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Northwest Minnesota Arts Council News

The Latest in Regional Arts Opportunities

Exhibits, Grants, Announcements, Events, Trainings, Calls for Art, Awards, & More!

January 31 Nominations Due for Of the Year Awards
February 11 at 4 PM Grant Writing Training Session
February 20 at 4 PM Biennial Plan Public Meeting
February 28 Grant Deadline for Organizations
February 28 NW Art Exhibit Submissions Due
March 4 Arts Advocacy Day

Learn more about these programs, services, and events in this newsletter!

YAROUND THE FARM ART EXHIBIT

FEATURED ARTIST BEAU BAKKEN OF HALLOCK

With Rock Bakken, Aimee Ross, Betsy Saurdiff, Stephanie Olson, Jessica Lundeen, Cindy Kolling, Debbie Aune, Janet Knutson, Therese Masters Jacobson, Ross Hier, Annethea Novacek, Loreen Hanson, Alice Hamness, and Kate Hammer

Open Through April 25 at the

NWMAC Gallery

Northland Community and Technical College

1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Around the Farm, an exhibit open through April 25. This exhibit includes 27 pieces of art created by 15 artists in acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, photography, ceramic, and mixed media. Beau Bakken, the featured artist, has twelve 2' X 3' acrylic on canvas paintings of tractors, elevators, trucks and farmers from NW Minnesota. Many of the pieces are for sale.

In addition to the pieces by Beau Bakken, artists from throughout the region contributed to this showcase, including Rock Bakken of Hallock, Aimee Ross of Fisher, Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla , Stephanie Olson of rural Thief River Falls, Jessica Lundeen of Thief River Falls, Cindy Kolling of Gully, Debbie Aune of Gatzke, Janet Knutson of Gully, Therese Masters Jacobson of Alvarado, Ross Hier of Crookston, Annethea Novacek of Greenbush, Loreen Hanson of Thief River Falls, Alice Hamness (deceased), and Kate Hammer of Roseau.

Featured Artist Beau Bakken of Hallock explained, “Ten years ago or so I was working on a farm and found visual inspiration from my boss’s farm trucks. They were decades old, rusty, and full of battle scars. But at the turn of a key, their engines fired and were ready for the day’s work. I filed away in the back of my brain to paint a picture of at least one of these modern workhorses. I’m good for packing away more ideas than I ever have time to put into reality, so this inspiration sat dormant for almost a decade. But over the last year or two, I’ve finally leaned into painting pictures of trucks, tractors, and machinery and quite enjoyed it. Most have been painted from personal photos but also from generous photograph lenders. I never took a photo of the 1960-something green Ford truck that first inspired me, but a photo recently was given to me of my former boss pouring grain out of the old Ford’s back gate. The painting titled, “Ron and the Ford” was a meaningful capstone for me and this farm art project in many ways. Ron Petersen, now with Jesus, was a great boss, farmer, and man of God. If I continue painting farm related pictures, I hope to find more ways to depict farmers along with their machinery.”

Of her two pieces in the exhibit, Artist Stephanie Olson said, “Both pieces incorporate traditional quilt square patterns, combined with personal feelings and witness to current times."

Aliza Novacek-Olson shared: "I love paintings of red barns, so I was excited when I heard about the topic of the upcoming exhibit. I own a painting done by my grandmother, Alice Hamness (deceased) about 60 years ago. Alice is the mother of my mom Annethea Novacek and my aunt Loreen. I thought it was special to see paintings of the same subject matter from three different women in the same family, so I convinced my Mom and Loreen Hanson to submit their paintings, too."

Details about an artist reception will be announced soon. Watch our website and social media pages for details about the time and date.

Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/NoQwejK5jmI

The NWMAC Gallery is open during Monday-Friday from 8 - 5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please call to make sure the college is open before making a special trip. Hours can change. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.

For more information about this exhibit, visit our website at NWArtsCouncil.org, or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 280-4917 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.

Artists of Northwest Minnesota 6th edition is here!

