Artist Spotlight with Jill Levene July 28 at 10 am

Please join NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett in a conversation with Red River Valley Artist and Printmaker Jill Levene. Levene’s work is featured in our exhibit “Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene” at the Historic Fournet Building Downtown Crookston, 101 N Broadway. We’ll talk about her art, the exhibit, her inspiration, artistic practice and much more! The conversation will be live on our Facebook and YouTube channels. Afterwards, you can watch it on our website with a link.

Artist Spotlight with Karlstad Artist Alicia Spilde Thursday, August 7 at 11:30 AM

NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett will be speaking with Karlstad Artist Alicia Spilde on Thursday, August 7 at 11:30 AM. We’ll discuss Spilde and her art. She has been a frequent entrant in the NW Art exhibits and currently has a piece in the Traveling Art Exhibit and the Welcome to the Whimsical Exhibit. The conversation will be live on our Facebook and YouTube channels. Afterwards, you can watch it on our website with a link. About her art in the Welcome to the Whimsical exhibit Spilde shared, “I hope you enjoy my sense of humor. Sometimes I feel like my art style doesn’t belong in an exhibit. I am an untrained artist who often makes pieces that may look a bit messy and not done in the best techniques. Lately, I’ve been leaning into the folky-ness of my style, inspired by folk artists of the past. We all have a message to share through our artwork, whether it is fine art or not.”

Welcome the Whimsical, a fun exhibit is open May 21 – August 15 at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls and will have an artist reception on June 26 from 6 to 8 PM. This exhibit includes 103 pieces of art created by 70 artists in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pen and ink, fiber art, printmaking, colored pencil, photography, ceramics, written material, marker, and mixed media. Some of the art is for sale.

To see Alicia’s art and others take a virtual walk through of the exhibit here.

East Grand Forks 2025 Heritage Days with

Live Music and Dancing

August 8, 9, 10

Heritage Village 219 20^th Street NE, East Grand Forks

Bandstand Show

Open gate for all events

Friday, August 8 – Bandstand

Classic Swing Band - 6 - 8 PM dance / concert, hotdogs available at concessions, antique car show on grounds.

Saturday, August 9 : Bandstand, Heritage Village Grounds

1 - 2 PM – Peggy and Dean Ellingson, ( Bemidji ) - Light-hearted songs from the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s - Guitar and Mandolin

2 - 3 PM - Skally Line,- Original songs and stories about Minnesota history and traditional tunes.

3 - 4 PM- O'Neil Family Band - traditional and original songs, tunes, and dancing

Sunday, August 10: Bandstand, Heritage Village Grounds

12 -1 PM – Chuck Gust – accordion

1 - 2 PM – Skally Line - Original songs and stories about Minnesota history and traditional tunes.

2 - 3 PM - Fargo Spelemanslag- Hardanger Fiddle ensemble

3 - 4 PM – O'Neil Family Band - traditional and original songs, tunes, dancing, and dance participation

Heritage Through Image

a photography exhibit

and

Works by Hallock Metal Artist and Painter

Dennis Kinkead

Carnegie Library, 102 Main Ave N, Thief River Falls

Stop by During the Art & Wine Walk on

July 10 from 4 - 8:00 PM

This NWMAC exhibit will be a stop on the Art & Wine Walk in Thief River Falls on July 10. Heritage Through Image, an exhibit open through July. The exhibit includes 22 images (2 images of each subject), along with a 5 x 7 framed narrative for each person that depict traditional practices, customs, and folklore that serves as a visual representation of regional heritage.

For more information about the Art & Wine Walk or to purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trf-zehlians-art-wine-walk-2025-tickets-1259732075549?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Photographer Monika Lawrence, formerly of Bemidji now living in Germany, was commissioned to capture the images that reflect traditional practices, customs, and folklore to serve as a visual representation of the heritage of East Polk County. Come and see images and information featuring folk arts such as Hardanger embroidery, Scandinavian desserts and pastries, rosemaling, historical storytelling including stories from Indigenous communities, woodworking, experimental archaeology and textiles, blacksmithing, tractor and vintage car restorations, and more. There’s something for everyone!

Lawrence interviewed and photographed the subjects who are featured in this exhibit. They include Stephenie Anderson, John Balstad, Dustin Carlson, Caleb Curfman, Amy Mulry, Al and Vicky Olson, Jeffrey Olson, Earl Steinbrenner, Lynn Sundrud, Rosayn Watnemo, and Carol Wold.

Hallock Artist Dennis Kinkead will be joining this exhibit with his work on July 10. He is a 2-D and 3-D artist who specializes in sculpture and iron works. He will also be present during the event from 4 to 8 PM that evening.

