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3.25.26 Jeanne O’Neil
East Grand Forks Artist Jeanne O’Neil is a printmaker, musician, dance caller, and part of the O’Neil Family Band and Co-Founder of North Country Fiddle and Dance. North Country Fiddle and Dance is featured in the Good Vibrations exhibit currently open at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls.
Jeanne and her husband Tom founded North Country Fiddle and Dance in 1986 and focused on community dances and other performances. Their style is American Folk Dance and the music they play includes Appalachian, Metis, French Canadian, and Scandinavian. Their daughter Erin plays the fiddle and is part of their band. Dances are at Bernie’s Restaurant now from 3-5:30 PM. There is no charge to attend, but they accept donations. Other bands are brought in to join them at the community dances. They also receive funding from the NWMAC. They spoke about dancing, Jeanne’s history, what the community dances involve, Jeanne’s past mural painting, etching and printmaking, teaching art, and much more. Check out one of their community dances (once a month — the next one is April 25) and listen to this interesting conversation!
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!
4.9.25 Trey Everett and Ross Hier
Crookston Artists Trey Everett and Ross Hier spoke about their background and road to becoming artists. Last summer they painted a mural together in East Grand Forks that featured over 30 species of fish. Trey has also painted a number of murals elsewhere, including some at the Golden Link Senior Center. There’s one in Crookston on the Ace Hardware exterior wall that Ross helped him with. They will be painting a mural in Fosston together this summer.
Trey also spoke about being the Showcase Specialist for the Arts Council and NWMAC exhibits, including the NW Art Exhibit in Crookston at the University of Minnesota and Welcome the Whimsical (there is a call for art right now for 3rd grade on up through adult).
11.13.24 Jessica Schumacher
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!
6.13.23 Misti Koop
Listen to Misti Koop speak about her music, acting, and other performing arts activities (Including a new album she’s working on). She also talked about the summer schedule and program for the Summer Safari Arts Stages, which will be touring a number of NW Minnesota communities. This year they’ll be performing Willy Wonka. To learn more about the Safari shows visit summerartsstages.com.
1.11.22 Kathryn Vigness
Writer Kathryn Vigness of East Grand Forks spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about her family’s cancer diagnosis, writing, and more. She recently received a grant from the NWMAC to help her write her second memoir. Listen to hear all about Kathryn and her work.