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9.10.25 Dennis Kinkead
Hallock Visual Artist, Metal Worker, and Sculptor Dennis Kinkead’s artwork including metal work and watercolor paintings is featured in our current exhibit Designz in Metal at the Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls. Dennis spoke about how he created the art, his background, and the art itself. The exhibit includes furniture, a metal crow and raven, roses, a dragon, and paintings. Watercolor painting is new to him, but you couldn’t tell. He follows and learns a lot from an instructor Henry Lee (Blue Heron Arts) on YouTube who offers weekly online classes. Everything in the exhibit is for sale (except for the poppy painting) and Dennis accepts commissions. You can email him at dkinkead1946@gmail.com. The exhibit is open until October 8. Listen to hear more!
9.3.25 Jerry Amiot
Jerry Amiot spoke with Phil McKenzie about the upcoming Pioneer Day (September 7 from 11 AM to 5 PM) in Crookston at 719 E Robert Street that the Polk County Historical Society holds. The NWMAC provides a grant for arts activities during the event, including live music, arts demonstrations, and more. The event is free to attend. The Polk County Historical Society Board volunteers much time and effort for this fun event. Listen for details!
8.27.25 Lee Ann Hall
Lee Ann Hall of the Ada Chamber of Commerce spoke about the upcoming Fun in the Flatlands September 4-6 at the Norman County Fairgrounds. The NWMAC provided funding for live music, theatrical face painting, and art workshops. Listen to hear the details.
8.20.25 Virgil Benoit
Virgil Benoit of AFRAN (the Association of the French of the North) spoke about the upcoming Chautauqua and Arts Festival at Old Crossing Treaty Park taking place on August 23 and 24 this year in Huot, Minnesota. A long list of musicians and dancers will be performing, as well as exhibits and general demonstrations during the 2 day event. A Polish American supper will be served on Saturday evening. This event combines history with art. While this is the largest, the organization sponsors other events during the year. Find out more at OldCrossing.org. Listen to this entertaining and informative discussion that includes a history of the trading period and much more!
8.13.25 Christine Sibilleau and Tami Borgen
The Roseau Gazebo Night Series is a summer-long series of musical concerts and performances for audiences of all ages in Roseau at the gazebo. Christine Sibilleau and Tami Borgen spoke about this weekly evening of free outdoor entertainment that the NWMAC provides funding for. The series was started in 2021 by the Women of Today and other volunteers. In addition to speaking of the history of the series, they gave a recap of the line up this year. Upcoming is a local talent night that they host each year. You can learn more on their FB page @RoseauGazeboNight. Listen for details!
8.6.25 Dale Price
Stephen Arts Community Arts Center Board Member Dale Price spoke with Phil McKenzie about arts events in Stephen, including the upcoming Downtown Horns show on Thursday, August 7. The Downtown Horns includes a full array of instruments including guitar, trombone, saxophone, keyboards, vocals, and drums. The band plays in Stephen each summer. The Stephen Arts Council receives a grant from the NWMAC for their arts events that usually include theater, in addition to live music during the summer. On his own time, Dale performs throughout the region these days, including an upcoming show in Hallock. Listen to hear the conversation.
7.30.25 Abby Pearson
Executive Director of the Aurora Center for the Arts Abby Pearson spoke about her first year as the Executive Director of the organization in Fosston. The organization is celebrating its 45th year. She filled Phil in about recent and upcoming activities, including a summer porch concert series, an Alice in Wonderland play, a youth art exhibit in the gallery, art classes (embroidery with Stephenie Anderson and acrylic portraits with Pamela Edevold), an annual art auction, a lit fest in September, and more! Visit their website at aurorcenterforthearts.org and follow them on Facebook.
7.23.25 Jason Rominski
Jason Rominski gave an overview of the arts activities at the Marshall County Fair taking place July 23-27 in Warren. Here's a link to the website that provides a schedule and more info. http://www.marshallcountyfair.org/vonasek-free-stage.html Listen to hear all about it!
