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4.25.23 Karen Goulet
Karen Goulet recently juried the annual NW Art Exhibit in Middle River. In this podcast she discusses what a Juror does — jurors are “asked to come in and select the most outstanding pieces in an exhibit” and how she jurors an art show. Karen “ looks for authentic voice, creative courage, and then the craft and technical aspects of the art.” She also talked about the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji where she works.
Karen is a practicing artist, poet, community organizer and educator. She is the Project Director of the Miikanan Gallery at the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji, Minnesota. This gallery, dedicated to Indigenous arts, is the first of its kind in the region. It’s supported by the Blandin Foundation and McKnight Foundation. Karen received her BA from The Evergreen State College, MFA in Sculpture from The University of Wisconsin – Madison, and MEd from University of Minnesota Duluth. She grew up in a family of 'makers' and artists. Her mother sewed and knitted and her father was an oil painter and woodworker who also taught her to embroider. Her decision to become an artist occurred when she went to college and met instructors who would become her mentors and supported and encouraged her to go on and pursue a degree that would give her opportunity to stay in the arts for a career. She has lived in interesting places, mostly rural, where she has met many interesting creative people. She believes in the power of art and community and takes opportunities like this to visit new places to see what creative people are doing. Listen to hear more!
4.18.23 Kate Hammer and Mike Anderson
The focus of this podcast is our Art of Addiction Exhibit . The first guest is Artist Kate Hammer of Roseau. She spoke about her pottery or ceramics and the NWMAC exhibit Art of Addiction that is currently open at our gallery at NCTC. The bulk of the exhibit features Kate’s works on the topic of addiction. Here's a video tour of the exhibit: https://youtu.be/QMU-LXZzkEc. Watch the video to see all of the pieces of art in this exhibit. Kate sells her work at art shows. Her work in the exhibit includes vases, platters, postcards, tiles, acrylic paintings, and more. Some of these works are for sale.
The second guest is Mike Anderson. Mike manages the Northwestern Apartments transitional living facility in Crookston. Residents at NW Apartments created artwork for the Art of Addiction exhibit — 9 12 x12 canvas paintings are included in the exhibit that were created in a workshop with the residents. Earlier Mike stated, “For those who have struggled with mental health and substance use problems in their life, recovery is a sometimes long and arduous path. Often it can literally be a life and death struggle. Residents of the Northwestern Apartments (NWA) transitional living facility know that struggle intimately. Many residents come to NWA from inpatient mental health facilities, homeless shelters, substance use programs, and incarceration. Criteria for admission is to have a serious mental illness, and about 3/4 of residents also have a co-occurring substance use disorder. But whether it is stabilizing mental health symptoms, or the daily challenge to stay clean and sober, recovery is the goal of all. Inclusion in this art therapy project, The Art of Addiction, was a great way for residents to “go deeper.” After an initial session with local artist Trey Everett, the residents engaged with supplies and canvas to work on their own creation, with the general theme of addiction and recovery as a guide. Residents spent a week with their art. Many did several art pieces. Some were unable to finish one. Others felt their art was too personal to put on display. The project was captivating – residents were in the community room, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups, at all times of the day and night, working on their art, talking, and healing. One of the keys to recovery is connection, and this project provided that in addition to a personal and therapeutic experience that helped all involved on their healing path.”
Listen to the podcast to learn more!
4.11.23 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel spoke about a number of arts events, activities, and deadlines. 1) Of the Year Awards. Musician Cathy Erickson will receive the NW Star Award, a lifetime achievement award. Debbie Aune is the Artist of the Year. Arts Advocate of the Year is Fosston resident Bonnie Stewart. The awards reception will be held in Middle River on Sunday, April 30 at the Middle River Legacy Center at 3 PM with a program at 4 PM. The event is free and everyone is encouraged to attend!; 2) The Arts Council’s Biennial Planning. 3) an added grant deadline (May 1). Mara can help answer any questions about the grant application; 4) The NWMAC Gallery at NCTC currently has the Art of Addiction exhibit through the end of the month; and 5) NW Art Exhibit is currently open at the Middle River Legacy Center until April 30. See the show and vote for People’s Choice. Listen for more details!
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/).
