What’s New in the Arts
See below for information about resources, exhibits, grants, events, workshops and much more!
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces the opening of
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 the opening of 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, 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.
Springboard for the Arts
Website Basics for Artists
May 19
Get a big picture view of the components of your artist website, find clarity on whether you need a website for your artistic practice and learn the basics of creating a website.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM
This workshop is a part of Work of Art+, a series of workshops that complement the 12-part Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists series, a professional development curriculum designed to teach business skills to artists in all disciplines. The curriculum is always available for free download, or you can buy a copy of the book to support your practice.
Meet the Instructor
Instructor: Anniessa Antar (she/they)
Bio: Anniessa is a software engineer, educator, and cultural organizer. She has worked at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Saint Catherine University, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and with organizations such as Mizna, Confluence: An East Lake Studio for Community Design, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and the School for Poetic Computation. Her practices center on the power of creative, playful, and collective work to confront and heal systemic oppression.
Springboard for the Arts
Work of Art: Artist Statements
May 5 from 6 to 8:30 PM
Get a hands-on, step-by-step approach to writing a range of statements that best represent your work as an artist.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM
This workshop is a part of Work of Art+, a series of workshops that complement the 12-part Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists series, a professional development curriculum designed to teach business skills to artists in all disciplines. The curriculum is always available for free download, or you can buy a copy of the book to support your practice. Workshop is free to attend.
Meet the Instructor
Instructor: Mikha Dominguez (they/them)
Bio: Mikha Dominguez (aka Mikhamik) is a Queer non-binary Latinx Venezuelan artist based in Minneapolis since 2014. With a background in set design, Mikha’s work explores identity, migration, and resilience. They have worked at the Walker Art Center, exhibited at MCAD, University of Minnesota, St. Catherine University, and the University of Omaha, and participated in the Art Shanty Projects. Mikha leads Mikhamik House of Arts and teaches at Springboard for the Arts while studying at MCAD. Visit their website at mikhamik.com.
Springboard’s Work of Art: Portfolio Kit — virtual workshop April 21
Your portfolio is the core of your promotional material and professional calling card. Focus on the essential elements: sharpening your artist statement, tailoring your artistic resume, and curating and formatting your work samples.
This workshop is a part of the 12-part Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists series, a professional development curriculum designed to teach business skills to artists in all disciplines. The curriculum is always available for free download, or you can buy a copy of the book to support your practice. This is free to attend.
Location: Zoom Meeting
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Meet the Instructor
Instructor: Dana Sikkila (she/her)
Bio: Dana Sikkila is a queer Minnesota-based interdisciplinary maker and creator. Known for her social practice and activism programs, creative consulting, public speaking, and her theory development within creative curriculum, Sikkila’s practices span from working in communities from rural to the Twin Cities. Her self-defining administration style has bridged the gap between arts creation and administration, through the development of numerous grassroots cultural projects and exhibitions throughout the state. Dana is also an Artist Career Consultant and Workshop Instructor with Springboard for the Arts. Visit her website at danasikkila.com
Legacy in the Wild is a celebration of the ways that the Minnesota Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment has impacted our great state since being passed by the voters of Minnesota in 2008. When you spot the Legacy logo, snap a selfie and upload it to social media with your own caption and the hashtag #mnlegacyinthewild
East Grand Forks Campbell Library and North Country Fiddle and Dance present:
A Concert of Danish Folk Music, Songs and Stories on
Friday, May 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
KRISTIAN BUGGE, of Copenhagen, Denmark, (fiddle, vocals) and WB REID, of Seattle, ( guitar ) will take you on an entertaining journey through the traditions of Danish folk music with songs and stories in Danish and English, wild polkas, fiery reels, jigs and lyrical waltzes from every corner of Denmark.
Campbell Library at 422 4th St. NW in East Grand Forks
Funding Opportunity: FY 2027 Cultural Expression
Evaluation Capacity Building Webinars
Grant Opportunity for Individuals and Organizations:
FY 2027 Cultural Expression
Application materials are now available for the FY 2027 Cultural Expression grant program.
Cultural Expression provides project grants to support activities that share, explore, pass on, express, or celebrate the culture of a community through the arts. Cultural communities may be defined by a common ethnicity, tribal affiliation, geographic or regional identity, language, or other significant characteristics, and will have shared beliefs, customs, traditions, and ways of life as a community. Projects may be designed to explore or pass on culture within a community, or to share or celebrate culture with Minnesotans outside the community. The program supports projects that express culture through traditional art forms that have been passed down within a community, and contemporary art forms rooted in cultural traditions.
