Jessica Schumacher is the Executive Director of the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra. She spoke with Phil McKenzie about the orchestra, the music they play, their philosophy, their conductor, schedule and more!

The orchestra has an upcoming concert in East Grand Forks on December 15 at 2:30 pm at the East Grand Forks Performing Arts Center at the high school. The Northern Valley Youth Orchestra will join them. Listen for all the details!

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Artist Shawna Boulette Grapentine is a Cree-Ojibway from the Metis community of Manigotagan and is a member of the Hollow Water First Nation. She is known for using silhouettes of nature and vibrant colors in her custom paintings. Shawna’s artwork highlights the beauty of the indigenous culture, her love for mother earth and everything that surrounds her.

Shawna Boulette Grapentine spoke with Phil McKenzie about her art in the current NWMAC Exhibit Immersed in Color, Inspired by Culture — she is the featured artist. She also talked about her background and how she became an artist. The exhibit is open through November 25 and includes work by Joan Kauppi, Therese Masters Jacobson, and Candace Sam

You can meet Shawna at the artist reception on Thursday, November 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Listen to the podcast to learn more!

NWMAC Director Mara Hanel spoke with Phil McKenzie about upcoming grant deadlines, grant writing training, the grant writing station in our office, exhibits, calls for art, the upcoming artist booklet and more! Listen to hear about the many opportunities at the NWMAC right now.

The tables turned for our podcast this week. Pioneer 90.1 Radio Host Ron West, whose actual name is Rom Ogaard, was interviewed by Promotions Specialist Kristin Eggerling. Ogaard will be receiving the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award on Sunday, April 21.

Ogaard has been a radio host at KSRQ 90.1 radio at Northland Community and Technical College and is retiring at the end of the month. As Ron West, he has partnered with the NWMAC to offer a weekly radio segment that promotes artists, the arts, and arts organizations. He also has segments that feature the Campbell Library in East Grand Forks, and the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks. These radio programs have brought news and information about the arts to our region and beyond and highlighted our regional artists.  

This award will be presented on Sunday, April 21 in Lake Bronson at the Kittson County History Museum. 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. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Funding for this award comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.

Listen to the interview to hear about what Rom has learned about the arts and much more!