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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
12.12.23 Julia Brown
This week’s podcast guest is Julia Brown of the Playwrights' Center. She provided information about
what a playwright is,
the Playwrights’ Center,
the McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship (for theater artists other than playwrights based in Minnesota). Deadline is March 28, but they recommend submitting and intent to apply earlier),
the McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting (for playwrights in Minnesota who have had at least one play professionally produced). Deadline is January 11, and finally,
the Core Writer Program (for any committed professional playwright). Deadline is January 25.
Visit their website for more info about these opportunities: https://pwcenter.org.
12.5.23 Beth Carlson
Beth Carlson has a long theater career in Crookston. She retired as the Music Teacher from the Cathedral School and is the One Act and Three Act Director at Crookston High School. She spoke about that and upcoming theater events. They are currently working on their One Act performances. This year Crookston HS is hosting the competition. Listen to learn more!
11.28.23 Trey Everett
NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett talked about what is involved in creating our exhibits and some behind-the-scenes info about his job. Trey is also an artist. He is primarily a pen and ink artist and creates murals throughout our region. Trey also works as a teaching artist. This fall he was awarded a national rural arts award, which is quite an honor. Listen for details!
11.21.23 Becky Rosenkrans
Jewelry Artist Becky Rosenkrans is the owner of Minnesota BeadGypsy in Roseau. Becky spoke about her shop, making jewelry, and upcoming events. With holiday shopping in full swing, it’s a great time to make a trip to Roseau to check it out. Becky is a jeweler and the shop includes her work and artwork from many local artists, including pottery, rosemaling, books, fiber arts, and much more. It's a fun place to visit and support local art.
11.14.23 Bonnie Stewart
Arts Advocate Bonnie Stewart of Fosston spoke about the history of the arts in Fosston. She described the details of the name change from FCLAA to the Aurora Center for the Arts. Their board undertook a branding campaign as a part of the name change. She also provided information about upcoming events like the Dan Rodriguez concert on December 8 and the Daisy Hagen Auction for the Arts on Sunday, November 26. Listen to learn more and visit Fosston to take in these fun events!
11.7.23 Jane Anderson
Jane Anderson of Thief River Falls is the Director of the Thief River Falls Area Community Theater. She and Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West spoke about ACT's upcoming An Evening of Short Comedies November 16-18. She entertained Ron with stories about her theater background and more. Finally, she provided an update about other ACT shows and happenings. Listen to learn more and head to Thief River to see the show!
10.31.23 Loren Younggren
Hallock Photographer Loren Younggren, owner of Younggren Photography, received a quick turnaround grant last year for location lighting equipment. The equipment allows him to get out and take location photos easier. Loren spoke about his photography and how things have changed over the years. His business — Younggren Photography offers framing services for artwork in addition to photography services. Loren also spoke about being a Kittson County Commissioner and his artwork in past NW Minnesota annual exhibits. Finally, Loren goes all out for Halloween and his yard is not-to-miss. This year he created a haunted trail open to all visitors. Listen for details!
10.24.23 Stephenie Anderson
Fiber Artist and NWMAC Board Member Stephenie Anderson was this week’s featured podcast guest.
Steph hand sews Viking-age textiles, creates folk costuming from the 1700s, and knits in Norwegian Nordic patterns. She spoke about the details of creating her Viking costumes, her family ties to Norway and the impact that has on her art.
Stephenie is an at-large member of our board from Fosston.
Stephenie studied and recreated historic knitting patterns from the Norwegian Husfliden archives and used historic knitting methods and patterns to create modern garments. She also studied and recreates historically accurate Viking Age garments based on archaeological findings. She has taught and displayed these garments in living history events such as: Heritage Days in Fosston, Nordic Fest in Decorah, IA, Midwest Viking Fest in Green Bay, WI, and several local events for both adults and children.
Stephenie is part of the Order Of The Mitten, a group of textile artists from Norway, England, Poland, and Fosston (Stephenie), who research textile grave finds and recreate as historically accurate as possible.
Steph explained that she joined the NWMAC Board for a few reasons. First, she’s been a grant recipient herself and wanted to give back. Being someone who has applied for a grant and received a grant gives her a different perspective when evaluating them. Second, because her community submits and receives grant funding, she feels having a representative on the board from her area is important. And finally, as an artist/craftsperson she believes it is important to help keep artistic opportunities going in our area. Thank you, Stephenie for serving on the board!
Listen to the podcast to learn more!
10.17.23 Stephanie Olson
Thief River Falls Artist and Goodridge English Teacher Stephanie Olson is the featured artist in our current exhibit -- Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson. She spoke about the artwork, the exhibit, the Artist Reception on Wednesday, October 17, her inspiration, and more! Listen for details and attend the Artist Reception at NCTC on Oct 17 from 6 to 8 PM (there will be live art, live fiddle music, snacks, and drinks!)
10.10.23 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel spoke about upcoming grant deadlines (and changes to those deadlines), as well as grant requirements, our current exhibit featuring Artist Stephanie Olson at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through November, the Artist Reception on October 18 including fiddle music, and other area happenings. It’s always a great opportunity to hear about the arts in NW Minnesota when Mara is the podcast guest. Listen to hear more!