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!

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.

You are welcome to observe our board meetings. Email our director at director@nwartscouncil.org for a zoom link.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

Download Application

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. There will be live music and refreshments.

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.

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!

You are welcome to observe our board meetings. Email our director at director@nwartscouncil.org for a zoom link.

You are welcome to observe our board meetings. Email our director at director@nwartscouncil.org for a zoom link.