From boilermaker to grain farmer to customs officer at the US border, Dennis Kinkead’s interests and abilities know no bounds. A native of Aitken, Minnesota, he has always had a passion for learning and new experiences. Inspired and taught by his father-in-law in the late 1990s, Dennis started learning the craft of metalworking. His first large project was a coffee table that he handcrafted entirely on his own, including all the jigs and fixtures. After taking home first prize at the county fair, Dennis knew he had found a new art form to be passionate about. His work progressed over the years, including metal roses, the front railing on his family home, a hall table with matching mirror, and other pieces of household furniture. He soon shifted gears into a more natural and mythical theme including birds, skull heads and dragons. Recently, Dennis signed up for an online art class where he has been honing his drawing and painting skills. Today, his art is distinctly influenced by Asian culture as evidenced by the images of koi fish, blossoming trees, and Chinese and Japanese characters. When asked what inspires his love of Asian imagery, he simply replied, “I just like it.”

Many pieces of Kinkead’s art will be for sale.

The Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls is at 102 Main Ave N. The gallery is open Mondays & Fridays from 10 AM - 2 PM and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 8-11 AM. It will be open when the Chamber of Commerce office is open. You can contact the Chamber of Commerce to see about other possible open hours at trfchamber.com, 218-681-3720, or info@trfchamber.com.

The NWMAC will host Dennis Kinkead Exhibit at the Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls

Carnegie Library, 102 Main Ave N, Thief River Falls

2nd Floor

Stop by the Exhibit during the Art & Wine Walk on

July 10 from 4 to 8 PM

A number of works by Hallock metal artist and painter Dennis Kinkead will be featured in an upcoming exhibit at the Carnegie Library, 102 Main Ave N, in Thief River Falls. Kinkead’s work will open on Thursday, July 10 during the Thief River Falls Art & Wine Walk. The artist will also be present during the event from 4 to 8 PM that evening. Everyone is welcome to attend this exhibit.

From boilermaker to grain farmer to customs officer at the US border, Dennis Kinkead’s interests and abilities know no bounds. A native of Aitken, Minnesota, he has always had a passion for learning and new experiences. Inspired and taught by his father-in-law in the late 1990s, Dennis started learning the craft of metalworking. His first large project was a coffee table that he handcrafted entirely on his own, including all the jigs and fixtures. After taking home first prize at the county fair, Dennis knew he had found a new art form to be passionate about. His work progressed over the years, including metal roses, the front railing on his family home, a hall table with matching mirror, and other pieces of household furniture. He soon shifted gears into a more natural and mythical theme including birds, skull heads and dragons. Recently, Dennis signed up for an online art class where he has been honing his drawing and painting skills. Today, his art is distinctly influenced by Asian culture as evidenced by the images of koi fish, blossoming trees, and Chinese and Japanese characters. When asked what inspires his love of Asian imagery, he simply replied, “I just like it.”

Many pieces of Kinkead’s art will be for sale.

The Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls is at 102 Main Ave N. The exhibit is located on the second floor. Parking is available in the back of the building. It is open Mondays & Fridays from 10 AM - 2 PM and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 8-11 AM. It will also be open at other times when the Chamber of Commerce office is open. Contact the Chamber of Commerce to see about other possible open hours at trfchamber.com, 218-681-3720, or info@trfchamber.com. 

For more information about this exhibit, visit our website at NWArtsCouncil.org, or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 280-4917 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.

Micro Mosaics

Saturday, July 26 | 1-3 PM

Hosted by Folk School Warroad

Create your own micro mosaic masterpiece in this beginner-friendly class hosted by Folk School Warroad. It's the perfect way to try your hand at the mosaic art form.

Registration Opens Soon

Gallery Exhibit: An Indigenous Artist’s Journey Through Leather, Beadwork, and Portraiture by Cindy Godin Hamilton

Opens Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10 AM 
Closes Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 5 PM

Every stitch, every beadwork, and every brushstroke tells the story of a profound journey of ancestral discovery turned into creative exploration and expression for Ojibwe artist Cindy Godin Hamilton.

Known as “The Moccasin Lady,” Hamilton is recognized for her beautiful craftsmanship of traditional leatherwork—like moccasins, mukluks, and mitts—incorporating Metis embroidery and Ojibwe florals into many of her designs in honor of her heritage and to preserve these Indigenous cultural practices.

But she wasn’t always a culture bearer—or an artist. 

