NWMAC Calendar
Upcoming Events
Iron and Feathers: Art of the Northwest exhibit
Iron and Feathers: Art of the Northwest
an exhibit featuring paintings by Ross Hier and Beau Bakken
Open Through August
at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston
2nd Floor in the Atrium
Artist Reception TBD
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce Iron and Feathers: Art of the Northwest an exhibit featuring paintings by Ross Hier and Beau Bakken at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 35 original pieces of art in watercolor on paper and acrylic on canvas, most of which are for sale.
Beau Bakken of Hallock has been professionally creating art by commission since 2008. Beau has been a consistent entrant into NWMAC’s exhibits and won 1st place in the annual NW Minnesota Art Exhibit in 2011, 2014, and 2022, and given a People’s Choice award in 2025. He won the Artist of the Year in 2016. Beau was the featured artist in the Around the Farm exhibit at our gallery in Thief River Falls. His work consists of large outdoor murals, outdoor business signs, indoor murals, and indoor wall hangings and paintings.
About his 8 pieces of work in the exhibit, Beau said, “My paintings in this exhibit are captures of the Red River Valley, painted with the hope that fellow citizens of the valley would find them relatable.”
Ross H. Hier attended the University of Minnesota earning a BS in Wildlife Management and had a 35-year career with the Section of Wildlife in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. His time was spent researching mallards, ring-necked ducks, and the Lesser scaup, as well as managing wildlife management areas in Polk and Red Lake Counties. Nature has excited him for as long as he can remember and his creative need to express this love led him to watercolor painting.
He shared, “Northwest Minnesota is such a diverse piece of geography … native grasslands, the Aspen Parklands and transition zone between prairie and forest landscapes interspersed with agricultural tracts. The ancient Lake Agassiz beach lines are quite profound on the east side of the Red River Valley and serve as linear maps for migrant birds where substantial grasslands and wetlands serve as stop-over areas for birds moving further north. The diversity of nature in northwest Minnesota is amazing. Nature has always been a force that triggers my creative thought process. I love painting with watercolors for their elusive nature and spontaneity.”
He continued, “It’s an honor to exhibit in the town I have long resided in and to share this exhibit with the outstanding artist, Beau Bakken. His work never ceases to amaze me. This exhibit presents the viewers with two different artists who use different painting mediums and rather different styles. I hope the exhibit brings viewers much joy and thankfulness as we celebrate the premier region of Minnesota through art. Thanks to the Northwest Arts Council and especially Exhibit Specialist Trey Everett.” Twenty-seven works in the exhibit were created by Ross.
You can find both Ross and Beau in our most recent Artists of NW Minnesota booklet.
An Artist Reception will be held at the Fournet. Watch our website, newsletters, or social media for an announcement of the date, time, and other details.
You won't want to miss this exhibit open through August at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston. 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/emdN39orEZE or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
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.
Grant Deadline for Individual Artists and Arts Project Grants
Deadline for Arts Grants is April 30
Arts Project Grants & Individual Artist Grants
Free Grant Writing Session will be held on Wed, April 15 at 11 AM
April 30 is the final deadline for this fiscal year for arts grant applications for individuals and organizations.
Arts Grants for non-profit and governmental organizations. Non-profits and cities or counties can apply for one arts project at a time. The next deadline for these grants is April 30. 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 this very important grant opportunity includes 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. Public art like murals or sculptures also fall into this category.
Individual Artist Grants. Applications are open for arts grants to individuals from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties. Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500 have an April 30 deadline. 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 a substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals, $3,000 going to three individuals, and $5,000 going to three individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota.
Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year. 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.
We offer free grant writing sessions to help you write your grant application or to answer any questions. The upcoming session will be:
Wednesday, April 15 at 11 AM
This free Grant Writing Workshop is on Zoom -- contact our office for a link. You can also come to our office in Warren and attend from our grant writing station. 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. This is a great opportunity to come to our office and work on your grant in our grant writing space. If you can’t attend these trainings but would like assistance, please contact our office.
To learn more about our 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 our office at 218-745-8886, ext 1.
Great State of Minnesota Exhibit
The Great State of Minnesota
What Does Minnesota Mean to You?
