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2.18.26 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke of the numerous deadlines, exhibits, and other events going on right now.
Grant deadline for projects (including fairs, festivals, events) is February 28. Apply now!
The deadline for entering into the Annual NW Art Exhibit is February 28. The exhibit itself will be in Warroad in April. At the end of the exhibit is a reception and awards program on Saturday, April 25.
Teaching Artist Roster Training. Apply for the 7 session training (2 in person and 5 online). We are accepting applications right now through March 6. This is for artists who would like to offer trainings and be hired for artist residencies. The training will help participants think through all the steps of a residency, create the necessary materials, and get a page on the NWMAC website. Once the artist is trained they are eligible for funding via Artist Residency grants through the schools. Value is $1,000 and the training is FREE.
Good Vibrations: All about NW Minnesota Music exhibit at NCTC open into mid-April.
Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” exhibit by Crookston Artist Sarah Pester at the Fournet Building downtown Crookston. She’s also offering yoga classes at the exhibit.
Traveling Art exhibit is in Fosston at the Sorenson Gallery at the Aurora Center for the Arts. This is the final stop of this exhibit.
Of the Year Awards. Nominations are in. Arts Advocate of the Year, Artist of the Year, and the NW Star Award will be announced in March and given at the NW Art Exhibit Program in Warroad on Saturday, April 25. Consider nominating deserving artists for next year!
Arts Advocacy Day will be March 3 in St. Paul. Consider traveling to St. Paul to advocate for the arts. Mara will be there.
2.4.26 Sarah Pester
Crookston Artist Sarah Pester spoke with Phil McKenzie about her artwork and her current exhibit Stardust & Soul: “it’s in everything” at the Historic Fournet Building in Crookston. Sarah is a painter and a yoga instructor. She discussed her background and philosophy, how she came up with the title of the exhibit, her process, and much more! She’s offering 2 yoga classes at the exhibit — Art in Motion on Feb 17 and March 3. There’s an Artist Reception on March 19 at the Fournet that is open to everyone.
1.27.26 Robert Ndondo-Lay
Robert Blair Ndondo-Lay is a Minneapolis-based filmmaker, educator, and program administrator at FilmNorth. In addition to facilitating FilmNorth’s outreach and professional development efforts—engaging education and industry partners, media artists, and students — he administers the McKnight Media Artist Fellowship Program, which supports independent media artists living and working in Minnesota. Four fellowships of $25,000 are awarded every year. These fellowships are unrestricted (not project based) and, in addition to the funding, they offer recognition and educational opportunities. These fellowships are for filmmakers; writers and directors in film, television, and streaming; interactive and virtual reality creative artists; and other media artists (including but not limited to radio, podcasters, narrative-based storytellers) who are beyond emerging and have a history of sustained work (not for beginning artists).
Robert’s professional background includes contributions to prominent film and television organizations such as Verve Talent & Literary Agency, Imagine Entertainment, IMAX, and Fox Searchlight Pictures. Since joining FilmNorth in 2023, Robert has developed and managed more than a dozen programs that support filmmakers at every stage—from emerging voices to established artists. His work includes workforce training, fellowships, youth media education, and industry mentorship, all aimed at expanding access for underrepresented artists and strengthening the region’s creative ecosystem.
Applications for the McKnight Media Artist Fellowships open this year on February 2 and the deadline to apply is March 23. https://filmnorth.org/filmmaker-support/mcknight/
Robert is open to offering feedback and other assistance for fellowship applicants. Listen to hear more of the fellowships, information about the application process, and much more!
1.7.26 Victor Sweeney
Victor Sweeney is a mortician at DuBore Funeral home in Warren. He hosts a podcast “Death And” and is the author of a recently published book. He’s also a viral internet sensation with YouTube videos. He’s been interviewed on MPR and national news sources.
His book Now Departing: A Small-Town Mortician on Death, Life, and the Moments in Between was recently released. In this unique and thoughtful collection, a young funeral director — also known as “the internet’s favorite mortician” (CNBC) —explores various aspects of death, offering heartfelt and practical insights into how we determine what matters most while we are alive. Now Departing examines the science, craft, and mindfulness behind Victor M. Sweeney’s very peculiar skill set. Working in the funeral business since he was eighteen years old, Sweeney astutely shares the powerful and moving lessons of how we can exist and be remembered with intention and meaning.
Each page of his book is filled with reflective observations and true stories from the lives and deaths that Sweeney has come to know through his work in Warren. He also reviews the rituals around preparing and saying goodbye to those we mourn; the love and forgiveness that arises in the face of grief; the universal interplay of walking between the chasm of the mundanity of a required business practice that touches on humanity’s deepest metaphysical realities; and ultimately, how loss gives us the opportunity to focus on and celebrate the elements we have gained.
During this interview, Victor talks about his journey, philosophies, practical information, and much more. You don’t want to miss this thought-provoking and interesting conversation.