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3.12.24 Scott Artley
MRAC Accessibility Program Director Scott Artley spoke about accessibility, including resources, planning, and services. MRAC — the Metro Regional Arts Council is one of the NWMAC’s fellow arts councils. The NWMAC strives to increase arts access.
Scott is also MRAC's designated ADA Access Coordinator and serves as the first point of contact for needs related to accessibility for people with disabilities.
As the Accessibility Program Director, Scott (he/him and they/them pronouns) has a dual role at MRAC. Along with other staff, he develops and manages grant programs for artists and arts organizations in the Twin Cities Metro. He also coordinates efforts to ensure MRAC's own grant processes, meetings, and other activities are accessible; and creates and mobilizes resources to expand the arts participation of people with disabilities in the region. Scott has 15 years of leadership experience advancing social justice in the Twin Cities art world at organizations like the Walker Art Center, Mixed Blood Theatre, and Patrick's Cabaret, and cut his teeth as a creative producer in the underground queer cultural center Madame of the Arts. He is a nationally recognized expert in arts and culture accessibility, and a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals. Listen to the podcast to learn about accessibility in the arts and about Scott!
3.5.24 Jeanne O’Neil
Musician and Visual Artist Jeanne O’Neil spoke about her music (she plays concertina and the banjo) and the new exhibit Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through April 2024.
The newest prints in this show come from a series of sketches Jeanne made over the past summers of her land. This includes silkscreen, lithograph, mono prints, etchings, and linocuts. She explained that each print is the original print. There are approximately 25 prints in the exhibit.
Jeanne’s daughter Erin O’Neil plays the fiddle and created the Twenty of Plenty tune book. This was an effort to get some of her tune compositions transcribed so that they could be introduced into wider circles of musicians. Erin received a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the McKnight Foundation. The descriptions and illustration throughout the book offer insight into the meaning of the compositions. The cultural influences for these tunes include French Canadian, Irish, Scandinavian, Scottish traditional fiddle music, New England Contra Dance music, Old Time Appalachian music, and Metis fiddle tunes.
Erin also has Rag Folk pieces in this exhibit. The Rag Folk represent preservation of what has been used in everyday life and creating new lives out of old scraps and rags. Erin started creating these pieces with a passion for recycling and reducing waste and a desire to connect with others.
Jeanne and Erin both play in the O’Neil Family Band. The band holds many community dances in our region and there are some coming up. Upcoming dances include one in EGF on April 6 at 2 pm; April 20 in Duluth; May 4 in Fosston; and May 18 in Bemidji. The band will play at the Artist Reception on April 24.
An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. There will be live music by the O’Neil Family Band and refreshments.
Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends. Listen to learn more!
2.20.24 Heidi Danos
Fosston Artist Heidi Danos spoke about the Firefly Center for Arts and Wellbeing in Fosston. She’s been involved in creating this unique center. The Firefly Center is reinventing the traditional approach to mental health care by creating a unique space that provides a place for all to connect through art and wellbeing events, but also brings professional mental health services to Fosston and the surrounding communities.
Here’s some background: Three years ago… a community group in Fosston discovered that Alluma, a regional mental healthcare provider, was looking to secure a permanent location in Fosston.
Firefly conducted feasibility studies with Artspace, a nonprofit organization that specializes in consulting with organizations like Firefly to create financially sustainable, artistic, multi-use spaces. The Center will rely on income from two main sources–rent from Alluma, a regional mental health service provider, as well as two 1-bedroom apartment spaces available to the general public for rent.
The Center will also rent space for community events, artists, and provide wellbeing programming, whether it be financial, social, physical, mental, spiritual, or more.
In June 2023 Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing filed for 501c3 status and established a 12-member board, each bringing a unique skill sets to this project. A lease was signed in July and construction has begun.
Listen to learn more about the background and the progress of the center!
2.13.24 Dana Kassel
Dana Kassel is the Program Director for the McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers and Dancers at the Cowles Center. These fellowships are for mid-career artists, are unrestricted, and statewide. Listen to hear about the fellowships!
2.6.24 Karlace Taylor
Karlstad resident Karlace Taylor serves on the NWMAC board of directors. She has a music background and teaches private piano lessons in Karlstad and plays for special events and in churches. You can find Karlace on Facebook. Listen to hear the details!
