Podcasts from 2022
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
This week’s podcast featured Singer-Songwriter Paige Shannon. Shannon performed downtown Hallock on Friday, July 22 as part of a summer music series. Hallock received a grant from the NWMAC for this series that includes the Wood Picks (they performed in June) and the Downtown Horns (they'll be performing August 26). Earlier this spring Shannon filmed a music video for one of her singles in Hallock and a number of residents participated. Listen to the interview to learn more and to hear some of the music.
Jason Rominiski, a Director at the Marshall County Fair, talked about the fair and the arts events at the free stage. The fair will be July 20-24. There will be lots of live music from locals including the Jensen Sisters, Cathy Erickson and her daughter Mary Jo, 4 Wheel Drive Band, the 60s Chicks, and Erik Finney and the Pickers. The NWMAC has provided grant funding for some of these events. Listen to hear about the fair in Warren!
Rena Bouchard is this week’s featured podcast guest. Rena spoke with Host Ron West about InProgress and their Fresh Voice's Digital Storytelling Project, which they received a grant for from the NWMAC. Rena also recently joined our board.
In Progress’s purpose is to diversify cultural dialogue and pave the way for new voices in the field of digital art making. In Progress provides opportunities for artists of all ages to develop their skills as digital storytellers and leaders through the use of photography, video, and music. This small non-profit has been promoting the voices of new and emerging artists since its inception in 1996, breaking down barriers of geography, class, education, and culture in the process. They use digital art making as a tool for public discourse, while building the skills of new and developing makers so they may create, teach and lead.
One aspect of the Digital Storytelling Project is Digital Kids, an introductory workshop to the art of digital storytelling dedicated to children age 12 and under and supporting family members. Participants work in family units to write a story that they then illustrate using cameras, audio equipment and iMovie editing software. This is an introductory level workshop designed to introduce basic storytelling concepts that is centered within the values of the families participating. Listen to learn more!
Visual Artist Debbie Aune is featured on this week’s podcast. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about her artwork in the current exhibit Nature’s Offerings and what inspired her. She also talked about being an art teacher, writing grants, and being an artist. Listen to hear all about it and stop by the exhibit to see the artwork!
Carol Torgerson spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week about the upcoming Gully Days Skol! event from June 16-19. They received a grant from the NWMAC for numerous arts activities, including music, fiber arts, and Mince-murals with Artist Cindy Kolling that will happen during Gully Days Skol! This event was planned earlier, but was delayed because of the pandemic. Listen to hear about all that’s happening in Gully and head there to take advantage!
LaVonne Forsberg received our prestigious NW Star Award earlier this year. This week she spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West. She is a well known visual artist in our region (especially for her stained glass and watercolor paintings). She also owned an arts store in Thief River Falls — Country Class Arts, where she taught classes and sold art supplies. Forsberg has received awards in past NWMAC art exhibits and other statewide exhibits for her art. You can find her stained-glass at the Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls (chandeliers), 13 area churches, the local hospital, and her paintings in the Kiehle Building on the campus at the University of Minnesota Crookston. She was commissioned by the state of Minnesota to design and paint the Old Mill State Park entrance permit and collector's mug in 200l.
Tausha Severts and her daughter Addison Severts were featured on this week’s podcast. Tausha has taught at Grygla for 7 years and this year she started teaching art, as well. Addison is a student who enjoys art. She received 1st place and People's Choice for students for her piece "Wave of Money" in the NW Art Exhibit. It will hang in Senator Mark Johnson's office.
This week’s podcast features Hallock Author Jeanne Cooney. Jeanne’s books are humorous mysteries set in northwestern Minnesota. Her newest book, It’s Murder, Dontcha Know? was recently released. She received a grant from the NWMAC to help her with literary marketing. Jeanne has a busy summer coming up promoting her book. Listen to the engaging conversation!
Kevin Lindsey, CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center located in St. Paul, spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the Humanities Center. They are trying to reach non-metro arts/humanities individuals and organizations. They also have a grant opportunity currently available that offers grants for cultural heritage and community identity projects.
Musician Phil McKenzie is featured in this week’s podcast. Phil recently received NWMAC’s Arts Advocate of the Year Award. Phil has an impressive background as a professional oboe player and arts advocate, including the director of the Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, an adjunct oboe faculty at UND and NDSU, and hosting a radio show — Northern Classics on Pioneer 90.1 that brings classical music to our region. He’s served on the Thief River Falls Area Community Theater (TRFACT) Board and is currently the Chair of the Minnesota State Arts Board. Listen to learn more!
Curious what’s going on the NWMAC? Director Mara Hanel talks about the NW Art Exhibit at NCTC in Thief River Falls, the upcoming reception/awards ceremony for the exhibit, Nature’s Offerings art creation workshop, Of the Year awards recipients (Visual Artist Ross Hier Artist of the Year, Musician Phillip McKenzie Arts Advocate, and Visual Artist — painting and stained glass — LaVonne Forsberg NW Star Award), upcoming arts legacy grant deadlines, and Calls for Art (Nature’s Offerings, Day of the Dead) for future exhibits. Listen to hear all about these arts activities!
