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

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.

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!

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!

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. 

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!

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!

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!

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!)

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!

Highland Elementary School Principal Chris Trostad from the Crookston School District spoke about a grant that the school received from the NWMAC for a visual art residency and mural last spring. Artist Trey Everett created a mural outside the Student Success Center at Highland Elementary School that included positive words and phrases to encourage and inspire students to be kind and respectful to others. Trey spent the week designing and painting the mural and teaching students about mural work and creativity. Students were given the opportunity to submit words or phrases that are important to them and that compliment the theme. With the guidance of Everett and classroom teachers, students had a chance to imagine and then create a design of their own calligram mural. Throughout the school week students saw the progress of the mural as well as interacting with Trey. Classrooms gathered around the mural for a question and answer time. As a final wrap up, Trey had a workshop on the step by step process of creating various types of indoor and outdoor murals, how students can create their own murals, and the Three Secret Teachings of Creativity: Process not product, non-judgment, being kind to yourself. The school plans to apply for more grants! Listen to hear all about this project and more!

KayDell Super spoke about the Middle River Community Theatre -- history, what's new, upcoming shows, including the Goosefest Production of Arsenic and Old Lace, and more. Arsenic and Old Lace will be Sept 19-24 during Goosefest in Middle River. Listen to learn more and get over to Middle River to see the show!

Max LaCoursiere spoke about a grant the Oxbow Foundation received from the NWMAC to sponsor Thief River Falls Artist Christine Foster for a Painting Presentation and Workshop at the 2nd Annual Louisville Days Fall Festival. He also provided details about the event itself on September 23. Registration is strongly encouraged for the art workshop (taking place from 1:30 to 3PM on the 23rd). Find the Oxbow Foundation on Facebook by searching The Oxbow at Old Crossing. Listen for details.

This week’s guest Jerry Amiot spoke about Pioneer Day. This yearly event will be on September 10 and features live music, blacksmithing demonstrations, history, tours, food, and more! The event is sponsored by the Polk County Historical Society and received funding from the NWMAC. Listen for the schedule and other details.

Darcey Engen, Co-Founder of Sod House Theater based in Minneapolis, spoke about the theater company and some upcoming shows in our region. Sod House will be putting on their show TABLE in Crookston on September 21 at the Eagles Club and in Hallock on September 23 at Far North Spirits. The NWMAC provided funding for the Hallock show. Darcey spoke about the theater company, the upcoming shows, the cast, and their work to bring theater all over Minnesota. For more information about the show and for tickets visit their website: www.SodHouseTheater.org.

Listen to Virgil Benoit to hear all about about the upcoming AFRAN Chautauqua and French- Canadian/ Metis Festival. The event will take place on August 26 and 27 at the Old Crossing Treaty Park in Huot. There will be live music, storytelling, and other art activities. It’s a great opportunity to learn history, be entertained, experience art, and have some good food. The NWMAC provided funding for this event. Listen for details!

Kittson Central Kindergarten Teacher Shannon Christenson spoke about Camp Art at Kittson Central School in Hallock. The NWMAC has been providing funding to bring in 3 artists for 4 days in the summer to Kittson Central. Camp Art is for students from Kindergarten through 6th grade. This year Camp Art took place the week of August 7 and included Visual Artist Teresa Cox, who led students into the wonderful world of messy art by making plant sculptures; Karla Nweje, who taught dance that explores the movements of insects; and, Jon Lurie who guided the campers to write about waterways. Listen to hear more!

Crookston resident and Associate Professor George French is featured in this week’s podcast. George teaches music at UMC in Crookston and is a church organist. He provided a follow up about his organ workshops and recitals that have been happening throughout our region. George received a grant from the NWMAC to offer the workshops and recitals. Listen to hear all about the grant and how things have been going!

Stephen resident Patsy Heggen spoke about the Summer Music Series organized by Arts on Fifth that takes place in Stephen. Events are usually held on the lawn at Arts on Fifth (but occasionally inside the building). There is no charge to attend. The Downtown Horns are performing this Thursday, Aug 3 at 7 pm and Robby Vee on September 17 at 2 pm. Listen for details!

Eric Mickelson, a school teacher in Goodridge for 31 years, is the perennial emcee at the Freedom Fest. Eric spoke about the schedule of this year’s Freedom Fest 2023. This is the 7th annual event featuring live music and other artists, including watercolor art, ironwork, hand woodburning, and more. It starts on July 28 and goes through the evening of Saturday, July 29 at the Goodridge Veterans Memorial Park. The NWMAC provided funding for this event. Listen for details and attend this fun event!

Thief River Zehlian’s member Carol Ihle spoke about the upcoming Zehlian's Art & Wine Walk on Thursday, July 27 in Thief River Falls from 4 to 8PM and a mural that the Zehlians have been a part of.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Art and Wine Walk. The cost is $20. Pre-register online at EventBrite. Same day registration and check in will be at the Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls from 4 to 6 pm on the 27th. Artists are located at businesses throughout Thief River Falls. Attendees can view and purchase art and are provided snacks and wine at each business stop. There will be drawings for door prizes afterwards at the Rusty Nail.

Ihle also spoke about a mental health awareness mural that was recently painted on one of the walls of Tonnabell’s building. There is a mural unveiling on Thursday, July 20 downtown Thief River. The NWMAC provided funding for the mural.