Funds could be used to support community members learning or practicing a traditional cultural art form, presenting cultural festivals or performances, exhibitions that share or explore the culture of a community, apprenticeships with master artists or culture bearers, or documentation to preserve and pass on cultural traditions, etc. Projects that are intended to engage a particular demographic group or community in the arts, but that do not explore or express that community's culture, are not a good fit for this program.
Applicants may request between $5,000 - $35,000.
The Arts Board will host a virtual Information Session for potential applicants to learn more about the program purpose and application process. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions with program officers at the end of the session. Details, including full program guidelines, eligibility, and resources for applicants can be found on the Cultural Expression program page.
Cultural Expression Program Page
Important Dates
May 5, 2026: Virtual Information Session and Q & A. This will be a real-time virtual session. Potential applicants can learn about the Cultural Expression grant program and how to submit an application. The session will be recorded and available for later viewing.
June 5, 2026: Application deadline; all application materials must be submitted before 4:30 p.m.
January 2027: Arts Board approves grant awards.
March 2027 - February 2028: All funded activities must take place within these dates.
Building Evaluation Capacity for the Arts
Free, Webinar Series
The Minnesota State Arts Board is pleased to announce a two-part, free evaluation capacity building webinar series. This opportunity is being offered to any individuals or organizations that provide arts programming. This year’s series will focus on evaluating change—how we understand the change our programs have on participants and communities. As part of this, the focus will be on examples that highlight ways to better understand the populations benefitting from programs. Do you want to learn about how to understand the larger community impact of your arts programs? If so, this series is for you!
The goal of Building Evaluation Capacity for the Arts is to enhance evaluation skills in arts programs and to create a community of learners committed to evaluation. Participants can attend one or both sessions.
Please note participating in this training is optional and will not influence your current or any future grant applications with the Minnesota State Arts Board.
Webinars will be held from 1:00-2:30 PM. The following are dates and brief descriptions of each session:
May 7: The art of evaluationLearn more about evaluating arts programs and how you can develop outcomes to drive your evaluation. The discussion will also include ways to better understand the populations that your programs serve.
May 20: Evaluating change and impact Learn methods that are particularly useful for evaluating the impact of arts programs.
If you are interested in participating, please register by selecting each session you are interested in attending.
Thursday May 7:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/OS_XIlllQUKOGcc6aK2O0gWednesday May 20:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/cNadXxPERzioOVTw3hRbdg
Individuals who attend will have the opportunity to interact with others interested in the arts, ask questions of the presenters, and apply their learning through interactive activities. The trainings will be recorded and available at a future date for those who are unable to attend.
If you have any questions reach out to Jeffrey Niblack, Arts Board research and evaluation director, at jeffrey.niblack@state.mn.us
The Minnesota State Arts Board is a state agency that stimulates and encourages the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the state. It works to ensure that all Minnesotans can participate in and benefit from the arts.
NW Art Exhibit Winners
The annual NW Art Exhibit has been judged. The public is encouraged to vote for People’s Choice until the end of the NW Art Exhibit Reception before the program on April 25 at Warroad RiverPlace. The list of winners is below.
Adult Winners
1st Place $500: Holly Ellsworth-Crowther of Warroad in painting with mixed media for “Forest’s Queen"
2nd Place $300: Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla in sculpture for "It’s a Keeper"
3rd Place $200: Jodi Peterson a teacher in Ada in fused glass for "Vintage Fish"
Merit $100: Bert Foster of Thief River Falls in photography for "Canyon Mermaid"
Merit $100: Cindy Kolling of Gully in drawing for "Through Morning Fog"
Merit $100: Ross Hier of Crookston in watercolor painting for "Golden Silk Orb Spider & Chestnut-breasted Coronet"
Merit $100: Janet Johnson of Roseau in mixed media for "Remnants"
Merit $100: Jessy Ingalls of Warroad in textile for "Woodland Wool Scarf"
People’s Choice: TBD
Student Winners
1st Place $300 Lillian Hansen of Halstad in ceramic sculpture for "Bon Jour Cat Teapot"
2nd Place $150 Brianna Severts of Grygla in mixed media for “Jerry”
3rd Place $100 Kerstyn Lindsey of Ada in mosaic for "Giant Blue Morpho"
Merit $50 Amber Danielson of Red Lake Falls in mixed media for "Friday from ARK"
Merit $50 Aryanna Harrow of East Grand Forks in digital art for "Distinguished Toucan"
Merit $50 Mahli Holter of Red Lake Falls in drawing for "Long Awaited Reunion"
Merit $50 Sydney Schneider of Hendrum in sculpture for "Ow!"
Merit $50 Melody Voeltz of Lancaster in painting for "Great Heron"
Merit $50 Renn Ginther of Roseau in sculpture for “Camouflage”
People’s Choice TBD
Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling joined Saxophonist Maury Finney for a live discussion on April 9. The discussion was live on the NWMAC Facebook and YouTube pages. Listen/watch at https://www.youtube.com/live/qrmF5bUZYWA?si=dU1V4wXXlIa5GyW3. Maury shared stories of his music background and experiences in Nashville and on the charts. He also gave advice to aspiring musicians.
