Arts News
December Newsletter
Our latest newsletter is out! Read the December 2023 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/41muTCZ..
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Fertile Public Library
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Fertile Public Library from November 28 to January 16.
Stop by the library to see these works of art from throughout our region!
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 15 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit is currently at the Fertile Public Library until January 16. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.
The 2023-2024 Artists and Artwork:
Ross Hier, Crookston, “Beach Ridge Bouquet” (Watercolor Painting)
Tim Anderson, Goodridge, “Let Your Light Shine” Wood Bowl (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit
Nancy Vraa, Red Lake Falls, “Country Classic” Hat and Mitten Set (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit
Lillian Ramsey, Thief River Falls, “Queen Mouse” (Acrylic Painting)
Kathy Panek, Goodridge, “Night Taxi” (Acrylic Painting on canvas board)
Jodi M Smith, East Grand Forks, “Swirls of Light “(Photography)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Old House” (Acrylic Painting) Merit
Madilyn Crompton, Borup, “Hang Time” (Digital Photo) Student Ada-Borup-West School
Makaela Longoria, Ada, “You Have My Heart“(Ceramic Sculpture) Student Ada-Borup-West
Emma Gunderson, Crookston, “Go on a Trip” (Acrylic Painting), Student Crookston School
Kaydence Skibicki, Fertile, Untitled (Silk Screen Print), Student Fertile-Beltrami School
Carter Lee Johnsrud, Goodridge, “Masking” (Mixed Media Graphite Pencil) Student Goodridge School (1st Place and People’s Choice)
Quinn Pittman, Greenbush, “Moe” (Pen Drawing), Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit
Rhiana Utter, Greenbush, “Elsa” (Linoleum Print) Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit
Maryjane Crane, Red Lake Falls, “Time” (Acrylic Painting), Student Red Lake Falls School
The 2022-2022 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
June to July 11 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls
July 11 to August 29 Roseau Public Library, Roseau
August 29 to October 10 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
October 10 to November 28, Godel Public Library, Warren
November 28 to January 16 Fertile Public Library, Fertile
January 16 to February 27, 2024 Campbell Public Library, East Grand Forks
February 27 to March 26, 2024 Ada Public Library, Ada
March 26 to April TBD 2024** Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls
*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.
**Tentatively scheduled
For more information about the Traveling Exhibit or our other exhibits look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
November Newsletter
Read our November 2023 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3SDr2iL.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Minnesota Playwrights’ Center Offers Mentorships and Fellowships. Applications are open!
The Playwrights' Center sustains, develops, and advocates for playwrights and their work to realize their full artistic potential. The Playwrights' Center focuses on both supporting playwrights and promoting new plays to production at theaters across the country. It is a resource for playwrights statewide.
Applications are currently open for:
-The Many Voices Mentorship — for beginning Black playwrights, Indigenous playwrights, and/or playwrights of color or artists in other disciplines who are interested in learning about playwriting (deadline December 7)
-The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship -— for theater artists other than playwrights based in Minnesota (deadline March 28, but we 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 January 11)
-Core Writer Program — for any committed professional playwright (Deadline January 25)
Reach out to the Center with any questions you might have.
Julia Brown (she/her/hers), Artistic Programs Manager
Playwrights’ Centerwww.pwcenter.org | 612-332-7481 x.11152301 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Artist Spotlight with Stephanie Olson Saturday, November 4
Watch our Artist Spotlight with Stephanie Olson here or on our Facebook or YouTube pages. This was live on Saturday, November 4 at 11 AM.
NWMAC staff Trey and Kristin spoke with Stephanie Olson for an Artist Spotlight to highlight the Figures of Ghosts and Dreams Exhibit. We spoke with Stephanie about her what influences her artistically, her art, the exhibit, her writing background, and much more. Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson is open until November 29. Let us know if you have questions!
Minnesota State Arts Board is hiring a Grants Management Systems Administrator
The Minnesota State Arts Board seeking applicants
for a key systems administration position
Are you an organized systems thinker? A person who can develop clear and efficient ways to collect, store, and retrieve data? Do you like to find ways to make online systems and processes more effective? Are you a strong project manager? Do you want to find a meaningful role that combines your skills and experience with online systems administration and your passion for the arts?
