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10.14.26 Xavier Tavera Castro
Xavier Tavera is a Mexican photographer and artist. Since 2001 he has traveled to Crookston once a year to work with In Progress teaching media to youth. Right now, he has work in the Fresh Voices exhibit at the Fournet Building.
Xavier spoke about the digital works in the exhibit and how they are a reflection in time. The photographers were his students who have grown and their kids are being taught by Xavier. He worked with Morgen Arguelles to capture the image “Service” – a Portrait of McKenzie Schmiedt for this exhibit. “McKenzie Schmiedt joined the National Guard while still in high school. Since then, she has trained, served communities in crisis, and responded during times of turmoil. Her service continues a long tradition of military service within her Latino family. Born and raised in Crookston, McKenzie now raises her own child in the community.”
Xavier’s photographs are inspired by interactions with strangers on the street, neighbors, and family members. His portraits emphasize individuals who are often marginalized, and he frequently focuses on members of the Latinx community. His work is based in prolonged engagement with his subjects. in his theory of photographic experience in which the process begins when the artist conceives an idea, continues over the course of multiple conversations with the intended subject (sometimes involving long-distance travel, culminating in one or more photography sessions, complete with the image post production. Xavier feels that the final image printed on paper is a byproduct or record of the photographic experience.
During the interview, Xavier and Phil discussed Xavier’s background, military service, photography, Crookston, and so much more. Xavier explained,“Our stories are getting diluted. This is the opportunity for us to tell our own story, how we are contributing. “
You can find Xavier’s work online. Google his name and you can find a website and his photographs that are displayed throughout the world.
Listen to learn more, visit the exhibit, and take in the Artist Reception and 30th Anniversary activities!
10.7.26 Eric Twait
Artist Eric Twait has an exhibit at Warroad RiverPlace that is open through October with 45-46 pieces of his work. Born from grief, shaped by words, and painted into silence — Letters to the Void traces an artist’s journey through loss, what could not be said, and the slow discovery of a way forward.
Eric explained, “I've been making art since I was four. As an adult I settled on landscapes, mostly, wide open spaces. Three years ago, losing my wife to cancer closed all of that down. When I came back to the studio, what came out wasn't landscape anymore. It was words — things I couldn't say, letters that would never be sent, written and rotated and painted over until they nearly disappeared into color and texture. That's how Letters to the Void began.
It didn't stay there. What started as private letters became a way of working — I hold a sentence in my head while I paint it, like a mantra, with my brush. Somewhere along the way I realized this wasn't just about grief, it became my path forward. Now I use it on whatever's going on in my life — self-doubt about the work itself, an old farmhouse full of uninvited guests, the particular ache of being an optimist who doesn't always get what he hoped for. Each canvas holds one of those and argues with itself: chaos against order, private against public. A background settles over the top last, like weather, and the words disappear underneath, mostly unreadable. What's left is the form — color, texture, composition — a surface where the feeling can stay without needing to be explained. One piece in this show, “Words Are an Elixir,” is about that directly: not what the words say, but what the saying of them does. You can read the letters if you want, or you can try anyway. But it's more about the act of creating than the letters themselves.”
Eric will also be teaching a workshop on Saturday, October 17. The workshop, Painting Your Emotions with Eric Twait is open to beginners. Born from one artist's journey through love and loss, this workshop invites participants to explore what is waiting to be expressed within. Through thoughtful prompts and an intuitive painting process, participants will create from the truth of your present moment, painting what you feel rather than what you see. No painting experience is necessary for this class. Later that day is an Artist Reception from 3-5 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend. Meet the artist, enjoy light refreshments, and stay for the dinner theater comedy, Escanaba in da Moonlight, presented by Warroad Summer Theatre.
Exhibit info: https://www.warroadriverplace.org/events/letters-to-the-void
Find Eric at his website at erictwait.com or on Facebook @ Eric Twait Artist
Listen to the interview to learn more.
9.30.26 Cyndy Renfrow
Cyndy Renfrow shared the upcoming schedule and details about the Northern Lights Concert Series in Roseau (Roseau School Theatre) and Warroad (Warroad RiverPlace). Season tickets are available for $45 (students are $10). This gets you into all the shows. Individual tickets are not available at the door. There are 6 performances this season — usually there are 5 in a season. Shows include an A Cappella group, comedian and magician, tribute bands, and ArcoStrum (violin, guitar, fiddle, flute, and piccolo).
Find out more info and buy a season pass on their website at northernlightsconcerts.com. You can also reach Cyndy at 919-645-8839. Listen to learn more!