This well-known music artist is originally from rural Kittson County Minnesota. He is featured in our Good Vibrations exhibit.
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.
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including awards, upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click https://conta.cc/4txRSYJ
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
The Northwest Minnesota Annual NW Art Exhibit is
Open Until April 25
Warroad RiverPlace
Reception and Program on April 25 to
Honor Exhibit & Of the Year Award Winners
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce the NW Annual Art Exhibit is at the Warroad RiverPlace until April 25.
Watch this video walk through of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/ETXpnkiTPOE
Adult artists from our 7 county- service region (Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, and Red Lake Falls) and students from 7 schools entered over 100 pieces of art, including oil, acrylic, watercolor painting, photography, pencil drawings, pen and ink, pottery, sculpture, fiber art, digital, glass mosaic, and mixed media and are competing for $2,300.00 in cash awards. Attendees at the exhibit can vote for People’s Choice. Exhibit cash award winners were chosen while the exhibit is on display by Alice Blessing, a qualified juror from Bemidji. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception.
Adult Winners
1st Place $500: Holly Ellsworth-Crowther of Warroad in painting with mixed media for “Forest’s Queen"
2nd Place $300: Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla in sculpture for "It’s a Keeper"
3rd Place $200: Jodi Peterson a teacher in Ada in fused glass for "Vintage Fish"
Merit $100: Bert Foster of Thief River Falls in photography for "Canyon Mermaid"
Merit $100: Cindy Kolling of Gully in drawing for "Through Morning Fog"
Merit $100: Ross Hier of Crookston in watercolor painting for "Golden Silk Orb Spider & Chestnut-breasted Coronet"
Merit $100: Janet Johnson of Roseau in mixed media for "Remnants"
Merit $100: Jessy Ingalls of Warroad in textile for "Woodland Wool Scarf"
Student Winners
1st Place $300 Lillian Hansen of Halstad in ceramic sculpture for "Bon Jour Cat Teapot"
2nd Place $150 Brianna Severts of Grygla in mixed media for “Jerry”
3rd Place $100 Kerstyn Lindsey of Ada in mosaic for "Giant Blue Morpho"
Merit $50 Amber Danielson of Red Lake Falls in mixed media for "Friday from ARK"
Merit $50 Aryanna Harrow of East Grand Forks in digital art for "Distinguished Toucan"
Merit $50 Mahli Holter of Red Lake Falls in drawing for "Long Awaited Reunion"
Merit $50 Sydney Schneider of Hendrum in sculpture for "Ow!"
Merit $50 Melody Voeltz of Lancaster in painting for "Great Heron"
Merit $50 Renn Ginther of Roseau in sculpture for “Camouflage”
The exhibit is at Warroad RiverPlace at 103 State Avenue, Warroad and will be open for the public to view art and vote for People’s Choice Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM.
On Saturday, April 25 the exhibit will open at 2:30 PM with mingling, light refreshments, and live music. The awards program will start at 3:30 PM. Of the Year Awards will be presented to Jewelry Artist Rebecca Rosenkrans for the NW Star Award -- Lifetime Achievement, Visual Artist Samantha Harrill for Artist of the Year, and Actor and Theater Director Jane Anderson for Arts Advocate of the Year, in addition to the art exhibit awards. The Exhibit and Reception are open to the public and free to attend. Many pieces of art are for sale, and the public is encouraged to shop. Purchases can be marked as sold and picked up on April 25 after the reception. The exhibit provides an opportunity to see what our regional adult and student artists are creating in their studio spaces and in the classroom. The reception is a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region.
Funding for these awards is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Legislature.
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is Pleased to Announce
Of the Year Award Winners for 2026
Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents.
Of the Year Award Winners include:
Samantha Harrill of Warroad is the
Northwest Artist of the Year for Visual Art
Originally from Red Lake Falls, Harrill is a gifted ceramic artist. She creates functional and decorative pottery pieces that are thoughtfully designed, well-crafted, and finished with great attention to detail. Samantha is also the Executive Director of Warroad RiverPlace. In that position, she works tirelessly to affirm and bring the arts to northern Minnesota, while advocating for all art mediums, theater, art workshops for children and adults, music, and cultural and celebration events. Our Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500. Congratulations, Samantha!