2.28.23 Eric Mueller
McKnight Fellowships in Media Arts Administrator Eric Mueller is featured on this podcast. Eric is at FilmNorth in St. Paul. FilmNorth administers the McKnight Fellowships for Media Artists. This includes filmmakers, screenwriters, and other media artists. The application deadline is March 20. Eric spoke about FilmNorth and the fellowships.
ABOUT THE MCKNIGHT MEDIA ARTIST FELLOWSHIPS
The intent of this program is to recognize and support mid-career media artists living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence. This is not a project-specific grant.
The McKnight Fellowships for Media Artists provide recognition and financial support for mid-career media artists. The program is designed to reward media artists who have created a substantial body of work over a period of time, and who are at a career stage that is beyond emerging. The specific criteria that the jurors use to select the fellows are consistent artistic excellence and merit, clarity and uniqueness of vision, professional accomplishment, and commitment.
Four fellowships of $25,000 will be awarded to Minnesota media artists. The awards are unrestricted and can help an artist set aside periods of time for study, reflection, experimentation, and exploration; take advantage of an opportunity; or work on a new project.
One of these four fellowships will be awarded to a screenwriter, and three will be awarded to other types of media artists, including directors in film, television, and streaming; radio producers; and creative artists in web, computer/video games, and other emerging forms of media. Awards are subject to state and federal income tax guidelines.
Eligible applicants include directors and writers in film, television, and streaming; radio producers; and creative artists in web, computer/video games, and other emerging forms of media. The fellowship is designed to support Minnesota media artists whose work is of exceptional artistic merit and who are at a career stage beyond emerging.
Listen to the podcast to learn more and visit their website with questions or to apply at https://filmnorth.org/mcknight-fellowships-media-artists/.
2.21.23 Sarah Fossen
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Executive Director Sarah Fossen shared info about MCA. MCA is the lobbying arm for the arts in Minnesota. They like to remind citizens and legislators that the arts are an economic driver throughout the state of Minnesota. One of their goals is to empower their advocates to tell their arts story. Sarah spoke about MCA (who they are, what they do), current legislation, and other upcoming topics that affect the arts statewide. MCA is holding Arts Action Week from March 20-24 (virtual meetings with legislators — please sign up!) On March 21at 2:30, they are holding an in-person rally at the Minnesota State Capitol building. To learn more about MCA and to sign up for Arts Action Week visit their website at artsmn.org and listen to the podcast!
2.14.23 Mitchell Johnson
Roseau resident and President of the Northern Lights Concert Association Mitchell Johnson is featured on this podcast. Mitchell spoke about the Northern Lights Concert Association and the concerts they have coming up. Check out the schedule, make plans to attend, and listen to learn all about it!
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!
1.17.23 Janet Johnson
Featured on this podcast is Roseau Artist Janet Johnson. Janet has pottery at the Bead Gypsy in Roseau and she shared info about many of the other artists with work there, too. There are weavers and quality knitters, Julene Juhl from Greenbush is a glass artist and Jean Honl has rosemaling. It’s a great destination store, and the coffee is always on!
Janet is a former teacher. Recently, Janet's personal pottery has been hampered by the lack of a kiln and other commitments, but she's developed some fun pieces that have been popular, like her egg separators and thumb spoons. She received a grant in 2014 to purchase a wheel, supplies, and an old manual kiln for $500 and she just received another grant to purchase a new kiln (since her old one died — she's worn it out developing her craft and expanding her business.
Janet is a TARP (Teaching Artist Roster Program) artist. She took our free training that teaches artists numerous tools to help artists secure residencies and offer them successfully. Janet is a wonderful teacher and talented artist. She’s also on our enhanced artist listing. We are so fortunate to have her in our region. Listen to hear more!
1.10.23 Ross Hier
2022 Artist of the Year Ross Hier is featured in this podcast. Ross resides in Crookston and is a retired wildlife biologist, in addition to being a prolific self-taught visual artist. Nature provides Ross with unlimited subject matter and his painted subjects are wide-ranging. Although birds amaze him most of all, he also enjoys painting landscapes, prairie plants, fish, reptiles and hunting and fishing scenes. Ross works in watercolor and pen and ink. Ross’s work has been featured in solo art exhibits with the NWMAC and in our annual exhibits and traveling exhibits. Please note: we are currently accepting nominations for our Of the Year Awards. Consider nominating a deserving artist or arts advocate for an Of the Year Award.