Featuring artists, performers, and

arts businesses & organizations in our region

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council publishes a directory every 3 years that lists fine craft and visual artists, photographers, writers, and performing artists who answered our call for entries, as well as arts organizations. It's an invaluable resource when you are looking for art and artists in our region. This resource allows you to connect with and find local artists and their products, as well as businesses that support the arts. Our goal is to assist creative people, organizations, and businesses to flourish in our area.

As you know, our region is home to talented writers, visual artists, performance artists, fiber artists, sculptors, 3D artists, photographers, mosaic artists, printmakers, jewelers, metal artists, wood carvers, and more. The booklet helps you find them. This edition of the booklet includes a new section of performing artists, including musicians who play in our area.

Artists of NW Minnesota was designed by Kat Allen of Warroad and edited by NWMAC Promotions Specialist Kristin Eggerling and Executive Director Mara Hanel with funding from the McKnight Foundation.

Pick up a copy of this directory at no cost at your local library, coffee shop, or other businesses in our region. To view the booklet online visit https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/artists-of-nw-minnesota-booklet

FREE services offered in our office space!

Did you know that we offer free services in our office space?

We have an audio recording room, a grant writing station, meeting rooms, a photography room, and an enhanced art gallery that you are free to use at no cost!

Nominations for Of the Year Awards Due Friday, January 31 — Deadline Extended

Start your application now!

Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Often people serve in both roles. Nominations are due Friday, January 31 this year.

Northwest Star Award

The Northwest Star Award is a lifetime achievement award. This award is for $5,000 and can be a wonderful gift to those who have chosen a hard career path related to artistic expression. Artists can only receive this award once.

Artist of the Year

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 to use however they see fit.

Arts Advocate of the Year

Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and honors someone who keeps being a voice and advocate for arts within the community or local school or the region. Arts includes all disciplines.

An ELIGIBLE NOMINATION must include one completed nomination form, narrative on merit, letters supporting the nomination, a copy of the nominee’s resume or detailed qualifications, five work samples if artist, and be received by January 31. Only residents of the Minnesota counties Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau are eligible for these $500 awards. We also give a large Northwest Star Artist award. The first step is to nominate the person for Northwest Artist. One person will be selected to receive a $5,000 cash award from the pool of candidates and receive our Northwest Star recognition. This person must be beyond an emerging or student status to be considered. This truly is a once in a lifetime award. Additional criteria apply so please contact our office for more information if you feel your nominee will be considered 218-745-8886.

RESTRICTIONS: Each award can be received only once in a lifetime. Nominations will not be carried over from year to year. Previous nominees must be re-nominated each year. It is the policy of NWMAC that nominees will not be notified of their nomination unless they are chosen to receive an Award.

* * * * * * * *

Please consider nominating someone who you view as a deserving candidate from our seven-county service area in northwestern Minnesota. Questions? Contact our office at (218) 745-8886 or email director@NWArtsCouncil.org for more information. The nomination form is here. Curious who has received these awards in the past? Find out here.

Awards are presented at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Exhibit reception. Funding for Northwest Star and Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Funding for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.

Heritage Through Image

a photography exhibit

Carnegie Library, 102 Main Ave N, Thief River Falls

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Heritage Through Image, an exhibit open through June. This exhibit includes 22 images (2 images of each subject), along with a 5 x 7 framed narrative for each person that depict traditional practices, customs, and folklore that serves as a visual representation of regional heritage.

This exhibit was first shown at the Sorenson Gallery in Fosston last year and was sponsored by the East Polk Heritage Center. The show features individuals that depict the heritage, art, culture, and talents of our region. Photographer Monika Lawrence, formerly of Bemidji now living in Germany, was commissioned to capture the images that reflect traditional practices, customs, and folklore to serve as a visual representation of the heritage of East Polk County.

Come and see images and information featuring folk arts such as Hardanger embroidery, Scandinavian desserts and pastries, rosemaling, historical storytelling including stories from Indigenous communities, woodworking, experimental archaeology and textiles, blacksmithing, tractor and vintage car restorations, and more. There’s something for everyone!