Jane Anderson of Thief River Falls will be awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award for
Performing Arts
Jane is a theater artist – actor, singer, director, costumer -- and former Executive Director and founding member of the Thief River Falls Area Community Theater. Her decades of service, leadership, and advocacy have had a profound impact on area actors and audiences. Jane believes in nurturing young artists for their development and to sustain a vibrant arts community. When she saw a need, she created and stewarded youth programs to provide theater opportunities for young performers. Her unwavering commitment to the arts and arts education and her extraordinary ability to strengthen and expand the local theater community can be felt throughout our region. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Congratulations, Jane!
Rebecca Rosenkrans of Roseau will receive the
Northwest Star Award
Rebecca (or Becky) has been creating one-of-a-kind jewelry for over 30 years. She is the owner of Bead Gypsy, a shop in Roseau where handmade goods and original art from over 20 artists are sold. The store is a haven for artists and arts lovers who live and visit the region. Becky handcrafts new pieces of jewelry or recreates old into new with Greek and Italian leather, beads, crafted chain maille, glass, stone, silver, crystal, and vintage goods. She readily shares her knowledge, creativity, and talents and is a tireless advocate for fellow artists. The Northwest Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award. Congratulations, Becky!
These awards will be presented on Saturday, April 25 at Warroad RiverPlace,103 State Avenue, Warroad. The NW Art Exhibit will open that day at 2:30 PM with mingling, light refreshments, and live music. The awards program will be at 3:30 PM. The exhibit and reception are open to the public and free to attend. The reception is a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region. Please join us!
For more information about these awards, see our website at http://www.northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/
Funding for Northwest Star and Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Funding for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.
Of the Year and NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception & Program
April 25 at 2:30 PM
On Saturday, April 25 the exhibit will open at 2:30 PM with mingling, light refreshments, and live music by UND’s Red River Trio. The awards program will start at 3:30 PM. Of the Year Awards will be presented to Jewelry Artist Rebecca Rosenkrans for the NW Star Award -- Lifetime Achievement, Visual Artist Samantha Harrill for Artist of the Year, and Actor and Theater Director Jane Anderson for Arts Advocate of the Year, in addition to the art exhibit awards. The Exhibit and Reception are open to the public and free to attend. Many pieces of art are for sale, and the public is encouraged to shop. Purchases can be marked as sold and picked up on April 25 after the reception. The exhibit provides an opportunity to see what our regional adult and student artists are creating in their studio spaces and in the classroom. The reception is a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region. Everyone is encouraged to vote for People’s Choice.
Please join us April 25 at Warroad RiverPlace at 103 State Avenue in Warroad.
Upcoming Deadline for Arts Grants is April 30
Arts Project Grants & Individual Artist Grants
Free Grant Writing Session will be held on
Wednesday, April 15 at 11 AM
Applications are open for grants from the NWMAC. It’s time to start writing your arts grant application! April 30 is the final deadline for this fiscal year.
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 218-745-8886, extension 1.
Strike A Pose
with In Progress Artist Tomas Leal
Saturday & Sunday / April 25th & 26th
Studio 110 / Crookston Minnesota
Strike a Pose is a hands-on photography workshop focused on using light to shape mood, depth, and intensity in portraiture led by In Progress artist and one time resident of Crookston - Tomas Leal.
Participants will explore techniques such as directional lighting, high-contrast setups, and shadow control to create bold, expressive images. Through guided demonstrations and practice, photographers will learn how to transform simple setups into striking, dramatic portraits that emphasize emotion, texture, and form.
Please register below. This activity is intended to build belonging and familiarity while we all work to move through difficult times. There is no cost to participation.
Please note that the location for this workshop is STUDIO 110 in Crookston Minnesota
Questions can be directed to info@in-progress.org.or you can call Rena Bouchard Zapata at: 218-277-8774.
This workshop is made possible with support from: the McKnight Foundation, the Riester Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board General Operating Support Program and the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (pending). This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Artist Reception for Good Vibrations Exhibit
Northland Community and Technical College1101 State Highway 1Thief River Falls, MN, 56701United States (map)
Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music an exhibit featuring Songwriters, Composers, & the Music Industry
Including Robert “Little Bobby” Houle and Maury Finney
NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
Artist Reception Thursday, April 16 from 6:30 to 8 PM
The exhibit Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music is open at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. This exhibit highlights the accomplishments of Robert “Little Bobby” Houle and Maury Finney, as well six other music artists. The exhibit will run from now until April 16.
Everyone is encouraged to attend this free event. Refreshments will be served. Live music will be provided by Crookston musician Anthony Diaz. Diaz blends jazz, blues, and bluegrass influences into expressive and approachable instrumental guitar music. With over 30 years of playing, he’s less interested in flash and more interested in feel — creating a relaxed atmosphere that invites people to settle in and enjoy the moment. He’ll be playing instrumental jazz and blues as background music to complement the space and the art. He is one of the artists featured in this exhibit.
Little Bobby’s impact on the music industry is known worldwide. Born in Red Lake and raised in Thief River Falls, blues musician and multi-instrumentalist Robert “Little Bobby” Houle III was a third generation Native American musician who followed in his father’s and grandfather’s musical footsteps. From his father, Robert Houle II “Big” Bobby, to his grandfather, Robert Houle, a Rockabilly Music Hall Of Famer, it’s no surprise that Little Bobby was as gifted as he was.
He began as a drummer and then in his early twenties ventured into singing the blues. After already being mostly self-taught, an improvising blues style was a natural fit. In 2005, Little Bobby released his first CD Before The Storm. After that, he released numerous blues albums, including Down, Dirty & Mean (2007), I've Got A Woman (2009), a live DVD A Night At The Empire (2009), Life of the Blues (2010), Showbiz (2015), Super B (2016), the single “Grow Old With You” (2018), an autobiographic DVD Music Is My Life (2018), Simple (2020), God Made Me Blue (2022), and That Killer B Sting (2023). Many of the albums or singles made the charts including holding the #1 album. For a time, he joined Nora Jean Bruso to perform in concerts and blues festivals and toured the United States and abroad including Poland. After playing at the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Sun Times rated Nora Jean & Little Bobby the number one band to see. In 2011, the two put together the CD Good Blues in which Little Bobby not only played on but co-wrote and produced and the album landed on the blues charts.
Little Bobby is the only Minnesota artist to be featured on “The Beale St. Caravan Radio Hour,” the largest syndicated blues show in the world. He’s also been featured on the Black and Blues radio show in The Netherlands, The Monster Blues Show and the Bear Blues Show in the UK, and The Sunday Morning Hangover Cure in Canada, as well as several others. Since the release of God Made Me Blue, his music has played on 1,700 blues stations all over the world.
One of the things that makes Little Bobby’s music so unique is that, except for saxophone, harmonica or steel guitar, he played all the instruments himself and produced his own albums in his state-of-the-art studio in McIntosh under his label, Untouchable Productions. His long-running blues show, Little Bobby’s Juke Joint played Wednesday nights on 90.1 FM (www.radionorthland.org). Tragically, Little Bobby died suddenly in 2019, but his legacy lives on. His albums are available at Little Bobby’s Bar and Grill in McIntosh or online at www.little-bobby-music.company.site or find his music on local radio stations, YouTube, Pandora, iTunes, Spotify, many other music platforms and on every jukebox in the world.
Our other featured music artist is Maury Finney, who is also well-known. Originally from rural Kittson County Minnesota, Maury Finney grew up with music dominating his family’s focus. Dorothy, his mom, was a talented piano player and had been raised in a family of musicians herself. His dad George was a saxophone player and Maury followed in his footsteps. Maury started playing the sax at a young age with guidance from his dad. In his teens, he was hired by a local band leader to fill in for the regular sax player who was forced to take time off to have his teeth fixed. When the sax player returned, Maury remained in the band, gaining invaluable experience by playing alongside seasoned musicians. Those early gigs proved life changing as he developed his talent in ways that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.
With his brother Allen, Maury formed a rock and roll band called The Charms. The band recorded a record and developed a large following, playing venues throughout the local area. In addition to his music career, Maury and his wife Faith owned Maury's Tv and appliance business in East Grand Forks and later opened a recording studio.
In 1976 Maury recorded the song “Maidens Prayer” for Soundwaves Record Co. of Nashville, which began his country music career with nationwide success. Between 1976 and 1977, he charted the most instrumental songs of any country music artist. In 1977 and 1978, Maury was named “Top New Instrumentalist” by the three leading music reporting magazines -- Billboard Music Week, Record World, and Cashbox magazine. He charted twelve times on the Billboard country singles charts. Later, he organized a 7 piece band called Reedsong Music Company, which included family members. Maury was inducted into Minnesota’s Rock Country Hall of Fame in 2007.
Not long ago he was introduced to Little Bobby Houle and they performed together. Maury shared, “it was a magical time when I became Little Bobby’s saxman at several of Bobby’s shows at casinos, Bluesfests, and many city celebrations. It was a blast playing with such a professional and talented songwriter, guitarist, and great Blues singer. Little Bobby’s passing has left a hole in my music life.” Maury continues to perform in the northwest Minnesota area and sometimes in Florida, with blues bands, on his own, and when other opportunities arise and he still thoroughly enjoys it.
In addition to Little Bobby and Maury Finney, other artists and groups featured in the exhibit include The Dank, Project: Constellation, Northern Valley Youth Orchestra, Anthony Diaz of Crookston, The O’Neil Family Band of East Grand Forks and Daniel Knight of Grand Forks. Items in this exhibit include posters, awards, newspaper articles, photos, albums, clothing and other merchandise.
