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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.
7.15.26 Alyssa Aune
Alyssa Aune recently completed the NWMAC Teaching Artist Training. She spoke about the training — what it involved, the lesson planning, her residency, the TARP roster, the group of artists who took the training, and more.
She also talked about her art and workshops that she has taught or will be teaching.
Check out Alyssa's teaching artist page on our website https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/alyssa-aune-tarp. She also has an Etsy account where she sells photos of Highland cows and more. You can find her on Etsy if you search alyssaaunephoto.
Listen to the recording to learn more!
6.3.26 Misti Koop
Described as a one woman arts institution by host Phil McKenzie, Misti Koop spoke about how she began her musical and theater stage career. Misti has been teaching music in Minto, ND for the last 7 years and will be taking a break next year to work on her creative efforts. Misti’s experience includes performing regularly in the Medora Musical and Frost Fire Theater. She’s the President of the Summer Arts Stages.
Stages Arts Stages is traveling drama camp that began 32 years ago in East Grand Forks under the direction of Larry D’Amico. Each year, Misti gathers a team to develop a show. They spend two weeks working on the show, including the costumes and sets for 2 teams who will travel the region from June through mid-August. This year the show is The Lion King. Kids will participate in these one week camps daily and at the end of the week they perform the show. Summer Arts Stages receives funding from the NWMAC. You can find the schedule for the camp throughout the region and more info at summerartsstages.com.
Misti is also involved in the Medora Christmas Tour. She received a grant from the NWMAC to help her create a favorites album of the Christmas show, which she’ll start to record soon and work into the fall.
If this isn’t enough, Misti serves on the Fire Hall Theater Board in Grand Forks and will be directing a show in January. She also teaches piano and plays many musical instruments.
Listen to hear more!
4.15.26 Jane Anderson
TRFACT’s former Executive Director Jane Anderson of Thief River Falls is this year’s Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award. Jane and Phil spoke about Jane’s background, theater, meeting Ethel Merman and more!
Jane is a theater artist – actor, singer, director, costumer -- and former Executive Director and founding member of the Thief River Falls Area Community Theater (TRFACT). Her decades of service, leadership, and advocacy have had a profound impact on area actors and audiences. Jane believes in nurturing young artists for their development and to sustain a vibrant arts community. Her unwavering commitment to the arts and arts education and her extraordinary ability to strengthen and expand the local theater community can be felt throughout our region.
This award will be presented on Saturday, April 25 in Warroad at Warroad RiverPlace University of Minnesota. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Funding for this award comes from the Minnesota State Legislature. Congratulations, Jane!
Listen to the conversation to learn more and join us on April 25 in Warroad.
4.8.26 Alice Blessing
Alice Blessing was the juror of the NW Art Exhibit in Warroad this year.
Alice Blessing is a socially engaged artist based in Bemidji whose work is deeply informed by principles of intersectional feminism. Over the past two decades, Blessing's portraits have been exhibited in numerous galleries across the state, earning her multiple awards and grants. She is also an experienced educator, having taught at Bemidji State University for 13 years, as well as conducting painting workshops throughout Minnesota. Currently, Blessing serves as Gallery Director at Bemidji State University, where she teaches courses in Drawing, Painting, and Color Theory. She has a BFA in painting from Bemidji State.
As a juror she looks at each piece objectively, as well as the level of skill and experience. Part of the level of success is when a piece really hits you. Art is universal and can present any point of view. She spoke about fingerprinting and her own project on non-conformity. “Thirteen: Nonconformity” is a portrait series that explores intersectional feminism, gender, and the consequences of systemic oppression through finger-painted portraits of children aged 6-13 and includes 13 large portraits.
About the exhibit she shared, “Walking through this exhibit, I felt a genuine connection to the care, creativity, and individuality present in each piece. Here we have a beautiful balance between technical skill and imagination, where our participants’ unique approaches show us the limitlessness of art. I was especially moved by the range of expression; all of these pieces are full of curiosity and exploration. This collection highlights both seasoned expertise and emerging talent and offers a hopeful glimpse into the future of art. Thank you so much for inviting me to play a small part in this wonderful exhibition.”
4.1.26 Anthony Diaz
Area guitarist Anthony Diaz has played the guitar for over 30 years and recently finished a project that he received NWMAC funding for. It’s inspired by the book Becoming Nobody. Anthony spoke about the book and the impact it had on him. His project is a radio documentary where he plays bluegrass music with a mandolin, banjo, and guitar. It’s a mixture of storytelling and song (including a narrative; stories between each song). Each song is a different plane of consciousness.