An Exhibit Open May 5 Through August at the
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
Artist Reception TBD
The Great State of Minnesota -- at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. This exhibit will includes work from throughout our region, including all mediums and will run from May 5 through August.
Minnesota received a lot of attention lately because of the ICE surge of 3,000 officers in January, large civil protests in freezing winter weather, and famous musicians like Bruce Springsteen writing songs about this historical moment in Minnesota. Because of this, the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is highlighting our state in this exhibit. We asked artists what does Minnesota mean to you?
As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this summer, artists created art about Minnesota that reflects our pride in our state. Artists were encouraged to reflect on Minnesota as the Northstar State, our Minnesota State Flag, our Great Seal of Minnesota, and our state symbols.
Minnesota is the Northstar State. Our motto is L'Etoile du Nord = Star of the North, which refers to Polaris, the North Star, that remains in the same spot in the night sky, representing stability and direction. Our flag symbolizes the state's natural resources, identity, and future. It features a light blue field (water/sky), a dark blue shape (state outline/night sky), and a white 8-point "North Star" representing our motto and the state's northern location. The 8-point star also represents guidance, hope, and its northern position, while also honoring diverse cultural heritage, including Native American designs, Nordic patterns, and barn quilts, and echoing the star on the Capitol’s rotunda. It’s a multicultural symbol, often appearing like four “M”s for Minnesota and resembling a snowflake, connecting to the state’s climate and indigenous artistry.
The Great Seal of Minnesota is a circular design featuring a common loon (state bird), the North Star, wild rice, Norway pines (state tree), and stylized water, with the Dakota phrase "Mni Sóta Makoce" -- "Land where the waters reflect the skies."
Minnesota evokes many feelings and meanings to different people. Maybe it's blueberry picking, cabin life, morel or deer hunting, walleye fishing, or the land of 10,000 lakes; the power of community, snowflakes and cold, or pine trees; terms like Minnesota Nice, You betcha or Uff da; foods like wild rice, hot dishes, or lefse. Our sports teams including the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, The Wild, Loons, and Lynx; Icons such as Mary Tyler Moore, Prince, and Bob Dylan; Or our state symbols like the Rusty Patched Bumblebee(state bee), Monarch (state butterfly), Lady’s Slipper (state flower) or the Honeycrisp Apple (state fruit), or Agate (the state gemstone).
An Artist Reception will be held at the gallery this summer. Watch our social media and website for details and an announcement.
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, 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.
Emergency Relief Funding Application Deadline
Emergency Relief Funding Application Deadline
Program Guidelines and Instructions
PROGRAM SUMMARY: Thanks to the generosity of a coalition of Minnesota-based funders, the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council will offer a pilot year of Emergency Relief Funding to artists and creatives, ages 18 years and older, who live in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties in Minnesota who are facing a housing, healthcare, legal, or property loss emergency. Eligible applicants will be selected through a randomized selection process to receive a one-time award of $500.
APPLICATION DEADLINE and AWARD PROCESS: June 15, August 15, October 15, December 1, 2026 (as funds allow). Random selection from among the pool of applicants will take place two days before our bi-monthly board meetings. Recipients will be contacted the following Tuesday. Northwest Minnesota Arts Council anticipates selecting up to ten recipients bi-monthly, as funds remain. Payment within 30 days of award. Unfunded applications will be carried forward until Dec 31, 2026 then be shredded.
ELIGIBILITY: Who is eligible to apply for an Emergency Relief Fund Award? Applicant must:
Be at least eighteen years old on or before the application deadline.
Have their primary residence within Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties. Applicants will provide Proof of Residency, which can be demonstrated through including a valid Minnesota driver's license or ID card.
Be an individual artist or creative at any stage of their arts career however, applicants do not need to have art as their primary form of livelihood.
Be facing a housing, healthcare, legal, or property loss emergency. Proof of your emergency is not required.
Applicants may not receive more than one Emergency Relief Award from Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, and may not receive Emergency Relief Funding from more than one Regional Arts Council in Minnesota.
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Board Members, employees, and contracted workers are not eligible to apply for this program.
