Artist and Hallock Business Owner Rock Bakken spoke with Ron West this week about his art, his business, color and his philosophy about art. Rock received 1st place in the NW Art Exhibit for his portrait of a Hereford bull. Listen to their chat and visit Rock at Bakken Boots in Hallock to see his artwork!

Ron West hosted NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel this week. They talked about the newly published Artists of NW Minnesota Booklet and the Showcase Specialist contract position that is open at the Arts Council (Deadline to apply is June 1).

Northwest Star Award Winner Jim Kent spoke with Ron West this week about his passion and commitment to music and receiving the award from the NWMAC.

Artist of the Year Scott Pream was Pioneer 90.1 Ron West’s guest this week. They spoke about the award and Scott’s acting and more. Listen to learn more!

Arts Advocate of the Year Betsy Saurdiff spoke with Ron West about her work advocating and creating art. She was also awarded a merit award in the recent NW Minnesota Art Exhibit. Congrats, Betsy and thank you for work on behalf of art!

Mara Hanel and Ron West talk about the many activities happening this week — the NW Art Exhibit, the Arts Expo, and the Of the Year Awards, in addition to an upcoming grant deadline and openings on the NWMAC Board of Directors.

Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West spoke with Therese Masters Jacobson this week about Mn Artists Online, a resource for artists and those looking to connect with them and other opportunities and Riverwalk Artists. Therese will be speaking at the Arts Expo on April 28 in Thief River Falls. Make sure you attend!

Sue Gens, Executive Director of the Minnesota State Arts Board, was Ron West’s guest this week. She talked about the role of the Arts Board, legacy funding and the arts in Minnesota. Sue will be at the Arts Expo on April 28. Listen to the podcast and attend the Arts Expo to meet Sue and learn more about the State Arts Board.

Ellen Stanley is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Music Coalition. For the last ten years, she has produced and hosted Womenfolk, a weekly music show on KFAI Radio. She also performs her own music under the name Mother Banjo. She talked with Ron West about the Coalition, the importance of music, and the 2018 MN Music Summit that is happening April 12-14, which brings artists, fans and music professionals from across the Upper Midwest for 3 days of workshops, industry panels and performances by the state’s top artists. The Minnesota Music Coalition will be represented at our Arts Expo in Thief River Falls on April 28.

Carl Unbehaun is the The Minnesota Association of Songwriters Social Media Director and serves on its Board of Directors, as well as hosting the Minnesota Homebrew radio show on Pioneer 90.1. He’s also known for his quirky tunes. He was Ron West’s guest this week. He’ll be at the Arts Expo in April. Make sure you come and meet Carl and hear him perform.

Julia Brown, Artistic Programs Administrator, and Alayna Barnes, Office Manager, of the Playwrights’ Center were Ron West’s guests this week. The Playwrights’ Center serves playwrights with seven fellowship programs, educational opportunities, a searchable database, professional guidance, and more. They will be at the Arts Expo in April.

Michele Anderson of Springboard for the Arts spoke with Ron West about their services for artists. Springboard for the Arts will be represented at the Arts Expo on Saturday, April 28 in Thief River.

Greenbush-Middle River Teacher, Artist and Gatzke resident Debbie Aune and Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West talked about Debbie’s art and her current exhibit Midwest Grain: Watercolor Paintings by Debbie Aune at the Riverwalk Gallery in East Grand Forks.

Craig Dunn, Executive Director of VSA Minnesota, spoke with Ron West this week about VSA Minnesota’s mission to create a community where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and access the arts. Craig will be at NWMAC’s Arts Expo in Thief River Falls in April.

Sheila Smith, Executive Director of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and the Chair of Creative Minnesota, filled Ron West in about Arts Advocacy Day, Creative Minnesota and the upcoming Arts Expo that will take place in Thief River Falls.

NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel and Ron West talked about many upcoming events and deadlines, including Of the Year Awards, the River Walk Gallery Exhibit, TARP, NW Minnesota Arts Exhibit, Arts Expo, Grants Deadline, Arts Advocacy Day 2018 and NWMAC Board openings. Listen to the podcast to hear about all the opportunities you could take advantage of!

Matt Kroulik, Stephen-Argyle teacher and wood carver, spoke with Ron West this week about his woodworking. His work is in the current exhibit at the Riverwalk Artist Gallery.

Woodworker Jim Johanneck of Red Lake Falls was Ron West’s guest on Pioneer 90.1 this week. His work is featured in the current exhibit at the River Walk Gallery in East Grand Forks.

Candace Osborn has an appreciation for nature and wildlife that is obvious in her creative and intricate carvings. The Ada resident spoke with Ron West earlier today about her artwork. Listen to their discussion and see her carvings in person at the current Riverwalk Artists Gallery exhibit.

Cliff Nelson of Crookston was Ron West’s guest this week on Pioneer 90.1. He talked about wood turning and his pieces at the current exhibit at the Riverwalk Gallery in East Grand Forks. Listen and stop by the gallery to see Cliff’s work.