Lawrence interviewed and photographed the subjects who are featured in this exhibit. They include Stephenie Anderson, John Balstad, Dustin Carlson, Caleb Curfman, Amy Mulry, Al and Vicky Olson, Jeffrey Olson, Earl Steinbrenner, Lynn Sundrud, Rosayn Watnemo, and Carol Wold.

She moved to the United States in 2007 and lived in Bemidji until 2023 where she taught photography and photojournalism at Bemidji State University. She was also a freelance photographer for Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) News. She and her husband have now returned to Germany after their retirement.

She explained, “In my photography, I focus on people in their environment as well as people’s impact on the environment. I want to tell stories that indicate our bonds to the past but that may also let us reflect about today and the time beyond tomorrow. I am also passionate about dance, which is about other, creatively imagined environments. Capturing briefly appearing moments before they are gone is what I am seeking.”

The Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls is at 102 Main Ave N. The gallery is open Mondays & Fridays from 10 AM - 2 PM and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 8-11 AM. It will be open when the Chamber of Commerce office is open. You can contact the Chamber of Commerce to see about other possible open hours at trfchamber.com, 218-681-3720, or info@trfchamber.com.

Let's Talk Art is our weekly radio interview and podcast with host Phil McKenzie

Let's Talk Art Podcast

Our podcast radio program is back! We plan to continue to feature artists, arts organizations, and arts events in our region. To hear all of the past podcasts visit our website here.

1.8.25 Christina Woods

Christina Woods, Executive Director of the Duluth Art Institute, spoke about being the first Anishinaabe leader of the Duluth Art Institute, the organization, and her focus on decolonization. Christina serves on the Minnesota Arts Board, as well as a number of other arts boards. Listen to hear Part 1 of their conversation here.

1.15.25 Christina Woods Christina Woods continued her conversation with Phil McKenzie. They spoke of her roles serving on the State of Minnesota CAAPB Task force on Monuments and Statues and on the State of Minnesota Capitol Arts Exhibitions Committee, bringing her unique viewpoint and background, and more. Listen to hear part 2 of the conversation here.

1.22.25 Sarah Fossen Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) Executive Director Sarah Fossen shared information about what MCA is and what they do, arts funding including the Legacy Amendment, Creative Minnesota, the research they do, MCA’s PAC, the benefits of the arts, her own arts background, and the upcoming Arts Advocacy Day on March 4 (register at artsmn.org). MCA recently turned 50 years old. Listen here.

1.29.25 Dane Froiland Thief River Falls Public Schools Choir Director Dane Froiland spoke about his teaching career, returning to Thief River to teach, the music that he teaches, his goals for the program, and upcoming concerts. Listen here.

The Traveling Art Exhibit

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC)'s annual Traveling Art Exhibit is at the Thief River Falls Public Library in Warren and includes 14 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit.

Adults

Beau Bakken, Classy Entertainment
Kelly Chisholm, John Lennon
Tammy Hansen, Flower and Feather
Denise Jenson, Found Lying Together
Steve Bernard, Candlelight Dinner
Sarah Solberg, Canyon X
Jessica Ross, Sunny

Students

Izzy Swensen, Lancaster, Purple Iris
Kerstyn Lindsey, Ada, Sprinkles
Brigitta Novacek, Roseau, The Pink Cloud Replica
Geneva Gartner,Fertile, Flying Around
Mary Jane Crane, Red Lake Falls, Beauty in Self Image
Ava Halvorson, Goodridge, Sundown in Star Township
Kinsley Oslund, Grygla, Perfect and Deep Love

Watch for the exhibit to make its way to your town!

May - June 11 Crookston Public Library

June 11 - August 6 Warroad Public Library

Aug 6 - Sept 24 Hallock Public Library

Sept 24 - Nov 19 Godel Public Library, Warren

Nov 19 - Jan 21 Thief River Falls Public Library

Jan 21 - Mar 4, 2025 Red Lake Falls Public Library

March 4, 2025 to TBD Ada Public Library

*The start and end dates at each location are approximate, depending on weather, venue hours and other circumstances that may occur to prohibit travel. For specific library hours, please contact each location before planning your visit, especially if you are planning on bringing a group.