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council values applicants’ privacy, especially in times of crisis. No identifying data will be made public by our office in relation to the Emergency Relief Fund Program.Recipients are not required to acknowledge their award publicly. FMI or questions please call 218-745-8886 ext 1 or email Mara Hanel at nwartscouncil.director@gmail.com.
NWMAC Board Meeting
You are welcome to observe our board meetings. Email our director at director@nwartscouncil.org for a zoom link.
Grant Deadline for Organizations
Arts Grants Applications have Upcoming Deadline for Organizations
Applications Open July 1
Deadline is July 31, October 31, February 28, and April 30
Applications open July 1 for government entities and nonprofit organizations. Applications will be accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are July 31, October 31, February 28, and April 30. 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 this very important grant opportunity includes 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.
There will be free grant writing sessions to help you write your grant application or answer any questions. You can attend via Zoom or at our office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend. Dates will be announced soon.
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.
Emergency Relief Funding Application Deadline
Emergency Relief Funding Application Deadline
Program Guidelines and Instructions
PROGRAM SUMMARY: Thanks to the generosity of a coalition of Minnesota-based funders, the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council will offer a pilot year of Emergency Relief Funding to artists and creatives, ages 18 years and older, who live in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties in Minnesota who are facing a housing, healthcare, legal, or property loss emergency. Eligible applicants will be selected through a randomized selection process to receive a one-time award of $500.
APPLICATION DEADLINE and AWARD PROCESS: June 15, August 15, October 15, December 1, 2026 (as funds allow). Random selection from among the pool of applicants will take place two days before our bi-monthly board meetings. Recipients will be contacted the following Tuesday. Northwest Minnesota Arts Council anticipates selecting up to ten recipients bi-monthly, as funds remain. Payment within 30 days of award. Unfunded applications will be carried forward until Dec 31, 2026 then be shredded.
ELIGIBILITY: Who is eligible to apply for an Emergency Relief Fund Award? Applicant must:
Be at least eighteen years old on or before the application deadline.
Have their primary residence within Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties. Applicants will provide Proof of Residency, which can be demonstrated through including a valid Minnesota driver's license or ID card.
Be an individual artist or creative at any stage of their arts career however, applicants do not need to have art as their primary form of livelihood.
Be facing a housing, healthcare, legal, or property loss emergency. Proof of your emergency is not required.
Applicants may not receive more than one Emergency Relief Award from Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, and may not receive Emergency Relief Funding from more than one Regional Arts Council in Minnesota.
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Board Members, employees, and contracted workers are not eligible to apply for this program.
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council values applicants’ privacy, especially in times of crisis. No identifying data will be made public by our office in relation to the Emergency Relief Fund Program.Recipients are not required to acknowledge their award publicly. FMI or questions please call 218-745-8886 ext 1 or email Mara Hanel at nwartscouncil.director@gmail.com.
NWMAC Board Meeting
You are welcome to observe our board meetings. Email our director at director@nwartscouncil.org for a zoom link.
Arts Grants for Schools
Arts Grants for Schools
ARTS EQUIPMENT FOR SCHOOLS
Supported by general allocation funds from the Minnesota state legislature, schools can apply to purchase artistic equipment for their visual art, performing art, media arts, or creative writing departments. Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match. Deadline is September 30 each year that it is offered. Equipment that is used solely for the pursuit of arts like a kiln or theater lights, or a band instrument has a better chance of being funded. This is first come, first served after September 30.
Artist Residency in Schools. We offer arts grants for artist residencies in schools These grants are a maximum of $3,000 to sponsor an artist for a traditional week long residency. Schools are strongly encouraged to use our teaching artist roster or use a roster artist from COMPAS. Competitive deadline is October 31, first come first served. Schools can apply for additional residencies as long as funding is available until April 30.
Types of Grants for Schools
Artist Residency in Schools (up to $3,000)
Arts Equipment for Schools (up to $3,000) Sept 30 deadline
Emergency Relief Funding Application Deadline
Emergency Relief Funding Application Deadline
Program Guidelines and Instructions
PROGRAM SUMMARY: Thanks to the generosity of a coalition of Minnesota-based funders, the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council will offer a pilot year of Emergency Relief Funding to artists and creatives, ages 18 years and older, who live in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties in Minnesota who are facing a housing, healthcare, legal, or property loss emergency. Eligible applicants will be selected through a randomized selection process to receive a one-time award of $500.
