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!

Gully artist Cindy Kolling spoke with Ron West this week about her art and experience with the NWMAC. Cindy received a grant from the NWMAC — Growing in my art: Seeking and Developing Handprinting Options. She has a series of milkweed handprints and is the owner of Kolling Cards. She is also listed in our enhanced artist listing. Listen to learn more and check out Cindy on our enhanced artist listing!

Artist Kendra Olson is this week’s featured podcast. Kendra’s work is included in our current Winter Fantasy exhibition at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Listen to learn more about Kendra’s art and stop by the exhibit!

Katelyn Crowe of Warroad (and current UMC student) was Ron West’s guest this week. Katelyn has sculptures — Cloth Mache Dragons series — in our Winter Fantasy Exhibit currently at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Listen to learn more and stop by the exhibit to see the art in person!

Thief River Falls Artist Shantelle Carey is this week’s featured podcast. Shantelle and Ron West spoke about her art An Individual Exploration of Spirituality (rabbit skin) and her “Bean” series, which is featured in the Winter Fantasy Art Exhibit at our gallery at NCTC. Listen to learn more and stop by the exhibit to see it!

Roseau Assistant High School Principal Kelsey Johnson spoke with Ron West this week. Roseau Community School received a grant from the NWMAC for sound and lighting equipment for the school theater. Listen to learn more!

Fosston resident Bonnie Stewart was Ron West’s guest for these week’s podcast. Bonnie filled Rom in on the thriving arts scene in Fosston and the Fosston Community Library Arts Association (FCLAA). 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of the FCLAA and it will be celebrated with numerous activities.

Karlstad resident Elwyn Ruud spoke with Ron West about COMPAS teaching artists who travel to our region to come into our schools as artists in residence. She also spoke about being on the board of the NWMAC. Listen to learn more about NWMAC and teaching artist residencies!

Thief River Falls Area Theater Director Jane Anderson spoke with Ron West this week about upcoming TRFACT events — a Broadway Cabaret fundraiser on January 17 and their Valentine’s Dinner show Last of the Red Hot Lovers on February 12, 13 and 14, as well other shows, trainings and more!

Thief River Falls Teacher Katie Hahn was Ron West’s guest this week. Katie and Rom discussed Harmony Bridge, a music program at Lincoln HS that they received grant funding for from the NWMAC. Listen to learn more about this initiative program!