Artist Reception for Good Vibrations Exhibit

• Northland Community and Technical College1101 State Highway 1Thief River Falls, MN, 56701United States (map)

Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music an exhibit featuring Songwriters, Composers, & the Music Industry  

Including Robert “Little Bobby” Houle and Maury Finney

NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College

1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls

Artist Reception Thursday, April 16 from 6:30 to 8 PM

The exhibit Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music is open at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. This exhibit highlights the accomplishments of Robert “Little Bobby” Houle and Maury Finney, as well six other music artists. The exhibit will run from now until April 16.

Everyone is encouraged to attend this free event. Refreshments will be served. Live music will be provided by Crookston musician Anthony Diaz. Diaz blends jazz, blues, and bluegrass influences into expressive and approachable instrumental guitar music. With over 30 years of playing, he’s less interested in flash and more interested in feel — creating a relaxed atmosphere that invites people to settle in and enjoy the moment. He’ll be playing instrumental jazz and blues as background music to complement the space and the art. He is one of the artists featured in this exhibit.

Little Bobby’s impact on the music industry is known worldwide. Born in Red Lake and raised in Thief River Falls, blues musician and multi-instrumentalist Robert “Little Bobby” Houle III was a third generation Native American musician who followed in his father’s and grandfather’s musical footsteps. From his father, Robert Houle II “Big” Bobby, to his grandfather, Robert Houle, a Rockabilly Music Hall Of Famer, it’s no surprise that Little Bobby was as gifted as he was.

He began as a drummer and then in his early twenties ventured into singing the blues. After already being mostly self-taught, an improvising blues style was a natural fit. In 2005, Little Bobby released his first CD Before The Storm. After that, he released numerous blues albums, including Down, Dirty & Mean (2007), I've Got A Woman (2009), a live DVD A Night At The Empire (2009), Life of the Blues (2010), Showbiz (2015), Super B (2016), the single “Grow Old With You” (2018), an autobiographic DVD Music Is My Life (2018), Simple (2020), God Made Me Blue (2022), and That Killer B Sting (2023). Many of the albums or singles made the charts including holding the #1 album. For a time, he joined Nora Jean Bruso to perform in concerts and blues festivals and toured the United States and abroad including Poland. After playing at the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Sun Times rated Nora Jean & Little Bobby the number one band to see. In 2011, the two put together the CD Good Blues in which Little Bobby not only played on but co-wrote and produced and the album landed on the blues charts.

Little Bobby is the only Minnesota artist to be featured on “The Beale St. Caravan Radio Hour,” the largest syndicated blues show in the world. He’s also been featured on the Black and Blues radio show in The Netherlands, The Monster Blues Show and the Bear Blues Show in the UK, and The Sunday Morning Hangover Cure in Canada, as well as several others. Since the release of God Made Me Blue, his music has played on 1,700 blues stations all over the world.

One of the things that makes Little Bobby’s music so unique is that, except for saxophone, harmonica or steel guitar, he played all the instruments himself and produced his own albums in his state-of-the-art studio in McIntosh under his label, Untouchable Productions. His long-running blues show, Little Bobby’s Juke Joint played Wednesday nights on 90.1 FM (www.radionorthland.org). Tragically, Little Bobby died suddenly in 2019, but his legacy lives on. His albums are available at Little Bobby’s Bar and Grill in McIntosh or online at www.little-bobby-music.company.site or find his music on local radio stations, YouTube, Pandora, iTunes, Spotify, many other music platforms and on every jukebox in the world.

Our other featured music artist is Maury Finney, who is also well-known. Originally from rural Kittson County Minnesota, Maury Finney grew up with music dominating his family’s focus. Dorothy, his mom, was a talented piano player and had been raised in a family of musicians herself. His dad George was a saxophone player and Maury followed in his footsteps. Maury started playing the sax at a young age with guidance from his dad. In his teens, he was hired by a local band leader to fill in for the regular sax player who was forced to take time off to have his teeth fixed. When the sax player returned, Maury remained in the band, gaining invaluable experience by playing alongside seasoned musicians. Those early gigs proved life changing as he developed his talent in ways that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.

With his brother Allen, Maury formed a rock and roll band called The Charms. The band recorded a record and developed a large following, playing venues throughout the local area. In addition to his music career, Maury and his wife Faith owned Maury's Tv and appliance business in East Grand Forks and later opened a recording studio.