The Arts Board is looking for its next grants management systems administrator. This person will ensure that the board has a fully functioning online grants management system that meets the needs of both internal and external users. Successful candidates for this position will have at least four years' experience in information systems project management and business analysis. They will have the ability to work with software programs, databases, and operating systems. They will be able to develop online forms to collect information from applicants and grantees. They will create efficient and organized ways to store, maintain, and retrieve data (i.e., applications, reports, contracts, requests for proposals, etc.).
In addition to the day to day work of systems administration, this person will join the agency at a key moment, as it completes an upgrade or conversion of its online grants management system. The systems administrator will manage the planning and implementation for this important project.
This is a full-time, permanent position. It is eligible for hybrid or telework arrangements.
Applications must be submitted by November 15, 2023.
All interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Arts Board's Employment Opportunities web page at http://www.arts.state.mn.us/about/employment.htm to get more details about the job including the salary and benefits information, required qualifications, and application instructions.
October Newsletter
Read our October 2023 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3tMl4Sl.
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission is inviting design ideas for New State Flag and Seal
Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission
Inviting Design Ideas for New State Flag and Seal
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Legislature established a commission to consider and select new designs for the state flag and seal. The commission includes seventeen members, including the former chair of the Minnesota State Arts Board. Administrative support and coordination for the commission is provided by the Minnesota Historical Society.
The commission is now inviting members of the public
to submit ideas and designs for a new flag and seal.
Submissions will be accepted through October 30, 2023.
To read the guidelines and submit a design for the
new state flag and/or seal, visit the commission website.
Visit the commission website
The commission meets virtually every Tuesday. If you are interested, you can sign up to receive notices from the commission, find the names and affiliations of commission members, learn about the current state flag and seal, and watch the commission meetings online at the commission's website.
Lovin’ Spoonful drummer Mike Arturi will facilitate a music workshop in East Grand Forks on Tues, Oct 24
COMPAS Teaching Artist and drummer for The Lovin’ Spoonful Mike Arturi shared his story of music, experiences that gave him the life skills that guided him through a lifelong career in music, and being a teaching artist. Mike will be facilitating a music workshop at the Campbell Public Library of East Grand Forks on Tuesday, October 24 @ 6 PM. The event, funded through a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, is free and open to all ages. No drumming experience is needed! You can listen to Mike’s conversation with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West.
Community Dance with North Country Fiddle & Dance Nov 18
North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance
Saturday, November 18th 7:30 to 10:00 pm
East Grand Forks Senior Center, 538 Rhinehart Drive,
East Grand Forks
Music by O'Neil Family Band
Caller - Robin Nelson, Minneapolis, MN
Everyone is invited to a Community Dance with North Country Fiddle and Dance
These events are made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
Traveling Art Exhibit is in Warren
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Godel Public Library in Warren
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 15 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit is currently at the Godel Public Library until November 28. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.
The 2023-2024 Artists and Artwork:
Ross Hier, Crookston, “Beach Ridge Bouquet” (Watercolor Painting)
Tim Anderson, Goodridge, “Let Your Light Shine” Wood Bowl (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit
Nancy Vraa, Red Lake Falls, “Country Classic” Hat and Mitten Set (Folk/Traditional Fine Craft) Merit
Lillian Ramsey, Thief River Falls, “Queen Mouse” (Acrylic Painting)
Kathy Panek, Goodridge, “Night Taxi” (Acrylic Painting on canvas board)
Jodi M Smith, East Grand Forks, “Swirls of Light “(Photography)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Old House” (Acrylic Painting) Merit
Madilyn Crompton, Borup, “Hang Time” (Digital Photo) Student Ada-Borup-West School
Makaela Longoria, Ada, “You Have My Heart“(Ceramic Sculpture) Student Ada-Borup-West
Emma Gunderson, Crookston, “Go on a Trip” (Acrylic Painting), Student Crookston School
Kaydence Skibicki, Fertile, Untitled (Silk Screen Print), Student Fertile-Beltrami School
Carter Lee Johnsrud, Goodridge, “Masking” (Mixed Media Graphite Pencil) Student Goodridge School (1st Place and People’s Choice)
Quinn Pittman, Greenbush, “Moe” (Pen Drawing), Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit
Rhiana Utter, Greenbush, “Elsa” (Linoleum Print) Student Greenbush-Middle River School Merit
Maryjane Crane, Red Lake Falls, “Time” (Acrylic Painting), Student Red Lake Falls School
The 2022-2022 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
June to July 11 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls
July 11 to August 29 Roseau Public Library, Roseau
August 29 to October 10 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
October 10 to November 28, Godel Public Library, Warren
November 28 to January 16 Fertile Public Library, Fertile
January 16 to February 27, 2024 Campbell Public Library, East Grand Forks
February 27 to March 26, 2024 Ada Public Library, Ada
March 26 to April TBD 2024** Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls
*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.