Recently, Anthony played for the Stardust & Soul artist reception at the Fournet Building in Crookston and he will be playing at the Artist Reception for the Good Vibrations exhibit (on April 16) at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. He is also featured in that exhibit.
You can find the radio documentary on Apple music, Spotify and YouTube (search Anthony Diaz Planes of Consciousness). Listen to this interesting conversation to learn more!
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.
1.21.26 Ivy Bailie
Fosston Visual Artist Ivy Bailie paints in watercolor, acrylic and oil with a focus on nature. She offers winter art classes, creates art that people can buy as gifts, does commissions, and she provides framing services. Ivy is a frequent entrant and award winner in our annual exhibit. Additionally, she’s listed in our Artist of NW Minnesota booklet. She recently received a grant from the NWMAC to purchase a high quality, sturdy tent system for festivals. Listen to hear details!
12.10.25 Bao Phi
Bao Phi is the Arts & Culture program officer at the McKnight Foundation.
Bao is also a poet, an author, and a spoken word artist. He’s a two-time Minnesota Grand Slam champion and a National Poetry Slam finalist. Bao shared information about the history of spoken word and his experience and enjoyment of the art. His poetry is included in The Best American Poetry 2006 anthology and published widely elsewhere. And, he’s also a children’s book author. Born in Saigon shortly before the mass exodus of his family and many others to the United States, Bao is a Vietnamese American raised in south Minneapolis.
Prior to McKnight, Bao worked for nearly 23 years at the Loft Literary Center in a few roles, including managing the McKnight Artist Fellowship program in Creative Writing.
Support for individual artists is a focus of the McKnight Foundation’s Arts & Culture program. McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowships provide $25,000 in unrestricted support for midcareer artists and discipline-specific artistic and professional development opportunities. Bao spoke about the various McKnight Fellowships and the partner organizations that manage them.
In addition to the fellowship program, McKnight provides multiyear general operating funds to artist and culture bearer organizations. Their support includes a focus on greater Minnesota and they support regional arts councils (including the NWMAC) to get arts dollars out to all the counties in the state.
Bao has a unique perspective as a working artist that informs his role as administrator. His advice to applicants is to “Be brief and put your best work forward.”
Listen to this engaging conversation to learn more about Bao and the fellowship program.
12.3.25 Kristine Sorenson
Co-Founder and Executive Director of the digital storytelling organization In Progress Kristine Sorenson spoke about the statewide organization and all they offer. In Progress operates out of and maintains studio space at Studio 110 downtown Crookston and in St Paul. This small non-profit has been promoting the voices of new and emerging digital artists since its inception in 1996, breaking down barriers of geography, class, education, and culture in the process. In Progress receives grant funds from the NWMAC and provides opportunities for artists of all ages to develop their skills as digital storytellers through the use of photography, video, and music.
Earlier this year In Progress began working with African immigrant communities in East Grand Forks through the Family Resource Center utilizing music, portraiture work, and collecting oral histories.
At Studio 110 in Crookston, you can find Rena, Regina, and Roxanne Zapata offering services, assistance, and vision. Find out more about In Progress on Facebook or their website at www.in-progress.org. Listen for more details!
11.19.25 Paulette Christianson
Badger artist Paulette Christianson has art in our Traveling Art Exhibit touring the region and the Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery in Thief River Falls. Paulette has led an active life in the arts. She’s worked in commercial art, like advertising via signs, magazines, and newspaper. In fine art she creates what she likes. She’s inspired by nature. She prefers to take a photo and bring it home to capture the image with her painting. She works in pen and ink, pencil, acrylic, and more. Her piece in the Traveling Exhibit is abstract, which she enjoyed creating. Paulette is available for commissions and for school residencies. To aspiring artists she says “Don’t give up .. keep trying.” You can find a listing for Paulette in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. Listen to hear more.
11.12.25 Cristeta Boarini
Cristeta Boarini is the Partnerships Program Manager at The Loft in Downtown Minneapolis. She spoke about resources, programs, and classes that the Loft offers virtually (and in person). Writers can find a community to help them grow their writing at the Loft. Learn more at loft.org
She also shared information about the McKnight Fellowship for Writers — the deadline to apply is open until November 30. Awards are for $25,000 and are available for mid-career established artists. Four awards will be given for spoken word and poetry, and one for children’s literature ages 8 and under. Judges change each year so Cristeta recommended that even if you’ve applied in the past, consider applying again. Winners join an elite alumni group. Apply through the loft.org. Eligibility questions can be sent to awards@loft.org.
