Didn’t catch our podcast on Pioneer 90.1 FM this week?
No worries! We have this week’s installment ready here on our website. These interviews are for 2019, but also include December 11 and 18, 2018.
8.4.20 Bruce Piersol
Red Lake Falls Musician Bruce Piersol is this week’s featured podcast guest. Bruce is the 2020 recipient of the Arts Advocate of the Year Award. Bruce will be honored later this month. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is given each year to recognize arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year award winners were nominated by area residents. This award comes with a cash award of $500.00. Funding for the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature. Congrats, Bruce! Listen to learn more about Bruce and his work advocating the arts.
7.28.20 Alicia Spilde and Nick Reitzel
Alicia Spilde and Artist Nick Reitzel were this week’s featured podcast. Alicia and Nick spoke about a veteran’s kiosk mural that is in the process of being created in the Marshall County courthouse. The group received funding from the NWMAC for the project honoring veterans. Listen to hear more about it!
7.21.20 Kristin Eggerling and Freedom Festival
NWMAC Promotions Specialist Kristin Eggerling announced the Of the Year Award Winners. Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West spoke about the upcoming Freedom Festival in Goodridge and the schedule filled with local musicians and artists. Listen below for details!
7.14.20 Kelly Thygeson
Kelly Thygeson, owner of Tonnabells in Thief River Falls, is featured on our podcast this week. Tonnabells is a small business that sells art by local artists and handcrafters. Kelly is also looking for other artists and art to sell in her store. Listen to the conversation below!
7.7.20 Tracey Wensloff and Sue Suess
Tracey Wensloff and Sue Suess spoke with Ron West this week. Tracey is with the Baseball Boosters in Roseau and helped initiate the creation of the Gilbertson Field Archway. Sue is one of the artists who designed and created the work. The NWMAC provided a grant for this. Listen to their conversation below!
6.30.20 Janet Johnson
Roseau area Artist and NWMAC Board Member Janet Johnson is this week’s featured podcast. Janet spoke with Ron West about her art, ways to promote and sell art during the pandemic and being on the NWMAC Board of Directors. Listen to hear more of their conversation!
6.23.20 Karen Engevik
Potter Karen Engevik spoke with Ron West this week. Karen received a grant from the NWMAC to replace the shelves in her kiln. She also spoke about how her business has changed during COVID. She makes fireplaces, tile, dish ware, and other items and is available to create custom pieces. Listen to the discussion below!
6.16.20 Elizabeth Rockstad
Mosaic Artist Elizabeth Rockstad is featured on this week’s podcast. She has an art studio in Ada (paint your own pottery + classes and workshops). Elizabeth spoke about adjustments she’s made to her arts business during the pandemic. She received a grant recently from NWMAC to attend a class to learn from a large-scale mosaic artist, but was unable to go. Elizabeth now offers To-Go kits for sale and continues to take on commissions. Listen to learn more!
6.9.20 Jane Anderson
TRFACT (Thief River Falls Area Community Theater) Director Jane Anderson spoke with Ron West this week about how they have adjusted during the pandemic. They are holding community concerts on 90.1 every Tuesday night at 6 pm. They are also offering voice lessons and coaching for students who have been in their shows. In addition, they are creating short films related to the theater, such as auditioning. You can see these on their FaceBook page. TRFACT had a number of summer productions that have been delayed until 2021. Listen to learn more!
6.3.20 Anthony Diaz
Crookston Guitarist Anthony Diaz was this week’s featured podcast. Anthony and Ron West talked about how be became a guitar player, his music, and a grant he received from the NWMAC. Anthony also spoke of expression, inclusion, multiculturalism , and safe spaces for everyone and how he includes that in his music. Stay tuned for future events where his music will be featured. Listen to their conversation below!
5.26.20 Alex Conwell
Red Lake Falls fiddle player and looping violinist Alex Conwell spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week. They discussed how Alex came to play the fiddle, the music he plays, and the grant he received from the NWMAC for creating two albums, including one with looping techniques and music. To listen to some of his music, visit Alex Conwell Creative on Soundcloud or his facebook page Alex Conwell Creative. The engaging conversation is below!