**Tentatively scheduled
For more information about the Traveling Exhibit call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
North Country Fiddle & Dance’s Fall Community Dance Oct 28 in Fosston
Come one, Come all !!
Fall Community Dance
presented by North Country Fiddle and Dance and East Polk Heritage Center
Saturday, October 28, 2:30 to 5:00 pm
Embassy Community Center, 603 3rd St. N.E. Fosston, MN
Music by O'Neil Family Band
Caller-Jeanne O'Neil
Hispanic Heritage Month activities at NCTC
Northland Community and Technical College is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a number of activities including a photography exhibit Roots of the Red River Valley, an event called A Seat at the Table on Saturday, October 14 with individuals demonstrating dances and offering a few lessons for those interested, food, and more!
Individual Artist Grant Deadline has been extended to October 15. Other Upcoming Arts Grants Applications — it’s time to apply!
Individual Artist Grants for $5,000 Deadline is
Extended to Oct 15
Fall Deadlines for Arts Grants Applications
Organizations, Individuals & Schools -- Apply Now
Grant training for Organizations Tues, Oct 17 at 4 PM
Individuals Nov 1 at 10 AM
Applications are open for arts grants to nonprofit arts organizations, communities, schools, and other nonprofit organizations. Applications are being accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Nonprofit arts organizations can start applying for general operating funds. Applications are open now. The eligible grant amount is based on total expenses within the previous two completed years and the organization's history of arts programming. These organizations will be able to add to this grant, as the year progresses, if they need additional funding. Funding sources for these grants come from Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
Individual Artist Grants have an October 15 deadline for $5,000 grants (this is an extension) and November 15 deadline for $1,500. Quick Turnaround Grants for $500 will be available in January 2024 . These grants are awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals and $5,000 going to four individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.
Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2024). In the case of college students, your school or your home mailing address must be in our region. You will have to show proof of residency, usually your driver’s license.
All other nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Upcoming grants deadlines for these are October 31 and February 29. Grants are between $500 and $10,000. Funding sources for these grants are Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
Organizational arts activities funded through these two very important grant opportunities include festivals, community theatre projects, folk music entertainment, sponsorship of visual demonstrations, creative writing workshops and many other activities that improve the quality of life of people in our communities.
Schools in our seven-county region can also apply now for an Artist Residency grant of $2,600 plus an additional $400 if the residency needs supplies. Our teaching artist roster is a great resource to view artists available to teach in our area and is available on our website at www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org under the artists tab. Another resource to view artists available to enhance curriculum is COMPAS.
Schools can initially apply for one residency. Then based on remaining funding, can request up to three additional residencies into spring and summer. Funding for residency activities comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Minnesota.
Schools can also apply for Arts Equipment for their school by October 31 each year. Grants are for up to $3,000 with a 25% cash match requirement. Funds for this arts equipment in schools grant program come from the general fund of the State of Minnesota.
We are offering several grant training workshops via Zoom or in person at the NWMAC office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend. Email director@nwartscouncil.org to RSVP or with questions. Don’t let your questions about the grant process keep you from applying! We are here to help.
Upcoming trainings will be:
· October 17 at 4 pm. Organizations Grant training
· November 1 at 10 am. Individual Artist grant training
To learn more about grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. The grant application process is completely online and NWMAC's Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal to get accustomed to it. Please contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886.
Artist Reception for Art and Spirituality Exhibit Wednesday, September 27 from 6 to 8 PM
Please join us for an Artist Reception for our Art & Spirituality Exhibit. The reception will be held at our gallery at NCTC from 6 to 8 pm. Refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend. George French will be playing some piano pieces!