10.29.25 Jenn Walz
The founder of Queen City Art Center Jenn Walz of Crookston spoke with Phil McKenzie this week about her accessible arts space in the historic Crookston Times building. Queen City Art Center is a creative hub with multipurpose studio space, retail gallery space, arts classes, and room for parties and events. Jenn has always been passionate about arts. She wants this to be a space for artists to come and receive support. She has a pottery studio in the space, including paint your own pottery. Classes include watercolor, acrylic, Shibori, mosaic, and more with a variety of area artists as teachers. She received a grant earlier this year from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council for items for her kiln. You can follow Queen City Art Center on Facebook. Listen to hear all the details and stop by the space when you are downtown Crookston!
9.24.25 KayDell Super
For the Goosefest Festival Production this year, KayDell Super is directing 3 comedic one-act plays. This is the first time that the theater has performed one-act plays. There are 4 performances total including Thursday, September 25 at 7 PM, Friday, September 26 at 7 PM, Saturday, September 27 at 6 PM, and Sunday, September 28 at 4 PM. The Middle River Community Theatre is celebrating 40 years. They perform in the old railroad depot. KayDell has been involved in the theater for many years. She spoke about the shows, the theater, and the changes throughout the years. The NWMAC provides funding for the Middle River Community Theatre. Listen to hear more!
9.3.25 Jerry Amiot
Jerry Amiot spoke with Phil McKenzie about the upcoming Pioneer Day (September 7 from 11 AM to 5 PM) in Crookston at 719 E Robert Street that the Polk County Historical Society holds. The NWMAC provides a grant for arts activities during the event, including live music, arts demonstrations, and more. The event is free to attend. The Polk County Historical Society Board volunteers much time and effort for this fun event. Listen for details!
7.30.25 Abby Pearson
Executive Director of the Aurora Center for the Arts Abby Pearson spoke about her first year as the Executive Director of the organization in Fosston. The organization is celebrating its 45th year. She filled Phil in about recent and upcoming activities, including a summer porch concert series, an Alice in Wonderland play, a youth art exhibit in the gallery, art classes (embroidery with Stephenie Anderson and acrylic portraits with Pamela Edevold), an annual art auction, a lit fest in September, and more! Visit their website at aurorcenterforthearts.org and follow them on Facebook.
3.26.25 Samantha Buckley
Thief River Falls native Samantha Buckley is this week’s featured podcast guest. Samantha was active in TRFACT during her time in Thief River. After high school, she attended college and graduated from Mankato State with a BFA. Afterwards, she moved to the Twin Cities and acted in a variety of shows, including being an understudy in a performance at the Minnesota Children’s Theater. Samantha now lives and acts in Chicago. Listen to hear her advice for aspiring performers and about her experiences as an actor, singer, and voice artist.
3.5.25 Kat Allen
Warroad Artist Kat Allen spoke about working on the NWMAC Artists of NW Minnesota booklet as the graphic designer. Kat is a children’s author and visual artist, as well as a graphic designer. This resource is available on the NWMAC website here and in hard copy throughout the region (at libraries and other spots). The booklet highlights regional artists, arts businesses, and organizations that serve artists or offer arts programming. Each listing includes a photo of the artist and what they create or offer. The booklet also lists performing artists like musicians and bands. Kat also spoke about her books and one that will be published soon. Listen to the conversation to learn more!
2.19.25 Leslie LeCuyer
Central Minnesota Regional Arts Director Leslie LeCuyer spoke with Phil this week. Leslie has a long history in the arts in Minnesota. She has served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, as a county board member, on the board of the Perpich Center for the Arts, and she’s a visual artist. Leslie spoke about her background, the importance of Arts Advocacy Day, the Legacy Amendment, and more. Listen to Part 1 of 2 of this conversation.
2.12.25 Isaiah Burkel
Isaiah Burkel is a classically trained singer (a tenor) from Thief River Falls. He acted in the Thief River Falls Area Community Theater as he grew up in northwest Minnesota. He has sung with the Minnesota Opera in the chorus. Listen to his conversation with Phil about his career, experience, the impact of participating in theater in his youth, how the Minnesota Opera works, his advice, and more!