Podcast Archive
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1.16.24 Anika Schneider
Director of Exhibitions and Artist Programs at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts Anika Schneider spoke about the Minnesota Center for Book Arts and the McKnight Fellowships for Book Artists. She provided lots of information about what the center does and offers for artists statewide (this includes educational programming for adults and youth, book binding, print making, all of the arts surrounding book making, educational programming, exhibits, workshops, and more). The Center is the largest book arts center in the country. The Center partners with the McKnight Foundation to offer 2 fellowships each year for book artists. Fellowships are for mid-career book artists (over 8 years) and support book artists in a number of ways. Apply online by March 1. Listen to learn all about the Center, the fellowships, and what a book artist! Contact Anika via email at aschneider@mnbookarts.org or visit their website at mnbookarts.org.
5.24.22 Jeanne Cooney
This week’s podcast features Hallock Author Jeanne Cooney. Jeanne’s books are humorous mysteries set in northwestern Minnesota. Her newest book, It’s Murder, Dontcha Know? was recently released. She received a grant from the NWMAC to help her with literary marketing. Jeanne has a busy summer coming up promoting her book. Listen to the engaging conversation!
5.17.22 Kevin Lindsey
Kevin Lindsey, CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center located in St. Paul, spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the Humanities Center. They are trying to reach non-metro arts/humanities individuals and organizations. They also have a grant opportunity currently available that offers grants for cultural heritage and community identity projects.
5.10.22 Philip McKenzie
Musician Phil McKenzie is featured in this week’s podcast. Phil recently received NWMAC’s Arts Advocate of the Year Award. Phil has an impressive background as a professional oboe player and arts advocate, including the director of the Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, an adjunct oboe faculty at UND and NDSU, and hosting a radio show — Northern Classics on Pioneer 90.1 that brings classical music to our region. He’s served on the Thief River Falls Area Community Theater (TRFACT) Board and is currently the Chair of the Minnesota State Arts Board. Listen to learn more!
4.26.22 Mara Hanel
Curious what’s going on the NWMAC? Director Mara Hanel talks about the NW Art Exhibit at NCTC in Thief River Falls, the upcoming reception/awards ceremony for the exhibit, Nature’s Offerings art creation workshop, Of the Year awards recipients (Visual Artist Ross Hier Artist of the Year, Musician Phillip McKenzie Arts Advocate, and Visual Artist — painting and stained glass — LaVonne Forsberg NW Star Award), upcoming arts legacy grant deadlines, and Calls for Art (Nature’s Offerings, Day of the Dead) for future exhibits. Listen to hear all about these arts activities!
4.19.2022 Mark Albers
Long-time Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Mark Albers filled Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West in about the mission and activities of MCA. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is a statewide arts advocacy organization that works to promote arts in Minnesota. They sponsor arts action week and lobby the legislature for arts funding and arts-friendly policies. They also spoke about the impact of Covid and responses to it. Listen to learn more about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts!
4.12.2022 Devon Tucker
Sacred Heart band teacher Devon Tucker and student Charlotte Whiting spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about grants they received from the NWMAC and the drama program at the school. Sacred Heart was able to purchase band instruments and equipment with the grants. During the interview, Devon explained how easy it was to apply for grants and the tremendous impact the purchases have had on the band and the school. Charlotte is president of the drama club. She spoke about the club and the spring performance. Listen to hear more.
4.5.22 Sue Gens
Listen to Executive Director of the Minnesota State Arts Board Sue Gens to learn about the State Arts Board -- who they are, what they do, what they offer, and the effects of and response to Covid on the MSAB, artists and arts organizations.
3.29.2022 Bonnie Stewart
Fosston resident Bonnie Stewart is featured on this week’s podcast. She provided a history and overview of the FCLAA in Fosston. She also talked about FCLAA’s upcoming writing retreat from April 21 - 23. The retreat is taking registrations. The NWMAC has provided funding for the retreat. Residents in our region can apply for a grant to attend the retreat. There are scholarships available, as well. Listen to hear all about the presenters and much more!
