What’s New in the Arts
See below for information about resources, exhibits, grants, events, workshops and much more!
Sand Hill Arts invites you to come to their mural dedication on October 25 at 11 AM in Climax. Hallock Artist Beau Bakken created the mural.
Applications are now open for the 2026 McKnight Composer Fellowships
Four awards of $25,000 in unrestricted funds for mid-career artists based in Minnesota
Apply by Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 11:59 PM
ACF's McKnight Composer Fellowships are presented in partnership with the McKnight Foundation as part of their Artist & Culture Bearers Fellowships, which support Minnesota-based creative work by mid-career artists and culture bearers who demonstrate achievement, commitment, and a high level of proficiency in their area of practice.
ACF will award four fellowships consisting of $25,000 in unrestricted funds and up to $3,500 to develop works-in-progress. Fellows have an opportunity to attend an artist residency program coordinated by the Alliance of Artist Communities within two years of the fellowship program. Fellows will also receive consultation, time, and resources from ACF and Springboard for the Arts.
Make a Stained Glass Christmas Tree
Making stained glass is a dying art (it is literally on the "endangered craft" list!), but you can learn how to do it! It's fun and easy. Grab a friend or two and sign up at oldschoolarts.org. The class will be held upstairs in the old schoolhouse in Lengby on November 15 from 1 to 5 PM.
Minnesota Schools Invited to Participate in Poetry Out Loud
Webinar to learn more is Wednesday, Oct 22 at 3 PM
Arts Enrichment Opportunity for High School Students
Poetry Out Loud is a national program that invites high school students to engage with poetry through memorization and performance. The program encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition. Students begin at the classroom, school, or local level, with winners advancing to regional and state competitions. State champions move on to the national finals, where more than $50,000 in awards and school or organizational stipends are distributed each year, including a $20,000 prize for the national champion.
Free curriculum materials are provided, including a poetry anthology, a comprehensive teacher’s guide, videos of student performances, lesson plans, and promotional and media resources.
Students develop public speaking skills, gain self-confidence, and deepen their understanding of literary history and contemporary life, while helping schools meet language arts education standards.
Poetry Out Loud is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the South Central Service Cooperative. It was created in 2005, and in its 20 year history has reached more than 4.5 million students and 85,000 teachers from 21,000 schools and organizations nationwide.
Interested in learning about how your school could participate in Poetry Out Loud? A program overview and Q & A webinar will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 3 PM
Apply Now for an
Individual Artist Grant
Submit Your Individual Artist Grant Application Now — Upcoming Deadline is November 15!
Applications are open for Individual Artist Grants for $5,000, $3,000, and $1,500 and have a November 15 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. Start your application now!
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.
There is a grant writing workshop on Thursday, October 30 at 10:00 AM that is mainly for Individual Applicants.
Free Grant Writing Workshops are on zoom -- contact our office for a link. You can also come to our office in Warren and attend from our grant writing station.
This free grant writing session is offered to help you write your grant application or to answer any questions. You can attend via Zoom or at our office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend.
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, extension 1.
Submit Your Arts Project Grant Application Now — Upcoming Deadline is Oct 31 for Arts Project Grants for Organizations
It’s time to submit your application for arts project grants. 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.
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, extension 1.
MCA Announces Tour of the State
Join the Conversation on the Arts in our region at the Crookston Public Library on October 28 from 2 to 4 PM
Starting September 29th, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is bringing the Creative MN report directly to communities across the state. These conversations will highlight the powerful impact of the arts on Minnesota’s economy, communities, and quality of life.
We’d love for you to be part of the discussion in Crookston from 2 to 4 PM at the Riverside Room at the Crookston Public Library. Before that, a group of arts leaders along with MCA will meet up at noon the Historic Fournet Building at 101 N Broadway Avenue downtown Crookston to view Drawn from Observation, an exhibit featuring artwork by Therese Masters Jacobson. There will be a walking art tour that includes a stop at Queen City Art Center, Sweetlight Gallery, In Progress/Studio 110, and the Care and Share ending at the Crookston Public Library. The Riverside Room at the library has been reserved from 2-4 PM for a presentation and discussion.
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of the arts in Minnesota. Register below to get full details on times, dates, and locations.
Sign up here.
