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1.10.23 Ross Hier
2022 Artist of the Year Ross Hier is featured in this podcast. Ross resides in Crookston and is a retired wildlife biologist, in addition to being a prolific self-taught visual artist. Nature provides Ross with unlimited subject matter and his painted subjects are wide-ranging. Although birds amaze him most of all, he also enjoys painting landscapes, prairie plants, fish, reptiles and hunting and fishing scenes. Ross works in watercolor and pen and ink. Ross’s work has been featured in solo art exhibits with the NWMAC and in our annual exhibits and traveling exhibits. Please note: we are currently accepting nominations for our Of the Year Awards. Consider nominating a deserving artist or arts advocate for an Of the Year Award.
To learn more about nominations visit: northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/blog/nominate-area-artists-or-arts-advocates-for-an-of-the-year-award. Nominations are accepted until February 28.
Listen to the podcast to hear more about Ross and our Of the Year Awards!
12.20.22 Julia Brown
Playwrights’ Center Artist Programs Manager and Playwright Julia Brown spoke about what a playwright is, what the Playwrights' Center does and the many resources/programs the center provides. She provided information about upcoming grant/fellowship deadlines, as well. Visit their website to learn more and to apply at pwcenter.org.
12.6.22 Elizabeth Rockstad
Featured on this week’s podcast was Ada Mosaic Artist Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad. Elizabeth has taken the NWMAC’s Teaching Roster Program training (TARP) and is on our roster — (reminder that the NWMAC has a new training coming up in January/February and we're encouraging interested artists to apply). Elizabeth has taken advantage of the training and has taught a number of school and other residencies. Elizabeth has a studio in Ada Studio 4:13 where she offers workshops and classes. She has also received grants and awards from the NWMAC and been featured in many exhibits, including the Traveling Exhibit that is at the Ada Public Library currently. Listen to hear more!
11.29.22 Abby Pearson
Fosston resident and FCLAA member Abby Pearson is featured on this week’s podcast. Abby wrote and is directing a show in Fosston on Dec 2, 3, and 4 -- Christmas Through the Eras. It includes Christmas music from the last 100 years. Listen to hear about this show, theater in Fosston, and more! And, make plans to see the show.
11.22.22 Laura Seter
Region 2 Arts Council Director Laura Seter, based out of Bemidji is featured on this podcast. Laura spoke about 2 Anishinaabe Arts Initiatives that Region 2 administers. Roseau County is eligible for these. There is an Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Council. Often, residents of our region take advantage of arts events in Region 2.
Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Fellowship for artists who are enrolled tribal members and descendants residing in the following counties: Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Itasca, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, or Roseau (Award amount $5,000)
Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Grant for artists who are enrolled tribal members and descendants residing in the following counties: Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Itasca, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, or Roseau (Max. request $1,000). Deadline has been extended to Dec 1.
For more info about these programs and more visit their website at r2arts.org. Listen to the podcast!
11.15.Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel was the podcast guest this week. Mara spoke about the Individual Artist Grant deadline (Nov 15). She explained what defines an artist to be eligible for a grant in our region. She shared that the NWMAC has a Teaching Artist Roster Program (TARP) training starting in January with applications accepted right now through the end of the year. Consider joining this upcoming teaching artist cohort. It’s a helpful training that will allow artists to learn important skills, be added to the TARP roster, and is a venue to earn money teaching your art. Mara also spoke about a Somali art display at NCTC in Thief River Falls, an Art of Addiction Exhibit call for art, and theater events in our region, including a holiday play coming up in Fosston and a TRFACT play in Thief River Falls. Listen for all the details!
11.8.22 Wanda Nelson
Wanda Nelson was the featured podcast guest. Wanda is a children's author from Thief River Falls. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about being a writer, children’s books, and her own books that she’s had published up to now. Wanda has applied for a grant from the NWMAC to promote her books and offer book readings. Listen to hear about all this and more!
11.1.22 Tammy Parkin
Tammy Parkin spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about a grant that the Golden Link Senior Center in Crookston received for an artist series, which included Artists Trey Everett (This is what heals me 2D and 3D mixed media), Cindy Kolling (Mini-murals coloring), Elizabeth Rockstad (mosaics), and Connie Hannesson (historic storyteller/performance art). These popular arts workshops were offered free of charge to the Golden Link members, guests, and the community. Listen to hear all about them!
10.25.22 Molly Johnston
Molly Johnston was featured on our podcast this week. Molly is the Rural Program Manager at Springboard for the Arts. She explained what Springboard for the Arts is and what they do. She also gave a general update of Springboard resources/programs they provide for our region, including Artist Career Consultations, workshops, Work of Art (which teaches business skills to artists), and the Rural Connection fund. Springboard for the Arts is an important resource for artists in our region. Listen to the podcast to learn all about Springboard for the Arts!
10.18.22 Jane Anderson
Jane Anderson, Executive Director of the Thief River Falls Area Community Theater is featured in this podcast. She spoke about her history in theater and TRFACT. She also talked about the current exhibition at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls -- More Drama Please! and TRFACT's presence in it. Finally, she spoke about the weekly Pioneer 90.1 radio segment — Voices of the Theater — featuring TRFACT performers and dramas.