APPLICATION DEADLINE and AWARD PROCESS: June 15, August 15, October 15, December 1, 2026 (as funds allow). Random selection from among the pool of applicants will take place two days before our bi-monthly board meetings. Recipients will be contacted the following Tuesday. Northwest Minnesota Arts Council anticipates selecting up to ten recipients bi-monthly, as funds remain. Payment within 30 days of award. Unfunded applications will be carried forward until Dec 31, 2026 then be shredded.
ELIGIBILITY: Who is eligible to apply for an Emergency Relief Fund Award? Applicant must:
Be at least eighteen years old on or before the application deadline.
Have their primary residence within Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties. Applicants will provide Proof of Residency, which can be demonstrated through including a valid Minnesota driver's license or ID card.
Be an individual artist or creative at any stage of their arts career however, applicants do not need to have art as their primary form of livelihood.
Be facing a housing, healthcare, legal, or property loss emergency. Proof of your emergency is not required.
Applicants may not receive more than one Emergency Relief Award from Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, and may not receive Emergency Relief Funding from more than one Regional Arts Council in Minnesota.
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Board Members, employees, and contracted workers are not eligible to apply for this program.
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council values applicants’ privacy, especially in times of crisis. No identifying data will be made public by our office in relation to the Emergency Relief Fund Program.Recipients are not required to acknowledge their award publicly. FMI or questions please call 218-745-8886 ext 1 or email Mara Hanel at nwartscouncil.director@gmail.com.
NWMAC Board Meeting
You are welcome to observe our board meetings. Email our director at director@nwartscouncil.org for a zoom link.
Grant Deadline for Organizations
Arts Grants Applications have Upcoming Deadline for Organizations
Applications Open July 1
Deadline is July 31, October 31, February 28, and April 30
Applications open July 1 for government entities and nonprofit organizations. Applications will be accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are July 31, October 31, February 28, and April 30. 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 this very important grant opportunity includes 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.
There will be free grant writing sessions to help you write your grant application or answer any questions. You can attend via Zoom or at our office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend. Dates will be announced soon.
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.
Grant Deadline for Individual Artists
Individual Artist Grants Deadline. 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. Individual Artist Grants provide financial assistance for the exhibition, performance, or production of a specific creative work, mentoring with a more experienced artist, participation in not-for-credit arts experiences.
To be eligible you must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age and reside in the 7 county NW Minnesota region. College tuition is not an eligible expense.
Individual Artist Grants for $1,500, $3,000, or $5,000 have an annual deadline of November 15 or April 30. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation or the State of Minnesota. 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.
Applicants 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. Applicants absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2026). 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.
Emergency Relief Funding Application Deadline
Emergency Relief Funding Application Deadline
Program Guidelines and Instructions
PROGRAM SUMMARY: Thanks to the generosity of a coalition of Minnesota-based funders, the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council will offer a pilot year of Emergency Relief Funding to artists and creatives, ages 18 years and older, who live in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties in Minnesota who are facing a housing, healthcare, legal, or property loss emergency. Eligible applicants will be selected through a randomized selection process to receive a one-time award of $500.
APPLICATION DEADLINE and AWARD PROCESS: June 15, August 15, October 15, December 1, 2026 (as funds allow). Random selection from among the pool of applicants will take place two days before our bi-monthly board meetings. Recipients will be contacted the following Tuesday. Northwest Minnesota Arts Council anticipates selecting up to ten recipients bi-monthly, as funds remain. Payment within 30 days of award. Unfunded applications will be carried forward until Dec 31, 2026 then be shredded.
ELIGIBILITY: Who is eligible to apply for an Emergency Relief Fund Award? Applicant must:
Be at least eighteen years old on or before the application deadline.
Have their primary residence within Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties. Applicants will provide Proof of Residency, which can be demonstrated through including a valid Minnesota driver's license or ID card.
Be an individual artist or creative at any stage of their arts career however, applicants do not need to have art as their primary form of livelihood.