Artist Reception for Artists of Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit
Thursday, Nov 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
Experience a showcase of works created by talented individuals from throughout our region, including visual and written works
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce an Artist Reception for the exhibit Artists of Northwest Minnesota will be held on Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PMat our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this FREE event.
Refreshments will be served.
The Northland Community Band will perform at the college at 7 PM that evening.
This exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. The exhibit will run from now until mid-December. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Artists featured in the exhibit include Kat Allen of Warroad, Beau Bakken of Hallock, Rock Bakken of Hallock, Debbie Dahl Aune of Gatzke, Paulette Christianson of Badger, Ross Harper Hier of Crookston, Kristin Eggerling of Hallock, Trey Everett of Crookston, Christine Foster of Thief River Falls, Therese Jacobson of Alvarado, Jesscia Lundeen of Thief River Falls, Cindy Kolling of Gully, Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad of Ada, Gail Ose of Thief River Falls, Jodi Peterson of Ada and Moorhead, Ivy Bailie of Fosston, Megan Sugden of Hallock, Betsy Saurdiff of Goodridge, and Samantha Thibert of Warroad.
Take a virtual walk through of this exhibit at https://youtu.be/cDKoo0en7lY (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.
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the October 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3ICnn26.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
NWMAC Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Hallock
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 is currently at the Hallock Public Library until November 12. Please stop by to see these works of art during library hours. Some of these pieces of art are for sale. Please reach out to the Arts Council with questions about the exhibit.
The 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 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 Annual Exhibit TBD** Sorenson Gallery, Aurora Center for the Arts, 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 look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
Join Artist Julie Olson for an advanced class on alcohol inks
Sunday, October 19 from 4-6 PM
Arts for Vets
215 N 3rd Street, Grand Forks
$55 All supplies and light refreshments will be provided
Contact Julie to sign up at 701-343-2695 or julie@themiddleofnowherestudio.com
MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM 2026 NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
JUNE 01 - OCTOBER 01, 2026
APPLICATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
ABOUT THE ARBORETUM
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a 1,200-acre public garden in Chaska, Minnesota, made up of 28 specialty gardens, 44 plant collections, and more than 150 outdoor permanent works of art, including the Harrison Sculpture Garden which contains 26 sculptures from 11 countries around the world. It is also home to the Reedy and Cafe galleries which host rotating art exhibitions to an audience of more than 600,000 arboretum visitors annually.
The Arboretum’s mission is to welcome, inform and inspire all through outstanding displays, protected natural areas, horticultural research and education.
Art is central to the Arboretum’s mission, with exhibitions that draw people into nature and natural spaces that inspire unique encounters with art.
ABOUT THE ART RESIDENCY PROGRAM
With support from the 2024 Board of Trustees Fund-A-Need Gala, the Arboretum plans to host a four-month Artist Residency Program for one local Native American artist from Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota, beginning June 1 to October 1, 2026, providing an opportunity to explore artistic ideas that highlight themes of nature and landscapes.
Art and artists at the Arboretum serve as vital portals to understanding our deep interdependence with the environment. Through the lens of traditional ecological knowledge, art becomes a way to reconnect with the land, revealing the stories, histories, and relationships embedded in our landscapes. It fosters a sense of stewardship, sparks dialogue around pressing societal challenges, and helps us see ourselves—and one another—more clearly within the web of life. These creative expressions illuminate the interwoven relationships between people and place, encouraging a more thoughtful and reciprocal engagement with the natural world.
GOAL: The tradition of creating art within natural landscapes spans millennia. Contemporary American Indian artists and cultural bearers continue to carry this legacy forward, expressing it through Native art rooted in land-based practices across the country. The Arboretum’s Artist-in-Residence Program fosters meaningful engagement among the artist, the Arboretum, and its visitors—using art as a lens to deepen understanding of our connection to nature and the landscape.
OUTCOME: Immerse visitors in the environment through the traditional ecological knowledge of Native American people.
RESOURCES PROVIDED
$3000 artist stipend
$2500 available for travel and materials
$2000 community engagement costs, on or off site
Access to the Arboretum’s grounds and facilities including, natural areas, specialty gardens, plant collections, works of art and Library.
