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10.8.25 Mara Hanel
Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke with Phil about current arts happenings and upcoming grants deadlines in our region. She also spoke about one-on-one consulting that we offer grant applicants and the grant writing station in our office. October 31 is a deadline for arts grants for organizations ($500-$10,000); November 15 is the deadline for Individual Artists ($1,500, $3,000, and $5,000). She explained the grant process, including paperwork, reporting requirements, and outcomes. Many applications are funded so it is worth your time to apply.
Current exhibits include the Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls featuring work by many artists who are listed in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet, Drawn from Observation featuring art by Therese Masters Jacobson at the Fournet Building Downtown Crookston, and the 2025-2026 Traveling Art Exhibit at the Hallock Public Library until November 12.
Phil and Mara also spoke about the Creative Minnesota results for our region. The NWMAC gathered information last year to help inform the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Creative Minnesota 2025 study. This information is measured by ticket sales and extra economic inputs due to attending an art activity including but not limited to lodging, food, or other shopping. This totaled approximately $7,500,000. We also have an economic impact calculator on our website to help measure the impact of the arts on the economy.
Listen for details!
4.9.24 Pat Danielson
Grand Forks Artist Pat Danielson was the juror of our annual NW Art Exhibit this year in Lake Bronson. Pat viewed each piece several times and looked at it carefully. She said, “while technique is important, I looked for art that surprised with its original idea, showed clear intention, was well executed and presented, and especially that drew me back to learn more about it.”
“This exhibit showed a wide variety of media—paintings, ceramics, fiber arts, sculpture, photography, fused glass, mosaic, assemblages, digital art—in many sizes and many shapes! Some of the treasures offered were small works and made no less impact than large ones.”
As an artist, Pat has worked in water media, ink, pastel, pencil, oils, photography, clay, and fibers. She is a member of the River Forks Watercolor Society and of Arts for Vets. She sees “art as a natural community builder. Art invites participation not only for those who wish to try it as a means of expression or for fun, but also for the many community members who enjoy viewing all the different forms of art and supporting their family and friends who create it! We need to celebrate both as individuals and as a community. “
Thanks, Pat for jurying our exhibit!
The exhibit is open until April 21. On the 21st it opens at noon. The reception starts at 2 PM and the awards program at 3PM.
2.7.23 Christine Foster
Thief River Falls Artist Christine Foster spoke with Pioneer 90.1 Ron West for this podcast. Christine is a visual artist and the Art Teacher at Northland Community and Technical College. She and her husband Bert Foster have an exhibit at the NWMAC gallery at NCTC right now -- Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera until March 3. Christine spoke about painting plein air, capturing the landscape of northern Minnesota, how painting light mesmerizes her, teaching art, and receiving grants from the NWMAC. You can view the exhibit virtually at https://youtu.be/n3BEnrQlPBs. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
1.31.23 Bert Foster
Featured this week is Thief River Falls Photographer Bert Foster. Bert and his wife Christine Foster have an exhibit at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC right now -- Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera until March 3. Bert spoke about his photography, his artistic journey, his love of nature, grants he’s received from the NWMAC, and more. You can view the exhibit virtually https://youtu.be/n3BEnrQlPBs. An Artist Reception was held on the 31st at the gallery from 6 to 8pm. Most of the work in the exhibit is for sale. Visit the exhibit and listen to the podcast to learn more about Bert and his work!
6.28.22 Debbie Dahl Aune
Visual Artist Debbie Aune is featured on this week’s podcast. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about her artwork in the current exhibit Nature’s Offerings and what inspired her. She also talked about being an art teacher, writing grants, and being an artist. Listen to hear all about it and stop by the exhibit to see the artwork!