In this issue:
- SMAC's 2021 Annual Celebration
- The next SMAC Arty Party: Jackson County
- Grants Awarded: $13,138 to local artists and organizations
- Job Opportunities: SMAC Seeks Arts Ambassadors
- In the SMAC gallery: Anne Wedler
- The Walker Art Center seeks SW MN Teens for Arts Council
- SMAC grant updates: Upcoming grant deadlines & Webinars
- Help SMAC review grant applications!
Pictured: Rhonda Buerkle poses with her daughter and first published children's book, "Woofy Toofy". Buerkle received a SMAC Individual Artist towards completing the book.
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From left to right: Linda Clarksean, Jackson's Mayor Wayne Walter, Cay Gjertson and City Administrator Matt Skaret pose in front of the interactive mural on the Water Plant storage building in Jackson. (Photo Credit- Joshua Schuetz with the Jackson County Pilot)
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You are invited to join us in celebration of the arts and artists of our 18 county region! Saturday, September 18, 2021.
1-4 pm, An Arts Day in and Around Jackson, MN
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View four Jackson Community Murals in progress - the first of which was completed at the Jackson Library
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Explore Jackson's Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival, between 1-4 there will be many arts related events: Fall Craft Market, Fall Decor Class, Pumpkin Painting, Polka band, Make & Take 3D Porch signs, and more! Click here for the schedule and more details!
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Social Hour begins at 4 pm at the historic FORT BELMONT |
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Join a drum circle with Purpose Artisans as you arrive to the event site (more details on them at the end of this article!). At 5 pm SMAC will host a brief annual meeting, an award ceremony for 2021 SMAC Prairie Disciple Rosemary Glesener, and guests will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for our annual "Spirit of the Region" raffle.
Stick around to enjoy a tasty picnic meal by Kat's Hog Heaven (vegetarian options will be available) and live music from Jackson's own, Lynn Mullins. Oh, and how could we forget dessert! We will be serving cheesecake cupcakes from Simply Sweet Cheesecake out of Lakefield, MN.
Socialize and celebrate with artists and arts supporters across the Southwest Minnesota region and learn about the grants and activities SMAC has funded in the past year.
The night will wrap up after we announce the "Spirit of the region" Raffle winners at 7 pm. If you're still looking for more fun after, Jackson's Fall Festival has a downtown street dance from 8 pm to midnight!
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Left: Bobbie Alsgaard-Lien will be teaching a plein air (which means outdoor) art class from 2-4 at our Annual Celebration; this is a photo from a similar class she led at our 2019 Artist Retreat.
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TICKETS:
Just $25/person. Advance ticket purchase required by SEPT 15.
Payment options:
1) CHECK: Complete the online registration form by clicking below and send a check for tickets to the SMAC office: PO Box 55, Marshall, MN 56258
2) CREDIT CARD: Complete the online registration form by clicking below and then click the credit card button to pay online.
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~ No physical ticket will be sent or given, instead your name and information will be kept on our reservation list - ready to welcome you at the event. ~ |
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Fort Belmont grounds. SMAC will supply a tent, table and chairs for our celebration. |
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Purpose Artisans:
You’re invited to join Purpose Artisans from 4-5 pm at the event in a drum circle. This is a cross cultural group oriented to generating awareness around social justice through arts. Purpose Artisan's mission is to promote healthy communities. As mental health occupational therapists they see the importance of bringing people together to share a sense of belonging, because feeling connected is good for our health! Drumming has many benefits including improving mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. Everyone who has a heartbeat has an innate sense of rhythm, so join them on September 18th!
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"Spirit of the Region" Raffle: A $10 raffle ticket will get you the chance to win a basket of specialty goods made in the SMAC Region (from wine to honey, beer to fudge). Raffle tickets available in advance at the SMAC office or through a SMAC Board Member. Raffle tickets also available onsite at the event.
