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10.14.26 Xavier Tavera Castro
Xavier Tavera is a Mexican photographer and artist. Since 2001 he has traveled to Crookston once a year to work with In Progress teaching media to youth. Right now, he has work in the Fresh Voices exhibit at the Fournet Building.
Xavier spoke about the digital works in the exhibit and how they are a reflection in time. The photographers were his students who have grown and their kids are being taught by Xavier. He worked with Morgen Arguelles to capture the image “Service” – a Portrait of McKenzie Schmiedt for this exhibit. “McKenzie Schmiedt joined the National Guard while still in high school. Since then, she has trained, served communities in crisis, and responded during times of turmoil. Her service continues a long tradition of military service within her Latino family. Born and raised in Crookston, McKenzie now raises her own child in the community.”
Xavier’s photographs are inspired by interactions with strangers on the street, neighbors, and family members. His portraits emphasize individuals who are often marginalized, and he frequently focuses on members of the Latinx community. His work is based in prolonged engagement with his subjects. in his theory of photographic experience in which the process begins when the artist conceives an idea, continues over the course of multiple conversations with the intended subject (sometimes involving long-distance travel, culminating in one or more photography sessions, complete with the image post production. Xavier feels that the final image printed on paper is a byproduct or record of the photographic experience.
During the interview, Xavier and Phil discussed Xavier’s background, military service, photography, Crookston, and so much more. Xavier explained,“Our stories are getting diluted. This is the opportunity for us to tell our own story, how we are contributing. “
You can find Xavier’s work online. Google his name and you can find a website and his photographs that are displayed throughout the world.
Listen to learn more, visit the exhibit, and take in the Artist Reception and 30th Anniversary activities!
10.22.25 Megan Sugden
Hallock Photographer Megan Sugden has a photo in our current exhibit Artists of NW Minnesota at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College. She's also in our artist booklet, has received grants, and submitted work into our annual exhibit (and won an award). Megan's photography includes northern lights and night sky images (Kittson County Skies) and portraits. Megan’s websites are meganphoto.com and kittsoncountyskies.com. Her photos, including family portraits, are often taken on her family farm, which she calls her outdoor studio. She includes unique items as backgrounds in the Northern Lights shots (tractors, old buildings, highway signs, and other spots in Kittson County).
6.18.25 Denise Jenson
Nature Photographer Denise Jenson from Badger won 2nd place in the adult category in the annual NW Art Exhibit. Denise spoke about being a photographer, her arts background, taking art classes from the late Roseau artist Francis Karlsson, taking and then selecting the photo that she submitted to the exhibit, composition, and much more. Listen to hear about Denise and photography.
6.11.25 Monika Lawrence
Heritage Through Image Photographer Monika Lawrence spoke about her time in Minnesota, the exhibit, her photography, and more. She explained how this exhibit came to be right before she moved from Bemidji to Germany. Unfortunately, Monika has never seen the exhibit on the wall, even though she created it. The exhibit includes 22 images that depict traditional practices, customs, and folklore that serve a visual representation of regional heritage. Listen to this entertaining conversation and stop by the Carnegie to see the exhibit!
1.30.24 Andy Hall
Photographer Andy Hall has an exhibit at our gallery at NCTC right now -- Pulled in Many Directions Photography by Andy Hall. Andy spoke about the exhibit, his photography, funding he received from the NWMAC, and Sweetlight Gallery, his shop in Crookston (including pieces he has for sale).
10.31.23 Loren Younggren
Hallock Photographer Loren Younggren, owner of Younggren Photography, received a quick turnaround grant last year for location lighting equipment. The equipment allows him to get out and take location photos easier. Loren spoke about his photography and how things have changed over the years. His business — Younggren Photography offers framing services for artwork in addition to photography services. Loren also spoke about being a Kittson County Commissioner and his artwork in past NW Minnesota annual exhibits. Finally, Loren goes all out for Halloween and his yard is not-to-miss. This year he created a haunted trail open to all visitors. Listen for details!
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!