Take a virtual walk through of this exhibit at https://youtu.be/gH-Plzv4WvY (on the NWMAC YouTube page). The video is also available on our website under the exhibits tab on the top of the homepage.
The NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls is at 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls 56701. The gallery is open during Monday-Friday from 8 – 5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please call to make sure the college is open before making a special trip. Hours can change. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.
For more information about this exhibit or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 280-4917 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.
Please join us for an Artist Reception for
Stardust & Soul: ”It’s in everything”
an exhibit featuring paintings by Sarah Pester
Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM
at the
Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, 2nd Floor in the Atrium
Downtown Crookston
Live Music by Anthony Diaz, Refreshments, Free Event
Exhibit is Open Through Mid-April
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. The reception is open to everyone and the public is encouraged to attend. 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. 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.
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.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT with Sarah Pester on March 23 at 11 AM
NWMAC Staff Members Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling joined Crookston Artist Sarah Pester for a live discussion on March 23 at 11 AM. The discussion was live on the NWMAC Facebook and YouTube pages. Listen/watch at https://youtube.com/live/J_P7N0jzIJg or https://streamyard.com/mc3uuxfbpxyr.
Sarah's exhibit Stardust & Soul: "it's in everything" is at the Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston, 2nd Floor in the Atrium. We discussed the exhibit, Sarah's background, her philosophy, her paintings, yoga, and much more!
This exhibit includes 41 original pieces of art in oil, watercolor, and mixed media, many of which are for sale. Sarah shared, “I really love how this collection captures the thread running through everything. Earth, space, and us -- all of it being more connected than we usually realize. I hope these pieces remind people that we aren't just out here on our own but a part of the whole and connected to everything.”
Sarah Faith Pester is an artist and yoga teacher from Crookston. Her work is an expression of her inner world and her connection to something beyond the physical. When she paints, she's exploring the unseen energies and emotions that guide us. Sarah mainly uses oil, acrylic, and watercolor paints to create vibrant pieces, and she also finds joy in crafting crystal-beaded bracelets.
As a yoga teacher and energy practitioner, Sarah's artistic and healing practices are deeply connected. The sense of flow and connection she finds in her work is a direct reflection of the healing and spiritual exploration she shares with others through her business Burnham Creek Healing. Through her paintings, bracelets, yoga, and healing practices she shares a piece of her spiritual journey, inviting others to explore their own inner worlds and find their own sense of peace and connection.
Sarah explained that her paintings “invite viewers on a journey beyond the visible, exploring the profound interconnectedness that binds all living things. Each canvas is a vibrant testament to the idea that beneath the surface of our physical reality is an intricate web of energy that connects every living thing from the smallest earthly creatures to the grandness of the universe. Through layers of oil or acrylic, I dive into spiritual dimensions, suggesting that our individual forms are merely temporary vessels for an eternal soul and spirit, mirroring the universe's own boundless energy. My artistic process is one of meditative exploration, where I aim to visualize the unseen forces that unite us. I get lost in blending celestial space clouds, allowing colors to flow and merge, nebulae forming new stars, with delicate intricate details. Everything is purposeful as I feel we are. "Stardust and Soul" seeks to awaken an awareness of the deeper spiritual currents that flow through us and around us, encouraging reflection on our shared origins in energy,y the essence of who we truly are.”
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/tzfxVHhhgDM or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click https://conta.cc/40KwCm0
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
North Country Fiddle and Dance
Community Folk Dance
Saturday – March 21, 3:00 to 5:30 pm
Bernie's Restaurant
121 DeMers Ave, East Grand Forks
with music by Four Mile Portage, of Duluth
Live Music! All join in, all ages are welcome; families, couples, singles
Traditional American folk dances: Reels, barn -dance squares, circle mixers and more...
All dances are taught and easy to learn!
Donations at the door
Annual NW Art Exhibit & Of the Year Awards
Reception and Program
Saturday, April 25
Warroad RiverPlace, 103 State Avenue, Warroad 56763
On Saturday, April 25 the NW Art Exhibit will open at 10 AM. A reception with free refreshments will begin at noon. The awards program will start at 2 PM. The public is encouraged to attend this free event. Awardees of the NW Art Exhibit and Of the Year awards will be recognized.
The exhibit will feature original art by regional adult and high school student artists and creatives. They will be competing for $2,300 in cash prizes. Artists must reside in Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Pennington, Roseau, or Red Lake counties to be eligible. Exhibit cash award winners will be chosen while the exhibit is on display by Alice Blessing, a qualified juror. Visitors will be able to vote for People’s Choice. They will be recognized and receive their check at the Artist Reception at Warroad RiverPlace on Saturday, April 25. Artists are welcome to have their work in the exhibit available for sale. The exhibit will end with a reception and an awards program to honor entrants and Of the Year awardees.