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2021 Prairie Disciple Award: Rosemary Glesener
This award is to recognize a person who has been instrumental in promoting the arts in the 18-county area of southwestern Minnesota. Rosemary was nominated and had letters of support from many community members! Paul Heyl, the primary nominator, said that "Rosemary’s largest impact on the Arts in SW Minnesota is her teaching and mentoring of artists. She has taught numerous art classes for everyone from preschoolers to senior citizens. Rosemary has made the Cultural Centre in Bird Island an integral part of the SW artistic community, but more importantly, Rosemary exemplifies the need for a broader sense of community, not just geographically and artistically, but for all the essential things that should be a central part of a good community and a good society." Read more here.
Rosemary Glesener and her husband, Mark Glesener. Photograph courtesy of Leta Jacobs, Design by Leta .
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JOIN US for an “Arty Party” in Jackson County:
Friday, September 17 from 7 to 8:30 pm!
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YOU are invited to help us and JACKSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS (JCA) paint the final two letters of the Jackson mural-and network with artists and arts supporters in the area!
This will be our second event of our 18-month series networking events for every county in our region. SMAC will host appetizers and a cash bar, and SMAC staff will be in attendance to connect with attendees and get the word out about who SMAC is, what we do, and what services and assistance we can offer for our communities.
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We look forward to p(art)ying with you! |
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Examples of the already finished "A" and partially finished "O" and "C" from the Jackson community letter mural.
Once the Jackson letter mural is completed, it will be installed at White Street and Hwy 71 on the Senior Dining Building-be sure to check it out if you have the chance, and tell everyone you know that you had a hand in making it happen while attending our Jackson Arty Party!
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SMAC Awards $13,138 to local organizations and artists
The SMAC board met virtually on August 24, 2021 and awarded a total of $13,138 in grant funds to four organizations and two artists within our SW MN region for a total of six grants awarded.
The following three organizations have been awarded SMAC Quick Support for Organizations grants. Quick Support for Organizations provide an organization with up to $2,500 for activities such as planning for an Art Legacy project, strategic planning or board training, costs to apply for 501(c)(3) status, small equipment purchases, or small arts projects. No cash match required this year.
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The Lamberton Area Community Foundation was awarded $2,500 as a planning grant for a community mural design, which will eventually go on the side of their bowling alley that faces the entrance to the town. The applicant said this mural will give Lamberton a "spark, creating a feeling of belonging and pride in the community, a reminder of all of the gifts that the community holds and a purpose to create new ventures." The foundation plans to hire an art teacher from Red Rock Central, Clayton Hubert, as artistic director to help them involve the community and students in designing the community mural. Grant funds also include getting the surface ready for the mural and marketing, such as t-shirts for participants and an advertising banner to publicize the mural project.
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The Madison Art Gallery has been awarded $2,500 to help establish their new non-profit organization. Grant funding will be used to host meetings to develop the board of directors and refine the non-profit's operating agreement. Funding will also go towards advertising and marketing the gallery to solicit entries from local artists. With grant funds the gallery will hold community outreach events and host an opening event. Additionally, funds will be used to consult with a legal advisor and tax advisor for the organization.
The City of Windom has been awarded a SMAC Board Initiated grant in the amount of $2,500 to support their group of community leaders working with Community Immersion for those new to their community. They will be holding a Welcoming Week* event in Windom on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 11 am to 4 pm that will include live music featuring Mariachi Mi Tierra MN and possibly Windom's Corn Hustlers. There will also be a variety of food truck vendors, free arts activities for children, and a variety of community organizations will be open or present to display and explain what services they offer for the community. Additionally, Windom will have Welcoming Week events taking place on September 19th and 21st. SMAC funds will go towards paying for the music at the September 18th event. *Please see more information on Welcoming Week, which SMAC is a regional partner for, further down in the newsletter!