9.23.26 Brianna Geer
Brianna Geer is the Goose Festival Committee Chair. Goose Festival is September 25-27 this and has an impressive lineup of music this year. The NWMAC has provided grant funding to help fund the music at the Middle River Sportsmen’s Club and on Main Street. Performers include Tennis Tyler, The WoodPicks, the Alley Cats Reunion Band, Cathy Erickson, Nathan Bukowski, Gracie Crocker, and Key Beat. Listen to the interview for details.
9.16.26 Alex Evans
Alex Evans is the director of this year’s Goose Festival show — George Washington Slept Here. The show is a farcical comedy about the purchase of a house. Originally from Greenbush, Alex has directed 3 Goosefest productions. Alex spoke about the show, putting the play together, his history, and much more. He is also starring in the show. The play will September 24-27 in Middle River. Get your tickets in advance as it usually sells out. Listen for details and make a point to see this funny play.
9.9.26 Dara Maunu
Dara Maunu has written 2 children’s books Evee's Elevator and Messy Hair Don’t Care. She spoke about the books, including their audience. She is also a visual artist who paints with acrylics and usually landscapes; and is a regular entrant into our annual exhibit. Finally, Dara is the owner of Let's Dance Studio in Warroad and teaches dance classes. She is also one of the founders of Kidprenuers in Warroad. Listen to the conversation to hear details!
9.2.26 Jerry Amiot Pioneer Day
Here’s an event to put on your calendar — September 13 is Pioneer Day in Crookston. Jerry Amiot spoke with Phil McKenzie about the yearly event, its history, and this year’s arts line up, including Project Constellation, The WoodPicks, Dean & Peggy, blacksmithing demonstrations, and wheat weaving.
The 2026 Pioneer Day will be held at the Polk County Museum and in various buildings on its grounds located at 719 East Robert Street in Crookston. The event begins at 11 AM and ends at 4 PM.
12:30 PM "Dean and Peggy" a musical duo from the Bemidji area, with guitar, mandolin, banjo and jaw harp, will perform Celtic and fiddle tunes.
1:45 PM "Project : Constellation" a duo from Grand Forks will perform live traditional Scandinavian music, with guitar and violin.
3 PM "The WoodPicks" from Thief River Falls will perform an acoustic mix of Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and Americana music.
The event is free to attend. Organized by the Polk County Historical Society. They received funding from the NWMAC.
8.26.26 Elizabeth Rockstad and Deb Alexander
Ada Artists and Residents Elizabeth Rockstad and Deb Alexander spoke about the process from start to finish in creating a community mural in Ada. The idea came from the historical society to acknowledge and celebrate Ada’s 150th birthday. It was painted inside on sign board and then installed outdoors. Barn quilts, mosaic butterfly wings for photo ops, and many other images are included. The project received funding from the NWMAC, as well as donations. Listen to the conversation for details!
8.19.23 AFRAN Richard Hagen and Josué Savoie
Association of the French of the North (AFRAN) Board Members Richard Hagen and Josué Savoie shared information about AFRAN’s upcoming Chautauqua on August 22-23 at Old Crossing and Treaty Park in Huot, including the location of the event and its meaning, history, and cultural importance, as well as and the lineup, like Metis fiddler Jamie Fox, Fiddler and Stepdancer Danielle Enblom, The Skally Line, and more. The event is free to attend and free to camp. Listen to the conversation to learn more and make plans to attend!
8.12.26 Gail Ose
Thief River Falls multidisciplinary artist Gail Ose spoke about her background (engineering degree, creative frequency coach, and more). Gail completed our TARP training this spring and is on NWMAC’s teaching artist roster. She is a frequent contributor of art in our exhibits. She is the owner of Serendipity Art Hub and offers visual art workshops like Creating from Within: Portals of Self Discovery. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
8.5.26 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke about the NWMAC’s current Call for Folk Art, what folk art is, and examples of art or items individuals or groups can submit for the exhibit. The submissions deadline for the Folk Art Exhibit is August 21 and it will be open from September 3 to the end of November at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Mara also shared info about NWMAC’s Active Artist Award. This is a reimbursable award for eligible art purchases up to $500. Artists are encouraged to reach out to Mara before they make the purchase to ensure that it is eligible for reimbursement. It’s a much simpler process than applying for a grant. Mara also highlighted the Emergency Relief Fund. August 15 is the next upcoming deadline. This funding uses a simple form as well. You can find the forms and information for the Active Artist Award and the Emergency Relief Fund at the top of our website under forms and also under resources. Finally, Mara spoke about NWMAC’s grant deadlines for arts projects, individual artists, artist residencies, and arts equipment. Find out more throughout our website, monthly e-newsletter, and social media (FB, Instagram, and more!).