7.16.25 Cindy Adams
Director of the Kittson County Historical Society Cindy Adams spoke of the line up of events at the museum this summer. Lots has already happened but there are a number of upcoming arts events as well. The museum received a grant from the NWMAC for many of these events — live music, arts classes, presentations, cultural events, and an art exhibit (Rock and Beau Bakken). Cindy also spoke about the hours at the museum (plus free admission), what the museum includes (a lot!), the history of the area, the draining of Lake Bronson, and more. Email Cindy at history@wiktel.com. Listen to the conversation for details.
7.9.25 Carol Ihle and Polly Gustafson
Zehlians Members Carol Ihle and Polly Gustafson spoke about the Zehlians Art & Wine Walk in Thief River Falls on Thursday, July 10 from 4 to 8 PM. The theme this year is Flower Power. Carol and Polly spoke about the Zehlians and the activities of the organization, including the Art & Wine Walk, arts events, murals, and artists in residence. This event involves many volunteers and showcases businesses and artists in the region. You can purchase tickets at the Carnegie that day or beforehand (with a discount) at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trf-zehlians-art-wine-walk-2025-tickets-1259732075549?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. Listen to learn more!
7.2.25 Jill Levene
Printmaker and Artist Jill Levene of Tabor spoke about her art and inspiration, how she became an artist, and her exhibit Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S. Levene at the Historic Fournet Building Downtown Crookston. Jill likes to feature the outdoors and animals in her art. She works a lot in fabric. The exhibit includes 2 fabric pieces, one that is usually at Tettegouche State Park’s lobby. The exhibit is open through August. There will be an Artist Reception at the Fournet on July 31. Listen to the conversation to learn more!
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!
12.11.24 Aaron Espe
Roseau native and Nashville singer Aaron Espe plays the guitar and writes music. He is playing in Thief River Falls (at Our Saviours Lutheran Church on Dec 14), Roseau (at the Covenant church on Dec15), and Lancaster (at the Covenant church on Dec 16). He spoke about his path to his musical career and offered advice and thoughts for aspiring musicians. Many of his songs have northern Minnesota themes. Listen to learn more and hear a song by Aaron.
12.4.24 John Davis
Warroad RiverPlace Executive Director John Davis spoke with Phil McKenzie about his arts background and the new Warroad arts facility RiverPlace. The space is a multi-purpose facility with an arts classroom, gallery, theater, events center, video wall, exhibit space, and more. Visit warroadriverplace.org to see the schedule of events. Listen to hear all about it!
11.27.24 Anne Johnson
Perpich Arts High School Admissions Director Anne Johnson spoke about the creation of the Perpich Center for the Arts, the resources they offer, the school itself, and admissions (everyone is eligible to apply; the application deadline is Feb 1). The school focuses on arts including dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater and musical theater, and visual art. Students are taught to think creatively. Visit their website at perpich.gov. Listen to learn more about this resource in our state!
11.20.24 Angelina Korb
Roseau native Angelina Korb painted a mural wall in Roseau. She spoke with Phil about the process of creating the mural, her background and arts interests, and more. Listen to hear the details.
11.13.24 Jessica Schumacher
Jessica Schumacher is the Executive Director of the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra. She spoke with Phil McKenzie about the orchestra, the music they play, their philosophy, their conductor, schedule and more!
The orchestra has an upcoming concert in East Grand Forks on December 15 at 2:30 pm at the East Grand Forks Performing Arts Center at the high school. The Northern Valley Youth Orchestra will join them. Listen for all the details!
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.
12.19.23 Theresa Sweetland
Theresa Sweetland is the Executive Director of Forecast Public Art. Listen to the podcast to learn about Forecast Public Art and opportunities that benefit public artists in our region, including grant programs for MN emerging and established artists, professional development, and sharing job opportunities for artists. Forecast would like to get the word out to artists throughout Minnesota. Visit their website at forecastpublicart.org