake Bronson from April 3 until April 21.

Adult artists from our 7 county- service region (Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, and Red Lake Falls) have entered 68 pieces of art and students have entered 59 pieces, including oil, acrylic, watercolor painting, pencil drawings, pen and ink, pottery, sculpture, fiber art, glass mosaic, and mixed media. and are competing for $2,300.00 in cash awards. Attendees at the exhibit can vote for People’s Choice. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by Pat Danielson, a qualified juror from Grand Forks. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception.

Walk through the exhibit at https://youtu.be/EeSvf3_tVVg.

Exhibit Awards include:

Adults:

1st $500 Andy Hall of Climax for photography “Backlit Milkweed”

2nd $300 Irene Bertils of Crookston for watercolor painting “Warm Summer Evening “

3rd $200 Aliza Novacek-Olson of Roseau for folk/traditional wool “Solitary Qoshmas”

Merit $100 Michael McColl of Lengby in drawing “You're Getting Very Sleepy”

Merit $100 Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla for folk/ traditional porcelain “Pitcher”

Merit $100 Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad of Ada in mixed media “No Constraints”

Merit $100 Sara Jo Trangsrud of Thief River Falls in sculpture “Bursting Out”

Merit $100 Gail Ose of Thief River Falls for fused glass “The Dreams We Hold Sacred”

People’s Choice $100 TBD

Students:

1st $300 Brigitta Novacek of Roseau in acrylic painting “Valorous”

2nd $150 Anita Foster of Thief River Falls for mixed media “Ruth”

3rd $100 Mary Jane Crane of Red Lake Falls for drawing “Beauty in Self-Image”

Merit $50 Kyleigh Halvorson of Fosston for drawing “Iris”

Merit $50 Kaytlyn Knutson of Red Lake Falls for digital art “Orion”

Merit $50 Mason Grivno of Felton for sculpture “German Wirehaired Pointer”

Merit $50 Mahli Holter of Red Lake Falls for mixed media “Almagations”

Merit $50 Izzy Swenson of Lancaster for painting “Purple Iris”

People’s Choice $50 TBD

The exhibit is at the Kittson County History Museum at 332 East Main Street, Lake Bronson and will be open for the public to view art and vote for People’s Choice on Mondays through Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Exhibit Hours

Monday - Friday 9 AM to 5 PM

Extended hours:

Wednesday, April 10  9 AM to 7 PM

Sunday, April 14  1 to 4 PM

Wednesday, April 17  9 AM to 7 PM

There will be a reception and program on April 21 at the Kittson County History Museum. The exhibit will open at noon that day. Mingling and light refreshments will start at 2:00 PM with the program at 3:00 PM. Of the Year Awards will be presented to Potter Betsy Saurdiff for the NW Star Award -- Lifetime Achievement, Musician Randy Larson for Artist of the Year, and Radio Host Rom Ogaard for Arts Advocate of the Year, in addition to exhibit awards. Randy Larson will play the music with his adult children. 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 21 after the reception. The exhibit provides an opportunity to see what our regional adult and student artists are creating in their studio spaces and in the classroom. The reception is a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region.

Visit our website for more information at www.NWArtsCouncil.org. Funding for these awards is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Legislature.

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

Of the Year Award Winners Announced

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is Pleased to Announce 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 for 2024 include:

Randy Larson of Gatzke is the Northwest Artist of the Year for Music. Larson has played with many bands, including Back Behind the Barn Boys and Eagle Creek. He’s been a mentor to aspiring musicians in our region. 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, Randy!

Rom Ogaard of Crookston will be awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award. Ogaard has been a longtime radio host at KSRQ 90.1 radio at Northland Community and Technical College and will be retiring in April. As Ron West, he has partnered with the NWMAC to offer a weekly radio segment that promotes artists, the arts, and arts organizations. He also hosts segments that feature the Campbell Library in East Grand Forks, and the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks. These radio programs have brought news and information about the arts to our region and beyond. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Congratulations, Rom!

Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla will receive the Northwest Star Award. Betsy is a retired German and visual arts teacher from the Grygla and Goodridge School Districts. In 2018 Betsy was named Arts Advocate of the Year. She is a well-known potter in our region and sells her work out of her studio BettsPottery and at art shows. She's had a solo show in our gallery and is a regular entrant and award winner in our annual NW Art Exhibit. The NW Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award. Congratulations, Betsy!

These awards will be presented on Sunday, April 21 in Lake Bronson at the Kittson County History Museum. The NW Art Exhibit will be open that day for viewing artwork starting at Noon. A reception with light refreshments and music will start at 2:00 PM with the awards program at 3:00 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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NW Art Exhibit Opens April 3 in Lake Bronson
Annual Exhibit, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling Annual Exhibit, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

NW Art Exhibit Opens April 3 in Lake Bronson

The Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit

Open April 3 – April 21

Kittson County History Museum in Lake Bronson

Reception and Program on April 21 to Honor Exhibit & Of the Year Award Winners

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce the NW Annual Art Exhibit is at the Kittson County History Museum in Lake Bronson from April 3 until April 21.  

Adult artists from our 7 county- service region (Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, and Red Lake Falls) have entered over 70 pieces of art and students have entered over 40 pieces, including oil, acrylic, watercolor painting, pencil drawings, pen and ink, pottery, sculpture, fiber art, glass mosaic, and mixed media. and are competing for $2,300.00 in cash awards. Attendees at the exhibit can vote for People’s Choice. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by Pat Danielson, a qualified juror from Grand Forks. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception.

The exhibit is at the Kittson County History Museum at 332 East Main Street, Lake Bronson and will be open for the public to view art and vote for People’s Choice on Mondays through Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Exhibit Hours

Monday - Friday 9 AM to 5 PM

Extended hours:

Wednesday, April 10  9 AM to 7 PM

Sunday, April 14  1 to 4 PM

Wednesday, April 17  9 AM to 7 PM

There will be a reception and program on April 21 at the Kittson County History Museum. The exhibit will open at noon that day. Mingling, light refreshments, and music will start at 2:00 PM with the program at 3:00 PM. Of the YearAwards -- 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 21 after the reception. The exhibit provides an opportunity to see what our regional adult and student artists are creating in their studio spaces and in the classroom. 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.

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Upcoming Grant Deadlines
News, Resources Kristin Eggerling News, Resources Kristin Eggerling

Upcoming Grant Deadlines

Upcoming Deadlines for Arts Grants Applications

Organizations, Individuals & Schools -- Apply Now

Applications are open for arts grants to nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, and other nonprofit organizations. Applications are being accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.

Nonprofit arts organizations can apply for general operating funds. Applications are open now. The eligible grant amount is based on total expenses within the previous two completed years and the organization's history of arts programming. These organizations will be able to add to this grant, as the year progresses, if they need additional funding. Funding sources for these grants come from Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.

Quick turnaround grants for $500 will be available on an ongoing deadline starting in January. 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.

Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make substantial yearly income from their art. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.

Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2024). In the case of college students, your school or your home mailing address must be in our region. You will have to show proof of residency, usually your driver’s license.

All other nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. 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 two 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.

The deadline to apply for a project grant for governments and non-profits is April 30.

Schools in our seven-county region can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $2,600 plus an additional $400 if the residency needs supplies. Our teaching artist roster is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area and is available on our website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org under the artists tab. Another resource to view artists available to enhance curriculum is COMPAS.

Schools can initially apply for one residency. Then based on remaining funding, can request up to three additional residencies into spring and summer. Funding for residency activities comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Minnesota.

In addition, there is Arts Equipment funding for school districts available up to $3,000 with 25% cash match required.

We offer grant training workshops via Zoom or in person at the NWMAC office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend. Email director@nwartscouncil.org to RSVP or with questions. Don’t let your questions about the grant process keep you from applying! We are here to help.

Upcoming Grant Writing Trainings

  • April 16 at 10 AM

To learn more about grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. 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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Accessible Arts Grant Program
News, Resources Kristin Eggerling News, Resources Kristin Eggerling

Accessible Arts Grant Program

Minnesota State Arts Board

Grant Opportunities: Accessible Arts and Arts Education

Accessible Arts grant program

Application materials are now available for the FY 2025 Accessible Arts grant program. Arts organizations and arts affiliates are welcome to apply.

Accessible Arts is a pilot program, offering project grants that support long-term investments focused on increasing arts organizations' accessibility for people with disabilities.

New for FY 2025: An arts organization or arts affiliate that received an Accessible Arts grant in FY 2024 is not eligible to apply for an Accessible Arts grant in FY 2025.

In this program, funds will be used for investments that will have a longer-term impact on the applicant and impact organizational change. Example investments include, but are not limited to:

Professional development related to accessibility;

Hiring accessibility consultants to conduct audits or develop accessibility plans;

Improvements to digital accessibility; and/or

Small physical or equipment investments (less than $5,000) that will make programming more accessible.

Applicants may request between $10,000 - $20,000.

The Arts Board will host a virtual Information Session for potential applicants to learn more about the program purpose, application process, and key accessibility resources for arts organizations.

Details, including full program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Accessible Arts program page.

Accessible Arts Program Page

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Artist Residency Program in NY Mills Deadline to Apply is April 1
News, Resources, Artist Residency Kristin Eggerling News, Resources, Artist Residency Kristin Eggerling

Artist Residency Program in NY Mills Deadline to Apply is April 1

Applications for the Artist Residency Program at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center in New York Mills are now being accepted! The deadline is April 1. Information and application can be found on the website: https://www.kulcher.org/programs/artist-retreat/

The residency program is open to artists of all disciplines; writers, poets, playwrights, visual artists, musicians, and dancers, and offers time and space to create without distraction.

Artists are responsible for their transportation to and from New York Mills, along with food while in residence. The Cultural Center provides a one-bedroom home, along with all linens, dishes, etc. The Center requests that artists perform an outreach project, usually within the schools. For more information, check the website: www.kulcher.org, or contact: cheryl@kulcher.org.

New York Mills Regional Cultural Center

24 Main Avenue North, PO Box 246

New York Mills, Minnesota 56567

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Artist Spotlight with Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil on March 28
Artist Spotlight, Events, 2024 Kristin Eggerling Artist Spotlight, Events, 2024 Kristin Eggerling

Artist Spotlight with Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil on March 28

Watch our Artist Spotlight with Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil here. This was live on Thursday, March 28 at 10:30 AM on our Facebook and YouTube pages.

NWMAC Staff Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling spoke with Artists Jeanne O'Neil and Erin O'Neil. They talked about their music and the current exhibit Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through April 2024. They even played some tunes for the broadcast. Again, watch the recording here.

Jeanne O’Neil explained, “The focus of this show is the celebration of Erin's recently completed book, Twenty of Plenty, in which twenty of her original fiddle tunes are transcribed. We are both folk musicians and visual artists, and it is fitting to bring these forms of artistic expression together, as the tunes and art are both inspired by the rural landscapes we live in.”

The newest prints in this show come from a series of sketches made over the past summers on Jeanne’s land. “Walking the fields and pathways every day, year after year, the colors, contrasts, textures and lines of trees, grasses, sky, river are impressed in my mind, creating an accumulated knowledge of these places. The making of each print creates a deeper knowing and a stronger connection to that knowing.”

Jeanne’s daughter Erin O’Neil created the Twenty of Plenty tune book. This was an effort with a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council to get some of her tune compositions transcribed so that they could be introduced into wider circles of musicians. The descriptions and illustration throughout the book offer insight into the meaning of the compositions. The cultural influences for these tunes include French Canadian, Irish, Scandinavian, Scottish traditional fiddle music, New England Contra Dance music, Old Time Appalachian music, and Metis fiddle tunes.

Erin also has Rag Folk pieces in this exhibit. The Rag Folk represent preservation of what has been used in everyday life and creating new lives out of old scraps and rags. Erin started creating these pieces with a passion for recycling and reducing waste and a desire to connect with others.

