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5.28.25 Mike and Janette McColl
Mike and Janette McColl spoke about the Old School Artist Retreat Center, their art, the retreats and activities at the retreat center, and more! Janette is featured in the Artists of NW Minnesota booklet and the Artist Retreat Center is also in the booklet.
Located in a restored 1906 schoolhouse in the heart of Lengby, MN, the Old School Artist Retreat Center is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing creativity and building community through immersive, hands-on retreats. It’s a place where artists, makers, and curious souls can gather to learn new skills, connect with others, and find beauty and inspiration in the creative process. See oldschoolarts.org for more info.
Hosted by artist duo Mike and Janette McColl—local educators and lifelong creatives
Located one block from Spring Lake, walking trails, and local bars
curated gifts and materials are included with every retreat
beautiful studio environment filled with natural light, history, and the warmth of creative energy
Delicious meals—some made lakeside or as part of a group cooking event!
Upcoming Creative Retreats at the Old School Artist Retreat Center
à la cARTe (SOLD OUT!)
July 5–8
An art buffet for the creatively curious! Try painting, stained glass, bookbinding, and leatherwork before choosing a medium to dive into. Includes goal-setting, quiet reflection, and a lakeside barbecue.
Art of the Light (Stained Glass Retreat)
July 17–20
Create your own stained glass panel while learning the art of cutting, foiling, and soldering. A sun-drenched, joy-filled experience.
Denim Alchemy (Hand-Stitching & Patchwork Retreat)
August 7–10
Embellish your favorite jean jacket with embroidery, appliqué, and a touch of magic. Storytelling through stitches, and slow fashion at its finest.
Art of the Table (Ceramics + Culinary Retreat)
September 18–21
Inspired by the Mediterranean, this retreat includes plate glazing, indigo napkin dyeing, beeswax candle-pouring, and a group Greek cooking experience. A feast for all the senses.
Fired & Adorned (Fused Glass Jewelry Retreat)
October 10–12
Design and fire 15–20 pieces of stunning kiln-formed jewelry. A perfect creative getaway just in time for holiday gifting.
Looking for a personal artistic escape? They also have a Airbnb that just opened upstairs at the schoolhouse. Their upstairs apartment, The Wandering Artist Academy, is available on Airbnb. It’s a private, sunlit space with a working art studio, clawfoot tub, and vintage charm—ideal for solo artists or creative couples seeking inspiration in a peaceful, small-town setting.
4.2.25 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke about many current opportunities and activities related to the arts in our region. This include upcoming grant deadlines (for organizations and individuals), the annual NW Art Exhibit at UMC open right now until April 27, Of the Year awards (NW Star Award Darcy Reese of Thief River Falls, Artist of the Year Loreen Hanson of Thief River Falls, and Arts Advocate of the Year Rena Zapata Bouchard of Crookston), the Awards Reception and Program on Sunday, April 27, and Welcome the Whimsical Exhibit Call for Art. Listen for all the details!
12.18.24 Sue Gens
Minnesota State Arts Board Executive Director Sue Gens explained the arts systems in Minnesota, specifically the state Arts Board, the regional arts councils, funding for artists, and much more. Sue shares her extensive knowledge about grant programs, resources, opportunities, and how best to utilize the system. Listen to the podcast for details!
2.13.24 Dana Kassel
Dana Kassel is the Program Director for the McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and Dancers at the Cowles Center. These fellowships are for mid-career artists, are unrestricted, and statewide. Listen to hear about the fellowships!
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!
1.16.24 Anika Schneider
Director of Exhibitions and Artist Programs at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts Anika Schneider spoke about the Minnesota Center for Book Arts and the McKnight Fellowships for Book Artists. She provided lots of information about what the center does and offers for artists statewide (this includes educational programming for adults and youth, book binding, print making, all of the arts surrounding book making, educational programming, exhibits, workshops, and more). The Center is the largest book arts center in the country. The Center partners with the McKnight Foundation to offer 2 fellowships each year for book artists. Fellowships are for mid-career book artists (over 8 years) and support book artists in a number of ways. Apply online by March 1. Listen to learn all about the Center, the fellowships, and what a book artist! Contact Anika via email at aschneider@mnbookarts.org or visit their website at mnbookarts.org.
12.12.23 Julia Brown
This week’s podcast guest is Julia Brown of the Playwrights' Center. She provided information about
what a playwright is,
the Playwrights’ Center,
the McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship (for theater artists other than playwrights based in Minnesota). Deadline is March 28, but they recommend submitting and intent to apply earlier),
the McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting (for playwrights in Minnesota who have had at least one play professionally produced). Deadline is January 11, and finally,
the Core Writer Program (for any committed professional playwright). Deadline is January 25.
Visit their website for more info about these opportunities: https://pwcenter.org.
8.15.23 Shannon Christenson
Kittson Central Kindergarten Teacher Shannon Christenson spoke about Camp Art at Kittson Central School in Hallock. The NWMAC has been providing funding to bring in 3 artists for 4 days in the summer to Kittson Central. Camp Art is for students from Kindergarten through 6th grade. This year Camp Art took place the week of August 7 and included Visual Artist Teresa Cox, who led students into the wonderful world of messy art by making plant sculptures; Karla Nweje, who taught dance that explores the movements of insects; and, Jon Lurie who guided the campers to write about waterways. Listen to hear more!