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4.18.23 Kate Hammer and Mike Anderson
The focus of this podcast is our Art of Addiction Exhibit . The first guest is Artist Kate Hammer of Roseau. She spoke about her pottery or ceramics and the NWMAC exhibit Art of Addiction that is currently open at our gallery at NCTC. The bulk of the exhibit features Kate’s works on the topic of addiction. Here's a video tour of the exhibit: https://youtu.be/QMU-LXZzkEc. Watch the video to see all of the pieces of art in this exhibit. Kate sells her work at art shows. Her work in the exhibit includes vases, platters, postcards, tiles, acrylic paintings, and more. Some of these works are for sale.
The second guest is Mike Anderson. Mike manages the Northwestern Apartments transitional living facility in Crookston. Residents at NW Apartments created artwork for the Art of Addiction exhibit — 9 12 x12 canvas paintings are included in the exhibit that were created in a workshop with the residents. Earlier Mike stated, “For those who have struggled with mental health and substance use problems in their life, recovery is a sometimes long and arduous path. Often it can literally be a life and death struggle. Residents of the Northwestern Apartments (NWA) transitional living facility know that struggle intimately. Many residents come to NWA from inpatient mental health facilities, homeless shelters, substance use programs, and incarceration. Criteria for admission is to have a serious mental illness, and about 3/4 of residents also have a co-occurring substance use disorder. But whether it is stabilizing mental health symptoms, or the daily challenge to stay clean and sober, recovery is the goal of all. Inclusion in this art therapy project, The Art of Addiction, was a great way for residents to “go deeper.” After an initial session with local artist Trey Everett, the residents engaged with supplies and canvas to work on their own creation, with the general theme of addiction and recovery as a guide. Residents spent a week with their art. Many did several art pieces. Some were unable to finish one. Others felt their art was too personal to put on display. The project was captivating – residents were in the community room, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups, at all times of the day and night, working on their art, talking, and healing. One of the keys to recovery is connection, and this project provided that in addition to a personal and therapeutic experience that helped all involved on their healing path.”
Listen to the podcast to learn more!
4.11.23 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel spoke about a number of arts events, activities, and deadlines. 1) Of the Year Awards. Musician Cathy Erickson will receive the NW Star Award, a lifetime achievement award. Debbie Aune is the Artist of the Year. Arts Advocate of the Year is Fosston resident Bonnie Stewart. The awards reception will be held in Middle River on Sunday, April 30 at the Middle River Legacy Center at 3 PM with a program at 4 PM. The event is free and everyone is encouraged to attend!; 2) The Arts Council’s Biennial Planning. 3) an added grant deadline (May 1). Mara can help answer any questions about the grant application; 4) The NWMAC Gallery at NCTC currently has the Art of Addiction exhibit through the end of the month; and 5) NW Art Exhibit is currently open at the Middle River Legacy Center until April 30. See the show and vote for People’s Choice. Listen for more details!
3.14.23 Mark Johnson and Michael Hurley
Pioneer 90.1 Station Manager Mark Johnson and Michael Hurley (the son of It Ain’t Easy film writer and director Maury Hurley) spoke about It Ain’t Easy and its interesting history. This was the first feature film that was made entirely in Minnesota. Michael and his brother are flying in from California to watch the movie. The NWMAC provided a grant to help restore and digitize this film. It hasn’t been available to watch since it was initially released in 1972.
It Ain't Easy will be screening on Saturday, March 18 at 10:00 am at Falls Cinema in Thief River Falls. The public is welcome to attend. The documentary about the making of the movie is here on Pioneer 90.1: http://www.radionorthland.org/category/premiere-72-it-aint-easy/).
2.28.23 Eric Mueller
McKnight Fellowships in Media Arts Administrator Eric Mueller is featured on this podcast. Eric is at FilmNorth in St. Paul. FilmNorth administers the McKnight Fellowships for Media Artists. This includes filmmakers, screenwriters, and other media artists. The application deadline is March 20. Eric spoke about FilmNorth and the fellowships.
ABOUT THE MCKNIGHT MEDIA ARTIST FELLOWSHIPS
The intent of this program is to recognize and support mid-career media artists living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence. This is not a project-specific grant.