Staff time arranged as needed
Installation/production details available upon request
Housing is not provided
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Projects may be new or continuing, but at their core must be inspired by the Arboretum and be centered on nature, helping the audience better understand their relationship to the land.
This project will be done independently, with regular check-ins with the Curator and limited access to Arboretum staff as needed.
Artist in Residence will be expected to deliver the following
Work Plan: In conjunction with the Art and Sculpture Curator at the Arboretum, the artist will develop a project performance review plan to assess implementation and guide the project.
Finished Work: At the end of the 4 month residency, present a finished product.
Evaluation: At the beginning, middle and end of the program an evaluation will be completed. This evaluation will be provided by the Arboretum and will offer the artist an opportunity to review the Art Residency program experience.
Community Engagement: In conjunction with the Arboretum, the artist must be committed to fostering meaningful connections with the community as part of this project. Engagement may occur throughout the creative process, including through workshops, public discussions, or collaborative elements that invite input and participation. Alternatively, artists may present an event through an exhibition, performance, film, spoken word or any other format which may fit the project. We would like for this presentation to take place at the Arboretum but also understand artists may want to showcase this in their community.
Unallowable Projects:
Anything that damages the flora or fauna
Permanent installations
SELECTION PROCESS
The Arboretum Art Residency Program Selection Committee will include experienced members with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, who will help ensure a balanced assessment process, selecting artists who will most benefit from and contribute to the residency program.
Projects will be selected based on
Project Proposal
Nature and land relationship theme
Originality
Educational Value
Proposal must fit within budget and time frame
Community engagement/celebration idea
Quality of digital portfolio
CV
Letter of support (Only for emerging artists)
An emerging artist would be someone in the early stages of their career, developing their unique style and starting to gain recognition.
EXPECTATIONS OF THE ART RESIDENCY PROGRAM
The Arboretum warmly welcomes all and looks forward to hosting an Artist in Residence. They ask that you and your guests honor the spirit of shared stewardship by caring for the facilities, grounds, and natural areas throughout your time here. Your residency should be inspired by your experiences at the Arboretum—you are welcome to spend as much or as little time on-site as your creative process calls for.
ELIGIBILITY
Applications will be accepted from any of the following
Native American emerging through established artists
All forms of art are welcome, including but not limited to traditional visual arts, as well as song, dance, performance, writing, poetry, spoken word, and art whose work doesn’t fit neatly into categories and genres.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications will be completed via a form which will be made available on the Arboretum website from September 15, 2025 to January 5, 2026. It will include questions and an evaluation rubric for the selection committee. You can also access the application form here.
The Application must include the following:
The Title of the proposal
A description of the proposed project (250 words or less)
Community engagement plan.(250 words or less)
Project work plan
Digital portfolio (Images, Audio, Video, Text)
Maximum of 10 images.
Maximum 3 minutes audio/video.
Maximum 250 words for text submissions.
CV
1 Letter of support (Only for emerging artists)
Deadlines
09/15/2025: Application opens*
1/5/2025 at 11:59 pm: Applications are due
February 2026: Award Notification*
06/1/ 2026: Art Residency Program Begins
Summer - Fall 2026: Community Event
10/1/ 2026: Artist in Residence Program Ends
*Successful applicants will receive a gate pass to visit the Arboretum upon acceptance of award. Applicants interested in visiting the Arboretum prior to submittal may contact Wendy DePaolis depao008@umn.edu
𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 (𝟏𝟖+)!
Ready to explore the art of acting? Join TRFACT for a 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝟒-𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬! Whether you’re curious about the stage, want to brush up on your skills, or are ready to try your hand at directing, there’s a workshop for you!
Each session is led by experienced local theater artists and builds toward a deeper understanding of performance. Attend just one session or all four!
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏 – 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 · Oct 16 · 6:30–8:30 PM
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐 – 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 · Oct 18 · 9:00–11:00 AM
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟑 – 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 · Oct 23 · 6:30–8:30 PM
𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟒 – 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 · Oct 25 · 9:00–11:00 AM
Northland College Theater
Registration is required — spots are limited! Reserve your seat today → tinyurl.com/trfactworkshops
Oct 16 | Oct 18 | Oct 23 | Oct 25
Free for adults 18+
Join one workshop or all four!
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing for the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour on October 18. These free events use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment. Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe listens in on the conversations, takes everything they heard from residents, and brings it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
5:00–6:00 PM: Doors open / Community hour
6:00–7:15 PM: Dinner
7:15–8:00 PM: Performances
8:00–8:30 PM: Talkback
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom, and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing, 102 S Kaiser Ave, Fosston, MN 56542
THE ART OF MAKING MUSIC
Workshop Series
First Session - September 27 & 28 /Studio 110 Crookston
Please join Studio 110 for the first Art of Music Workshop presented by In Progress artist Jeremy Gardner.
This hands-on workshop is your chance to:
- Learn how to write original songs
- Produce your own beats
- Record your music with professional guidance
Jeremy Gardner is a highly recognized performer in Minnesota with over 10 years of experience teaching and mentoring musicians. This workshop is the first in a three-part series of opportunities to learn, create, and grow as an artist—you won’t want to miss it!
Saturday & Sunday September 27 & 28 1-5 PM
October 11 & 12, October 25 & 26
Studio 110 - 110 South Main Street, Crookston MN 56716
Questions? Contact them at info@in-progress.org
To RSVP, click the link below:
Warroad Summer Theatre Presents
Girls Night Out
Oct 2-4 & 9-11
Warroad RiverPlace
Tickets at warroadsummertheatre.com or
218-242-3476
An Evening of Short Comedies
November 13-15, 2025
Eagles Club, Thief River Falls
This year’s TRFACT’s showcase will feature 10 hilarious 10-minute plays, each one a mini-masterpiece of wit and humor, brought to life by some of the community’s most talented actors. Get your tickets at http://our.show/tbk2rynn7a or get them at the door.
Creative Minnesota’s Study on Arts Impact on Our Economy in NW Minnesota
Creative Minnesota’s research about the arts helps us understand the effects on quality of life and our economy. Learn about the impact of arts and culture in Minnesota and the economic activity it generates throughout the state.
Creative Minnesota 2025 is the 4th report about Minnesota's arts and creative field intended to improve our understanding about its importance to our quality of life and economy. Read this post for the results of the study for Northwest Minnesota
Are you a nonprofit arts and culture organization in NW Minnesota? Would you like to use an Arts Economic Impact Calculator to see the actual dollars YOUR organization drives?
Visit this page on our website: https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/economic-impact-calculator or the Americans for the Arts page at https://aep6.americansforthearts.org/calculator?partner_slug=the-northwest-regional-arts-council-431 to input your information and see your impact.
This calculator works best on a desktop computer and not on a mobile device.
See the statewide study at https://artsmn.org/assets/media/CreativeMN_Economic_Impact_Report_2025.pdf
Potential Changes to
K-12 Arts Teacher Licensing — Minnesota State Arts Board invites your input
Perpich Center for Arts Education and
the Minnesota Department of Education consider
potential changes to K-12 arts teacher licensing
Your voice matters! The Minnesota State Arts Board invites your input on arts educator licenses, and hopes you will fill out this survey and attend an info session.
Survey Links
Dance & Theater Licensure Survey
Background: The arts teaching licensure standards have not been updated in over 20 years. These are the subject area knowledge and skills that a candidate for arts licensure must demonstrate either by completing a PELSB-approved teacher preparation program or via portfolio. Perpich Center for Arts Education, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), and the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) are collaborating to lead the review and possible revision of the arts teaching licensure standards. As part of this process, some changes to teacher licensing may occur.
Revising these requirements to adequately reflect the evolving needs of K-12 students, schools, and communities is an important undertaking. This process presents a great opportunity for input from the field, and the results of this process will have an impact on the future of arts education in our state. There are many steps to this process, and the public will be able to engage in it several ways over the next few years.
Current Proposals: Over the past year, a steering committee of arts education leaders has worked to offer guidance on structural changes needed before the review and revision of existing arts teaching licensure standards. The Steering Committee discussed three main topics: media arts, music, and the dance and theater combined license. After extensive deliberation, the committee came to agreement on these recommendations:
Discontinue the Vocal and Classroom Music and the Instrumental and Classroom Music licenses, replacing them with a single Music license—with specialization options embedded within the standards.
Create a Media Arts license.
Retain the Dance & Theater license alongside the Dance license and Theater license.
They are now gathering public input on these recommendations.
