Donald Kakaygeesick spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week about his art. Donald was recently awarded the NW Star Award for his lifetime achievement in the arts. Donald has experience with many mediums including acrylic, oils, watercolor, and carving. He is a teacher and leader in Ojibwe culture and history. Listen to the engaging conversation with Donald!

Warroad Summer Theater premiered “Gone Fishin’” for their fall dinner theater. A new play written and directed by Roseau native Ben Johnston, “Gone Fishin’” takes it’s inspiration from growing up near Lake of the Woods, and the colorful characters you can meet in Northern Minnesota. The play also has undeniable influences from shows like “Grumpy Old Men” and “Escanaba in da Moonlight”. Listen to the podcast to hear more about the show and Ben’s inspiration.

Luverne Seifert, co-founder of Sod House Theater, spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the theater company and their upcoming show Arla Mae’s Booyah Wagon in Crookston, Hallock, and Stephen. Listen to this engaging discussion and see this live theater in our region!

Brianna Geer, Director of the Middle River Community Theatre production of The Outsider, is this week’s featured podcast. The show is the Goose Festival show this year. Listen to hear more about the play.

Listen to Jerry Amiot and Ron West talk about Pioneer Day in Crookston this week and all the arts activities! The NWMAC provides a grant for the event.

Poet and published author Dale Jacobson spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week. Dale recently led some online writing sessions for the NWMAC via StreamYard to help people write for our current exhibit at NCTC — elemental: earth, air, fire, water, space. Dale also wrote a piece for the exhibit. Listen to their interesting discussion.

This week’s podcast features NWMAC Director Mara Hanel. Mara spoke about the annual NW Art Exhibit in Warroad, Of the Year Awards (Artist of the Year Connie Nelson, Artist Advocate Ann Novacek, and NW Star Award Donald Kakaygeesick), and openings for the NWMAC board (apply today!). Listen to learn more and visit the exhibit while you can!

Charles Eickhof of Crookston spoke about the feature length film Loon! that he and his cousin Kale Eickhof wrote, directed, acted in and produced. There’s a red carpet event in Crookston at the Grand Theater on Friday August 20 during Ox Cart Days. The NWMAC provided grant funding. Listen to the discussion and attend the premier!

Sarah Homme of Warroad spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the Allison Park Summer Series and the Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit (opening later this week in Warroad).

Carol Ihle of the Zehlians spoke with Ron West about the upcoming Art & Wine Walk in Thief River. It takes place on August 12. Listen to hear all about it!

Writer Kim Hruba of Warroad spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West. Kim started Lake of the Woods Artist Retreat. This year she is hosting a weeklong writing retreat in Warroad at the newly opened Hampton Inn in September. This is funded in part by a grant from the NWMAC. Listen to learn more about it and consider signing up!

Polk County Fair Secretary/Manager Mike Moore of Fertile spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week about the Polk County Fair (taking place this week). They discussed the entertainment that is funded by the NWMAC. Listen to hear all about the events at the fair!

Andy Hall spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week. Andy’s photography includes landscape images, the outdoors, regional images, and abandoned spaces. The Sweetlight Gallery is a wonderful source of local art — Andy’s photography, gift cards and work from other artists. You can find Andy on our enhanced listing, as well. Listen to the interview to learn more and to hear about Andy’s creative process!

NWMAC Director Mara Hanel is this week’s featured podcast. Mara and spoke with Ron West about what’s going on with the arts council and artists in our area, specifically digital arts assistance, NWMAC seeking a graphic designer, a Black Lives Matter canvas workshop this weekend, and ways to support local artists during this time. Listen for the details!

Abby Pearson of Fosston spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week. Abby is directing and acting in the FCLAA’s production Every Christmas Story Ever Told. Because of the pandemic, the play will be live-streamed (and not available to see in person) on Dec 17 and 18 at 7pm. Listen to the conversation for all the details!

Adam Reinwald of Open Voices is this week’s featured podcast. He spoke with Ron West about digital engagement work Open Voices is doing with the NWMAC to provide digital training for artists and arts organizations. Listen to learn more and take advantage of the important skills and knowledge Open Voices can provide!

Cheryl Peters spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week about the Viking Veterans Memorial. An original oil painting “Home for the Harvest” by Newfolden artist Tammy Hansen was reproduced on granite to form the centerpiece of the memorial. Listen to hear all about it!

Bead Gypsy Owner Rebecca Rosenkrans of Roseau is this week’s featured podcast. Rebecca spoke about creating jewelry, the materials and tools she uses, and being in the Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. Bead Gypsy is located in the En Liten Svensk Shoppe in Roseau. She also offers jewelry repair and custom orders. Listen to hear the whole conversation.

Beau Bakken of Hallock spoke with Ron West this week. Beau’s artwork along with his father’s, Rock Bakken, is featured in our current exhibit in Thief River Falls — Bakken: The Artistry of Father and Son. Beau has also created many public murals. He spoke about his art and his philosophy “Expression through Creation.” Listen to the interview!

Hallock Artist Rock Bakken is this week’s featured podcast. Rock spoke about being an artist, his store in Hallock, and the current exhibit that features his and his son Beau’s works.