In this issue:
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SMAC 2021 Prairie Disciple: Rosemary Glesener & the SMAC 2021 Annual Celebration
- SMAC seeks contract bookkeeper
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Warm up with SMAC: Spring arts class
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SMAC grant updates: 2022 grants are LIVE, Upcoming grant deadlines, Open office hours, Q&A sessions & Webinars
- SMAC seeks panelists to review grant applications for fiscal year 2022
- SMAC staff gets their portraits done by local artist
Pictured: Watercolor painting students from SMAC's class with instructor Tamara Isfeld (far left) at the Worthington Memorial Auditorium.
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Southwest Minnesota Arts Council Awards Local Arts Advocate $1,000 Prairie Disciple Award |
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The Southwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce Rosemary Glesener of Bird Island (Renville County) as the recipient of the 2021 Prairie Disciple Award
The Prairie Disciple Award provides awareness and recognition of one individual per year from southwest Minnesota, whose activities and involvement have substantially contributed to the arts over an extended period of time. The accomplishments of arts advocates working in the region are often not widely known or appreciated. In recognizing these individuals publicly, SMAC believes theses awards raise the profile of the arts in their community and throughout the 18-county SMAC region. The public is invited to join SMAC in publicly honoring Rosemary at our Annual Celebration of the arts and artists in our southwest Minnesota region. The celebration will be held in Jackson, MN this fall on Saturday September 18th. Please watch our website and other media channels, like Facebook and Instagram , for more details!
Rosemary was nominated and had letters of support from many community members! Mark Glesener, the instigator of the nomination, said that Rosemary, a Minnesota native, has resided in Renville County for forty years. During this time, she has organized art shows in various venues, ranging from a National Guard Armory to an abandoned convent and more. These shows were three-day events where local artists as well as regional and metropolitan artists participated. As a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Superior she designed her own major entitled Integrative Community Wellness which encompassed her belief that art, psychology and health are interconnected. She has been instrumental in the management of the Bird Island Cultural Centre since its inception in November 2016. She began as a founding member and Board President and then stepped down to assume the role of Director in December 2018. Mark said, "as an artist, writer, and entrepreneur, she thrives on the creative process."
Coming soon: Look forward to a full feature press release on Rosemary and what her supporters had to say about her!
We thank all the nominators and individuals who wrote letters of support, including for the nominees that were not able to be awarded this year; we had many exceptional and deserving candidates. We encourage nominators to try again in future rounds-the Prairie Disciple award will be awarded to an educator in 2022 as well as our Prairie Star award for an exceptional artist who has impacted our region. To learn more, please visit https://swmnarts.org/grants/smac-special-awards/. Rosemary will be publicly awarded and celebrated at Southwest Minnesota Arts Council’s Annual Celebration this fall on Saturday, September 18th in Jackson County. Keep your eyes open for details from us on this event!
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Save the date for Southwest Minnesota Art Council's Annual Celebration! This year will be mix of in-person events being held in Jackson County, as well as virtual offerings, on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Watch for more updates, we can't wait to spend the day celebrating the arts with you!
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Contract Bookkeeper Wanted
SW MN Arts Council is looking for an experienced bookkeeper to be contracted for around 25-30 hours a month, with some more time needed after fiscal year-end (June 30) and calendar year-end.
The contract bookkeeper would be responsible for twice-monthly payroll, bills, and grant payments; receipts; tracking fund and functional allocations; reconciling membership and grant databases with QuickBooks; and creating related reports for the board.
If interested, send a cover letter and resume to info@swmnarts.org. Position open until filled. Contract hourly rate negotiable.
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Southwest Minnesota Arts Council art classes taught by artists from the region for artists in the region.
- Classes are $15 per person, per class
- Class size maximum: 10 participants
- All supplies provided at classes; no need to bring your own unless preferred
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Plein Air Painting
(Painting outdoors with oils)
with instructor John Sterner
*Please email info@swmnarts.org if you are concerned with purchasing a day pass for a Minnesota State Park to take this class.
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Please contact SMAC with accessibility inquiries for specific locations.
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In the Gallery: Mary LaPatka
July 15 through August 27, 2021, please help us welcome Mary La Patka of Willmar to our Southwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery!
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Join us for an in-person artist reception on Thursday, July 15th from 5-7 pm at our gallery in Marshall, 144 N 3rd St. **Music during reception by Mark Rabaey of Marshall, violinist.**
AND/OR
Join us for our Third Thursday Virtual Artist Talk following the reception from 7-8 pm on Thursday, July 15th. Email info@swmnarts.org for the zoom link!
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Please let us know of any accommodations needed for you to attend 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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Did you know you can now start your next grant application? You can find out more about our grants for the year here: https://swmnarts.org/grants/ OR start your application here!
