An artist reception at the gallery will held on Thursday, April 6 from 5 to 7PM. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event.

The Artist Reception is for the NWMAC’s current exhibit — the Art of Addiction. This exhibit is open through Friday, April 28 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

The exhibit features ceramic art by Roseau Potter Kate Hammer and other pieces of art by NW Minnesota artists around the theme of addiction. Kate Hammer explained, “For me this exhibit symbolizes healing and growth as an artist and a person living in recovery.” Other artists with work in the exhibit are Courtney Olson of Crookston, Mara Hanel of Warren, and Karrie Taie of Roseau.

In addition, there are 9 12 x12 canvas paintings included in the exhibit that were created in a workshop with residents of the Northwestern Apartments transitional living facility in Crookston. Mike Anderson who manages the apartments stated, “For those who have struggled with mental health and substance use problems in their life, recovery is a sometimes long and arduous path. Often it can literally be a life and death struggle. Residents of the Northwestern Apartments (NWA) transitional living facility know that struggle intimately. Many residents come to NWA from inpatient mental health facilities, homeless shelters, substance use programs, and incarceration. Criteria for admission is to have a serious mental illness, and about 3/4 of residents also have a co-occurring substance use disorder. But whether it is stabilizing mental health symptoms, or the daily challenge to stay clean and sober, recovery is the goal of all. Inclusion in this art therapy project, The Art of Addiction, was a great way for residents to “go deeper.” After an initial session with local artist Trey Everett, the residents engaged with supplies and canvas to work on their own creation, with the general theme of addiction and recovery as a guide. Residents spent a week with their art. Many did several art pieces. Some were unable to finish one. Others felt their art was too personal to put on display. The project was captivating – residents were in the community room, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups, at all times of the day and night, working on their art, talking, and healing. One of the keys to recovery is connection, and this project provided that in addition to a personal and therapeutic experience that helped all involved on their healing path.”

Stay tuned for a virtual tour of the exhibit.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.

For more information about our exhibits or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 745-8886 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. 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.

Please join us for an Artist Reception with Christine Foster and Bert Foster at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls on January 31.

Meet the artists. See the Art. Refreshments will be served.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.

The public is invited to an Artist Reception with Debbie Aune and other artists with work in the Nature’s Offerings Exhibit at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Come to see the exhibit and meet the artists! Refreshments will be served.

Please join us on Friday, November 19 from 6:30PM to 8:00 PM at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls for the Artists of Northwest Minnesota Art Gallery Reception. A wide range of artwork by regional award winning Minnesota artists can be enjoyed including: written works, music, pottery, glass work, metal sculpture, jewelry, photography, pen and ink, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, cards, and mosaics. Some of the artists will be in attendance to discuss their work. Much of the artwork is for sale. Light snacks will be provided. Please follow Covid safety requirements set by Northland Community and Technical College. This gallery will continue until Tuesday November 30th.