Warroad RiverPlace is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. They are closed Sunday and Monday. The exhibit will be open during operating hours at RiverPlace and is free to view.
Please reach out to our office with any questions. director@nwartscouncil.org.
Call for Art
The Great State of Minnesota exhibit
What Minnesota means to me…
Minnesota has been getting 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 would like to highlight our state in this exhibit and ask artists what does Minnesota mean to you?
We encourage artists to reflect on Minnesota as the Northstar State, our Minnesota State Flag, our Great Seal of Minnesota, and our state symbols.
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is accepting entries in all mediums including paintings, drawings, sculpture, fine craft, photography, poetry, book art, original sheet music, and hopefully seed art. Submit (what, photos, size) by Monday, April 27 to Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. Please note this deadline has been extended from the earlier deadline of April 17. Drop off art at the NWMAC Gallery all day Monday, May 4 and the morning of Tuesday, May 5. The exhibit will open May 6 through the end of August at our NWMAC gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. This exhibit will mainly feature the artists and art of our service area in Northwest Minnesota.
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).
As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this summer, join us in creating art about Minnesota that reflects our pride in our state. Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to see what Minnesota means to you. Why not create some seed art for our showcase and then enter it into the Minnesota State Fair? Deadline to enter our showcase is April 27.
Reach out to Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com with questions and your submissions.
Arts Advocacy Day is March 3
Put this event on your calendar
Arts Advocacy Day is Tuesday, March 3, 2026—and we need you there.
This session will shape the future of arts funding in Minnesota. Showing up together is how we make sure lawmakers see the full force, scale, and diversity of the arts community.
Your early registration = bigger crowds, stronger organizing, and a louder voice at the Capitol.
Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day!
Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd, 2026
Rally in the Capitol Rotunda: 10 - 11 AM
Legislative Meetings: 11 AM - 3 PM
Register for Arts Advocacy Day 2026
Nervous About Attending?
Many 1st time advocates are a little nervous about attending as they don't know what to expect or say on behalf of the arts. REGISTER TODAY for Arts Advocacy Day on March 3rd and receive a Zoom link for our Advocacy 101 and 201 training on February 24th at 10:30 AM. Learn effective messaging and storytelling for Arts Advocacy Day. They’ll walk through what a typical Advocacy Day looks like, share examples of a legislative meeting and what to expect, and, especially for first-time advocates, leave plenty of time for Q&A. Interested, but can't make it? REGISTER TODAY and receive a link once the video is uploaded.
See the Impact. Feel the Energy.
The 2026 McKnight Foundation Visual Artist Fellowships application is now open. This opportunity is for mid-career/established artists. There are two pre-recorded information sessions on the application site and they also offer one-on-one meetings with applicants before submitting their application materials. They can provide feedback on work sample sections, editing artist statements, organizing resumes, and more. Learn about the application guidelines on their website. For Greater Minnesota artists, the fellowship does cover mileage and lodging for finalist/curator studio visits and fellow meetings so this is not a financial burden on the artists.
Find the application at https://mcad.submittable.com/submit
Deadline: Friday, March 20 at noon CT.
Contact info: gallery@mcad.edu
Keisha Williams, Program Director
Melanie Pankau, Fellowship Coordinator
Manoomin Arts Initiative’s
We’ve Got You Covered Community Celebration & Artist Reception on April 23
a celebration of the appliquéd mural blankets created during their apprenticeship year with Rick Kagigebi & Eliza Klarer
Thursday April 23, 2026
2:30 PM Regional Arts Networking • snacks & beverages
3-4 PM McKnight Fellowship Info Session
4-6 PM Artist Reception
Indigenous Foods catered by Chef Edward Rodriguez hosted by Manoomin Arts Initiative at Gizhiigin Arts Incubator
701 East Jefferson Ave Mahnomen MN 56557
Rick Kagigebi is a FY 2025 Cultural Expression grant recipient from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
FREE workshops, auditions by TRFACT
Thief River Falls Area Community Theater (TRFACT) will be offering free workshops, audition opportunities, and more. See their website for updates, more information, or with questions at trfact.org.
FREE Musical Audition Prep Workshops
Location: NCTC Theater
Cost: Free (registration required)
• Saturday, March 1 | 4:00–5:00 PM
• Wednesday, March 5 | 6:00–7:00 PM
These workshops are designed for performers new to auditions or looking for a refresher. Both sessions cover the same material and are open to all ages. They are especially helpful for those planning to audition for TRFACT’s summer 2026 production of The Sound of Music.