Hamilton fully awakened to her Indigenous roots in her adult years after seeing a photograph of her great-grandmother adorned in split-toe moccasins, ushering in a new mission to research, self-teach, and pass on the art of moccasin making and other Native artisanship.

A life of ever-evolving, creative expression followed this transformational journey of ancestral homecoming. Hamilton began exploring different art forms, finding passion, curiosity, and natural talent in portraiture—painting a diverse array of subjects, from animals to warriors to celebrities.

An Indigenous Artist’s Journey is an opportunity to celebrate the power of Indigenous art and to experience the diverse ways in which culture, history, and individual expression intertwine, inviting viewers to appreciate the artist's unique vision and voice.

Gallery Hours: Experience An Indigenous Artist’s Journey from July 29 to September 27, 2025. It is free to visit Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Artist Reception: The public is invited to a free reception celebrating the artists on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Browse the artwork, meet Cindy, and socialize over light refreshments. More information>

CINDY GODIN HAMILTON

Cynthia “Cindy” Godin Hamilton is a talented Ojibwe artist hailing from Treaty 3 with a rich cultural heritage that encompasses both European and First Nations ancestry, including Metis roots. Born in Baudette, Minnesota, to Canadian parents, Emil and Iona Godin, she was raised along with her brother, Mike Godin, and sister, Teresa McDowell, in Rainy River, Ontario.

Cindy and her husband, Dave Hamilton, live in Williams, Minnesota. They have two adult daughters, Tori and Tina.

As an adult in the late 1990s, Cindy was working on her genealogy when she was inspired by a picture of her great-grandmother adorned in beautiful moccasins—an image that would change her life’s journey and purpose. Awakening to her family’s Indigenous ancestry, Cindy immediately knew she had to learn the art of moccasin craftsmanship. Despite being in California far from home, she persevered, self-teaching herself through extensive research and experimentation, eventually crafting her own unique patterns. What started as a hobby transformed into a meaningful artistic expression, keeping her family’s cultural traditions alive and deepening an identity with her familial roots. Each pair of moccasins that she creates represents the resilience and beauty of Indigenous culture.

With moccasins as her original inspiration, Cindy’s diverse skills now span from crafting traditional leather, embroidered mukluks and mitts to portrait painting in pastels, oils, and acrylics. Her dedication to honoring her First Nations and Metis heritage is evident in her work. 

During this journey of ancestral homecoming through creative expression and cultural preservation, Cindy has experienced many highlights and recognitions for her work. She is the recipient of several Individual Art grants and an Artist Fellowship through the Minnesota Region 2 Arts Council. Over the last three years, she has been included in nine group art exhibitions across the state of Minnesota; her works have appeared at All My Relations Arts (Minneapolis), American Swedish Institute (Minneapolis), Watermark Art Center (Bemidji), The Reif (Grand Rapids), and MacRostie Art Center (Grand Rapids). Cindy was chosen by Manitobah Mukluks to be a contributing artist for their online Indigenous Market the last two years, and she won Best in Show at the juried art contest at the Third Annual Anishinaabe Art Festival in Bemidji in July 2024. Cindy is a 2025 recipient of the Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Individual grant; she is currently creating 10 new works that will be on display at Bemidji’s Watermark Art Center in 2026. As a local arts advocate and educator, she brings leadership service as the current president of the Lake of the Woods Art Guild in Baudette, while teaching and cultivating Indigenous craftsmanship at a variety of workshops across the region.

As Cindy continues to create breathtaking artwork and to impart her knowledge through community workshops and exhibitions, her profound connection to her roots remains an essential foundation in all her artistic endeavors.

Follow Cindy on social media to learn more about her journey: Facebook: Cindy Hamilton - Indigenous Artist; Instagram: cindy_hamilton_native_artist

Plein Air Watercolor with Debbie Dahl Aune

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 3 PM 6 PM

Watercolor has a mind of its own, but, with a bit of clever direction and a few tools from ‘the junk drawer,’ you can find much satisfaction and success. Join current RiverPlace gallery artist Debbie Dahl Aune as she and the participants take to the outdoors (“en plein air”) with simple masking techniques, some splatter painting fun, and a couple of basic design/composition rules to paper.

“Plein air” is Impressionist painting “in the open air.” This course will take place outdoors, if weather permits.

Optional: Bring bug spray and sunscreen if you think you’ll need it. Bring a lawn chair if you'd like; stools are provided.