Roseau Artist Julie Elick spoke about two programs in Roseau. 1) The Riverview Park Concert Series is a weekly series into August. Roseau’s weekly summer event, began way back in 2016 and still continues to provide a showcase both for our high quality local talent, and professional entertainment. Elick is a part of the Roseau Women of Today. This group plays a major role in putting this concert series together, along with the support of local businesses.  

There is a concert at the Riverview Park Gazebo, located in downtown Roseau, every Thursday evening at 6:30 pm. Attendees need to bring your own chairs. Food provided by various organizations will be served each night. 

Upcoming concerts include:

July 13: Sloughgrass, July 27: Divas Through the Decades, August 3: O’Neil Family Band, August 10: Holy Rocka Rollaz, and August 17: The concert series will wrap up with a Local Talent Showcase and the Relay for Life. 

2) Project Write On. Select students from two Roseau Community High School English classes, have for the last 4 years, shared their essays to be published in the local newspaper, The Roseau Times Region. Elick and two highschool teachers, Mrs. Kelsey Didrickson, and Mrs. Katie Laugen are directing this project. 

This project instills the arts into the Roseau community by providing a weekly place for students in our area to enhance their writing talents. Currently, copies of the published essays are displayed in the Student Art Exhibit at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC.

Both of these projects (Write On and The Riverview Park Concert Series) are funded through a Project Grant from the NWMAC. Listen to hear about these projects.

Norman County Fair President Don Merkens talked about events and shows at the upcoming Norman County Fair. This includes the acts of Magic Joe, Pikadilly (face painting), Studio 4:13 (mosaics) and Whittney Pittman (local performing musical artist). They received grant funds from the NWMAC The Norman County Fair in Ada MN is on June 21-24, 2023. Listen for details.

Listen to Misti Koop speak about her music, acting, and other performing arts activities (Including a new album she’s working on). She also talked about the summer schedule and program for the Summer Safari Arts Stages, which will be touring a number of NW Minnesota communities. This year they’ll be performing Willy Wonka. To learn more about the Safari shows visit summerartsstages.com.

Shirley Iverson is the owner of Sistas Corner located downtown Crookston. Shirley spoke about upcoming classes (or some former ones, too), what they offer, local art for sale, their search for artists to teach workshops and sell their art, and more. They will even ship art! Listen to learn more!

Debbie Dahl Aune is this year’s Artist of the Year for Visual Arts. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the award, her art, being an art teacher, receiving awards from the Arts Council and much more.  

Aune is a visual artist who works in many mediums. She is the Art Teacher at the Greenbush Middle River Public School, as well as the Greenbush Middle River Art Club Advisor, a frequent art project presenter at the Creativity Festival in Bemidji, and a community ed instructor. She has entered and placed often in the annual NW Minnesota Art Exhibit, receiving merit, second, first, and People’s Choice awards. Finally, Aune has exhibited her work in many NWMAC themed exhibits, including several solo shows. Last year Debbie was featured on a MPR (Minnesota Public Radio) segment and in a Prairie Mosaic video on Prairie Public Television.

Our Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500. Funding for the Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents.

Listen to learn more!

Andrea Halvorson and Carter Lee Johnsrud spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about their art and winning awards at the NW Art Exhibit.

Andrea is the art teacher at the Goodridge School. Andrea’s art pieces in the exhibit were“Watching Sunset” and a drawing “Carrying Mom to Heaven.” She won a merit award for “Carrying Mom to Heaven.” Carter is Andrea’s student. She won first place and People's Choice for her art “Masking.” She had another mixed media piece in the exhibit “Hidden Beauty.”

Listen to learn more from this art teacher and student!

Cathy Erickson of Middle River recently received the Northwest Star Award. The award was presented to Erickson on Sunday, April 30 in Middle River at the Middle River Legacy Center during the NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception and Program. She spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the award, her musical background, and more!

Erickson is a well-known musician and radio show host in the area. She has been entertaining professionally in northwestern Minnesota and beyond, playing music for almost 50 years. Cathy plays the accordion, piano, organ, guitar, and vocals. She also hosts her own radio show Cathy’s Variety Show on Pioneer 90.1 FM. The live variety show consists of polkas, waltzes, classic country, bluegrass, gospel, and local artists. Additionally, she hosts two other live weekly radio shows – Country Church and Live from the Farm.

The NW Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award. Funding for the Northwest Star comes from The McKnight Foundation. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents. Listen to the podcast for an interesting conversation about Cathy!

Karen Goulet recently juried the annual NW Art Exhibit in Middle River. In this podcast she discusses what a Juror does — jurors are “asked to come in and select the most outstanding pieces in an exhibit” and how she jurors an art show. Karen “ looks for authentic voice, creative courage, and then the craft and technical aspects of the art.” She also talked about the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji where she works.

Karen is a practicing artist, poet, community organizer and educator. She is the Project Director of the Miikanan Gallery at the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji, Minnesota. This gallery, dedicated to Indigenous arts, is the first of its kind in the region.  It’s supported by the Blandin Foundation and McKnight Foundation. Karen received her BA from The Evergreen State College, MFA in Sculpture from The University of Wisconsin – Madison, and MEd from University of Minnesota Duluth. She grew up in a family of 'makers' and artists. Her mother sewed and knitted and her father was an oil painter and woodworker who also taught her to embroider. Her decision to become an artist occurred when she went to college and met instructors who would become her mentors and supported and encouraged her to go on and pursue a degree that would give her opportunity to stay in the arts for a career. She has lived in interesting places, mostly rural, where she has met many interesting creative people. She believes in the power of art and community and takes opportunities like this to visit new  places to see what creative people are doing. Listen to hear more!

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!