1.30.24 Andy Hall
Photographer Andy Hall has an exhibit at our gallery at NCTC right now -- Pulled in Many Directions Photography by Andy Hall. Andy spoke about the exhibit, his photography, funding he received from the NWMAC, and Sweetlight Gallery, his shop in Crookston (including pieces he has for sale).
1.23.24 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel spoke about the many things the Arts Council has coming up during this week’s podcast.
- Annual NW Art Exhibit. Deadline Feb 29 to submit entries. The exhibit will be in Lake Bronson this year from March 27 to April 21. Submit your art for this exhibit (up to pieces per person adults and high school students)
- Of the Year Awards. Deadline Feb 29 to nominate for Artist of the Year (emerging and mid-career), NW Star Award (lifetime achievement), and Arts Advocate of the Year. Please consider nominating a deserving artist or arts advocate!
-Upcoming Grant deadlines. Feb 29 and a grant writing workshop (Feb 13 at 10 am. RSVP required). We have funds for the following:
Project Grants for nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, and other nonprofit organizations from our seven county Minnesota service area between $500 and $10,000. Activities funded include festivals, community theatre projects, folk music entertainment, sponsorship of visual demonstrations, creative writing workshops and many other activities that improve the quality of life of people in our communities.
Schools can apply for an Artist Residency grant of $2,600 plus an additional $400 if the residency needs supplies;
Quick Turnaround Grants for $500. Awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists. First come-first served basis
- Pulled in Many Directions Photography by Andy Hall. Photography exhibit at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Artist reception on Wednesday, Jan 24 5:30-7:30 PM. Make a point to visit this impressive exhibit and consider purchasing a piece of art!
- Traveling art exhibit, featuring adult and high school student art, is at the Campbell Library in East Grand Forks until February 27.
- Artists of NW Minnesota booklet is being created right now. The booklet includes many artist listings and we are looking for gig artists, including musicians and performers to add to a new section in this edition's booklet (we publish this booklet every 3 years). We are also looking for arts-supporting businesses for the back of the booklet. The purpose of the booklet is promotional and features those who offer an arts service to the community.
Listen to the podcast for all the details!
1.16.24 Anika Schneider
Director of Exhibitions and Artist Programs at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts Anika Schneider spoke about the Minnesota Center for Book Arts and the McKnight Fellowships for Book Artists. She provided lots of information about what the center does and offers for artists statewide (this includes educational programming for adults and youth, book binding, print making, all of the arts surrounding book making, educational programming, exhibits, workshops, and more). The Center is the largest book arts center in the country. The Center partners with the McKnight Foundation to offer 2 fellowships each year for book artists. Fellowships are for mid-career book artists (over 8 years) and support book artists in a number of ways. Apply online by March 1. Listen to learn all about the Center, the fellowships, and what a book artist! Contact Anika via email at aschneider@mnbookarts.org or visit their website at mnbookarts.org.
1.9.23 Lindsay Lewis
Lindsay Lewis from the MacPhail Center for Music spoke about the McKnight Fellowships for Musicians and MacPhail Center for Music. Lindsay is the contact for the McKnight Fellowships for Musicians. There are 4 fellowships available for musicians each year. Lindsay detailed many opportunities that are included with the fellowships and explained their commitment to artists throughout the entire state. Applications are open now and are due Monday, January 22. Visit macphail.org/mcknight-fellowships and listen to hear all about the fellowships!
12.19.23 Theresa Sweetland
Theresa Sweetland is the Executive Director of Forecast Public Art. Listen to the podcast to learn about Forecast Public Art and opportunities that benefit public artists in our region, including grant programs for MN emerging and established artists, professional development, and sharing job opportunities for artists. Forecast would like to get the word out to artists throughout Minnesota. Visit their website at forecastpublicart.org
12.12.23 Julia Brown
This week’s podcast guest is Julia Brown of the Playwrights' Center. She provided information about
what a playwright is,
the Playwrights’ Center,
the McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship (for theater artists other than playwrights based in Minnesota). Deadline is March 28, but they recommend submitting and intent to apply earlier),
the McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting (for playwrights in Minnesota who have had at least one play professionally produced). Deadline is January 11, and finally,
the Core Writer Program (for any committed professional playwright). Deadline is January 25.
Visit their website for more info about these opportunities: https://pwcenter.org.
12.5.23 Beth Carlson
Beth Carlson has a long theater career in Crookston. She retired as the Music Teacher from the Cathedral School and is the One Act and Three Act Director at Crookston High School. She spoke about that and upcoming theater events. They are currently working on their One Act performances. This year Crookston HS is hosting the competition. Listen to learn more!