15 Seats | Ages 16+ | $45 (all painting equipment and materials provided)

Register

Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene

Red River Valley Artist and Printmaker

Artist Reception July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM

Open Through August at the 

Historic Fournet Building

101 N Broadway Downtown Crookston

2^nd Floor in the Atrium  

An artist reception will be held in honor of Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene, an exhibit open through August at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway in Downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 29 pieces of art in printmaking, pen and ink, fabric art, and mixed media created by Red River Valley Printmaker and Artist Jill Levene of Tabor. This is the first exhibit that the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council has created in this space.

The reception will be Thursday, July 31 from 7 to 8:30 PM. There will be refreshments and live music. Some of the art is for sale. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett shared, “I first encountered Jill’s artwork at the Tettegouche State Park as our family was on vacation along the North Shore. I was immediately taken by her pen and ink skills. Jill is a versatile and accomplished artist flowing with creativity and inspiration. Her new exhibit at the Fournet Building in Crookston will pull you into another world of wonder and hope.”

Artist Jill Levene explained, “Gainfully retired from commercial graphic design, I now enjoy the freedom to integrate my world travels with natural history and the environment to create my “Inklings”— pen and ink renderings of people, non-human animals, and natural settings. In 2011, I was introduced to New England’s remarkable Folly Cove Fabric Designers of the mid-20^th Century. This discovery inspired me in a new direction—block carving and printing on fabric using originally-designed, hand-carved linoleum blocks based on my Inklings. Added to this is my interest in repurposing various types of fiber-based food packaging, such as tea and gum wrappers, by incorporating fragments of these colorful containers onto the Inklings foundation. The combination of Inklings, block printing on fabric, and kitchen-based art led me to my current focus on functional art — hand-printed usable cloth pieces including dishtowels, bandanas, infant swaddles, aprons, and garden flags — anything fabric — with the goal of creating art that is both functional and perpetual, as well as beautiful and one-of-a-kind for the culinarian and collector alike:  ‘Hand-printed.  One at a time, every time.’”

Parking and admission is free. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. 

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/XB96nngkHhUor find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.

If you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 280-4917 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.

Welcome the Whimsical

An Exhibit Featuring Your Imagination

Artist Reception June 26 from 6 to 8 PM 

NWMAC Gallery 

Northland Community and Technical College 

1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls

Welcome the Whimsical, a fun exhibit open May 21 – August 15 at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls is having an artist reception on June26 from 6 to 8 PM. This exhibit includes 103 pieces of art created by 70 artists in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pen and ink, fiber art, printmaking, colored pencil, photography, ceramics, written material, marker, and mixed media. Some of the art is for sale.

Twenty-six adult and 44 student artists from throughout the region -- Lake Bronson, Thief River Falls, Hallock, East Grand Forks, Badger, Williams, Karlstad, Roseau, Crookston, Gatzke, Warroad, Lancaster, Gully, Red Lake Falls, Ada, Fertile, and Warren, contributed to this showcase with 55 adult pieces and 48 student pieces of art.

Welcome the Whimsical features other worldly experiences. Think playful, unusual, odd, quaint, imagination, or fanciful art. 

Take a virtual walk through of the exhibit here.

Karlstad Artist Alicia Spilde shared, “I hope you enjoy my sense of humor. Sometimes I feel like my art style doesn’t belong in an exhibit. I am an untrained artist who often makes pieces that may look a bit messy and not done in the best techniques. Lately, I’ve been leaning into the folky-ness of my style, inspired by folk artists of the past. We all have a message to share through our artwork, whether it is fine art or not.”

Artist Debbie Aune said, “I am a collector of weird and wonderful stuff and have been since I was a kid. About 15 years ago I was going through an exhausting stage in life trying to juggle work, family, and my own aspirations. During one of my daily walks, I found this mask shape, hairy piece of truck thread and envisioned dolls. It transformed into a ‘Tired Doll.’ It was coincidental that the medium matched my disposition at the time.”

Finally, Aliza Novacek-Olson explained, “Traditional techniques and functional purpose are the foundation of my work with textiles. Every once in a while, a different side of me shows itself in my art. The result is a piece that turns out mythical, a bit ugly, and sometimes . . . strangely cute. The theme of this exhibition is a perfect opportunity for my curious little wooly creatures to show themselves and see if they can make you smile.”

You won't want to miss this interesting exhibit open through August 15 at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. There will be an Artist Reception on June 26 from 6 to 8 PM at the gallery. This event is free and open to all and held in conjunction with a community play Seussical Kids being held in the college theater at 7 PM that evening.  Light snacks will be served.

The NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls is at 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls 56701. The gallery is open during Monday-Friday from 8 – 4:30 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please call to make sure the college is open before making a special trip. Hours can change, especially during the summer. 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) 280-4917 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.