10.11.22 Wendy Barden and Anne Dennison
Wendy Barden and Anne Dennison of the Perpich School for the Arts spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West. Wendy is the head of the Professional Development arm at Perpich and Anne is the school librarian. They talked about resources that Perpich provides for teachers in Minnesota. The library is a public resource with curriculum and materials on arts integration that teachers and other educators can use. Perpich is part of the MN Link system and resources can be sent via interlibrary loans.
10.4.22 Kelly Thygeson
Tonnabell’s owner Kelly Jesme Thygeson spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West. Tonnabell's is located in Thief River Falls and showcases local artist's works. Kelly recently moved her store across the alley to the old Lindahl Furniture building. She is looking for artists who would be interested in teaching classes or demonstrating in her store. She's also going to sublet some office/vendor space that comes with her new building -- more opportunities for artists. If you are an artist looking for space or interested in teaching an art class, reach out to Kelly!
9.27.22 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel talked with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about many things, including upcoming grant deadlines and a change in our grant system, as well as new videos on our website to walk applicants through the grant writing process. She spoke about new opportunities at our office in Warren (space to write grants, a place to record, headshots and photographing artwork). There’s an artist reception on Wednesday, September 28 with the Dynamic Voices artists at our NWMAC Gallery at NCTC as a part of an open house at Northland. Once the Dynamic Voices exhibit closes, there will be a theater exhibit followed by one featuring work by Bert and Christine Foster. Mara and Rom also spoke about the long term relationship she's had with Minnesota's Historic Northwest — she was there at the start 25 years ago. Listen to learn!
9.20.22 Kay Dell Super
Middle River’s Kay Dell Super spoke about the Goosefest Production “Audiences,” which will be on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 at the Ye Olde Depot Theatre. She also spoke about the NWMAC and the assistance they’ve received to improve their theater and make it more accessible. Listen to the podcast to hear about the Middle River Community Theatre!
9.13.22 Jeanne O’Neil
East Grand Forks Musician Jeanne O'Neil of the O’Neil Family Band and North Country Fiddle & Dance is featured on this week’s podcast. North Country Fiddle & Dance has received grants from the NWMAC for dance/live music events. They host dances with live music throughout the year. North Country Fiddle and Dance is involved in a performance by lynx lynx on Wednesday, September 14th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the East Grand Forks Campbell Library, 422 4th Street N.W. (Admission is a freewill donation at the door). Listen to the podcast to learn more (and even hear some music by lynx lynx).
Info about lynx lynx:
Vidar Skrede and Patrik Ahlberg join their Scandinavian fiddle forces together in this Norwegian-Swedish folk music duo – lynx lynx. The variety of strings includes fiddles, Hardanger fiddles, guitars, and even a mandolin. The mix of tunes is put together by both their original and traditional Nordic fiddle tunes. This is what music sounds like between two Scandinavian transplants in the Midwest coming together to share their fiddle tunes. www.lynxlynxmusic.com
9.6.22 Gerald Amiot
Polk County Historical Society Board Member Jerry Amiot spoke about Pioneer Day in Crookston at the Polk County Historical Museum on Sunday, September 11 (11 am to 5 pm). The NWMAC provided funding for music (including vocal, fiddle, and accordion) at the event — Double the Trouble, Alex Conwell, and the Ross Sutter Musicians. There is also a blacksmithing demonstration featuring Randy Oberg. Listen to hear the details and attend the event this Sunday!
8.30.22 Lee Ann Hall
Lee Ann Hall of the Ada Chamber of Commerce spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West. The Chamber of Commerce received a grant from the NWMAC for arts and entertainment during Fun in the Flatlands taking place September 9, 10, and 11. Events include George's Concertina Band, blacksmithing from Raven Works Forge from Roseau, and basket weaving with Buffy Rockstad. Listen to the podcast to hear all the details.
8.23.22 Virgil Benoit
Virgil Benoit spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about AFRAN’s Chautauqua and French Canadian/Metis Festival and the many arts activities (including storytelling, dance, and music) that will be happening on August 26-28 at the Old Crossing and Treaty Park near Huot. They received a grant from the NWMAC for the festival. Listen to learn the details!
8.16.22 Heidi Danos
Fosston Artist Heidi Danos is featured on this week’s podcast. A number of pieces of her art are included in NWMAC’s Dynamic Voices exhibit at NCTC. These artworks depict the female figure and were created with watercolor, acrylic, oil, and other mediums. The exhibit is open until September 28. In addition, Heidi has a piece of art in the Traveling Art Exhibit. Finally, Heidi is also organizing an art sale, featuring numerous artists, on behalf of the Arts & Culture Commission in Fosston for September 9 (2-5:30 pm) -10th (9am-3pm). Heritage Days and Forged in Fosston will also be happening. Stop by the Dynamic Voices Exhibit and visit Fosston on September 9 and 10! Listen for details!
8.2.22 Carol Ihle
Carol Ihle of Thief River Falls filled Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West in about the Zehlian's Art and Wine Walk in TRF. The 5th Annual Art and Wine Walk is Thursday, August 4 from 4 - 8 pm and includes 28 businesses with at least as many artists. The Zehlians is part of the national organization GFWC and they raise funds for projects in the community. Register early at Eventbrite.com at a reduced cost — here’s the link or same day registration is at the Carnegie Library. Listen to hear about the event!