Podcast Archive
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4.12.2022 Devon Tucker
Sacred Heart band teacher Devon Tucker and student Charlotte Whiting spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about grants they received from the NWMAC and the drama program at the school. Sacred Heart was able to purchase band instruments and equipment with the grants. During the interview, Devon explained how easy it was to apply for grants and the tremendous impact the purchases have had on the band and the school. Charlotte is president of the drama club. She spoke about the club and the spring performance. Listen to hear more.
4.5.22 Sue Gens
Listen to Executive Director of the Minnesota State Arts Board Sue Gens to learn about the State Arts Board -- who they are, what they do, what they offer, and the effects of and response to Covid on the MSAB, artists and arts organizations.
3.29.2022 Bonnie Stewart
Fosston resident Bonnie Stewart is featured on this week’s podcast. She provided a history and overview of the FCLAA in Fosston. She also talked about FCLAA’s upcoming writing retreat from April 21 - 23. The retreat is taking registrations. The NWMAC has provided funding for the retreat. Residents in our region can apply for a grant to attend the retreat. There are scholarships available, as well. Listen to hear all about the presenters and much more!
3.22.22 Desdamona
Curious what spoken word actually is? This podcast is for you! Desdamona, a spoken word artist, is this week’s featured artist podcast. She and Ron West talked about what spoken word is. It’s a form of expression, sometimes in the storytelling realm. Examples include hip hop, poetry, slam poetry, speeches, and much more. Desdamona will be a residency artist at the Roseau High School later this month with funding from the NWMAC.
3.15.22 Mary Balstad
Mary Balstad, originally from Fosston, is this week’s featured podcast. Mary received a grant from the NWMAC to create a short film — The Pear. She spoke with Ron West about her inspiration, the catalyst, applying for a grant from the NWMAC, and putting a film together. Mary’s credits on the film include directing, producing, writing, and voice over. The Pear is a 2 minute film that is being shown at the Fargo Film Festival in a 2 minute movie competition. Listen to the conversation to hear the whole story.
3.8.22 Kate Hammer
Kate Hammer of Roseau is featured on this week’s podcast. Kate is a potter and the owner of Pretty Dirt Pottery. Kate has received grants from the NWMAC. Her most recent grant was for 1) a portable slab roller to allow her to do public demonstrations and teach at different locations in the community; 2) Pottery forms for handbuilding made of wood and used to produce platters and plates; 3) Tools and supplies to allow for a greater audience, back to back classes, and replacements. She also purchased materials, clay, stains and glazes. Listen to hear about her process, inspiration, the 56751 series, and classes that she’s teaching.
3.1.22 Karen Engevik
Karen Engevik of Black Horse Pottery was this week’s featured podcast. Karen recently completed a grant that she had received from the NWMAC. Karen and Ron West spoke about the process of creating pottery, her inspiration (horses), her business, and the grant (and the NWMAC). Her pottery is available for purchase and it’s all food safe. Listen to hear about it!
2.22.22 Matthew Wallace
Matt Wallace of the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks is this week’s featured podcast guest. Matt spoke about all the ways that the museum serves our region (there are many!). The museum sponsors a number of events, including outdoor concerts with nationally touring bands, classical music performances by critically acclaimed international musicians at the museum, Rye on the Rocks, art auctions, book readings, artist talks, and more. They offer an artist in residence program at a rural residence to allow artists to work on projects. Summer art camps and other art classes for youth and adults throughout the year are also an important resource for our area. The museum welcomes school visits, as well. Listen to learn more and take advantage of this nearby gem!
2.15.22 Connie Nelson
Hallock Artist Connie Nelson spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week. Connie created a mural series of 20 4x8 panels along Highway 75 in Hallock last year with a grant from the NWMAC. Connie received the Artist of the Year Award from the NWMAC last year. Nominations are open for Of the Year Awards, including Artist of the Year, Arts Advocate of the Year, and NW Star Award.
2.8.22 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel was featured in this week’s podcast. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the new space at the NWMAC office in Warren, an open position for an Office Assistant, NW Art Exhibit call for entries, Of the Year Award nominations, upcoming grants deadlines (March 1), grant writing workshops, our Traveling Art Exhibit, and Celebrations: The Ceramic Art of Betsy Saurdiff at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls (with an Artist Reception on Saturday, February 12 from 3 to 5 pm. Listen for the details!m
1.25.22 Betsy Saurdiff
This week Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West spoke with Potter Betsy Saurdiff. Betsy currently has an exhibit at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC — Celebrations: The Ceramic Art of Betsy Saurdiff. The NWMAC will be holding an Artist Spotlight with her on Thursday, January 27 at 2 pm. This discussion will be available to watch and comment live on the NWMAC Facebook page or YouTube page, as well as anytime afterwards. An Artist Reception will be held with Betsy on Saturday, February 12 from 3 to 5 pm at the gallery. Listen to hear more!
1.18.22 George French
George French is featured on this week’s podcast. George is a music professor at UMC. He recently received a grant from the NWMAC to present a workshop series throughout our region to introduce organ playing to interested high school students. A recital will follow in each location. George is reaching out to area music teachers and piano instructors to get the word out. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
1.11.22 Kathryn Vigness
Writer Kathryn Vigness of East Grand Forks spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about her family’s cancer diagnosis, writing, and more. She recently received a grant from the NWMAC to help her write her second memoir. Listen to hear all about Kathryn and her work.
6.29.21 Shannon Mortenson
This week’s podcast features Warren City Administrator Shannon Mortenson. Shannon spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Mark Johnson about Warren’s concert series funded by the NWMAC. Listen to hear all about it!
6.22.21 Don Merkens. Norman County Fair
Don Merkens spoke to Pioneer 90.1 Mark Johnson this week about the Norman County Fair in Ada. Don shared an update about the fair entertainment, like a puppet show on Youth Day and musical acts including bluegrass and polka that are funded by the NWMAC. Listen to hear all about it! And, head over to Ada this week for the fair.
6.15.21 Jason Steinbrenner
Fosston Artist Jason Steinbrenner spoke with Pioneer 90.1 Mark Johnson this week. Mark was filling in for Ron West. Jason has 4 pieces of art in our Tiny Art exhibit. Jason talked about his artistic process and the exhibit. Listen to learn more!
6.8.21 Jane Anderson
Thief River Falls Area Community Theater Director Jane Anderson is this week’s featured podcast. Jane spoke TRFACT activities this past year during COVID and what’s coming up with TRFACT performances. Listen to hear all about it!
6.1.21 Cheri Reese. Hallock Musical Chimes
Cheri Reese spoke with Ron West this week about the outdoor musical chimes in Centennial Park downtown Hallock. Listen to learn all about them and Hallock, as well!
5.18.21 Emily Finney
Halstad Resident Emily Finney was featured on this week’s podcast. Emily and Ron West talked how the the world’s largest sugar beet sculpture in Halstad came to be (as Ron referred to as the “big idea for the big beet”), including the idea, the artist, the planning process, and the funding (which included a grant from the NWMAC) . It truly was a community effort. Listen to hear all about it!
5.4.21 Mara Hanel
This week NWMAC Director Mara Hanel and Ron West talk art and arts council news. Listen to hear about upcoming grant deadlines, events, and exhibits!