Be facing a housing, healthcare, legal, or property loss emergency. Proof of your emergency is not required.
Applicants may not receive more than one Emergency Relief Award from Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, and may not receive Emergency Relief Funding from more than one Regional Arts Council in Minnesota.
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Board Members, employees, and contracted workers are not eligible to apply for this program.
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council values applicants’ privacy, especially in times of crisis. No identifying data will be made public by our office in relation to the Emergency Relief Fund Program.Recipients are not required to acknowledge their award publicly. FMI or questions please call 218-745-8886 ext 1 or email Mara Hanel at nwartscouncil.director@gmail.com.
NWMAC Board Meeting
You are welcome to observe our board meetings. Email our director at director@nwartscouncil.org for a zoom link.
Call for Art Great State of Minnesota Submissions Due
Call for Art!
What does Minnesota mean to you?
Submit your art by April 27. To do this, email photos, sizes, details to treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. Drop off art all day May 4 or the morning of May 5. The exhibit will open May 6 - the end of August. We’d love to see all mediums of art!
NWMAC Board Meeting
You are welcome to observe our board meetings. Email our director at director@nwartscouncil.org for a zoom link.
Artist Reception Good Vibrations Exhibit
Artist Reception for
Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music
an exhibit featuring
Songwriters, Composers, & the Music Industry
Including Robert “Little Bobby” Houle and Maury Finney
April 16 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Exhibit is Open Until April 16 at the NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is hosting an Artist Reception for 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. on April 16 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served and there is no cost.
There will be live music 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 artist being featured.
This exhibit highlights the accomplishments of Robert “Little Bobby” Houle and Maury Finney, as well six other music artists and will run until April 16.
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 2024, 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, a guitar, 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.
Grant Writing Training Session
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!
NW Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit
NW Annual Art Exhibit
This year, the annual Art Exhibit will be at the Warroad RiverPlace in Warroad from Thursday, April 2 - Saturday, April 25.
Artists and creatives from our 7 county- service region were invited to enter this art exhibit and will be competing for $2,300 in cash awards. The first place prize for adults is $500! Artists must reside in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, or Red Lake counties to be eligible. Both adults and high school students were encouraged to enter up to two pieces. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by a qualified juror. 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.
Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” Exhibit Artist Reception with Sarah Pester
Artist Reception for
Stardust & Soul: ”It’s in everything”
an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester
Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Exhibit is Open January 6 Through Mid-April at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, 2nd Floor in the Atrium
Downtown Crookston
Please join us for an Artist reception for Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything,”an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 41 original pieces of art in oil, watercolor, and mixed media, many of which are for sale. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this free event. Refreshments will be served.
There will be live music 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 artist being featured.
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.
Parking and admission is free. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium.
The exhibit is 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/tzfxVHhhgDM or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
Teaching Artist Roster Training Application Deadline
Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP) Training
Apply Now — Deadline is March 6
Training will be held Late March - April 2026
Are you an area creative (visual, performing, writing, media, fine craft) who is interested in earning income by working within our local schools and festivals as an artist in residency? The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce an upcoming series of 7 teaching artist training sessions that you can participate in. You will also have the chance to connect with other artists in our region. You must apply and be accepted into the cohort to attend these trainings.
This series will include five sessions online via Zoom and two sessions in person and will be held the following dates:
Saturday, March 28 9 AM to Noon in person in Warren
Tuesday, March 31 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Thursday, April 2 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Tuesday, April 7 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Thursday, April 9 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Tuesday, April 14 6:30 - 8:30 PM via ZOOM
Saturday, April 18 9 AM to Noon in person in Warren
What is the result?
In addition to honing your teaching and professional skills, participants will join the Teaching Artist Roster list on the NWMAC website where schools and festivals go to select who they would like to sponsor with grant funds. You will also have tangible and useful items to help you be a teaching artist, like creating lesson plans, marketing materials, and more. The focus of this training will be to create all content for your online listing by the end of the training. You will also be trained how to work smoothly with school administration and festival coordinators
Is there a cost to participate?
This training is free! This is a invaluable opportunity to receive 16 hours of professional education at no cost and valued at $1,000.
How Do I Apply?