In 1976 Maury recorded the song “Maidens Prayer” for Soundwaves Record Co. of Nashville, which began his country music career with nationwide success. Between 1976 and 1977, he charted the most instrumental songs of any country music artist. In 1977 and 1978, Maury was named “Top New Instrumentalist” by the three leading music reporting magazines -- Billboard Music Week, Record World, and Cashbox magazine. He charted twelve times on the Billboard country singles charts. Later, he organized a 7 piece band called Reedsong Music Company, which included family members. Maury was inducted into Minnesota’s Rock Country Hall of Fame in 2007.

Not long ago he was introduced to Little Bobby Houle and they performed together. Maury shared, “it was a magical time when I became Little Bobby’s saxman at several of Bobby’s shows at casinos, Bluesfests, and many city celebrations. It was a blast playing with such a professional and talented songwriter, guitarist, and great Blues singer. Little Bobby’s passing has left a hole in my music life.” Maury continues to perform in the northwest Minnesota area and sometimes in Florida, with blues bands, on his own, and when other opportunities arise and he still thoroughly enjoys it.

In addition to Little Bobby and Maury Finney, other artists and groups featured in the exhibit include The Dank, Project: Constellation, Northern Valley Youth Orchestra, Anthony Diaz of Crookston, The O’Neil Family Band of East Grand Forks and Daniel Knight of Grand Forks. Items in this exhibit include posters, awards, newspaper articles, photos, albums, clothing and other merchandise.

Take a virtual walk through of this exhibit at  https://youtu.be/gH-Plzv4WvY (on the NWMAC YouTube page). The video is also available on our website under the exhibits tab on the top of the homepage.

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 – 5 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. 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.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT with Sarah Pester on March 23 at 11 AM

NWMAC Staff Members Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling will join Crookston Artist Sarah Pester for a live discussion on March 23 at 11 AM. Please join us! The discussion will be on the NWMAC Facebook and YouTube pages. Afterwards we’ll share a link.

Sarah's exhibit Stardust & Soul: "it's in everything" is at the Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston, 2nd Floor in the Atrium.

We'll discuss the exhibit, Sarah's background, her philosophy, her paintings, and much more!

This exhibit includes 41 original pieces of art in oil, watercolor, and mixed media, many of which are for sale. Sarah shared, “I really love how this collection captures the thread running through everything. Earth, space, and us -- all of it being more connected than we usually realize. I hope these pieces remind people that we aren't just out here on our own but a part of the whole and connected to everything.”

Sarah Faith Pester is an artist and yoga teacher from Crookston. Her work is an expression of her inner world and her connection to something beyond the physical. When she paints, she's exploring the unseen energies and emotions that guide us. Sarah mainly uses oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints to create vibrant pieces, and she also finds joy in crafting crystal-beaded bracelets.

As a yoga teacher and energy practitioner, Sarah's artistic and healing practices are deeply connected. The sense of flow and connection she finds in her work is a direct reflection of the healing and spiritual exploration she shares with others through her business Burnham Creek Healing. Through her paintings, bracelets, yoga, and healing practices she shares a piece of her spiritual journey, inviting others to explore their own inner worlds and find their own sense of peace and connection.

Sarah explained that her paintings “invite viewers on a journey beyond the visible, exploring the profound interconnectedness that binds all living things. Each canvas is a vibrant testament to the idea that beneath the surface of our physical reality is an intricate web of energy that connects every living thing from the smallest earthly creatures to the grandness of the universe. Through layers of oil or acrylic, I dive into spiritual dimensions, suggesting that our individual forms are merely temporary vessels for an eternal soul and spirit, mirroring the universe's own boundless energy. My artistic process is one of meditative exploration, where I aim to visualize the unseen forces that unite us. I get lost in blending celestial space clouds, allowing colors to flow and merge, nebulae forming new stars, with delicate intricate details. Everything is purposeful as I feel we are. "Stardust and Soul" seeks to awaken an awareness of the deeper spiritual currents that flow through us and around us, encouraging reflection on our shared origins in energy,y the essence of who we truly are.”

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

North Country Fiddle and Dance

Community Folk Dance

Saturday – March 21, 3:00 to 5:30 pm

Bernie's Restaurant

121 DeMers Ave, East Grand Forks

with music by Four Mile Portage, of Duluth

Live Music! All join in, all ages are welcome; families, couples, singles

Traditional American folk dances: Reels, barn -dance squares, circle mixers and more...

All dances are taught and easy to learn!