Each workshop includes:
Overview of dialogue and singing expectations
Q&A with the creative team
Time to practice dialogue and/or music in small groups
Registration: https://tinyurl.com/TRFACTMARCH26
Auditions: The Sound of Music (all ages) and The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (adult female cast)
Location: NCTC Theater
• March 19–20 | 5:00–7:00 PM
• March 21 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
TRFACT Kids’ Theater Workshop (Grades 2–5)
Location: NCTC Theater
Tuesdays, 3:15–4:30 PM
Dates: March 3, 10, 17, and 24
Cost: $25 for all four sessions
Limited to 25 students
Students will build stage confidence, learn basic acting techniques, and explore how auditions work. On the final day, March 24, participants may audition for the summer production of Frozen KIDS.
Registration: https://our.show/a2tqphfelb
Teen Audition Prep Workshops (Grades 6–11)
These workshops focus on audition preparation, including reviewing materials, audition sides, songs, and providing time for questions.
Lincoln High School
• Sessions: April 15 and 22, 2026
• Auditions for Something Rotten Jr.: April 29, 2026
Franklin Middle School
• Sessions: April 16 and 23, 2026
• Auditions for Something Rotten Jr.: April 30, 2026
Summer Performances NCTC Theater:
The Sound of Music: June 10-12, 15-17, 7pm
Frozen KIDS: June 30-July 2, 7pm
The Sweet Delilah Swim Club: July 14-16, 7pm
Something Rotten Jr.: July 28-30, 7pm
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 is currently at the Sorenson Gallery at the Aurora Center for the Arts in Fosston until mid-March. 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 20 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.
Read all about what’s happening in the arts in our region, including upcoming deadlines, events, grants, exhibits, opportunities and much more! Click https://conta.cc/4adelCv
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
National Loon Center
Call for Artists
National Loon Center - Call For Artists -
The National Loon Center in Crosslake, Minnesota, invites artists to submit proposals for a site-specific art installation in the entry vestibule of its upcoming state-of-the-art facility, scheduled to open in early 2027. This installation should reflect the Center's mission to protect loon habitats and freshwater ecosystems, providing an immersive experience that educates and inspires visitors about the importance of loons and lake conservation. The chosen artist will receive a maximum budget of $250,000, and their work will become a permanent feature, welcoming guests into a space dedicated to conservation, education, and community involvement.
When
See projected schedule below (subject to change).
· January 26, 2026 – Artist Design Submission Begins
· March 16, 2026 – Artist Design Submission Ends
· March 31, 2026 – Notification of Selected Artist
· May 1, 2026 – Refined Design Intent Documentation and Power Requirements Due
· May 15, 2026 – Feedback from National Loon Center + Architectural Coordination
· June 30, 2026 – Schematic Design Drawings Due
· July 17, 2026 – Design Development Drawings Due
· Final installation timeline will be coordinated.
Who
The National Loon Center (NLC) is a new destination focused on conserving loons and freshwater ecosystems. Expected to open in early 2027, the Center aims to engage, educate, inspire, and motivatevisitors to better coexist with loons in our shared habitat, the northern lakes. Through interactive exhibits, outdoor activities, and citizen science programs, the Center encourages a deeper understanding of loon ecology and the importance of protecting freshwater habitats. Its sustainable design and community- driven initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and education.
Eligibility
This Call for Artists is open to professional artists, artist teams, and studios with demonstrated experiencein the design, fabrication, and installation of permanent or large- scale works of art.
· Artists may apply as individuals or collaborative teams.
· Artists may reside anywhere within the United States.
· Employees, officers, board members of the National Loon Center, and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.
· Prior experience with public art or architecturally integrated installations is strongly encouraged.
Submission may be emailed in PDF format to David@nationallooncenter.org or mailed to
National Loon Center
Attention David Nielsen PO Box 642,
Crosslake, MN 56442
Artistic Guidelines
· Artists are expected to use sustainable materials to support the Center's commitment to environmental stewardship and regenerative practices.
· Artists should consider using materials that enhance natural light, as this space will receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
· Artist to provide input on integrated lighting and additional lighting options that may affect the proposed piece, such as spot or task lighting.)
· The proposed solution must be a permanent fixture. Material, form, and mounting must align with a permanent installation strategy.
· The artist is required to either perform the work themselves or oversee the installation of the proposed design.
Valentine's Portrait Session
Thursday, February 12th 5-8PM
Studio 110 - 110 South Main Street / Crookston 56716
They say “the best things in life are free”. and that is certainly the case with Studio 110’s family portraiture sessions. Photographer Rena Zapata & team welcome you to come and celebrate this season of love and honoring of families through the art of photography. Everyone is welcome to stop by to capture a moment and honor the people you love and respect.
Digital images are uploaded to a site where you can download for your own use on social media or send out for prints.
There is no cost to participate and families are typically welcomed during the above timeframe on a first come first serve basis. With that said, it is important for them to know how many to expect, so if you haven't RSVP'd yet please do at the link below.