You must fill out the application and send in 2 work samples (see details, including requirements below). Application deadline is March 6. You can download the application from the button below or contact our office for a hard or digital copy. Either mail the application to our office at 109 S Minnesota St, Warren MN 56762 (it must be postmarked by March 6) or email it to director@NWArtsCouncil.org. If you email the application, you MUST confirm with the director that she received the application. If you have questions or need assistance, NWMAC’s Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process. Contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or 218-745-8886, ext 1. Or contact Kristin at nwarts.kristin@gmail.com with questions or for assistance.
Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP) Program
Overview & Guidelines
The Teaching Artist Roster Program is a multi-session training designed to support artists (visual, performing, writing, media, fine craft) in refining and developing skills for conducting collaborative, in-depth arts learning experiences in organizations, community settings and schools. A small cohort of artists will be selected to participate in this training, conducted by our Training Specialist Jane Anderson and guest peer coaches contracted by NWMAC. This training is valued at $1,000 and is 16 hours of education.
Artists who complete the program are listed on the NWMAC Teaching Artist Roster online in our NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org website under Artists in navigation. This roster will be used by area schools to select qualified artists in residencies in the years to come. Schools can and will apply for NWMAC grant funding to sponsor in your residency. Special designated funding exists for schools to sponsor artists on our Teaching Artist Roster.
Artists who complete the Teaching Artist Roster Program:
· Value themselves as artists and understand what they offer as teaching artists
· Expand the ways they apply their craft
· Understand the essential role arts play in a complete education
· Belong to a network of fellow teaching artists who serve as resources, mentors and peers
· Are ready to do personal reflection for continuous improvement
· Understand how the roles of artist and teacher intersect
· Are able to develop a residency plan
· Are familiar with the NWMAC Teaching Artist Grant application process
· Employ strategies that contribute to success as a teaching artist
WHO CAN APPLY
· 18 years of age or older
· Resident of Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk, or Norman County for a minimum of six months prior to application will have priority. Artists who live within a close distance (60 miles) to our service area are eligible to participate.
· Either a citizen or have attained permanent resident alien status
· Current and previous Board Members and Staff are eligible
· Applicants cannot have overdue final reports and must be in good standing
Panel members use the following statements when reviewing applicants and selecting participants:
· Applicant’s rationale for wanting to participate in the program has merit.
· Applicant’s work samples demonstrate skill and ability.
· Applicant’s bio shows professionalism and longevity in their discipline.
· Applicant shows a willingness to commit time and energy to program obligations.
· Applicant demonstrates an interest in expanding their skills as a teaching artist.
Art in Motion — A Lunar Yoga Experience
Join us for 2 yoga classes that will be offered in the gallery on February 17 and March 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in conjunction with Sarah Pester’s exhibit Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything”
✨ Art in Motion - A Lunar Yoga Experience ✨
Move. Meditate. Connect.
Join Sarah for a peaceful evening at The Fournet Gallery. Surrounded by original artwork, you will explore the intersection of art and movement. The evening is themed around the Moon and Divine Feminine energy. The class will begin by exploring the inspiration behind Sarah’s focal painting, Lunar Wings, followed by a slow, Moon Salutation flow and grounding meditation.
February 17 & March 3 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
$8 per session. Open to all levels—no prior yoga experience required. Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in easily and bring 🧘 a yoga mat and 💧 a water bottle. Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate gallery experience. 🎟️ Sign up online at:
https://burnham-creek-healing.square.site/ 💬 Or register directly with Sarah by calling 218-280-0588 or emailing burnhamcreekhealing@gmail.com
More about the exhibit:
Stardust & Soul: ”It’s in everything”
an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester
Open January 6 Through Mid-April at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, 2nd Floor in the Atrium
Downtown Crookston
Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” is an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston that 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.
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/tzfxVHhhgDM or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
For more information about this exhibit 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.
Submissions Due for Annual Art Exhibit
Submissions Accepted Through February 28 for the NW Annual Art Exhibit
Our “Call for Entries” for the 2026 Annual Art Exhibit is open until February 28, 2026. The deadline to submit your artwork is February 28, 2026.
This year, the annual Art Exhibit will be at the Warroad RiverPlace in Warroad.