The McKnight Fellowships for Media Artists provide recognition and financial support for mid-career media artists. The program is designed to reward media artists who have created a substantial body of work over a period of time, and who are at a career stage that is beyond emerging. The specific criteria that the jurors use to select the fellows are consistent artistic excellence and merit, clarity and uniqueness of vision, professional accomplishment, and commitment.
Four fellowships of $25,000 will be awarded to Minnesota media artists. The awards are unrestricted and can help an artist set aside periods of time for study, reflection, experimentation, and exploration; take advantage of an opportunity; or work on a new project.
One of these four fellowships will be awarded to a screenwriter, and three will be awarded to other types of media artists, including directors in film, television, and streaming; radio producers; and creative artists in web, computer/video games, and other emerging forms of media. Awards are subject to state and federal income tax guidelines.
Eligible applicants include directors and writers in film, television, and streaming; radio producers; and creative artists in web, computer/video games, and other emerging forms of media. The fellowship is designed to support Minnesota media artists whose work is of exceptional artistic merit and who are at a career stage beyond emerging.
Listen to the podcast to learn more and visit their website with questions or to apply at https://filmnorth.org/mcknight-fellowships-media-artists/.
2.21.23 Sarah Fossen
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Executive Director Sarah Fossen shared info about MCA. MCA is the lobbying arm for the arts in Minnesota. They like to remind citizens and legislators that the arts are an economic driver throughout the state of Minnesota. One of their goals is to empower their advocates to tell their arts story. Sarah spoke about MCA (who they are, what they do), current legislation, and other upcoming topics that affect the arts statewide. MCA is holding Arts Action Week from March 20-24 (virtual meetings with legislators — please sign up!) On March 21at 2:30, they are holding an in-person rally at the Minnesota State Capitol building. To learn more about MCA and to sign up for Arts Action Week visit their website at artsmn.org and listen to the podcast!
2.14.23 Mitchell Johnson
Roseau resident and President of the Northern Lights Concert Association Mitchell Johnson is featured on this podcast. Mitchell spoke about the Northern Lights Concert Association and the concerts they have coming up. Check out the schedule, make plans to attend, and listen to learn all about it!
2.7.23 Christine Foster
Thief River Falls Artist Christine Foster spoke with Pioneer 90.1 Ron West for this podcast. Christine is a visual artist and the Art Teacher at Northland Community and Technical College. She and her husband Bert Foster have an exhibit at the NWMAC gallery at NCTC right now -- Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera until March 3. Christine spoke about painting plein air, capturing the landscape of northern Minnesota, how painting light mesmerizes her, teaching art, and receiving grants from the NWMAC. You can view the exhibit virtually at https://youtu.be/n3BEnrQlPBs. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
1.31.23 Bert Foster
Featured this week is Thief River Falls Photographer Bert Foster. Bert and his wife Christine Foster have an exhibit at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC right now -- Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera until March 3. Bert spoke about his photography, his artistic journey, his love of nature, grants he’s received from the NWMAC, and more. You can view the exhibit virtually https://youtu.be/n3BEnrQlPBs. An Artist Reception was held on the 31st at the gallery from 6 to 8pm. Most of the work in the exhibit is for sale. Visit the exhibit and listen to the podcast to learn more about Bert and his work!
1.17.23 Janet Johnson
Featured on this podcast is Roseau Artist Janet Johnson. Janet has pottery at the Bead Gypsy in Roseau and she shared info about many of the other artists with work there, too. There are weavers and quality knitters, Julene Juhl from Greenbush is a glass artist and Jean Honl has rosemaling. It’s a great destination store, and the coffee is always on!
Janet is a former teacher. Recently, Janet's personal pottery has been hampered by the lack of a kiln and other commitments, but she's developed some fun pieces that have been popular, like her egg separators and thumb spoons. She received a grant in 2014 to purchase a wheel, supplies, and an old manual kiln for $500 and she just received another grant to purchase a new kiln (since her old one died — she's worn it out developing her craft and expanding her business.
Janet is a TARP (Teaching Artist Roster Program) artist. She took our free training that teaches artists numerous tools to help artists secure residencies and offer them successfully. Janet is a wonderful teacher and talented artist. She’s also on our enhanced artist listing. We are so fortunate to have her in our region. Listen to hear more!
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.