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Teresa Peterson of Belview was awarded a SMAC Artist Equity grant in the amount of $4,000. Artist Equity grants provide to to $4,000 to aid Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other artists of color with projects that will advance their skills and artistic careers. There are no match requirements for this grant. These funds will support Peterson's book launch and marketing activities for a new book that was a collaborative effort with her uncle. The book is titled "Voices from Pejuhutazizi: Dakota Stories and Storytellers" and it is being published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press. Peterson said, "My vision for this work is to support a successful launch, reach broad audiences, and overall - support some of the book's objectives - to support increased visibility of Dakota voice and story, create awareness and discussion for the need to disrupt master narratives, including teaching/learning spaces, lift up storytellers and the role of stories, and preserve unique local Dakota stories for future generations." This grant will include support for Peterson to develop an artist website with a website developer, local freelancer Amanda Anderson, who will also mentor Peterson on maintaining the site. It will also support contracting with Native artist Tanner Peterson, who will take photographs and gather images for the website, as well as create a social media presence for Peterson as an artist. Other promotional activities include promotion of the book virtually and in-person. There will be book readings to diverse and broad audiences across MN from Nov 2021 - Aug 2022. Activities include attending around 20 public readings and book signing events. Anticipated locations include schools, universities, libraries, book stores, community centers, tribal communities, and public cultural/artistic spaces. |
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Sureeporn Sompamitwong of Adrian has been awarded a SMAC Quick Support for Artist grant in the amount of $1,000. Quick Support for Artists grants provide an artist with up to $1,000 for activities such as purchasing supplies, attending classes, and small artist-led community projects. Sompamitwong will use funding towards a sculpture of a female form that incorporates traditional sculpture mediums as well as found objects such as barb wire, a mirror, and more. The figure will also include nature themes, such as vines and grass. The artist said their vision for the artwork is to create a piece that ties mother nature and mental illness into one piece, and to communicate the importance of fresh air and taking care of our environment and mental health.
Pictured: Sculpture by Sureeporn Sompamitwong titled "Empath".
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES: SMAC Seeks Arts Ambassadors
SMAC is looking for ARTS AMBASSADORS! Three contract positions are now open for arts-engaged community members to serve 6 counties – one position in the North, one Central and one South – in the SMAC 18 county region.
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The role of the SMAC ARTS AMBASSADOR will be to build relationships, connections and networks with groups and communities that SMAC has not been successful in serving or reaching. The job will include a priority of creating connections with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) and/or LGBTQIA2S+ artists and organizations, as well as people living with a disability and/or other groups or communities historically excluded in the region. This outreach position will have flexible hours and schedule, and includes a monthly stipend + mileage reimbursement.
The North position covers the counties of: Big Stone, Swift, Lac qui Parle, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker
The Central position covers the counties of: Yellow Medicine, Renville, McLeod, Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood
The South position covers the counties of: Pipestone, Murray, Cottonwood, Rock, Nobles, Jackson
More details:
- Independent contractor status with no work comp or benefits
- Contract timeframe from October 1, 2021 – July 1, 2022; with 3-month and 6-month review
- 30-50 hours / month with reporting due by the end of each month (estimated $20/hour) Reported hours include travel time
- Mileage reimbursement
- Total budgeted/month = $1000 per position
- Similar to SMAC Board members, Arts Ambassadors will not be eligible to apply for/receive individual SMAC grants during their contract term
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In the Gallery: Anne Wedler |
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Wedler will have an in-person reception on September 9 from 5-7pm as well as a virtual reception via Zoom on September 16 starting at 5:30pm. Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 941 1517 8113, Passcode: 220941
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Please let us know of any accommodations needed for you to enjoy any of our events, virtual or in-person: info@swmnarts.org.
These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Funding provided by the McKnight Foundation. Minnesota thrives when its artists thrive. The McKnight Foundation supports working artists to create and contribute to vibrant communities.
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The Walker Art Center seeks SW MN Teens for Arts Council |
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Collaborate with the Walker Art Center!