Artists and creatives from our 7 county- service region are invited to enter this art exhibit and will be competing for $2,300 in cash awards. The first place prize for adults is $500! Artists must reside in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, or Red Lake counties to be eligible. Both adults and high school students are encouraged to enter up to two pieces. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by a qualified juror. 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.
See https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/nwmnartsexhibit-apply for more information, including the exhibit entry rules and directions. If you would like the entry form mailed to you, please contact our office 218-745-8886 ext 1 or director@nwartscouncil.org. The entry form must be submitted no later than February 28, 2026.
Grant Deadline for Organizations
Arts Grants Applications have Upcoming Deadline for Organizations
Applications Open July 1
Deadline is February 28
Applications open July 1 for government entities and nonprofit organizations. Applications will be accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are July 31, October 31, and February 28. 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 this very important grant opportunity includes 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.
There will be free grant writing sessions to help you write your grant application or answer any questions. You can attend via Zoom or at our office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend. Dates will be announced soon.
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.
NWMAC Board Meeting
You are welcome to observe our board meetings. Email our director at director@nwartscouncil.org for a zoom link.
Art in Motion — A Lunar Yoga Experience
Join us for 2 yoga classes that will be offered in the gallery on February 17 and March 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in conjunction with Sarah Pester’s exhibit Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything”
✨ Art in Motion - A Lunar Yoga Experience ✨
Move. Meditate. Connect.
Join Sarah for a peaceful evening at The Fournet Gallery. Surrounded by original artwork, you will explore the intersection of art and movement. The evening is themed around the Moon and Divine Feminine energy. The class will begin by exploring the inspiration behind Sarah’s focal painting, Lunar Wings, followed by a slow, Moon Salutation flow and grounding meditation.
February 17 & March 3 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
$8 per session. Open to all levels—no prior yoga experience required. Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in easily and bring 🧘 a yoga mat and 💧 a water bottle. Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate gallery experience. 🎟️ Sign up online at:
https://burnham-creek-healing.square.site/ 💬 Or register directly with Sarah by calling 218-280-0588 or emailing burnhamcreekhealing@gmail.com
More about the exhibit:
Stardust & Soul: ”It’s in everything”
an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester
Open January 6 Through Mid-April at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, 2nd Floor in the Atrium
Downtown Crookston
Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” is an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston that 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.
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/tzfxVHhhgDM or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
For more information about this exhibit 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.
Grant Writing Training Session
We offer grant writing training sessions two weeks before each grant deadline. This training is Thursday, February 12 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!
Traveling Art Exhibit Fosston
NWMAC Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Fosston
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 14 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit will be at the Sorenson Gallery in Fosston from February 3 to mid-March. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.
The 2024-2025 Artists and Artwork:
Lucille Nelson, Argyle, “Waiting to be Restored” (Acrylic Painting)
Andy Hall, Climax "Rose Leaves” (Photography)
Paulette Christianson, Badger, “Serene” (Pastel Painting)
Dennis Kinkead, Hallock, “Where Are You Guys Going?” (Watercolor Painting) (Merit)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Water Tower” (Acrylic Painting)
Alicia Spilde, Karlstad, “Dreams” (Mixed Media)
Jessica Lundeen, Thief River Falls “Bee’s Marigold” (Acrylic Painting) (3rd Place)
Melody Voeltz, Lancaster, “Field Bunny” (Watercolor Painting) Lancaster School Student 2nd Place
Daniel Jones, Crookston, “Retro Modern” (Ink Print) Crookston School
Josiah Sjothun, Ada, “Chevette” (Sculpture) Ada-Borup-West High School
Alyssa Foster, Thief River Falls, “One Act Matters” (Drawing) TRF School Student 1st Place
Kaytlyn Knutson, Red Lake Falls, “Masquerade” (Acrylic Painting) Red Lake Falls School
Anthony Lucio, Red Lake Falls, “Bridge From My Window” (Mixed Media) Red Lake Falls School
Addison Severts, Grygla, “Serenity” (Sculpture) Grygla School Student 3rd Place
The 2024-2025 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
May 8 to June 26 Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls
June 26 to August 5 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls
August 5 to September 23 Roseau Public Library, Roseau
September 23 to November 12 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
November 12 to December 18 Ada Public Library, Ada
December 18 to February 3, 2026 Godel Public Library, Warren
February 3, 2026 to Mid-March TBD** Sorenson Gallery,Fosston Public Library, Fosston
*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 call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music
Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music
an exhibit featuring
Songwriters, Composers, & the Music Industry
Including Robert “Little Bobby” Houle and Maury Finney
Open Until April 16 at the NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
Artist Reception April 16 from 6:30 to 8 PM
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 until April 16.
