In this week’s podcast Rob Burkel chats with Ron West about TRFACT (Thief River Falls Area Community Theater) and the Fargo-Moorhead Opera Young Artists who will be performing live on March 7 in TRF. Rob Burkel is coordinating the event and school workshops with the Fargo Moorhead Opera.

Thief River Falls Teacher Andrew Youngblom talked with Ron West this week about the NW Art Exhibit and teaching art to students. Listen to their chat and submit your art to the exhibit!

Maria Argueta, Monique Arguelles, Mallorie Zapata, and Chris Espericueta Jr. of Fresh Voices spoke with Ron West this week. Based in Crookston, Fresh Voices has been dedicated to the support, encouragement, and celebration of art of local Latino youth for over twenty years. The photography and written works that make up the Fresh Voices exhibit in our gallery right now was created by these and other high school students. Maria Argueta is an educator and has been a part of Fresh Voices for the past several years. Listen to the interview and stop by the gallery to see their art!

Springboard for the Art’s Naomi Schliesman was Ron West’s guest this week. Naomi will be facilitating much of the Work of Art Training that NWMAC is holding in Warren. Naomi is the Artist Development Director for Springboard for the Arts in Fergus Falls. Listen to the podcast and register to attend the training!

Gretchen Weinrich was Ron West’s guest this week. She talks about directing the upcoming TRFACT’s show Barefoot in the Park, Lincoln High School’s spring play and being in the NWMAC’s artist booklet.

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Executive Director Sheila Smithspoke with Ron West this week about the 10 year anniversary of the Legacy Amendment, the We Are Water Exhibit and Reception, MCA, the arts and the current legislative session. Listen to their discussion below and stop by the We Are Water Reception at UMC on Friday, January 25!

Karlstad resident and singer Dariann Leigh talked with Ron West about her music and performances in the region. Dariann received a grant from the NWMAC for in-ear monitors and a transmitter for performance. She released a Christmas song and video last month and her first album will be released soon.

NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week about the many activities going on with the Arts Council, including upcoming grant deadlines, exhibits, arts awards and artist trainings. Listen to learn more!

Artist Judy Szklarski of Argyle spoke with Ron West this week about her art and her current exhibit at the Riverwalk Artist Gallery in East Grand Forks open until July 14. Listen to their discussion and make sure you stop by the gallery to see her artwork!

Tami Lee of Tami Lee and the Northern Lights spoke with Ron West this week about her music. She is listed in our new Artists of Northwest Minnesota booklet. Listen to the podcast!

Artist and Hallock Business Owner Rock Bakken spoke with Ron West this week about his art, his business, color and his philosophy about art. Rock received 1st place in the NW Art Exhibit for his portrait of a Hereford bull. Listen to their chat and visit Rock at Bakken Boots in Hallock to see his artwork!

Ron West hosted NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel this week. They talked about the newly published Artists of NW Minnesota Booklet and the Showcase Specialist contract position that is open at the Arts Council (Deadline to apply is June 1).

Northwest Star Award Winner Jim Kent spoke with Ron West this week about his passion and commitment to music and receiving the award from the NWMAC.

Artist of the Year Scott Pream was Pioneer 90.1 Ron West’s guest this week. They spoke about the award and Scott’s acting and more. Listen to learn more!

Arts Advocate of the Year Betsy Saurdiff spoke with Ron West about her work advocating and creating art. She was also awarded a merit award in the recent NW Minnesota Art Exhibit. Congrats, Betsy and thank you for work on behalf of art!

Mara Hanel and Ron West talk about the many activities happening this week — the NW Art Exhibit, the Arts Expo, and the Of the Year Awards, in addition to an upcoming grant deadline and openings on the NWMAC Board of Directors.

Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West spoke with Therese Masters Jacobson this week about Mn Artists Online, a resource for artists and those looking to connect with them and other opportunities and Riverwalk Artists. Therese will be speaking at the Arts Expo on April 28 in Thief River Falls. Make sure you attend!

Sue Gens, Executive Director of the Minnesota State Arts Board, was Ron West’s guest this week. She talked about the role of the Arts Board, legacy funding and the arts in Minnesota. Sue will be at the Arts Expo on April 28. Listen to the podcast and attend the Arts Expo to meet Sue and learn more about the State Arts Board.