Podcast Archive
Search our podcast archive:
Access our archive of podcasts by year:
11.6.24 Shawna Boulette Grapentine
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Artist Shawna Boulette Grapentine is a Cree-Ojibway from the Metis community of Manigotagan and is a member of the Hollow Water First Nation. She is known for using silhouettes of nature and vibrant colors in her custom paintings. Shawna’s artwork highlights the beauty of the indigenous culture, her love for mother earth and everything that surrounds her.
Shawna Boulette Grapentine spoke with Phil McKenzie about her art in the current NWMAC Exhibit Immersed in Color, Inspired by Culture — she is the featured artist. She also talked about her background and how she became an artist. The exhibit is open through November 25 and includes work by Joan Kauppi, Therese Masters Jacobson, and Candace Sam
You can meet Shawna at the artist reception on Thursday, November 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
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).
1.23.24 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel spoke about the many things the Arts Council has coming up during this week’s podcast.
- Annual NW Art Exhibit. Deadline Feb 29 to submit entries. The exhibit will be in Lake Bronson this year from March 27 to April 21. Submit your art for this exhibit (up to pieces per person adults and high school students)
- Of the Year Awards. Deadline Feb 29 to nominate for Artist of the Year (emerging and mid-career), NW Star Award (lifetime achievement), and Arts Advocate of the Year. Please consider nominating a deserving artist or arts advocate!
-Upcoming Grant deadlines. Feb 29 and a grant writing workshop (Feb 13 at 10 am. RSVP required). We have funds for the following:
Project Grants for nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, and other nonprofit organizations from our seven county Minnesota service area between $500 and $10,000. Activities funded include festivals, community theatre projects, folk music entertainment, sponsorship of visual demonstrations, creative writing workshops and many other activities that improve the quality of life of people in our communities.
Schools can apply for an Artist Residency grant of $2,600 plus an additional $400 if the residency needs supplies;
Quick Turnaround Grants for $500. Awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists. First come-first served basis
- Pulled in Many Directions Photography by Andy Hall. Photography exhibit at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Artist reception on Wednesday, Jan 24 5:30-7:30 PM. Make a point to visit this impressive exhibit and consider purchasing a piece of art!
- Traveling art exhibit, featuring adult and high school student art, is at the Campbell Library in East Grand Forks until February 27.
- Artists of NW Minnesota booklet is being created right now. The booklet includes many artist listings and we are looking for gig artists, including musicians and performers to add to a new section in this edition's booklet (we publish this booklet every 3 years). We are also looking for arts-supporting businesses for the back of the booklet. The purpose of the booklet is promotional and features those who offer an arts service to the community.
Listen to the podcast for all the details!
11.7.23 Jane Anderson
Jane Anderson of Thief River Falls is the Director of the Thief River Falls Area Community Theater. She and Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West spoke about ACT's upcoming An Evening of Short Comedies November 16-18. She entertained Ron with stories about her theater background and more. Finally, she provided an update about other ACT shows and happenings. Listen to learn more and head to Thief River to see the show!
10.17.23 Stephanie Olson
Thief River Falls Artist and Goodridge English Teacher Stephanie Olson is the featured artist in our current exhibit -- Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson. She spoke about the artwork, the exhibit, the Artist Reception on Wednesday, October 17, her inspiration, and more! Listen for details and attend the Artist Reception at NCTC on Oct 17 from 6 to 8 PM (there will be live art, live fiddle music, snacks, and drinks!)
10.10.23 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel spoke about upcoming grant deadlines (and changes to those deadlines), as well as grant requirements, our current exhibit featuring Artist Stephanie Olson at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through November, the Artist Reception on October 18 including fiddle music, and other area happenings. It’s always a great opportunity to hear about the arts in NW Minnesota when Mara is the podcast guest. Listen to hear more!
7.18.23 Carol Ihle
Thief River Zehlian’s member Carol Ihle spoke about the upcoming Zehlian's Art & Wine Walk on Thursday, July 27 in Thief River Falls from 4 to 8PM and a mural that the Zehlians have been a part of.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Art and Wine Walk. The cost is $20. Pre-register online at EventBrite. Same day registration and check in will be at the Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls from 4 to 6 pm on the 27th. Artists are located at businesses throughout Thief River Falls. Attendees can view and purchase art and are provided snacks and wine at each business stop. There will be drawings for door prizes afterwards at the Rusty Nail.
Ihle also spoke about a mental health awareness mural that was recently painted on one of the walls of Tonnabell’s building. There is a mural unveiling on Thursday, July 20 downtown Thief River. The NWMAC provided funding for the mural.
3.14.23 Mark Johnson and Michael Hurley
Pioneer 90.1 Station Manager Mark Johnson and Michael Hurley (the son of It Ain’t Easy film writer and director Maury Hurley) spoke about It Ain’t Easy and its interesting history. This was the first feature film that was made entirely in Minnesota. Michael and his brother are flying in from California to watch the movie. The NWMAC provided a grant to help restore and digitize this film. It hasn’t been available to watch since it was initially released in 1972.
It Ain't Easy will be screening on Saturday, March 18 at 10:00 am at Falls Cinema in Thief River Falls. The public is welcome to attend. The documentary about the making of the movie is here on Pioneer 90.1: http://www.radionorthland.org/category/premiere-72-it-aint-easy/).
2.7.23 Christine Foster
Thief River Falls Artist Christine Foster spoke with Pioneer 90.1 Ron West for this podcast. Christine is a visual artist and the Art Teacher at Northland Community and Technical College. She and her husband Bert Foster have an exhibit at the NWMAC gallery at NCTC right now -- Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera until March 3. Christine spoke about painting plein air, capturing the landscape of northern Minnesota, how painting light mesmerizes her, teaching art, and receiving grants from the NWMAC. You can view the exhibit virtually at https://youtu.be/n3BEnrQlPBs. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
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!
10.4.22 Kelly Thygeson
Tonnabell’s owner Kelly Jesme Thygeson spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West. Tonnabell's is located in Thief River Falls and showcases local artist's works. Kelly recently moved her store across the alley to the old Lindahl Furniture building. She is looking for artists who would be interested in teaching classes or demonstrating in her store. She's also going to sublet some office/vendor space that comes with her new building -- more opportunities for artists. If you are an artist looking for space or interested in teaching an art class, reach out to Kelly!