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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!
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!
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.
8.19.23 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!).
7.22.26 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.
7.8.26 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.