7.29.25 Heritage Days Teri Hammarback & Jeanne O’Neil
Teri Hammarback and Jeanne O’Neil spoke about East Grand Fork’s Heritage Days taking place August 8 and 9. Located at Heritage Village (219 20th St NE), the celebration will include history, lots of live music, activities like broom making, and many other events. The theme this year for the music show is immigrants. Listen to the interview to hear more details about the event.
The schedule for the Heritage Days Traditional Music Show is
Saturday- August 8
1 PM- Jeremy Kingsbury- bagpiper and historian. Jeremy plays several types of small pipes in the Scottish, French and Irish traditions.
2 PM Bob and Gail Johnson - Songs and tunes from Ireland and Appalachia, with guitar, harmonica, recorder, harp and more.
3 PM -Vidar Skrede- Norwegian folk music - fiddle, hardanger fiddle, guitar and mandolin.
Sunday- August 9
12 PM – O'Neil Family Band- French Canadian, Celtic and Appalachian tunes and songs – fiddle, guitar, banjo, concertina and step dance.
1 PM- Vidar Skrede- Norwegian fiddle music
2 PM- Bob and Gail Johnson- Celtic and Appalachian songs and tunes
3 PM-Jeremy Kingsbury- Bagpiper
Chuck Gust, accordionist, will entertain for the Sunday noon dinner in the Beier Bldg.
*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.
Other activities on the grounds from 10 AM to 4 PM each day.
7.22.26 Ross Hier & Beau Bakken
Artists Beau Bakken of Hallock and Ross Hier of Crookston were the featured artists this week. Their work is featured in the exhibit Iron and Feathers: Art of the Northwest is open through August at the Historic Fournet Building.
The Artist Reception will be on August 13 from 6 to 7:30 PM. Lake Bronson Violinist Eden Johnson will be playing. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. The exhibit will close after the reception.
For this exhibit, Ross concentrated on birds. He prefers to use watercolors on paper. Beau’s work is in acrylic on canvas. His work focuses on buildings and vehicles — old trucks, tractors, machinery, and elevators— that capture interesting scraps of light on metal. Both artists discussed their practice, process, our region, and more! Many pieces of the art is for sale.
7.15.26 Alyssa Aune
Alyssa Aune recently completed the NWMAC Teaching Artist Training. She spoke about the training — what it involved, the lesson planning, her residency, the TARP roster, the group of artists who took the training, and more.
She also talked about her art and workshops that she has taught or will be teaching.
Check out Alyssa's teaching artist page on our website https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/alyssa-aune-tarp. She also has an Etsy account where she sells photos of Highland cows and more. You can find her on Etsy if you search alyssaaunephoto.
Listen to the recording to learn more!
7.8.26 Britt Dahl
Roseau County Historical Society Director and Curator Britt Dahl spoke about the museum, the exhibits, events they host and sponsor — authors, music, art classes (wood carving, crop art) — history, and more. The museum is located in the Roseau City Center. They’ve received grant funding from the NWMAC for some of their arts events. Stop by to check it out and listen to the interview to learn more!
7.1.26 Anna Pollock
Anna Pollock is the Executive Director of the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council and the current Forum of Regional Arts Councils board chair. She spoke about the regional arts councils, the Legacy Amendment, other funding sources, and the impact of the Emergency Relief Funds on her region (we are trying to promote this program ourselves now with $500 grants).
NWMAC's Emergency Relief Fund. The Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) provides short-term relief to individual artists facing housing, healthcare, income, transportation, legal, or property loss emergencies that impact their wellbeing or ability to work. This program offers one-time awards of $500. In general, payments for emergency assistance are considered gifts and are not taxable income. Individuals must be currently active in a creative practice and live in Region 1: (Minnesota counties of Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, or Roseau). The Artists Emergency Relief Fund Network is stewarded by Springboard for the Arts and supported by F. R. Bigelow Foundation, Jerome Foundation, McKnight Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.
The application process opened May 1, 2026. Application deadlines are June 15, August 15, October 15, and December 1 as funds allow. Read more and download the application here at our website.