Jeanne and Erin both play in the O’Neil Family Band. Erin plays the fiddle and feet, while Jeanne plays the banjo and concertina. The band holds many community dances in our region.

An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. The O'Neil Family Band will be performing and refreshments will be served. Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends.Please join us for the conversation! Let us know if you have questions!

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North Country Fiddle & Dance Spring Afternoon Dances April 6 and May 4
Events Kristin Eggerling Events Kristin Eggerling

North Country Fiddle & Dance Spring Afternoon Dances April 6 and May 4

North Country Fiddle and Dance Spring Afternoon Dances

Saturday, April 6 from 2:00 to 4:30 PM (East Grand Forks)

O'Neil Family Band with visiting banjo player Jefferson Reynolds

East Grand Forks Senior Center, 538 Rhinehart Dr SE

Saturday, May 4 from 2:30 to 5 PM (Fosston)

Embassy Community Center, 603 3rd Street NE, Fosston

Music by The O'Neil Family Band with Caller: Robin Nelson of Minneapolis

All are welcome, all ages, all dances are taught and are easy to learn

American traditional folk dances- reels, squares, contras, circle mixers

Donations at the door

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Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil
NCTC Gallery, Exhibits, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling NCTC Gallery, Exhibits, Art Exhibits Kristin Eggerling

Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces

Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints

Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery

NCTC in Thief River Falls through April 2024

Artist Reception Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM — The O’Neil Family Band will perform

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil. This exhibit is open through April at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

East Grand Forks Artist Jeanne O’Neil explained, “The focus of this show is the celebration of Erin's recently completed book, Twenty of Plenty, in which twenty of her original fiddle tunes are transcribed. We are both folk musicians and visual artists, and it is fitting to bring these forms of artistic expression together, as the tunes and art are both inspired by the rural landscapes we live in.”

The newest prints in this show come from a series of sketches made over the past summers on Jeanne’s land. “Walking the fields and pathways every day, year after year, the colors, contrasts, textures and lines of trees, grasses, sky, river are impressed in my mind, creating an accumulated knowledge of these places. The making of each print creates a deeper knowing and a stronger connection to that knowing.

Jeanne’s daughter Erin O’Neil learned to play the fiddle by the age of seven. Erin plays by ear and the Twenty of Plenty tune book project was an effort to get some of her tune compositions transcribed so that they could be introduced into wider circles of musicians who read music. With a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the McKnight Foundation, she collaborated with a folk musician originally from Norway. The descriptions and illustration throughout the book offer insight into the meaning of the compositions. The cultural influences for these tunes include French Canadian, Irish, Scandinavian, Scottish traditional fiddle music, New England Contra Dance music, Old Time Appalachian music, and Metis fiddle tunes.

Erin also has Rag Folk pieces in this exhibit. The Rag Folk represent preservation of what has been used in everyday life and creating new lives out of old scraps and rags. The Rag Folk contain memories and essences of what has passed, and the joy of childhood carried forward and honored in adulthood. Erin started creating these pieces with a passion for recycling and reducing waste and a desire to connect with others.

Jeanne and Erin both play in the O’Neil Family Band. Erin plays the fiddle and feet, while Jeanne plays the banjo and concertina. The band holds many community dances in our region.

Watch this video featuring Erin’s music for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/8lZbCEPmtik.

An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. There will be refreshments and live music by the O’Neil Family Band.

Most of the pieces in the exhibit are for sale. You can purchase at any time and pick it when the exhibit is over.

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 our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, 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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Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Ada Public Library
Traveling Exhibit, Art Exhibits, News Kristin Eggerling Traveling Exhibit, Art Exhibits, News Kristin Eggerling

Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Ada Public Library

Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Ada Public Library

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 15 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit is currently at the Ada Public Library until March 26. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.