Donations at the door

Annual NW Art Exhibit & Of the Year Awards

Reception and Program

Saturday, April 25

Warroad RiverPlace, 103 State Avenue, Warroad 56763

On Saturday, April 25 the NW Art Exhibit will open at 10 AM. A reception with free refreshments will begin at noon. The awards program will start at 2 PM. The public is encouraged to attend this free event. Awardees of the NW Art Exhibit and Of the Year awards will be recognized.

The exhibit will feature original art by regional adult and high school student artists and creatives. They will be competing for $2,300 in cash prizes. Artists must reside in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, or Red Lake counties to be eligible. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by Alice Blessing, a qualified juror. Visitors will be able to vote for People’s Choice. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception at Warroad RiverPlace on Saturday, April 25. Artists are welcome to have their work in the exhibit available for sale.  The exhibit will end with a reception and an awards program to honor entrants and Of the Year awardees.

Warroad RiverPlace is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. They are closed Sunday and Monday. The exhibit will be open during operating hours at RiverPlace and is free to view.

Please reach out to our office with any questions. director@nwartscouncil.org.

Arts Advocacy Day is March 3

Put this event on your calendar

Arts Advocacy Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026—and we need you there.

This session will shape the future of arts funding in Minnesota. Showing up together is how we make sure lawmakers see the full force, scale, and diversity of the arts community. 

Your early registration = bigger crowds, stronger organizing, and a louder voice at the Capitol.

Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day!

Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd, 2026
Rally in the Capitol Rotunda: 10 - 11 AM
Legislative Meetings: 11 AM - 3 PM

Register for Arts Advocacy Day 2026

Nervous About Attending? 

Many 1st time advocates are a little nervous about attending as they don't know what to expect or say on behalf of the arts. REGISTER TODAY for Arts Advocacy Day on March 3rd and receive a Zoom link for our Advocacy 101 and 201 training on February 24th at 10:30 AM. Learn effective messaging and storytelling for Arts Advocacy Day. They’ll walk through what a typical Advocacy Day looks like, share examples of a legislative meeting and what to expect, and, especially for first-time advocates, leave plenty of time for Q&A. Interested, but can't make it? REGISTER TODAY and receive a link once the video is uploaded.

See the Impact. Feel the Energy.

Manoomin Arts Initiative’s

We’ve Got You Covered Community Celebration & Artist Reception on April 23

a celebration of the appliquéd mural blankets created during their apprenticeship year with Rick Kagigebi & Eliza Klarer

Thursday April 23, 2026

• 2:30 PM Regional Arts Networking • snacks & beverages

• 3-4 PM McKnight Fellowship Info Session

• 4-6 PM Artist Reception

Indigenous Foods catered by Chef Edward Rodriguez hosted by Manoomin Arts Initiative at Gizhiigin Arts Incubator

701 East Jefferson Ave Mahnomen MN 56557

Rick Kagigebi is a FY 2025 Cultural Expression grant recipient from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

Valentine's Portrait Session

Thursday, February 12th 5-8PM

Studio 110 - 110 South Main Street / Crookston 56716

They say “the best things in life are free”. and that is certainly the case with Studio 110’s family portraiture sessions. Photographer Rena Zapata & team welcome you to come and celebrate this season of love and honoring of families through the art of photography. Everyone is welcome to stop by  to capture a moment and honor the people you love and respect. 

Digital images are uploaded to a site where you can download for your own use on social media or send out for prints. 

There is no cost to participate and families are typically welcomed during the above timeframe on a first come first serve basis. With that said, it is important for them to know how many to expect, so if you haven't RSVP'd yet please do at the link below.

RSVP

We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Wednesday, April 15 at 11 AM. This can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 218-745-8886 or email director@nwartscouncil.org. You can take advantage of the opportunity to come into our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space!

We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Thursday, February 13 at 4 PM. This can be virtual or in person. You must RSVP to attend. Please let us know if you are interested by calling 218-745-8886 or email director@nwartscouncil.org. You can take advantage of the opportunity to come into our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space!

Work of Art: Portfolio Kit

Zoom Meeting
January 17 from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

VIRTUAL, WORKSHOP

Focus on the essential elements of your portfolio: sharpening your artist statement, tailoring your artistic resume, and curating and formatting your work samples. Presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library. Your portfolio is the core of your promotional material and professional calling card. To register or learn more visit https://springboardforthearts.org/event/work-of-art-portfolio-kit/