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 2024, 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.
An Artist Reception will be held at the gallery on April 16 from 6:30 to 8 PM. Refreshments will be served and everyone is encouraged to attend. There will be live music 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 artist being featured.
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.
Individual Artist Grant Deadline
Apply Now for an Individual Artist Grant!
There is an additional grant deadline of January 15 for Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500. These grants are awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
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. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals; $3,000 going to three individuals and $5,000 going to three individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation and the State of Minnesota.
Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything”
Stardust & Soul: ”It’s in everything”
an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester
Open January 6 Through Mid-April at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, 2nd Floor in the Atrium
Downtown Crookston
Artist Reception Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 -8:00 PM
Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” is an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston that 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.
An Artist Reception will be held at the Fournet on Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. In addition, two yoga classes will be offered in the gallery on February 17 and March 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.
✨ Art in Motion - A Lunar Yoga Experience ✨
Move. Meditate. Connect.
Join us for a peaceful evening at The Fournet Gallery. Surrounded by original artwork, we will explore the intersection of art and movement. The evening is themed around the Moon and Divine Feminine energy. We will begin by exploring the inspiration behind Sarah’s focal painting, Lunar Wings, followed by a slow, Moon Salutation flow and grounding meditation.
February 17 & March 3 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
$8 per session. Open to all levels—no prior yoga experience required. Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in easily and bring 🧘 a yoga mat and 💧 a water bottle. Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate gallery experience. 🎟️ Sign up online at:
https://burnham-creek-healing.square.site/ 💬 Or register directly with Sarah by calling 218-280-0588 or emailing burnhamcreekhealing@gmail.com
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/tzfxVHhhgDM or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
For more information about this exhibit 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.
Traveling Art Exhibit Warren
NWMAC Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Warren
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 14 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit will be at the Godel Public Library in Warren from December 31 to February 3. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.
The 2024-2025 Artists and Artwork:
Lucille Nelson, Argyle, “Waiting to be Restored” (Acrylic Painting)
Andy Hall, Climax "Rose Leaves” (Photography)
Paulette Christianson, Badger, “Serene” (Pastel Painting)
Dennis Kinkead, Hallock, “Where Are You Guys Going?” (Watercolor Painting) (Merit)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Water Tower” (Acrylic Painting)
Alicia Spilde, Karlstad, “Dreams” (Mixed Media)
Jessica Lundeen, Thief River Falls “Bee’s Marigold” (Acrylic Painting) (3rd Place)
Melody Voeltz, Lancaster, “Field Bunny” (Watercolor Painting) Lancaster School Student 2nd Place
Daniel Jones, Crookston, “Retro Modern” (Ink Print) Crookston School
Josiah Sjothun, Ada, “Chevette” (Sculpture) Ada-Borup-West High School
Alyssa Foster, Thief River Falls, “One Act Matters” (Drawing) TRF School Student 1st Place
Kaytlyn Knutson, Red Lake Falls, “Masquerade” (Acrylic Painting) Red Lake Falls School
Anthony Lucio, Red Lake Falls, “Bridge From My Window” (Mixed Media) Red Lake Falls School
Addison Severts, Grygla, “Serenity” (Sculpture) Grygla School Student 3rd Place
The 2024-2025 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
May 8 to June 26 Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls
June 26 to August 5 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls
August 5 to September 23 Roseau Public Library, Roseau
September 23 to November 12 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
November 12 to December 31 Ada Public Library, Ada
December 31 to February 3, 2026 Godel Public Library, Warren
February 3, 2026 to Mid-March TBD** Sorenson Gallery,Fosston Public Library, Fosston
*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 call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.