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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!
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.
12.6.22 Elizabeth Rockstad
Featured on this week’s podcast was Ada Mosaic Artist Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad. Elizabeth has taken the NWMAC’s Teaching Roster Program training (TARP) and is on our roster — (reminder that the NWMAC has a new training coming up in January/February and we're encouraging interested artists to apply). Elizabeth has taken advantage of the training and has taught a number of school and other residencies. Elizabeth has a studio in Ada Studio 4:13 where she offers workshops and classes. She has also received grants and awards from the NWMAC and been featured in many exhibits, including the Traveling Exhibit that is at the Ada Public Library currently. Listen to hear more!