In January 2022 The Walker Art Center will be piloting the Prairie Teen Arts Council (PTAC). PTAC will offer a group of 10 teens from Southwest Minnesota a chance to collaborate with Walker staff, explore the inner workings of the museum, conduct original research and plan events. The group will meet virtually and weekly until June.
Picture of The Walker Art Center from their website.
The Walker is seeking teachers or other community members and youth advocates who can help spread the word about the program and interested teens to apply. All interested can contact Simona Zappas, Youth and Community Programs Associate, at simona.zappas@walkerart.org.
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Through Welcoming Week, organizations and communities bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.
This year, SMAC will be a regional partner of Welcoming Week and help to promote and support the 11 communities that will be holding events: Montevideo, Granite Falls, Willmar, Hutchinson, Glencoe, Kerkhoven, Worthington, Windom, Milan, Lower Sioux Indian Community/Morton and Marshall. Be on the lookout for more details from our Facebook, Instagram, website, and emails!
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Southwest Minnesota Arts Council Outreach
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Top photo: Sarah Fossen and Nicole DeBoer in downtown Granite Falls.
Left: Granite Falls painted murals and mosaics along the riverfront.
Right: Ashley Hanson of the YES! House shows future floor plans for the space.
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View the entire grants calendar for our current fiscal year here.
- Provides organizations with up to $2,500 for activities such as planning for an Art Legacy Project, strategic planning or board training, costs to apply for a 501(c)(3) status, small equipment purchases, or small arts projects. **Watch recorded webinar from June 2021 here: https://youtu.be/hwovaG_HOMU**
- Provides artists with up to $1,000 for activities such as purchasing supplies, attending classes, and small artist-led community projects. **Watch recorded webinar from July 2021 here: https://youtu.be/De0GDhg2mRo**
- Provides up to $4,000 to aid Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other artists of color with projects that will advance their skills and artistic career. **Watch recorded webinar from July 2021 here: https://youtu.be/3tfW6p4pOHI**
- Provides arts organizations with up to $10,000 for the purchase of equipment items and facilities improvements that will strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve the arts needs of the SMAC region. No cash match required this year. **Watch recorded webinar from July 2021 here: https://youtu.be/zr9snsvWu8U**
Pre-Application Submission for Operating Support Grants: Pre-application submission due September 15, 2021 by 4:30 pm. Application deadline October 20, 2021 by 4:30 pm.
- Two-year grants for arts organizations with a current 501(c)(3) and at least two years of programming and financials, to be used for operating expenses. Submit financial info in a pre-application to determine your request amount, 15% or 35% of your organization's average operating budget, depending on budget size. **Watch recorded webinar from August 2021 here: https://youtu.be/k604Obqe8SE**
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Grants to schools for artist residencies or field trips that include educator training and community involvement, juried student art exhibits, and prepackaged theater experiences. Up to $2,500 (field trips, juried exhibits, or prepackaged theater) or $4,000 (residencies). No cash match required.
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Provides organizations in the SMAC region with up to $20,000 to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance and appreciation of the arts through large-scale projects that will leave an arts legacy in Southwest Minnesota. No cash match required this year. **Register for September 30, 2021 Webinar from 7-8 pm here.**
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Grants to schools for artist residencies or field trips that include educator training and community involvement, juried student art exhibits, and prepackaged theater experiences. Up to $2,500 (field trips, juried exhibits, or prepackaged theater) or $4,000 (residencies). No cash match required. **Register for December 15, 2021 Webinar from 5:30-6:30 pm here.**
View the entire grants calendar for our current fiscal year here.
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Upcoming SMAC Grantwriting Webinars: September
Please let us know of any accommodations needed for you to attend any of our events, virtual or in-person: info@swmnarts.org.
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Provide organizations in the SMAC region with up to $20,000 to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance and appreciation of the arts through large-scale projects that will leave an arts legacy in Southwest Minnesota. No cash match required in fiscal year 2022.**Grantwriting Webinar: September 30, 7-8 pm. Register here!**
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Meet With Our Grants Administrator
SW MN Arts Council grants administrator Caroline Koska is available to meet with you by phone, web conference or in person at our office in Marshall to answer your questions on grant eligibility and using the application system or to review a draft of your application. Click here to schedule time with her.