What can you do now? Share your feedback on recommended changes to arts licenses in the survey(s) (find links below). The deadline to complete this survey is 10/19/2025.
How can you learn more? Attend a virtual information session (registration required - click on the links below to register):
Sept 22, 4:00-5:30 PM
Sept 30, 4:00-5:30 PM
Sept 24, 4:00-5:30 PM
Sept 29, 4:00-5:30 PM
Sept 23, 4-5:00 PM
Oct 1, 4:-5:00 PM
Oct 5, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Additionally, information on the rationale and considerations for each proposal can be accessed in the Arts Licensing Update Memorandum, and the survey links.
Current Licensure Standards in the Arts
What will happen next? Once the survey is complete and the data is analyzed, writing workgroups for the arts licensure standards will be formed. Applications for joining a workgroup are expected later this fall or winter. After the workgroups are formed, they will begin the process of developing draft recommendations to be submitted to PELSB.
Please complete this survey so your voice can be heard.
For more information, contact:
Max Clark-Vail, max.clark@pcae.k12.mn.us
Leadership & Data Specialist, Perpich Center for Arts Education
Alina Campana, Alina.Campana@state.mn.us
Arts Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education
North Country Fiddle and Dance presents a Community Folk Dance with
Corner Booth String Band
Saturday, October 11 from 3 to 5:30 PM
Bernies Restaurant, 121 DeMers, East Grand Forks
Corner Booth String Band, from Fergus Falls, will provide rousing dance tunes on banjo, guitar, bass, and harmonica for reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more.
All dances are taught and easy to learn, all ages are welcome! Everyone is welcome!
Donations at the door.
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
Now Open: 2025 Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Peter Capell Award, which will recognize a leader from Minnesota’s arts community.
About the Award
This one-time $2,500 award honors an individual whose work demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen in the creative sector.
Each year, it rotates among Arts Midwest’s nine member states to celebrate individuals whose vision and business acumen fuel the creative sector.
What: A $2,500 award that celebrates an arts leader from Minnesota
Who: A Minnesotan who works in creative or cultural programming, demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen in their role, and who has at least ten years of experience in the field.
Where: You must live and/or work in Minnesota or the Native Nations sharing this geography. Your primary impact must be within that region.
When: Nominations are due by October 16, 2025, with an awardee being announced at the end of November.
Ready to Nominate Someone?
Learn more about the Peter Capell Award, review eligibility requirements, and read the guidelines on their website.
ARTS GRANT FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS
Deadline for Arts Equipment Grants for Schools is
September 30
Grant Writing Workshop is Sept 22 at 4 PM
Arts Equipment Grants. Did you know that schools can apply to purchase artistic equipment for your visual art, performing art, media arts, or creative writing departments? Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match. The competitive deadline is September 30, first come first served. 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.
Artist Residency Grants. Schools can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $3,000. Our teaching artist roster is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area and is available on our website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org under the artists tab. Another resource to find teaching artists is COMPAS. To apply, schools fill out an application showing interest in funding, then requests are made with add-on forms within the on-line grant software for specific project funding requests.
Schools can initially apply for 2 residencies. Then, based on remaining funding, can request up to 4 residencies total. Each residency requires a 10% cash match.
Click the Grant Login button at the top right of our website www.nwartscouncil.org to start your application.
We are holding a free grant writing training session on Monday, September 22 at 4 PM to answer questions and help you with your application. 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. Want to work on your application before that? Reach out to our office with questions.
218-745-8886, ext 1, www.NWArtsCouncil.org
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the September 2025 newsletter to find out what’s going on in the arts in NW Minnesota, including upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/47qcZo2
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Artists of Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
Open Until Mid-December
Artist Reception will be held Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM
Experience a showcase of works created by talented individuals from throughout our region, including visual and written works
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our latest exhibit – Artists of Northwest Minnesota at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. This exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. The exhibit will run from now until mid-December. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Artists featured in the exhibit include Kat Allen of Warroad, Beau Bakken of Hallock, Rock Bakken of Hallock, Debbie Dahl Aune of Gatzke, Paulette Christianson of Badger, Ross Harper Hier of Crookston, Kristin Eggerling of Hallock, Trey Everett of Crookston, Christine Foster of Thief River Falls, Therese Jacobson of Alvarado, Jesscia Lundeen of Thief River Falls, Cindy Kolling of Gully, Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad of Ada, Gail Ose of Thief River Falls, Jodi Peterson of Ada and Moorhead, Ivy Bailie of Fosston, Megan Sugden of Hallock, Betsy Saurdiff of Goodridge, and Samantha Thibert of Warroad.