12.17.25 Brenda Yanok
Brenda Yanok is the community manager of Folk School Warroad. The school opened in 2019 with about 20 events the first year and has grown since. They rely on grant funding from the NWMAC. Their mission is to provide learning experiences in art, culture, local history, traditional crafts and exploration and enjoyment of local natural resources. She provided a background of the history of the school, the concept of folk schools, and what they offer.
What is a folk school? A folk school is a series of classes and programs that bring people together to make things, make music, make stories and learn together. In most folk schools, individual expression and social interaction are developed and supported through classes in music, crafts, nature studies, gardening, cooking, dance, and other expressions of the local culture.
In addition to leading the organization, Brenda teaches quilting and enjoys other art practices including drawing and painting. She spoke about the community aspect of the school and the unexpected connections the attendees make. This year the non-profit has had over 650 attendees, 52 classes, and 29 different instructors. Popular classes include making Ojibwe style snowshoes, fiber arts (weaving and spinning), wood carving, and Native arts classes including beadwork and ribbon skirts. They’ve also offered wine making, journaling, baking, and basket weaving. The school works closely with the historical society and the DNR in their program offerings and utilizes other venues like the local brewery and culture center. They purchased rigid heddle looms that will allow them to offer more weaving opportunities. Their vision for next year includes further developing fiber arts and native arts courses, and offering relief and block printing and more Adirondack snowshoe chair sessions.
Find out more on their website: folkschoolwarroad.org or follow them on FB.
12.10.25 Bao Phi
Bao Phi is the Arts & Culture program officer at the McKnight Foundation.
Bao is also a poet, an author, and a spoken word artist. He’s a two-time Minnesota Grand Slam champion and a National Poetry Slam finalist. Bao shared information about the history of spoken word and his experience and enjoyment of the art. His poetry is included in The Best American Poetry 2006 anthology and published widely elsewhere. And, he’s also a children’s book author. Born in Saigon shortly before the mass exodus of his family and many others to the United States, Bao is a Vietnamese American raised in south Minneapolis.
Prior to McKnight, Bao worked for nearly 23 years at the Loft Literary Center in a few roles, including managing the McKnight Artist Fellowship program in Creative Writing.
Support for individual artists is a focus of the McKnight Foundation’s Arts & Culture program. McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowships provide $25,000 in unrestricted support for midcareer artists and discipline-specific artistic and professional development opportunities. Bao spoke about the various McKnight Fellowships and the partner organizations that manage them.
In addition to the fellowship program, McKnight provides multiyear general operating funds to artist and culture bearer organizations. Their support includes a focus on greater Minnesota and they support regional arts councils (including the NWMAC) to get arts dollars out to all the counties in the state.
Bao has a unique perspective as a working artist that informs his role as administrator. His advice to applicants is to “Be brief and put your best work forward.”
Listen to this engaging conversation to learn more about Bao and the fellowship program.
12.3.25 Kristine Sorenson
Co-Founder and Executive Director of the digital storytelling organization In Progress Kristine Sorenson spoke about the statewide organization and all they offer. In Progress operates out of and maintains studio space at Studio 110 downtown Crookston and in St Paul. This small non-profit has been promoting the voices of new and emerging digital artists since its inception in 1996, breaking down barriers of geography, class, education, and culture in the process. In Progress receives grant funds from the NWMAC and provides opportunities for artists of all ages to develop their skills as digital storytellers through the use of photography, video, and music.
Earlier this year In Progress began working with African immigrant communities in East Grand Forks through the Family Resource Center utilizing music, portraiture work, and collecting oral histories.
At Studio 110 in Crookston, you can find Rena, Regina, and Roxanne Zapata offering services, assistance, and vision. Find out more about In Progress on Facebook or their website at www.in-progress.org. Listen for more details!
11.26.25 Rebecca Rosenkrans
Jeweler Rebecca Rosenkrans and owner of Bead Gypsy in Roseau spoke about how she became a jeweler and how her shop came to be. She creates and sells jewelry from vintage flatware, leather, beads, Chain Maille (a weaving of a jump ring), brass, copper, and other metals, and more. She learned silversmithing from the Milan Village Arts School in Milan, Minnesota. She does take custom orders. The shop sells pottery, rosemaling, books, weavings, knitting, wood carvings, and other items created by 16 area artisans, as well as items from Sweden and other Scandinavian countries. She serves Fika (coffee and treats) every day and they celebrate Scandinavian holidays. Stop into this shop for locally crafted treasures. Find her on Minnesota Bead Gypsy on Facebook. The store is downtown Roseau on Main Ave. Listen to learn more!