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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!
10.30.24 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel spoke with Phil McKenzie about upcoming grant deadlines, grant writing training, the grant writing station in our office, exhibits, calls for art, the upcoming artist booklet and more! Listen to hear about the many opportunities at the NWMAC right now.
3.19.24 Cindy Adams
Museum Director Cindy Adams spoke about the Kittson County History Museum in Lake Bronson, upcoming and past arts events, grants they've received from the NWMAC, a very cool fashion exhibit on the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, and being the host of the NWMAC’s annual NW Art Exhibit this spring. The NW Art Exhibit will include over 70 adult entries and over 40 student entries ranging from oil, acrylic, watercolor painting, pencil drawings, pen and ink, pottery, sculpture, fiber art, glass mosaic, and mixed media. The exhibit opens on March 27 (and runs until April 21) and is a great way to see what our regional adult and student artists are creating in their studio spaces and in the classroom. The awards ceremony honoring exhibit winners and Of the Year awardees (Potter Betsy Saurdiff, Musician Randy Larson, and Radio Host Rom Ogaard) will be Sunday, April 21. The exhibit will open at noon that day, the reception begins at 2 PM, and the awards will begin at 3 PM. All are welcome. Listen to hear more!
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!)
5.9.22 Cathy Erickson
Cathy Erickson of Middle River recently received the Northwest Star Award. The award was presented to Erickson on Sunday, April 30 in Middle River at the Middle River Legacy Center during the NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception and Program. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the award, her musical background, and more!
Erickson is a well-known musician and radio show host in the area. She has been entertaining professionally in northwestern Minnesota and beyond, playing music for almost 50 years. Cathy plays the accordion, piano, organ, guitar, and vocals. She also hosts her own radio show Cathy’s Variety Show on Pioneer 90.1 FM. The live variety show consists of polkas, waltzes, classic country, bluegrass, gospel, and local artists. Additionally, she hosts two other live weekly radio shows – Country Church and Live from the Farm.
The NW Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award. Funding for the Northwest Star comes from The McKnight Foundation. 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. Listen to the podcast for an interesting conversation about Cathy!
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/).