Gully Artist Cindy Kolling shared, “This exhibit is an energy-filled composite of sample works from many Northwest Minnesota artists. It is a wonderful celebration of the varied and growing art that continues to develop in this area. It’s worth making a point to see this exhilarating exhibit!”
Photographer Megan Sugden of Hallock said, “I'm honored to have my acrylic photograph "Abandoned Divco Milk Truck" included in this exhibit. Through my lens, I aim to capture the quiet magic of the night sky, inspiring viewers to see the world from a new perspective and showcase how light and darkness can exist together to create a truly unique work of art.”
Alvarado Artist Therese Jacobson explained that her piece “Uncle Marty” is a portrait of her brother and that it, “illustrates his character as a radio host and musician on "the Left Coast," and also his compassionate heart toward others.” She went on to say that this exhibit, “is an opportunity for folks to see full-sized creative pieces by artists of Northwest Minnesota, to get a better sense of the depth of their works.”
Jessica Ross of Thief River Falls stated, “This exhibit features a wonderful collection of works from local artists. The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council does an incredible job of showcasing the artwork that we create. This exhibit reflects the minds behind the music, visual, and written art in our area. I encourage everyone to come see not only this exhibit but future exhibits as well. Many of the artists have beautiful work for sale. Supporting local artists enriches our communities which is what we aim to do with our art. I cannot thank this community enough for supporting me as an artist and enabling me to keep painting the beauty I see on my adventures in this life.”
Finally, Artist Kat Allen who designed the booklet and is participating in this showcase described the exhibit as "An illustrious and instinct-driven showcase of regional artists. The diverse collection includes familiar styles of exceptional skill and craft, as well as unique works created in response to the current political landscape and the effects on all of us."
Take a virtual walk through of this exhibit at https://youtu.be/cDKoo0en7lY (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 Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this FREE event. Refreshments will be served. The Northland Community Band will perform at the college at 7 PM.
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.
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces
Drawn from Observation
An Exhibit featuring Art by Therese Masters Jacobson
Open Through Mid-December at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway
Downtown Crookston
2nd Floor in the Atrium
Artist Reception will be Thursday, September 4 from 7 to 8:30 PM
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Drawn from Observation, an exhibit featuring work by Therese Masters Jacobson at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. This exhibit includes 29 pieces of art in pen and ink, acrylic, and colored pencil created by Visual Artist Therese Masters Jacobson of Alvarado.
Jacobson explained, “All my artwork begins with observing life: the vegetable and flower gardens we grow, wildlife in our world, my family, children and grandchildren. Subjects vary widely as everything I see around me always has interesting shapes, lines, textures, forms, contrasts, or colors which I imagine drawing or composing. This exhibit features a few of my observations in a variety of mediums drawn first in my mind, then composed on paper or canvas.”
Therese Masters Jacobson has always loved colors. While she studied with professionals at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and Bemidji State University, she became a self-trained artist through exploration. She is a visual artist who uses standard media, including acrylics, watercolor, pen and ink, and colored pencils, but she says that “no medium is off the table.” She has created portraits by snipping construction paper, and by making collages with torn magazine. Most recently she has been re-purposing sticky address labels to create portraits.
An Artist Reception will be held on Thursday, September 4 from 7 to 8:30 at the Fournet. The event is free, and everyone is encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be served.
You won't want to miss this exhibit open through mid-December at the Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston. Parking and admission is free. Some pieces are for sale. 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/rXEBWfAczs8 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, extension 1 to reach our office during regular business hours.
McKnight Fellowships in Dance and Choreography Intent to Apply is Open - September 8
McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and the McKnight Fellowships for Dancers provide awards to individual choreographers and dancers who are beyond early practice and who reside in Minnesota. The McKnight Fellowships are designed to enrich and strengthen our community by acknowledging the accomplishments of individual choreographers and dancers and providing for their artistic growth.
The McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and Dancers annually awards three $25,000 fellowships to Minnesota choreographers and three $25,000 fellowships to Minnesota dancers. The awards are unrestricted and can help an artist set aside periods of time for study, reflection, experimentation, and exploration; take advantage of an opportunity; or work on a new project.
The McKnight Foundation funds individual artist and culture bearer fellowships in 15 artistic disciplines. Support for individual artists has been a cornerstone of the McKnight Foundation’s Arts and Culture program since it began in 1982. The foundation recognizes that the arts cannot flourish or enhance community life without the ideas, energy, and drive of individual artists and that artists cannot make these contributions without unfettered creative time
The Intent to Apply application is open. Deadline is Monday, September 8 and will close at 11:59pm.
Submit the online Intent to Apply form.
Applicants who miss the Intent to Apply (ITA) deadline may still submit a final application. However, they encourage you to apply to the Intent to Apply as it is a very important step. After submitting your ITA application, you’ll receive deadline reminders and/or important updates about the application.
This also allows the Minnesota-based panel the opportunity to see your performances live. Only artists who have completed the Intent to Apply can submit performances to the calendar. Notify them of your upcoming performances using the dancer form or the choreographer form.
First-time applicants who miss the Intent to Apply deadline can contact them at McKnightFellowships@springboardforthearts.org for application assistance.
For more information about the dancer and the choreography application, please visit www.mcknightdancechoreo.org.
Mixed Blood Theater Presents Warroad Community Potluck at Warroad RiverPlace September 12-14.
ANNOUNCING TICKET SALES | Tickets are now available for the free production of Warroad Community Potluck, a new play by Mixed Blood Theater made for the RiverPlace stage on:
Friday, September 12 | 7 PM
Saturday, September 13 | 7 PM
Sunday, September 14 | 2 PM
TICKETS: warroadriverplace.org/events/potluck
It’s Potluck Time—and the stakes have never been higher!
It’s the ultimate small-town showdown: a potluck battle judged by a mysterious visitor on a mission to determine Minnesota’s best. With hotdish drama, fishing contests, heritage trivia, and surprise guests, this lighthearted comedy celebrates the spirit of Warroad, where competition is fierce but community always wins.
*Special note: This play is a potluck in name only. Just bring yourself — no food, please! — and stay for light refreshments and community conversation after the show.
Written by nationally-recognized playwright Kira Obolensky and directed by award-winning director Michael John Garcés, Warroad Community Potluck is brought to you by Mixed Blood Theater—a nationally acclaimed theater company in Minneapolis that models reciprocity, inclusion, and genuine welcoming to build relationships—and Warroad RiverPlace.
**This production was made possible by the American Theatre Wing, National Endowment for the Arts Our Town program, the Ruth Easton Fund of the Edelstein Family Foundation, and by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
The Mexican Brass
Friday, October 17 | 7:30 PM
Hosted by the Northern Lights Concert Association
Concert is at the Warroad RiverPlace (103 State Avenue, Warroad, MN 56763)
Celebrating 20 years as a brass quintet, M5 The Mexican Brass is a world-class ensemble seamlessly blending virtuosic musicianship, non-stop audience interaction, and showmanship to produce a great musical-theatrical experience every night!
*Please note: This concert is part of the Northern Lights Concert Association series. Season tickets—for only $45!—are required to attend any or all of the five shows lined up for the 2025-2026 season.
North Country Fiddle and Dance September Events
Nordic Fiddle with Vidar Skrede
September 8th, 5:30 PM at the EGF Campbell Library
Vidar Skrede is a performer and composer of Nordic folk music. Originally from western Norway, and currently living in Milwaukee, WI, he is a multi-instrumentalist performing fiddle, Hardanger fiddle, guitar, and mandolin.
Vidar is a leading musician on the Nordic folk music scene and is well known for his own tune creations across the scene.
Community Dance with Eric Lind and Teresa Neby-Lind
Saturday, September 13th, 3 to 5:30 PM at
Bernies Restaurant, 121 DeMers, EGF
Fiddle and banjo duo Eric Lind and Teresa Neby-Lind from the Twin cities, will provide rousing dance tunes for reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more.
All dances are taught and easy to learn, all ages are welcome! Join us!
Donations at the door for both events.