2020 Podcast Episodes
Andy Hall spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week. Andy’s photography includes landscape images, the outdoors, regional images, and abandoned spaces. The Sweetlight Gallery is a wonderful source of local art — Andy’s photography, gift cards and work from other artists. You can find Andy on our enhanced listing, as well. Listen to the interview to learn more and to hear about Andy’s creative process!
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel is this week’s featured podcast. Mara and spoke with Ron West about what’s going on with the arts council and artists in our area, specifically digital arts assistance, NWMAC seeking a graphic designer, a Black Lives Matter canvas workshop this weekend, and ways to support local artists during this time. Listen for the details!
Abby Pearson of Fosston spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week. Abby is directing and acting in the FCLAA’s production Every Christmas Story Ever Told. Because of the pandemic, the play will be live-streamed (and not available to see in person) on Dec 17 and 18 at 7pm. Listen to the conversation for all the details!
Adam Reinwald of Open Voices is this week’s featured podcast. He spoke with Ron West about digital engagement work Open Voices is doing with the NWMAC to provide digital training for artists and arts organizations. Listen to learn more and take advantage of the important skills and knowledge Open Voices can provide!
Cheryl Peters spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week about the Viking Veterans Memorial. An original oil painting “Home for the Harvest” by Newfolden artist Tammy Hansen was reproduced on granite to form the centerpiece of the memorial. Listen to hear all about it!
Bead Gypsy Owner Rebecca Rosenkrans of Roseau is this week’s featured podcast. Rebecca spoke about creating jewelry, the materials and tools she uses, and being in the Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. Bead Gypsy is located in the En Liten Svensk Shoppe in Roseau. She also offers jewelry repair and custom orders. Listen to hear the whole conversation.
Beau Bakken of Hallock spoke with Ron West this week. Beau’s artwork along with his father’s, Rock Bakken, is featured in our current exhibit in Thief River Falls — Bakken: The Artistry of Father and Son. Beau has also created many public murals. He spoke about his art and his philosophy “Expression through Creation.” Listen to the interview!
Hallock Artist Rock Bakken is this week’s featured podcast. Rock spoke about being an artist, his store in Hallock, and the current exhibit that features his and his son Beau’s works.
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Director Sheila Smith spoke with Ron West this week. She talked about how the pandemic has impacted the arts community, as well as encouraging people to Vote for Arts. Listen to hear more! (remember to vote for the arts!)
NWMAC Showcase and Training Specialist Trey Everett was this week’s featured podcast. Trey spoke with Ron West about his position, as well as a number of events and resources for artists coming up, including the current exhibit at our gallery (Bakken: The Artistry of Father and Son), a call for art for a Black Lives Matter exhibit, Tending the Creative Soul Zoom gatherings, Mojo Mondays for Performing Arts, and a Springboard for the Arts virtual open house.
Crookston resident Rick Jensen spoke with Ron West this week. Rick recently won a merit award for his wood carving sculpture “Tree house” in the the NW Art Exhibit. Listen to Rick’s interesting stories below!
Ada Artist Candace Osborn was featured on this week’s podcast. Candace won third place in the NW Art Exhibit for her sculpture “Giraffe.” Candace spoke with Ron about how she created the sculpture and her art. Listen to hear all about it!
Hallock resident Dennis Kinkead spoke with Ron West this week. Dennis won a merit award for his sculpture Landing Crow in the NW Art Exhibit. His sculpture is made of steel. Dennis has art for sale and can create custom pieces. Listen to learn more!
Artist of the Year and Thief River Falls resident Rob Burkel spoke with Pioneer 90.1 Ron West this week. Rob received this award for theater arts. Read more about Rob on our website. And, to learn more listen to the podcast !
NW Star Award Winner Joe Wavra is this week’s featured podcast. Joe spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about his art (chainsaw carving), support from the NWMAC and receiving the award. Congrats, Joe! Listento learn more.
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week. They talked about the annual NW Art Exhibit taking place in Warren this year (visit in person and/or watch online here) , Of the Year Awards, grants for disaster relief for artists, and other NWMAC happenings.
Red Lake Falls Musician Bruce Piersol is this week’s featured podcast guest. Bruce is the 2020 recipient of the Arts Advocate of the Year Award. Bruce will be honored later this month. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is given each year to recognize arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year award winners were nominated by area residents. This award comes with a cash award of $500.00. Funding for the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature. Congrats, Bruce! Listen to learn more about Bruce and his work advocating the arts.
Alicia Spilde and Artist Nick Reitzel were this week’s featured podcast. Alicia and Nick spoke about a veteran’s kiosk mural that is in the process of being created in the Marshall County courthouse. The group received funding from the NWMAC for the project honoring veterans. Listen to hear more about it!
7.21.20 Kristin Eggerling and Freedom Festival
NWMAC Promotions Specialist Kristin Eggerling announced the Of the Year Award Winners. Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West spoke about the upcoming Freedom Festival in Goodridge and the schedule filled with local musicians and artists. Listen for details!
Kelly Thygeson, owner of Tonnabells in Thief River Falls, is featured on our podcast this week. Tonnabells is a small business that sells art by local artists and handcrafters. Kelly is also looking for other artists and art to sell in her store. Listen to the conversation below!
Tracey Wensloff and Sue Suess spoke with Ron West this week. Tracey is with the Baseball Boosters in Roseau and helped initiate the creation of the Gilbertson Field Archway. Sue is one of the artists who designed and created the work. The NWMAC provided a grant for this. Listen to their conversation!
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.