Roseau area Artist and NWMAC Board Member Janet Johnson is this week’s featured podcast. Janet spoke with Ron West about her art, ways to promote and sell art during the pandemic and being on the NWMAC Board of Directors. Listen to hear more of their conversation!

Potter Karen Engevik spoke with Ron West this week. Karen received a grant from the NWMAC to replace the shelves in her kiln. She also spoke about how her business has changed during COVID. She makes fireplaces, tile, dish ware, and other items and is available to create custom pieces. Listen to the discussion!

Mosaic Artist Elizabeth Rockstad is featured on this week’s podcast. She has an art studio in Ada (paint your own pottery + classes and workshops). Elizabeth spoke about adjustments she’s made to her arts business during the pandemic. She received a grant recently from NWMAC to attend a class to learn from a large-scale mosaic artist, but was unable to go. Elizabeth now offers to-go kits for sale and continues to take on commissions.

TRFACT (Thief River Falls Area Community Theater) Director Jane Anderson spoke with Ron West this week about how they have adjusted during the pandemic. They are holding community concerts on 90.1 every Tuesday night at 6 pm. They are also offering voice lessons and coaching for students who have been in their shows. In addition, they are creating short films related to the theater, such as auditioning. You can see these on their FaceBook page. TRFACT had a number of summer productions that have been delayed until 2021. Listen to learn more!

Crookston Guitarist Anthony Diaz was this week’s featured podcast. Anthony and Ron West talked about how be became a guitar player, his music, and a grant he received from the NWMAC. Anthony also spoke of expression, inclusion, multiculturalism , and safe spaces for everyone and how he includes that in his music. Stay tuned for future events where his music will be featured. Listen to their conversation!

Red Lake Falls fiddle player and looping violinist Alex Conwell spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week. They discussed how Alex came to play the fiddle, the music he plays, and the grant he received from the NWMAC for creating two albums, including one with looping techniques and music. To listen to some of his music, visit Alex Conwell Creative on Soundcloud or his facebook page Alex Conwell Creative.

Crookston Singer-Songwriter Annie Fitzgerald is this week’s featured artist. She spoke with Ron West about her music, performing online via lifestream concerts, her Valkyrie music collective, and Patreon. Listen to learn more!

NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke with Ron West this week about what’s going on with the Arts Council. She also filled him in on available resources for artists and more.

Longtime Stephen-Argyle Choir Teacher Renee Jensen is featured on this week’s podcast. She spoke with Ron West about teaching music over Zoom and google classroom, and more during the pandemic. Listen to learn more!

Ada-Borup Band Director Richard Tuttle spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about his innovative methods of band instrument teaching remotely.

Greenbush-Middle River Art Teacher Debbie Aune is this week’s featured podcast. She spoke with Ron West about teaching visual arts remotely during this time. Listen to hear more!

Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Executive Director Sheila Smith spoke with Ron West this week about how COVID-19 has impacted artists and arts organizations, legislative happenings related to the arts, background information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, and resources available for rural artists and arts organizations during this uncertain time.

Thief River Falls Art Teacher Andrew Youngblom is featured on this week’s podcast. He spoke with Ron West about his art in our current exhibit Impact of Technology at NCTC. He also has students with art in the exhibit.

Michele Anderson of Springboard for the Arts spoke with Ron West this week about an Emergency Relief Fund for artists and a fundraiser they are facilitating to meet the extra demands right now. She also discussed Springboard’s role supporting artists in Minnesota. Listen to learn more about resources available for artists right now!

Ron West’s guest this week was Chris Kirchner. Chris is a teacher at Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School and has a sculpture series that is a part of the Impact of Technology Art Exhibit at NCTC. His series includes everyday technological devices that have been modified into or contain concealed toy weapons. “These odd juxtapositions and larger than life size scale serves as playful metaphors, drawing attention to the absurdity of our often unfounded and irrational fears.” Listen to their interesting conversation!