5.19.20 Annie Fitzgerald
Crookston Singer-Songwriter Annie Fitzgerald is this week’s featured artist. She spoke with Ron West about her music, performing online via lifestream concerts, her Valkyrie music collective, and Patreon. Listen to learn more!
5.12.20 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke with Ron West this week about what’s going on with the Arts Council. She also filled him in on available resources for artists and more. Listen to learn more!
5.5.20 Renee Jensen
Longtime Stephen-Argyle Choir Teacher Renee Jensen is featured on this week’s podcast. She spoke with Ron West about teaching music over Zoom and google classroom, and more during the pandemic. Listen below!
4.28.20 Richard Tuttle
Ada-Borup Band Director Richard Tuttle spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about his innovative methods of band instrument teaching remotely. Listen below!
4.21.20 Debra Aune
Greenbush-Middle River Art Teacher Debbie Aune is this week’s featured podcast. She spoke with Ron West about teaching visual arts remotely during this time. Listen to hear more!
4.14.20 Sheila Smith
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Executive Director Sheila Smith spoke with Ron West this week about how COVID-19 has impacted artists and arts organizations, legislative happenings related to the arts, background information about Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, and resources available for rural artists and arts organizations during this uncertain time. Listen below!
4.7.20 Andrew Youngblom
Thief River Falls Art Teacher Andrew Youngblom is featured on this week’s podcast. He spoke with Ron West about his art in our current exhibit Impact of Technology at NCTC. He also has students with art in the exhibit. Listen to their conversation below. To learn more about the exhibit and his powerful work and see the video of the exhibit visit here.
3.31.2020 Michele Anderson
Michele Anderson of Springboard for the Arts spoke with Ron West this week about an Emergency Relief Fund for artists and a fundraiser they are facilitating to meet the extra demands right now. She also discussed Springboard’s role supporting artists in Minnesota. Listen to learn more about resources available for artists right now!
3.17.2020 Chris Kirchner
Ron West’s guest this week was Chris Kirchner. Chris is a teacher at Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School and has a sculpture series that is a part of the Impact of Technology Art Exhibit at NCTC. His series includes everyday technological devices that have been modified into or contain concealed toy weapons. “These odd juxtapositions and larger than life size scale serves as playful metaphors, drawing attention to the absurdity of our often unfounded and irrational fears.” Listen to their interesting conversation!
3.3.2020 Cindy Kolling
Gully artist Cindy Kolling spoke with Ron West this week about her art and experience with the NWMAC. Cindy received a grant from the NWMAC — Growing in my art: Seeking and Developing Handprinting Options. She has a series of milkweed handprints and is the owner of Kolling Cards. She is also listed in our enhanced artist listing. Listen to learn more and check out Cindy on our enhanced artist listing!
2.25.2020 Kendra Olson
Artist Kendra Olson is this week’s featured podcast. Kendra’s work is included in our current Winter Fantasy exhibition at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Listen to learn more about Kendra’s art and stop by the exhibit!
2.18.2020 Katelyn Crowe
Katelyn Crowe of Warroad (and current UMC student) was Ron West’s guest this week. Katelyn has sculptures — Cloth Mache Dragons series — in our Winter Fantasy Exhibit currently at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Listen to learn more and stop by the exhibit to see the art in person!
2.11.2020 Shantelle Carey
Thief River Falls Artist Shantelle Carey is this week’s featured podcast. Shantelle and Ron West spoke about her art An Individual Exploration of Spirituality (rabbit skin) and her “Bean” series, which is featured in the Winter Fantasy Art Exhibit at our gallery at NCTC. Listen to learn more and stop by the exhibit to see it!
2.4.2020 Kelsey Johnson
Roseau Assistant High School Principal Kelsey Johnson spoke with Ron West this week. Roseau Community School received a grant from the NWMAC for sound and lighting equipment for the school theater. Listen to learn more!
1.28.2020 Bonnie Stewart
Fosston resident Bonnie Stewart was Ron West’s guest for these week’s podcast. Bonnie filled Rom in on the thriving arts scene in Fosston and the Fosston Community Library Arts Association (FCLAA). 2020 marks the 40th anniversary of the FCLAA and it will be celebrated with numerous activities. Listen to learn more!
1.21.2020 Elwyn Ruud
Karlstad resident Elwyn Ruud spoke with Ron West about COMPAS teaching artists who travel to our region to come into our schools as artists in residence. She also spoke about being on the board of the NWMAC. Listen to learn more about NWMAC and teaching artist residencies!