The 2023-2024 Artists and Artwork:

Ross Hier, Crookston, “Beach Ridge Bouquet” (Watercolor Painting)

Tim Anderson, Goodridge, “Let Your Light Shine” Wood Bowl (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit

Nancy Vraa, Red Lake Falls, “Country Classic” Hat and Mitten Set (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit

Lillian Ramsey, Thief River Falls, “Queen Mouse” (Acrylic Painting)

Kathy Panek, Goodridge, “Night Taxi” (Acrylic Painting on canvas board)

Jodi M Smith, East Grand Forks, “Swirls of Light “(Photography)

Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Old House” (Acrylic Painting) Merit

Madilyn Crompton, Borup, “Hang Time” (Digital Photo) Student Ada-Borup-West School

Makaela Longoria, Ada, “You Have My Heart“(Ceramic Sculpture) Student Ada-Borup-West

Emma Gunderson, Crookston, “Go on a Trip” (Acrylic Painting), Student Crookston School

Kaydence Skibicki, Fertile, Untitled (Silk Screen Print), Student Fertile-Beltrami School

Carter Lee Johnsrud, Goodridge, “Masking” (Mixed Media Graphite Pencil) Student Goodridge School (1st Place and People’s Choice)

Quinn Pittman, Greenbush, “Moe” (Pen Drawing), Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit

Rhiana Utter, Greenbush, “Elsa” (Linoleum Print) Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit

Maryjane Crane, Red Lake Falls, “Time” (Acrylic Painting), Student Red Lake Falls School

The 2022-2022 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:

June to July 11 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls

July 11 to August 29 Roseau Public Library, Roseau

August 29 to October 10 Hallock Public Library, Hallock

October 10 to November 28, Godel Public Library, Warren

November 28 to January 16 Fertile Public Library, Fertile

January 16 to February 27, 2024, Campbell Public Library, East Grand Forks

February 27 to March 26, 2024 Ada Public Library, Ada

March 26 to April TBD 2024** Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls

*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 look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.

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Creative Individuals FY 2025 Grant Opportunity
News, Resources Kristin Eggerling News, Resources Kristin Eggerling

Creative Individuals FY 2025 Grant Opportunity

Grant Opportunity for Individuals:

FY 2025 Creative Individuals

Application materials are now available for the Creative Individuals grant program. This program is open to individual artists and culture bearers.

Creative Individuals provides support to help individual artists and culture bearers develop or sustain their creative practices and meaningfully engage with Minnesotans.

In this program, funds may be used to support an individual's creative practice and meaningfully connect to and engage with audiences, participants, students, and/or communities during the grant period.

Applicants may request between $2,000 - $10,000.

The Arts Board will host a virtual Information Session for potential applicants to learn more about the program purpose and application process. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions with program officers at the end of the session. See below for more information.

Details, including full program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Creative Individuals program page.

Creative Individuals Program Page

Important Dates

February 28, 2024: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. It will be recorded and available for later viewing.

April 5, 2024: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.

December 2024: Arts Board approves grant awards.

February 2025 - January 2026: All funded activities must take place within these dates.

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Request for Proposals open for a downtown East Grand Forks mural
News Kristin Eggerling News Kristin Eggerling

Request for Proposals open for a downtown East Grand Forks mural

There is a Request for Proposals open for a downtown East Grand Forks mural. The deadline is April 1. The Downtown Development Association (DDA) alongside the RiverWalk Center, City of East Grand Forks, and other partners are working together to beautify downtown and promote the exceptional people, places, and things that make up our thriving region through the creation of murals. The project should result in public artwork that lasts for years and create a landmark for those who live here and visitors alike.

This project will showcase the connection between East Grand Forks and the Red River. Mural must include imagery that weaves in fish that inhabit the river and compliments an Instagrammable canoe cut-out.

For more information and the RFP visit: https://downtownforks.com/murals?fbclid=IwAR354YziA1unNu4e2VbjE6oMnRk6JuEow2wlNl56nlTUpOprBs04Q74EtpY

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Who will be the next McKnight Distinguished Artist?
Resources, News Kristin Eggerling Resources, News Kristin Eggerling

Who will be the next McKnight Distinguished Artist?

Who will be the next McKnight Distinguished Artist?

Do you know an artist or culture bearer with an enduring and exceptional career in Minnesota? The McKnight Foundation invites nominations for its 27th Distinguished Artist Award. Nominations for the $100,000 award are due April 16, 2024.