11.28.23 Trey Everett
NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett talked about what is involved in creating our exhibits and some behind-the-scenes info about his job. Trey is also an artist. He is primarily a pen and ink artist and creates murals throughout our region. Trey also works as a teaching artist. This fall he was awarded a national rural arts award, which is quite an honor. Listen for details!
11.21.23 Becky Rosenkrans
Jewelry Artist Becky Rosenkrans is the owner of Minnesota BeadGypsy in Roseau. Becky spoke about her shop, making jewelry, and upcoming events. With holiday shopping in full swing, it’s a great time to make a trip to Roseau to check it out. Becky is a jeweler and the shop includes her work and artwork from many local artists, including pottery, rosemaling, books, fiber arts, and much more. It's a fun place to visit and support local art.
11.14.23 Bonnie Stewart
Arts Advocate Bonnie Stewart of Fosston spoke about the history of the arts in Fosston. She described the details of the name change from FCLAA to the Aurora Center for the Arts. Their board undertook a branding campaign as a part of the name change. She also provided information about upcoming events like the Dan Rodriguez concert on December 8 and the Daisy Hagen Auction for the Arts on Sunday, November 26. Listen to learn more and visit Fosston to take in these fun events!
11.7.23 Jane Anderson
Jane Anderson of Thief River Falls is the Director of the Thief River Falls Area Community Theater. She and Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West spoke about ACT's upcoming An Evening of Short Comedies November 16-18. She entertained Ron with stories about her theater background and more. Finally, she provided an update about other ACT shows and happenings. Listen to learn more and head to Thief River to see the show!
10.31.23 Loren Younggren
Hallock Photographer Loren Younggren, owner of Younggren Photography, received a quick turnaround grant last year for location lighting equipment. The equipment allows him to get out and take location photos easier. Loren spoke about his photography and how things have changed over the years. His business — Younggren Photography offers framing services for artwork in addition to photography services. Loren also spoke about being a Kittson County Commissioner and his artwork in past NW Minnesota annual exhibits. Finally, Loren goes all out for Halloween and his yard is not-to-miss. This year he created a haunted trail open to all visitors. Listen for details!
10.24.23 Stephenie Anderson
Fiber Artist and NWMAC Board Member Stephenie Anderson was this week’s featured podcast guest.
Steph hand sews Viking-age textiles, creates folk costuming from the 1700s, and knits in Norwegian Nordic patterns. She spoke about the details of creating her Viking costumes, her family ties to Norway and the impact that has on her art.
Stephenie is an at-large member of our board from Fosston.
Stephenie studied and recreated historic knitting patterns from the Norwegian Husfliden archives and used historic knitting methods and patterns to create modern garments. She also studied and recreates historically accurate Viking Age garments based on archaeological findings. She has taught and displayed these garments in living history events such as: Heritage Days in Fosston, Nordic Fest in Decorah, IA, Midwest Viking Fest in Green Bay, WI, and several local events for both adults and children.
Stephenie is part of the Order Of The Mitten, a group of textile artists from Norway, England, Poland, and Fosston (Stephenie), who research textile grave finds and recreate as historically accurate as possible.
Steph explained that she joined the NWMAC Board for a few reasons. First, she’s been a grant recipient herself and wanted to give back. Being someone who has applied for a grant and received a grant gives her a different perspective when evaluating them. Second, because her community submits and receives grant funding, she feels having a representative on the board from her area is important. And finally, as an artist/craftsperson she believes it is important to help keep artistic opportunities going in our area. Thank you, Stephenie for serving on the board!
Listen to the podcast to learn more!
10.17.23 Stephanie Olson
Thief River Falls Artist and Goodridge English Teacher Stephanie Olson is the featured artist in our current exhibit -- Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson. She spoke about the artwork, the exhibit, the Artist Reception on Wednesday, October 17, her inspiration, and more! Listen for details and attend the Artist Reception at NCTC on Oct 17 from 6 to 8 PM (there will be live art, live fiddle music, snacks, and drinks!)
10.10.23 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel spoke about upcoming grant deadlines (and changes to those deadlines), as well as grant requirements, our current exhibit featuring Artist Stephanie Olson at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through November, the Artist Reception on October 18 including fiddle music, and other area happenings. It’s always a great opportunity to hear about the arts in NW Minnesota when Mara is the podcast guest. Listen to hear more!