Long-time Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Mark Albers filled Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West in about the mission and activities of MCA. Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is a statewide arts advocacy organization that works to promote arts in Minnesota. They sponsor arts action week and lobby the legislature for arts funding and arts-friendly policies. They also spoke about the impact of Covid and responses to it. Listen to learn more about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts!
Sacred Heart band teacher Devon Tucker and student Charlotte Whiting spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about grants they received from the NWMAC and the drama program at the school. Sacred Heart was able to purchase band instruments and equipment with the grants. During the interview, Devon explained how easy it was to apply for grants and the tremendous impact the purchases have had on the band and the school. Charlotte is president of the drama club. She spoke about the club and the spring performance. Listen to hear more.
Listen to Executive Director of the Minnesota State Arts Board Sue Gens to learn about the State Arts Board -- who they are, what they do, what they offer, and the effects of and response to Covid on the MSAB, artists and arts organizations.
Fosston resident Bonnie Stewart is featured on this week’s podcast. She provided a history and overview of the FCLAA in Fosston. She also talked about FCLAA’s upcoming writing retreat from April 21 - 23. The retreat is taking registrations. The NWMAC has provided funding for the retreat. Residents in our region can apply for a grant to attend the retreat. There are scholarships available, as well. Listen to hear all about the presenters and much more!
Curious what spoken word actually is? This podcast is for you! Desdamona, a spoken word artist, is this week’s featured artist podcast. She and Ron West talked about what spoken word is. It’s a form of expression, sometimes in the storytelling realm. Examples include hip hop, poetry, slam poetry, speeches, and much more. Desdamona will be a residency artist at the Roseau High School later this month with funding from the NWMAC.
Mary Balstad, originally from Fosston, is this week’s featured podcast. Mary received a grant from the NWMAC to create a short film — The Pear. She spoke with Ron West about her inspiration, the catalyst, applying for a grant from the NWMAC, and putting a film together. Mary’s credits on the film include directing, producing, writing, and voice over. The Pear is a 2 minute film that is being shown at the Fargo Film Festival in a 2 minute movie competition. Listen to the conversation to hear the whole story.
Kate Hammer of Roseau is featured on this week’s podcast. Kate is a potter and the owner of Pretty Dirt Pottery. Kate has received grants from the NWMAC. Her most recent grant was for 1) a portable slab roller to allow her to do public demonstrations and teach at different locations in the community; 2) Pottery forms for handbuilding made of wood and used to produce platters and plates; 3) Tools and supplies to allow for a greater audience, back to back classes, and replacements. She also purchased materials, clay, stains and glazes. Listen to hear about her process, inspiration, the 56751 series, and classes that she’s teaching.
Karen Engevik of Black Horse Pottery was this week’s featured podcast. Karen recently completed a grant that she had received from the NWMAC. Karen and Ron West spoke about the process of creating pottery, her inspiration (horses), her business, and the grant (and the NWMAC). Her pottery is available for purchase and it’s all food safe. Listen to hear about it!
Matt Wallace of the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks is this week’s featured podcast guest. Matt spoke about all the ways that the museum serves our region (there are many!). The museum sponsors a number of events, including outdoor concerts with nationally touring bands, classical music performances by critically acclaimed international musicians at the museum, Rye on the Rocks, art auctions, book readings, artist talks, and more. They offer an artist in residence program at a rural residence to allow artists to work on projects. Summer art camps and other art classes for youth and adults throughout the year are also an important resource for our area. The museum welcomes school visits, as well. Listen to learn more and take advantage of this nearby gem!
Hallock Artist Connie Nelson spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week. Connie created a mural series of 20 4x8 panels along Highway 75 in Hallock last year with a grant from the NWMAC. Connie received the Artist of the Year Award from the NWMAC last year. Nominations are open for Of the Year Awards, including Artist of the Year, Arts Advocate of the Year, and NW Star Award.
NWMAC Director Mara Hanel was featured in this week’s podcast. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the new space at the NWMAC office in Warren, an open position for an Office Assistant, NW Art Exhibit call for entries, Of the Year Award nominations, upcoming grants deadlines (March 1), grant writing workshops, our Traveling Art Exhibit, and Celebrations: The Ceramic Art of Betsy Saurdiff at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls (with an Artist Reception on Saturday, February 12 from 3 to 5 pm. Listen for the details!m
This week Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West spoke with Potter Betsy Saurdiff. Betsy currently has an exhibit at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC — Celebrations: The Ceramic Art of Betsy Saurdiff. The NWMAC will be holding an Artist Spotlight with her on Thursday, January 27 at 2 pm. This discussion will be available to watch and comment live on the NWMAC Facebook page or YouTube page, as well as anytime afterwards. An Artist Reception will be held with Betsy on Saturday, February 12 from 3 to 5 pm at the gallery. Listen to hear more!
George French is featured on this week’s podcast. George is a music professor at UMC. He recently received a grant from the NWMAC to present a workshop series throughout our region to introduce organ playing to interested high school students. A recital will follow in each location. George is reaching out to area music teachers and piano instructors to get the word out. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
Writer Kathryn Vigness of East Grand Forks spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about her family’s cancer diagnosis, writing, and more. She recently received a grant from the NWMAC to help her write her second memoir. Listen to hear all about Kathryn and her work.