To learn more about nominations visit: northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/blog/nominate-area-artists-or-arts-advocates-for-an-of-the-year-award. Nominations are accepted until February 28.
Listen to the podcast to hear more about Ross and our Of the Year Awards!
6.28.22 Debbie Dahl Aune
Visual Artist Debbie Aune is featured on this week’s podcast. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about her artwork in the current exhibit Nature’s Offerings and what inspired her. She also talked about being an art teacher, writing grants, and being an artist. Listen to hear all about it and stop by the exhibit to see the artwork!
6.14.22 Carol Torgerson
Carol Torgerson spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week about the upcoming Gully Days Skol! event from June 16-19. They received a grant from the NWMAC for numerous arts activities, including music, fiber arts, and Mince-murals with Artist Cindy Kolling that will happen during Gully Days Skol! This event was planned earlier, but was delayed because of the pandemic. Listen to hear about all that’s happening in Gully and head there to take advantage!
6.7.22 LaVonne Forsberg
LaVonne Forsberg received our prestigious NW Star Award earlier this year. This week she spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West. She is a well known visual artist in our region (especially for her stained glass and watercolor paintings). She also owned an arts store in Thief River Falls — Country Class Arts, where she taught classes and sold art supplies. Forsberg has received awards in past NWMAC art exhibits and other statewide exhibits for her art. You can find her stained-glass at the Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls (chandeliers), 13 area churches, the local hospital, and her paintings in the Kiehle Building on the campus at the University of Minnesota Crookston. She was commissioned by the state of Minnesota to design and paint the Old Mill State Park entrance permit and collector's mug in 200l.
5.31.22 Tausha & Addison Severts
Tausha Severts and her daughter Addison Severts were featured on this week’s podcast. Tausha has taught at Grygla for 7 years and this year she started teaching art, as well. Addison is a student who enjoys art. She received 1st place and People's Choice for students for her piece "Wave of Money" in the NW Art Exhibit. It will hang in Senator Mark Johnson's office.
5.24.22 Jeanne Cooney
This week’s podcast features Hallock Author Jeanne Cooney. Jeanne’s books are humorous mysteries set in northwestern Minnesota. Her newest book, It’s Murder, Dontcha Know? was recently released. She received a grant from the NWMAC to help her with literary marketing. Jeanne has a busy summer coming up promoting her book. Listen to the engaging conversation!
5.17.22 Kevin Lindsey
Kevin Lindsey, CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center located in St. Paul, spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the Humanities Center. They are trying to reach non-metro arts/humanities individuals and organizations. They also have a grant opportunity currently available that offers grants for cultural heritage and community identity projects.
5.10.22 Philip McKenzie
Musician Phil McKenzie is featured in this week’s podcast. Phil recently received NWMAC’s Arts Advocate of the Year Award. Phil has an impressive background as a professional oboe player and arts advocate, including the director of the Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, an adjunct oboe faculty at UND and NDSU, and hosting a radio show — Northern Classics on Pioneer 90.1 that brings classical music to our region. He’s served on the Thief River Falls Area Community Theater (TRFACT) Board and is currently the Chair of the Minnesota State Arts Board. Listen to learn more!
4.26.22 Mara Hanel
Curious what’s going on the NWMAC? Director Mara Hanel talks about the NW Art Exhibit at NCTC in Thief River Falls, the upcoming reception/awards ceremony for the exhibit, Nature’s Offerings art creation workshop, Of the Year awards recipients (Visual Artist Ross Hier Artist of the Year, Musician Phillip McKenzie Arts Advocate, and Visual Artist — painting and stained glass — LaVonne Forsberg NW Star Award), upcoming arts legacy grant deadlines, and Calls for Art (Nature’s Offerings, Day of the Dead) for future exhibits. Listen to hear all about these arts activities!
4.19.2022 Mark Albers
Long-time Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Mark Albers filled Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West in about the mission and activities of MCA. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is a statewide arts advocacy organization that works to promote arts in Minnesota. They sponsor arts action week and lobby the legislature for arts funding and arts-friendly policies. They also spoke about the impact of Covid and responses to it. Listen to learn more about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts!