Arts News
Artist Spotlight with Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil on March 28
Watch our Artist Spotlight with Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil here. This was live on Thursday, March 28 at 10:30 AM on our Facebook and YouTube pages.
NWMAC Staff Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling spoke with Artists Jeanne O'Neil and Erin O'Neil. They talked about their music and the current exhibit Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through April 2024. They even played some tunes for the broadcast. Again, watch the recording here.
Jeanne O’Neil explained, “The focus of this show is the celebration of Erin's recently completed book, Twenty of Plenty, in which twenty of her original fiddle tunes are transcribed. We are both folk musicians and visual artists, and it is fitting to bring these forms of artistic expression together, as the tunes and art are both inspired by the rural landscapes we live in.”
The newest prints in this show come from a series of sketches made over the past summers on Jeanne’s land. “Walking the fields and pathways every day, year after year, the colors, contrasts, textures and lines of trees, grasses, sky, river are impressed in my mind, creating an accumulated knowledge of these places. The making of each print creates a deeper knowing and a stronger connection to that knowing.”
Jeanne’s daughter Erin O’Neil created the Twenty of Plenty tune book. This was an effort with a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council to get some of her tune compositions transcribed so that they could be introduced into wider circles of musicians. The descriptions and illustration throughout the book offer insight into the meaning of the compositions. The cultural influences for these tunes include French Canadian, Irish, Scandinavian, Scottish traditional fiddle music, New England Contra Dance music, Old Time Appalachian music, and Metis fiddle tunes.
Erin also has Rag Folk pieces in this exhibit. The Rag Folk represent preservation of what has been used in everyday life and creating new lives out of old scraps and rags. Erin started creating these pieces with a passion for recycling and reducing waste and a desire to connect with others.
Jeanne and Erin both play in the O’Neil Family Band. Erin plays the fiddle and feet, while Jeanne plays the banjo and concertina. The band holds many community dances in our region.
An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. The O'Neil Family Band will be performing and refreshments will be served. Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends.Please join us for the conversation! Let us know if you have questions!
Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne O’Neil and Erin O’Neil
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces
Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints
Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls through April 2024
Artist Reception Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM — The O’Neil Family Band will perform
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Fiddle Tunes, Fiber Folk & Prairie Prints Featuring Jeanne Griffin O’Neil and Erin Jeanne O’Neil. This exhibit is open through April at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
East Grand Forks Artist Jeanne O’Neil explained, “The focus of this show is the celebration of Erin's recently completed book, Twenty of Plenty, in which twenty of her original fiddle tunes are transcribed. We are both folk musicians and visual artists, and it is fitting to bring these forms of artistic expression together, as the tunes and art are both inspired by the rural landscapes we live in.”
The newest prints in this show come from a series of sketches made over the past summers on Jeanne’s land. “Walking the fields and pathways every day, year after year, the colors, contrasts, textures and lines of trees, grasses, sky, river are impressed in my mind, creating an accumulated knowledge of these places. The making of each print creates a deeper knowing and a stronger connection to that knowing.”
Jeanne’s daughter Erin O’Neil learned to play the fiddle by the age of seven. Erin plays by ear and the Twenty of Plenty tune book project was an effort to get some of her tune compositions transcribed so that they could be introduced into wider circles of musicians who read music. With a grant from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the McKnight Foundation, she collaborated with a folk musician originally from Norway. The descriptions and illustration throughout the book offer insight into the meaning of the compositions. The cultural influences for these tunes include French Canadian, Irish, Scandinavian, Scottish traditional fiddle music, New England Contra Dance music, Old Time Appalachian music, and Metis fiddle tunes.
Erin also has Rag Folk pieces in this exhibit. The Rag Folk represent preservation of what has been used in everyday life and creating new lives out of old scraps and rags. The Rag Folk contain memories and essences of what has passed, and the joy of childhood carried forward and honored in adulthood. Erin started creating these pieces with a passion for recycling and reducing waste and a desire to connect with others.
Jeanne and Erin both play in the O’Neil Family Band. Erin plays the fiddle and feet, while Jeanne plays the banjo and concertina. The band holds many community dances in our region.
Watch this video featuring Erin’s music for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/8lZbCEPmtik.
An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. There will be refreshments and live music by the O’Neil Family Band.
Most of the pieces in the exhibit are for sale. You can purchase at any time and pick it when the exhibit is over.
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 our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, 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.
Artist Spotlight with Andy Hall Monday, January 22 at 10 AM
Watch our Artist Spotlight with Andy Hall. This was live on Monday, January 22 at 10 AM on our Facebook and YouTube pages. You can watch the discussion at this link https://streamyard.com/pjh6xzyyt6mj
NWMAC staff Trey and Kristin spoke with Andy Hall for an Artist Spotlight to highlight the Pulled in Many Directions Photography by Andy Hall Exhibit. We talked about what influences him artistically, his photography, his subject matter, the exhibit, his technique, photography tips, how to purchase his art, and much more. Pulled in Many Directions Photography by Andy Hall is open until February 26. Let us know if you have questions!
Pulled in Many Directions Exhibit Photography by Andy Hall is Open
We are pleased to announce the opening of Pulled in Many Directions Photography by Andy Hall. This exhibit is open through February 26 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
Take a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/81b-LEr1S8c
Andy Hall has been a full-time photographer for more than 23 years. He lives in Climax and owns Sweetlight Gallery in Crookston. According to Andy, his subject matter “varies tremendously and my techniques are ever evolving. What comes to life through my camera is all but invisible to me until I quiet my mind and allow my eyes to see the perfection in the obvious and the stunning beauty of the often overlooked. I revel in discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary!”
Of his technique and methods, Andy explained, “The photographs that you see here were created with digital cameras, a variety of lenses, a handful of filters and a tripod. I own camera gear from several different manufacturers. I print on archival photographic paper and canvas. I spray coat my canvases with a water-based UV protection that also makes them quite durable. I perform all aspects of my craft.”
There are 45 pieces in this exhibit that are either wrapped in canvas or framed canvas. All are for sale. In addition, Andy can tailor make any print to multiple sizes. All of the images in the exhibit are available in at least 5 other sizes and offered on canvas or metal, framed or unframed. He also offers paper prints that can be matted or framed to your own personal preference. Visit his website sweetlightphoto.com to view many other photographs. To make a purchase, contact Andy at 612-269-3601.
Showcase Specialist Trey Everett shared, “I have known Andy and seen him work over the years. He is all about quality. He spends hours upon hours finding the perfect shot, sometimes standing outside in subzero weather, keeping his camera and hands as warm as possible. His artwork is instantly captivating and mesmerizing. Andy is continually experimenting with subject matter, so his work is always evolving and expanding. This exhibit is a taste of the talent of Andy Hall.”
An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, January 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. There will be live music, drinks, and dessert.
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 other information look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, 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.
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!
Artist Reception for Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson Oct 18 6-8PM
Figures of Ghosts and Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson Artist Reception Oct 18 from 6-8 PM
Exhibit is Open through Wednesday, November 29
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls
Please join us for an Artist Reception on Wednesday, October 18 from 6 to 8 PM at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event. There will be live fiddle music and refreshments will be served. Stephanie will be live painting at the event.
Stephanie Olson lives with her husband and kids in rural Thief River Falls. She holds a Writing MFA degree from Hamline University and works as a public-school English teacher. But visual art always calls her back. Her visual work has appeared in a number of 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.”
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.
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.
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.
Artist Spotlight with Sister Denise Schonhardt Wednesday, September 13
This Artist Spotlight was on Wednesday, September 13 at 2 PM. Now, watch it on the NWMAC Facebook or YouTube pages or here. NWMAC staff Trey and Kristin spoke with Sister Denise Schonhardt to highlight the Art & Spirituality Exhibit and about her artistic influence, vision, how spirituality influences her art, and much more. The Art and Spirituality Exhibit is open until September 29. Let us know if you have questions!
Artist Spotlight with Art Teacher Gary Stegman Wednesday, July 5
Watch this online discussion with retired art teacher Gary Stegman here.
On Wednesday, July 5 the NWMAC held an Artist Spotlight with Retired Art Teacher Gary Stegman. You can watch this discussion with NWMAC staff Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling at the link above or on the NWMAC Facebook or YouTube pages. Stegman spoke about students, motivation, the arts, artistic vision, his background, and much more. Some of Stegman’s students have artwork in the current NWMAC exhibit Student Art Exhibit at NCTC in Thief River Falls. The exhibit is open until July 26. Let us know if you have questions.
Artist Reception for Student Art Exhibit Tuesday, June 27 6 to 8PM
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Invites You to the Artist Reception for the
Student Exhibit Featuring K-12 Artwork from NW Minnesota
Where: Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery, NCTC in Thief River Falls
When: Tuesday, June 27 from 6 to 8 PM
This exhibit features art by area students throughout northwest Minnesota, including the schools of Sacred Heart in East Grand Forks, Crookston, Warren-Alvarado-Oslo, Kittson Central in Hallock, Ada-Borup West, Fosston, Tri-County in Karlstad, and Roseau.
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/UQX4C4upQqg.
The artist reception at the gallery will be held on Tuesday, June 27 from 6 to 8PM in conjunction with the 101 Dalmatians play at Northland Community and Technical College. Refreshments will be served.
Children’s author Wanda Nelson will be signing and selling her books during the reception.
Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event.
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. During the summer, the college may be closed on Friday afternoons. Please check before making a special trip or visit the exhibit at other times. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.
For more information about our exhibits 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 Art of Addiction: An Exhibit Featuring the Ceramic Art of Kate Hammer
The Art of Addiction
An Exhibit Featuring the Ceramic Art of Kate Hammer and
Artwork by Other NW Minnesota Artists
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls through Friday, April 28
Artist Reception Rescheduled to April 18 from 3 to 5PM
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of our latest exhibit -- The Art of Addiction. This exhibit is open through Friday, April 28 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
The exhibit features ceramic art by Roseau Potter Kate Hammer and other pieces of art by NW Minnesota artists around the theme of addiction. Kate Hammer explained, “For me this exhibit symbolizes healing and growth as an artist and a person living in recovery.” Other artists with work in the exhibit are Courtney Olson of Crookston, Mara Hanel of Warren, and Karrie Taie of Roseau.
In addition, there are 9 12 x12 canvas paintings included in the exhibit that were created in a workshop with residents of the Northwestern Apartments transitional living facility in Crookston. Mike Anderson who manages the apartments stated, “For those who have struggled with mental health and substance use problems in their life, recovery is a sometimes long and arduous path. Often it can literally be a life and death struggle. Residents of the Northwestern Apartments (NWA) transitional living facility know that struggle intimately. Many residents come to NWA from inpatient mental health facilities, homeless shelters, substance use programs, and incarceration. Criteria for admission is to have a serious mental illness, and about 3/4 of residents also have a co-occurring substance use disorder. But whether it is stabilizing mental health symptoms, or the daily challenge to stay clean and sober, recovery is the goal of all. Inclusion in this art therapy project, The Art of Addiction, was a great way for residents to “go deeper.” After an initial session with local artist Trey Everett, the residents engaged with supplies and canvas to work on their own creation, with the general theme of addiction and recovery as a guide. Residents spent a week with their art. Many did several art pieces. Some were unable to finish one. Others felt their art was too personal to put on display. The project was captivating – residents were in the community room, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups, at all times of the day and night, working on their art, talking, and healing. One of the keys to recovery is connection, and this project provided that in addition to a personal and therapeutic experience that helped all involved on their healing path.”
Join us for an online discussion with Kate Hammer on Monday, March 20 at 11:00 am on the NWMAC Facebook or YouTube pages. After the broadcast, you’ll be able to watch the Artist Spotlight recording on our website, Facebook or YouTube.
Take a virtual tour of the exhibit here.
Join us for an artist reception at the gallery on Tuesday, April 18 from 3 to 5pm. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome to attend. There is no cost. Please note this has been rescheduled from an earlier date!
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 our exhibits 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. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. 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.
Artist Spotlight with Ceramic Artist Kate Hammer Monday, March 20
Watch this online discussion with Ceramic Artist Kate Hammer here.
Tune into the NWMAC Facebook or YouTube pages on Monday, March 20 at 11 am to watch a discussion with Roseau Ceramic Artist Kate Hammer. Hammer’s art will be featured in the NWMAC Exhibit The Art of Addiction, which is open from Wednesday, March 8 - Friday, April 28 at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Can’t make it on the 20th? No problem. You’ll be able to watch a recording of the the spotlight any time afterwards. Let us know if you have questions.
Artist Spotlight featuring Christine Foster January 20
Did you miss our online discussion with Thief River Falls Visual Artist Christine Foster on January 20? The artwork of Christine and her husband Bert Foster is featured in our exhibit — Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through March 3. We talked about the exhibit, Christine’s background and her artwork, insight into creativity and inspiration, and much more! The discussion was live on our Facebook page and YouTube Live. The discussion with Christine is here: https://youtu.be/JbZA18Mld88
You can view the discussion with Bert here: https://youtu.be/WHHi9r23Y8U
Artist Spotlight with Bert Foster January 23
Watch the recording of our online discussion with Thief River Falls Photographer Bert Foster on January 23. The artwork of Bert and his wife Christine Foster is featured in our exhibit — Northern Exposure: Paintbrush and Camera at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls through March 3. We talked about the exhibit, Bert’s background and photography, insight into creativity and inspiration, and much more! The discussion was live on our Facebook page and YouTube Live (and you can still find it there). You can also view it here: https://youtu.be/WHHi9r23Y8U.
You can view Christine’s Artist Spotlight here: https://youtu.be/JbZA18Mld88
For questions about Bert’s photography or to purchase any of his photographs, reach out to him at fosterbert1987@gmail.com.
More Drama Please! NWMAC Gallery Exhibit is open
More Drama Please!
Featuring Photos, Costumes, Props and More from Area Theater Groups
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls October 4 - November 30
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our exhibit – More Drama Please! Open from October 4 through the end of November, this gallery exhibit features non-profit theater groups that work primarily with children in the NW Minnesota region. When you visit the exhibit you will find props, costumes, shoes, Paper-Mache creations, photos, playbills, advertising, and historical information. Many of the props and costumes are handmade and have been used in a variety of plays over the years.
The featured theater groups are Thief River Falls Area Community Theater, Middle River Community Theatre, and Fosston Community Theater. For this exhibit there are no pieces of art for sale.
TRFACT Director Jane Anderson said, “Since I am a full-time employee of the Thief River Falls ACT, theater is my working life. But it is also my non-working life. I live to create theater for the community, to educate children and adults on stage, and to bring joy and inspiration to those in the audiences. Bringing joy to others, makes me happy and whole.”
Kay Dell Super of the Middle River Community Theatre explained, “Directing children/students on stage has been a highlight of my life. Striving to implant teamwork, self-confidence, and compassion into children in today's world seems impossible at times with all the "outside noise of society" filling their minds and hearts. I feel drama is a great avenue for such qualities ... it forces them to focus and concentrate on the world around them. To combine two loves of children and theatre is a gift!”
The Fosston Community Library & Arts Association (FCLAA) Theater Program has been thriving for decades. Their Children's Summer Theater Program has run continuously since the mid-1980s. In 2019 "Mary Poppins, Jr." was performed with donated costumes by an anonymous patron. Included with the donation was a note stating that this dress, along with others, was made in the early 1900s. Director Abby Pearson shared, “Mary Poppins was a delight to costume and cast. Children in 3rd -12th grades were able to be a part of the ensemble. One of the Directors favorite parts of the show was creating the illusion of magic. It was so much fun for the students to brainstorm ways to make the illusion work. Students are involved in every aspect of the show to give them a well-rounded experience in theater.”
NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett said, "I love the enthusiasm of the theater directors. They are passionate about youth being involved in and experiencing the world of drama and acting. Many of the high-quality props and costumes in the exhibit are homemade and have been used throughout the years. The creativity of the directors, staff, youth, parents, costume designers, prop engineers, artists, and photographers is evident in this wonderful exhibit."
The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701. 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. Visitor parking is free.
Stay tuned for an online discussion with the theater directors. You will be able to watch this Artist Spotlight on Facebook Live or YouTube Live. Visit the NWMAC Facebook page or YouTube page for more information. The Artist Spotlight will also be available to view at any time after the live broadcast. Reach out to us with questions.
For more information about our exhibits or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. 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.
Dynamic Voices: A Collection of Work by Women Artists of NW Minnesota
Dynamic Voices:
A Collection of Work by Women Artists of NW Minnesota
Where: Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery
NCTC in Thief River Falls
When: August 8 - September 28
Artist Reception Wednesday, September 28 from 5- 7pm
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our exhibit – Dynamic Voices: A Collection of Work by Women Artists of NW Minnesota. The exhibit is open from Monday, August 8 to Wednesday, September 28 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701.
Artists include Connie Nelson of Hallock, Rachel Gustafson of Hallock, Therese Jacobson of Alvarado, Heidi Danos of Fosston, and Stephanie Olson of Thief River Falls.
To experience the exhibit virtually click here.
You won’t want to miss this exhibit! Please join us for a free Artist Reception with the artists on Wednesday, September 28 from 5 to 7 pm at the gallery. Refreshments will be served.
Many pieces of art in this exhibit are for sale. You are welcome to purchase at any time and pick up when the exhibit ends.
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. Visitor parking is free.
Stay tuned for an online discussion with the artists. You will be able to watch this Artist Spotlight on Facebook Live or YouTube Live. Visit the NWMAC Facebook page or YouTube page for more information. The Artist Spotlight will also be available to view at any time after the live broadcast. Reach out to us with questions.
If you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, contact Trey Everett at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. 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.