Art & Spirituality, featuring the art of Sister Denise Schonhardt, also includes artwork by Trey Everett, Gail Ose, Elizabeth Wavra, Betsy Saurdiff, and Noah Hanson and is open through September 29 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
Sister Denise Schonhardt of Crookston is an accomplished painter who “grew up among the hills, lakes, and trees,” which is evident in her art. She explained that her “paintings are about how colors interact, how they push and pull, how they change each other, and how they convey emotion.”
The 35 pieces in this exhibit include oil and acrylic paintings, ceramic art, and pen and ink and depict the nuances and breadth of spirituality. Showcase Specialist Trey Everett explained, “I am very happy with our newest exhibit "Art and Spirituality." It is difficult to convey in words and sentences what spirituality is to us let alone our personal spiritual experiences. However, art, in any form, can express the transcendent. The artwork in this exhibit is highly varied and a very intimate expression of what spirituality is to each artist. Sister Denise's hypnotic and prophetic artwork gave the whole gallery a surreal orange-red tint when it was installed. The religious philosopher Rudolf Otto coined the word Numinous from the Latin word numen which means a "divine majesty" or "presiding spirit." He believed "that the essence of holiness was to invoke in the observer a feeling of awe, wonder, and even dread." He called this the "Numinous." I hope when people interact with this exhibit, they experience the numinous, a sense of peace and awe as well as a sense of unease and challenge.”
For more information about this exhibit visit northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/blog/art-amp-spirituality-exhibit-featuring-sister-denise-schonhardt-is-open or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 745-8886 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.
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.
September Newsletter
Read our September 2023 newsletter to find out about upcoming deadlines, events, exhibits, calls for art, opportunities, and more at https://conta.cc/3LwGE2Z
Make sure you sign up to get the e-newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Artists of Northwest Minnesota 6th Edition Accepting Applications for Artists and Groups
It's time to submit an entry for the 6th edition of our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call our office at 218-745-8886 to receive a form. The cost is only $20 for a listing + you receive 20 copies of the booklet! You are also able to have a piece of art hanging in our office space to help promote you. And, the booklet is online on our website. What a deal!
Submissions for individuals will be accepted until January 10. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to submit a listing for the booklet as well. The deadline for organizations and businesses is also January 10.
To learn more and to download the entry form visit this page on our website here.
Find our a free print edition of our current booklet Artists of Northwest Minnesota at your local library, from featured artists, or in other public spaces throughout our region. This is the 5th edition of this publication. The directory 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.
Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson
Figures of Ghosts & Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls through November 29
Artist Reception Wednesday, October 18 from 6-8 PM
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson. This exhibit is open through Wednesday, November 29 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
Stephanie Olson is a public-school English teacher in Goodridge and lives with her husband and kids in rural Thief River Falls. She holds a Writing MFA degree from Hamline University. Her visual work has appeared in several group shows, including past exhibits with the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, two This Week Only exhibits at the North Dakota Museum of Art, and a group show at the Vine Arts Center in Minneapolis.
Figures of Ghosts and Dreams includes 42 pieces of watercolor on paper, India ink on paper, and acrylic on wood, cork, and canvas. Stephanie explained, “This exhibit reflects the art that comes to me. When I sit down with an idea, with a plan, my art fails almost every time. But when I sit down with no intention, it's like a door is left open. In the beginning, my art was more abstract: lines, color, depth. Now, I have these figures. Sometimes they seem peaceful, as if visiting from a dream. Sometimes they remind me of loved ones who have passed on, like visiting ghosts. There are undeniable motifs that I can't escape: houses, snakes, dogs, cats, women. I must let it all come as it is, like the weather. I wouldn't say it's like the notion of a muse taking over, not at all. It's more like a house filling up with guests. I'm never sure how long they'll stay, but this is what I find when I manage to steal time to sit down and paint. It's always a surprise. Try it! You never know who might show up, who you might meet.”
Experience the exhibit virtually with this video https://youtu.be/nkG_lKjq71o
An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, October 18 from 6 to 8 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. There will be live music and refreshments and Stephanie will be painting during the event. Come and see Stephanie creating art while viewing her large group of expressive pieces! Stephanie’s art is available for purchase.
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.
For more information about this exhibit or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 745-8886 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.
Louisville Days Fall Festival September 23 with arts workshop
Louisville Days is September 23. Take a painting workshop with Artist Christine Foster!
Warroad Summer Theatre presents Nana’s Naughty Knickers
Warroad Summer Theatre presents Nana’s Naughty Knickers. Tickets are available.