Click here to view Southwest Minnesota Arts Council's fiscal year 2022 grant programs calendar, which runs from July 2021 through June 2022. Applications now open!
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- 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. **Register for June 28 Webinar from 5:30-6:30 pm here!**
- Provides organizations in the SMAC region with up to $7,000 to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance and appreciation of the arts (pre-packaged theatre residencies limited to $2,500). No cash match required this year. **Register for July 7 Webinar from 12-1 pm here!**
- 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. **Register for July 27 Webinar from 5:30-6:30 pm here!**
- 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. **Register for August 5 Webinar from 12-1 pm here!**
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We're back to "In-Person" and *extended* open office hours!
Grant Support Open Office Hours: the second Tuesday of the month
NEXT EVENT: Tuesday, July 13, 2021
SW MN Arts Council hosts grant support open office hours the second Tuesday of each month. These open office hours will be located at our office in Marshall from 10 am to 2 pm. You can use this time with SW MN Arts Council staff to talk through project ideas or get help with finding the right grant program, filling out your application, preparing work samples or budgets, or completing your final report.
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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Join us on Zoom for a virtual Grants Questions & Answers Sessions to get questions answered about any of our grant programs. Dates for FY2022 (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022) include:
You do not need to register, but you can if you wish to receive email reminders.
How to join:
Join the virtual meeting here. Meeting ID: 982 8089 0625 Passcode: 433868
If joining by landline, find your local number here.
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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Please let us know of any accommodations needed for you to attend any of our events, virtual or in-person: info@swmnarts.org.
- Provides up to $4,000 to aid Black, Indigenous, and other artists of color with projects that will advance their skills and artistic career. **Grantwriting Webinar: July 1, Noon-1 pm. Register here!**
- Provides organizations in the SMAC region with up to $7,000 to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance and appreciation of the arts (pre-packaged theatre residencies limited to $2,500). No cash match required this year. **Grantwriting Webinar: July 7, Noon-1 pm. Register here!**
- Provides artists with up to $1,000 for activities such as purchasing supplies, attending classes, and small artist-led community projects. No cash match required this year. **Grantwriting Webinar: July 19, 7-8 pm. Register here!**
- 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. **Grantwriting Webinar: July 27, 5:30-6:30 pm. Register here!**
- 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. **Grantwriting Webinar: August 5, Noon-1 pm. Register 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.**Grantwriting Webinar: August 23, 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 always, feel free to call 800-622-5284 or email us info@swmnarts.org any time 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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SMAC seeks Panelists to review grant applications for fiscal year 2022
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. Panelists will be expected to review and score grant applications online (usually between 5-10 applications in a 2 week span) and then participate in a meeting discussing grants and scores. Click here for more details!
Compensation:
- Mileage is reimbursed at the year’s standard mileage rate per mile (when meetings are held in person).
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Individuals serving on a grant review panel will receive a stipend of $75 in addition to their mileage reimbursement.
- Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are provided by SMAC when appropriate (when meetings are held in person).
TO APPLY:
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Read about our Grant Panel Responsibilities
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Read and sign our Conflict of Interest policy
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Download and fill out a copy of the Panelist Application (PDF or Word doc) or fill out the online form at the bottom of this page: https://swmnarts.org/about/become-a-grant-panelist/
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Submit your completed application and signed Conflict of Interest document by using the submit button on the webpage, emailing them to info@swmnarts.org, or mailing them to SW MN Arts Council, PO Box 55, Marshall, MN 56258.
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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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SMAC staff gets portraits done by local artist
Krystl Louwagie isn't just the Marketing Coordinator for SMAC, but also a portrait artist! Please enjoy these staff portraits done in marker on vellum paper. You can follow Krystl's artistic journey on Facebook and Instagram.
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Nicole DeBoer
Executive Director
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Caroline
Koska
Financial & Grants Administrator
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Krystl Louwagie
Marketing & Accessibility Coordinator
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Thanks for inviting us to be a part of your arts celebration!
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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.
If you live or work in Lac qui Parle or McLeod county and are interested in a position on our board here are some details: The Board meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday evening, currently virtually, to set policies, make final decisions on grant awards with input from grant review panels, share ideas and information from their representative counties, and to design programs that enable SMAC to best serve our communities. To learn more and to fill out an application, please go to
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Memberships
From May 29 to June 24, 2021
Contributors: Kylie Rieke, Fairfax • Ron Porep, Milan •
Supporters: Carisa Clarke, Slayton • Cheryl Avenel-Navara, Worthington •
Sustainers: Robert Schwoch, Lynd •
Patrons: Gary & Nancy Geiger, Willmar •
Benefactors: Lincoln County Commission, Ivanhoe • Rock County Commission, Luverne •
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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.
Thank you for supporting the arts in the southwest Minnesota region!
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