3.22.22 Desdamona
Curious what spoken word actually is? This podcast is for you! Desdamona, a spoken word artist, is this week’s featured artist podcast. She and Ron West talked about what spoken word is. It’s a form of expression, sometimes in the storytelling realm. Examples include hip hop, poetry, slam poetry, speeches, and much more. Desdamona will be a residency artist at the Roseau High School later this month with funding from the NWMAC.
3.15.22 Mary Balstad
Mary Balstad, originally from Fosston, is this week’s featured podcast. Mary received a grant from the NWMAC to create a short film — The Pear. She spoke with Ron West about her inspiration, the catalyst, applying for a grant from the NWMAC, and putting a film together. Mary’s credits on the film include directing, producing, writing, and voice over. The Pear is a 2 minute film that is being shown at the Fargo Film Festival in a 2 minute movie competition. Listen to the conversation to hear the whole story.
3.8.22 Kate Hammer
Kate Hammer of Roseau is featured on this week’s podcast. Kate is a potter and the owner of Pretty Dirt Pottery. Kate has received grants from the NWMAC. Her most recent grant was for 1) a portable slab roller to allow her to do public demonstrations and teach at different locations in the community; 2) Pottery forms for handbuilding made of wood and used to produce platters and plates; 3) Tools and supplies to allow for a greater audience, back to back classes, and replacements. She also purchased materials, clay, stains and glazes. Listen to hear about her process, inspiration, the 56751 series, and classes that she’s teaching.
3.1.22 Karen Engevik
Karen Engevik of Black Horse Pottery was this week’s featured podcast. Karen recently completed a grant that she had received from the NWMAC. Karen and Ron West spoke about the process of creating pottery, her inspiration (horses), her business, and the grant (and the NWMAC). Her pottery is available for purchase and it’s all food safe. Listen to hear about it!
2.22.22 Matthew Wallace
Matt Wallace of the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks is this week’s featured podcast guest. Matt spoke about all the ways that the museum serves our region (there are many!). The museum sponsors a number of events, including outdoor concerts with nationally touring bands, classical music performances by critically acclaimed international musicians at the museum, Rye on the Rocks, art auctions, book readings, artist talks, and more. They offer an artist in residence program at a rural residence to allow artists to work on projects. Summer art camps and other art classes for youth and adults throughout the year are also an important resource for our area. The museum welcomes school visits, as well. Listen to learn more and take advantage of this nearby gem!
2.15.22 Connie Nelson
Hallock Artist Connie Nelson spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week. Connie created a mural series of 20 4x8 panels along Highway 75 in Hallock last year with a grant from the NWMAC. Connie received the Artist of the Year Award from the NWMAC last year. Nominations are open for Of the Year Awards, including Artist of the Year, Arts Advocate of the Year, and NW Star Award.
2.8.22 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel was featured in this week’s podcast. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the new space at the NWMAC office in Warren, an open position for an Office Assistant, NW Art Exhibit call for entries, Of the Year Award nominations, upcoming grants deadlines (March 1), grant writing workshops, our Traveling Art Exhibit, and Celebrations: The Ceramic Art of Betsy Saurdiff at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls (with an Artist Reception on Saturday, February 12 from 3 to 5 pm. Listen for the details!m
1.25.22 Betsy Saurdiff
This week Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West spoke with Potter Betsy Saurdiff. Betsy currently has an exhibit at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC — Celebrations: The Ceramic Art of Betsy Saurdiff. The NWMAC will be holding an Artist Spotlight with her on Thursday, January 27 at 2 pm. This discussion will be available to watch and comment live on the NWMAC Facebook page or YouTube page, as well as anytime afterwards. An Artist Reception will be held with Betsy on Saturday, February 12 from 3 to 5 pm at the gallery. Listen to hear more!
1.18.22 George French
George French is featured on this week’s podcast. George is a music professor at UMC. He recently received a grant from the NWMAC to present a workshop series throughout our region to introduce organ playing to interested high school students. A recital will follow in each location. George is reaching out to area music teachers and piano instructors to get the word out. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
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.