Sista's Corner in Crookston and Tonnabell’s in Thief River Falls showcase local artist's works.Both stores are looking for artists who would be interested in teaching classes or demonstrating their art. Reach out to Kelly at Tonnabell's or Shirley at Sista's Corner to inquire.

Thief River Falls Artist Jessica Lundeen is featured in one of our display cases outside our gallery at NCTC. Her artwork includes pet portraits in colored pencil. Stop by to see!

Check out Stephanie Olson's art our display case at NCTC near our gallery.

Check out the display case featuring colorful original art by Shawna Boulette Grapentine. Shawna's artwork highlights the beauty of the indigenous culture, her love for mother earth and everything that surrounds her.

Grant writing training will be offered 2 weeks before each deadline.

The McKnight Foundation offers numerous fellowships for artists. Support for individual artists has been a focus of the McKnight Foundation’s Arts & Culture program since its inception. McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowships increase the exploratory opportunity, economic stability, and productive capacity of artists by providing $25,000 in unrestricted support for mid-career artists and discipline-specific artistic and professional development opportunities.

Please visit their website to find out more about their fellowships and how to apply. https://www.mcknight.org/programs/arts-culture/mcknight-artist-culture-bearer-fellowships/#apply or visit our website at

McKnight Fellowships

To see all the trainings, events and other resources that Springboard for the Arts is offering, visit their events webpage here. These include zoom sessions on copyrights, trademarks, record keeping, pricing, websites, and more!

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Work of Art Workshops by Springboard for the Arts

Work of Art Workshops

Check out Springboard’s series of Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists! This professional development curriculum is designed to teach business skills to artists of all disciplines and experience levels. You are welcome to take the entire series, or take the workshops that best suit your needs. Workshops range from creating your artistic portfolio, grant writing, funding, career planning, pricing your work, and more! The Work of Art series has been taught by Springboard for the Arts at arts organizations, libraries and colleges in over 80 communities in the Upper Midwest, and replicated across the country by artists, arts organizations, and colleges and universities. You can also download the Work of Art curriculum for free, or you can buy a copy of the book to support your practice.

Explore Work of Art

Minnesota arts & cultural organizations offering accessible programs and services are welcome to list events on the Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar. An account is required; register today or log in to submit events. New accounts need to be approved by the Minnesota Access Alliance board before you’ll be able to submit events. Please allow 48 hours for your registration to be approved.

The Minnesota Access Alliance (MNAA) provides this Accessible Arts & Culture Calendar for patrons who use accessibility accommodations. At the their website you’ll find listings of (in order):

* Captioning,

* ASL interpreting,

* Audio Description,

* Sensory-friendly accommodations, and

* Disability-related events.

Each listing links to more details on MNAA’s online calendar (https://calendar.mnaccess.org). Be sure to check the listing or venue to find out its COVID-19 protocol and if you need to make an advance reservation for the accessibility service.

Minnesota Accessible Activities Calendar is here: https://calendar.mnaccess.org

If you previously had an account to submit events to VSA Minnesota’s Accessible Art Activities Calendar, your credentials for that calendar are still valid here.

This calendar only lists events that provide explicit accommodations for people with disabilities. Information about the accessibility of the event location and provided accommodations is a requirement in order to be listed.

To submit events and register start at this page: https://calendar.mnaccess.org/calendar/submit/

If you know of other accessible events, please ask those venues to submit their events to the MNAA Calendar (and to MinnesotaPlaylist.com).

Anyone can get this monthly calendar: email mactfactor@icloud.com and/or info@mnaccess.org and indicate which list you want: the entire list or specifically ASL Interpreting, Captioning, Audio Description, Sensory Friendly accommodations or Disability-related topics.

Join our board!