The annual McKnight Distinguished Artist Award recognizes artists and culture bearers who have made a lifelong commitment to creating art that is locally, regionally, and/or nationally significant. These artists and culture bearers have chosen to make their lives and careers in Minnesota, thereby making our state a more culturally rich place. First and foremost, they have produced creatively incisive art reflecting their particular and extraordinary point of view.

McKnight Distinguished Artists have also inspired other artists and culture bearers, earned acclaim from audiences, patrons, critics, and other arts professionals, and some have founded and strengthened arts organizations.

NOMINATE AN ARTIST OR CULTURE BEARER

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Community Dance with North Country Fiddle & Dance March 2
Events Kristin Eggerling Events Kristin Eggerling

Community Dance with North Country Fiddle & Dance March 2

Afternoon Community Dance with North Country Fiddle and Dance

Saturday, March 2nd

2 to 4:30 PM

All are welcome, all ages, all dances are taught and are easy to learn

American traditional folk dances- reels, squares, contras, circle mixers

East Grand Forks Senior Center, 538 Rhinehart Dr. S.E.

Music by O'Neil Family Band

Donations at the door

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Art series exhibit at Fosston’s Aurora Center for the Arts — Presentations on Feb 28
Events Kristin Eggerling Events Kristin Eggerling

Art series exhibit at Fosston’s Aurora Center for the Arts — Presentations on Feb 28

Area Artist and Area Naturalist will present at the Sorenson Art Gallery at the Aurora Center for the Arts in Fosston on Wednesday, February 28.

"Inspired by Nature '' is the theme for a special gallery event featuring Artist Cindy Kolling, Gully and Native Prairie Botanist Donna Spaeth of Waubun. The event will feature Kolling's current exhibit featuring White Sage and the Rough Blazing Star plants, which are part of an ongoing series called "It's Not Nothing. Those aren't Weeds!"  The art exhibit and her discussion of prairie nature art will be accompanied by Spaeth's presentation of prairie ecosystems with plant samples. 

This event will be held at the Sorenson Gallery in the Aurora Center for the Arts at 403 North Foss Avenue in Fosston. Daytime presentations will be held promptly from 12:30 pm to 1:10 pm, then 1:15 pm to 1:55 pm and 2 pm to 2:40 pm (to accommodate school student schedules) and a more relaxed, open session from 3:30 pm to 6 pm.   

Several students are expected to attend the early session, but both are open to the public.  You can come and go as you need, or hang out and learn; the Fosston Library (same building) has pulled a selection of related books to browse and check out and there will be opportunity for questions and sharing.   

The activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and culture heritage fund.  

There is no charge to attend. Light refreshments will be served. This special event is sponsored by the Aurora Center for the Arts in Fosston.

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Arts Advocacy Day 2024 - Register Now!
Events Kristin Eggerling Events Kristin Eggerling

Arts Advocacy Day 2024 - Register Now!

March 5th marks Arts Advocacy Day 2024, and it's fast approaching! Join us in person to passionately advocate for the arts you love.

Can't make it in person? They will also be offering ways for you to participate remotely during the week. Learn more on how you can advocate for the arts during March 4-8th below.  Register Here.

IT'S TIME FOR ARTS ACTION WEEK! Sign-Up to attend the in-person rally on March 5th and to receive links for our online

Opening Rally and to attend legislator meetings.

JOIN ADVOCATES ACROSS MINNESOTA TO RALLY FOR THE ARTS!

It's time for the Minnesota arts community to come together! Help us "rally the troupes" and make our voice heard at the State Capitol and say thank you to legislators for securing over $100 million for the arts and to continue to advocate for additional arts Legacy/General funds. With your action-in-person and as part of Zoom calls with legislators-we can help legislators understand the importance of arts to funding at this critical time. They listened to your feedback from last year and are again giving you multiple ways to advocate from letter writing and legislative Zoom Meetings to a full in-person rally and day at the Capitol on MARCH 5th beginning at 10:00 AM.

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