As a reminder, Koska also holds monthly in-person open office hours at the SMAC offices in Marshall on the second Tuesday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm. The next one will take place September 14.
Call 800-622-5284 or email us info@swmnarts.org with your questions. Please let us know of any accommodations needed for you to attend any of our events, virtual or in-person: info@swmnarts.org.
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Would yo like to help SMAC review and score grant applications?
The SMAC Board of Directors continually seeks panels of artists, arts administrators, arts volunteers, and arts appreciators representing multiple artistic disciplines from throughout the SMAC geographic region and from all our communities including BIPOC, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. Being a grant panelist is a positive way to strengthen your grantwriting skills by understanding the process as a whole. It's also a great way to learn and support what exciting projects are happening in rural SW MN! Panelists are compensated $75 for a panel. Click here for more details!
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For more opportunities and resources be sure to check out the latest news posts (updated DAILY!) on SMAC's website:
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Regional arts calendar
We are continuing to post both in-person and virtual arts events in our region on our website calendar. If you have events to let us know about, please email the details to info@swmnarts.org!
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SMAC is still seeking representatives from Lac qui Parle County and McLeod County to serve on it’s Board of Directors.
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Memberships
From July 26 to August 27, 2021
Contributors: Canby Area Arts Council, Canby • Gene Stukel Photography, Granite Falls • Raymond & Alice Thull, Lucan • Glen Herfurth, Montevideo • AMP (Arts & Mentoring Project), Pipestone • Ramona Welsand Larson, Redwood Falls • Prairie Winds Concert Band, Willmar • Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra, Willmar •
Supporters: Buffalo Ridge Chorale, Hendricks • Ardy Palmer, Jackson • Shirley Espeland, St. Paul • Anna Johannsen, Windom •
Other donations:
•$100 donation from Franklin Studley in memory of Henry & Eunice Studley from Ruthon, MN
•Hyvee Reusable Bag Program, Marshall
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Would you like to become a contributing member of SMAC or make a donation?
The arts have suffered tremendously since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our arts organizations and individual artists have had to modify, postpone or cancel most, if not all of their projects and events, since March of 2020. These closures meant lost income and lost opportunities. We are just starting to see the region opening up and the arts becoming part of our lives again. The SW MN Arts Council will continue working to support and fund arts access for the citizens of Southwest Minnesota. We need you to help us support the arts.
You can help by contributing online or by mail, for more information, visit:
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS!
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2021 SW MN Arts Council BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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Big Stone - Janine Teske
Jackson - Kristen Kuipers
Lincoln - Mark Wilmes
Meeker - Darlene Kotelnicki
Pipestone - Erica Volkir
Rock - Shawn Kinsinger &
Louella Voigt
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Chippewa - Georgette Jones
Kandiyohi - Cheri Buzzeo
Lyon - Michele Knife Sterner
Murray - Jessica Welu
Redwood - David KelseyBassett
Swift - Alison Nelson
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Cottonwood - Anna Johannsen
Nobles - Cheryl Avenel-Navara
Renville-Anne O'Keefe-Jackson
Yellow Medicine-Betsy Pardick & Michele Huggins
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Executive Director - Nicole DeBoer
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Grants/Financial Administrator - Caroline Koska
Marketing Coordinator - Krystl Louwagie
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SW MN Arts Council
The Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC) is a non-profit organization committed to promoting and encouraging the development of the arts in the eighteen counties of southwestern Minnesota by serving as a source of funds and technical services which enable local organizations, educational institutions, and individuals to sponsor and/or create and promote the arts in their communities.
SMAC receives funding from individuals, businesses, organizations, schools, cities, counties, private foundations including the McKnight Foundation, an allocation from the State of Minnesota, and a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund, made possible by the voters of Minnesota.
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