Would you like to be more involved in the arts in northwest Minnesota? Consider becoming an Arts Council Board Member! The NWMAC is looking for an at-large board member to serve a 3 year term.

At this time, we are prioritizing the recruitment of men and people of color, in order to keep diversity on our board and learn from members who represent different demographics. A love of supporting artists and arts activity is a must, as well as basic computer skills to attend zoom meetings and score online applications.

The Arts Council meets five times a year usually in Warren or virtually and reviews and approves arts grants and arts policy and arts services for seven counties in Minnesota.

For more information and to receive a nomination form for yourself or a friend, contact Mara Hanel, NWMAC, at 218-745-8886; or email her at director@nwartscouncil.org. Visit our website here to learn more and for the nomination form.

Student Artwork Hanging in Senator Johnson's Office

Five exhibit pieces of student art were chosen to be hung in the hallway of Senator Mark Johnson’s office in St. Paul. These works of art were entered into the annual NW Art Exhibit that took place in Lake Bronson earlier this spring.

Students and their work include Lydia Christianson of Fertile “Omaha Jellyfish,” Kyleigh Halvorson of Fosston “Iris” (merit), Carter Lee Johnsrud of Goodridge “A Broken Heart,” Dana Brown of Lancaster, (Kittson Central) “Jesse and Walt”(People's Choice), and Melody Voeltz, of Lancaster “Barred Owl.”

Work of Art: Marketing – with ASL Interpretation

Zoom Meeting Free

Define your product, discover your target audience, make decisions about how you sell your work, and identify a budget and strategy for your artistic business.

February 18, 2025 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Work of Art: Promotions

Zoom Meeting Free

Craft persuasive messaging and create a strategy for how you will get the word out about your work, events, and news.

March 4, 2025 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Website Basics for Artists

Zoom Meeting Free

Get a big picture view of the components of your artist website, find clarity on whether you need a website for your artistic practice and learn the basics of creating a website. Presented in partnership with Hennepin County Library.

March 8, 2025 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance

Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 3 to 5:30 PM

Bernie's Restaurant, The Farmhouse Room

121 DeMers Ave. East Grand Forks, MN

Music by Four Mile Portage

Callers: Jeanne O'Neil, Tom Maloney

All ages – singles, couples, families

Traditional American folk dances : Reels, squares, circle mixers and more... all dances are taught, fun, and easy to learn!

Donations at the door

This event sponsored in part by a grant from the Minnesota Northwest Arts Council

Note: This is an after hours event, Bernie's closes at 3 PM. If you would like to order from the menu, come early!

Warroad RiverPlace Gallery

Visit the exhibit “Repurpose, Preserve, Rejuvenate,” created by northwest Minnesota mosaic artist Sherri Kruger-Kukowski. The exhibit is open at the Warroad RiverPlace art gallery until March 8, 2025. It is free to visit Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.

For more information about Warroad RiverPlace and upcoming events, visit the new arts, culture, and events center Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM. to 5 PM. The art gallery and tours of the space are free and open to the public. Contact the center at arts@warroadriverplace.org or (218) 986-0001. Learn more at warroadriverplace.org.

The 2025 legislative session is underway, and now is the time to take action for the arts. Arts Advocacy Day, on March 4th, is your opportunity to show just how many people care about the arts, and the more voices we have, the stronger our impact.

It’s crucial we demonstrate to legislators how many communities rely on arts funding to thrive. Every community, from urban centers to rural towns, benefits from the arts, and it’s important that legislators hear directly from you how vital this funding is to your area. The number of people who show up matters - it sends a clear message that the arts are a priority.

We’ve made it easy for you to take part and make a huge impact. By joining us on Advocacy Day, you’ll be helping secure funding to keep the arts strong in your community and across the state.

Your participation can make all the difference.

Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day!

Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 4th, 2025

Rally in the Capitol Rotunda: 10:00 AM

Legislative Meetings: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

This is your chance to make a real impact! Rally with us in the heart of the Capitol and then meet directly with legislators to advocate for vital arts funding in our communities.