1.14.2020 Jane Anderson
Thief River Falls Area Theater Director Jane Anderson spoke with Ron West this week about upcoming TRFACT events — a Broadway Cabaret fundraiser on January 17 and their Valentine’s Dinner show Last of the Red Hot Lovers on February 12, 13 and 14, as well other shows, trainings and more! Listen to learn more!
1.7.2020 Katie Hahn
Thief River Falls Teacher Katie Hahn was Ron West’s guest this week. Katie and Rom discussed Harmony Bridge, a music program at Lincoln HS that they received grant funding for from the NWMAC. Listen to learn more about this initiative program!
12.17.2019 Mara Hanel
Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Executive Director Mara Hanel is featured on this week’s podcast. Rom and Mara spoke about Individual Artist Grants that are open for applications until January 15 (Apply now!), other grant opportunities, and the background of the Arts Council. Listen to learn more!
12.10.2019 Jill Levene
Warren Artist Jill Levene spoke with Ron West this week about her art and a grant she received from the NWMAC for a mobile art studio, her Gypsy Trekker Trailer. Jill creates wood blocks and prints on fabric.
12.3.2019 Darcy Reese
Thief River Falls Vocal Music Director Darcy Reese is Ron West’s guest this week. Learn about Lincoln High School’s legacy grant they received for an inspirational program called Breaking Barriers…Building a Foundation of Humanity, as well as the documentary More Than Just the Music, and their upcoming concert Come to the Music on December 7 and 9.
11.26.2019 Katy Chapman
University of Minnesota Associate Professor Katy Chapman is featured on this week’s podcast. Listen to hear about grants they received for fiber arts equipment and an artist residency in fiber arts. Their fiber arts group meets weekly and welcomes newcomers.
11.19.2019 Kelsey Didrikson
Roseau teacher Kelsey Didrikson was Ron West’s guest this week. Kelsey spoke about Write On! — a program that enables Roseau students to write for the local newspaper. The NWMAC provided a grant for this program. Listen to the podcast to learn all about it!
11.12.2019 Katya Zepeda
NWMAC Board Member Katya Zepeda was Ron West’s guest this week. They spoke of Katya’s art and being on the board. Listen to the podcast to learn more. And, consider supporting the arts in our region by serving on our board.
11.5.2019 Shalese Snowden
Shalese Snowden of Warroad spoke with Ron West this week about the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Shalese is a college student studying this issue and her father, Jaimie, is on the NWMAC Board of Directors. Our current exhibit at NCTC recognizes domestic violence and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Listen to their conversation and visit our powerful exhibit!
10.29.2019 Kelsey Brateng and Mary Sieckert
Elevate Art Director Kelsey Brateng and Executive Director Mary Sieckert were Ron West’s guests this week. They talked about how the Elevate Youth Center came to be and what it is. They received a grant for the Access to the Arts for Youth Program from the NWMAC. Elevate is hosting a teen gallery art show on November 15 that they are accepting entries for. Listen to learn more!
10.22.2019 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke with Ron West this week about upcoming grant deadlines on November 1, our current exhibit at our gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls honoring Domestic Violence month, and the traveling art exhibit currently in Ada. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
10.15.2019 Christine Foster
Artist Christine Foster was Ron West’s guest this week. Christine has an exhibit in the new Northwest Minnesota Art’s Council Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. Listen to the conversation and stop by the gallery to see Hope & Freedom: Mending the Soul, open through November 30.
10.1.2019 Cathy Erickson
Middle River Musician Cathy Erickson spoke with Ron West this week. Cathy received a grant from the NWMAC for music therapy for the elderly. She’s been visiting nursing homes with her accordion and even performs songs to individual rooms upon request. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
9.24.2019 Tyler Campbell
Tyler Campbell, the director of this year’s Goosefest play Funny Money, was Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West guest this week. Tyler filled Rom in about this fast-paced and hilarious play, which runs September 24-29. Listen to learn more and make the trip to Middle River to see this show!
9.17.2019 NWMAC Ex Director Mara Hanel
NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week about upcoming grant deadlines, a grant writing workshop on Oct 1, the upcoming Rural Arts Summit in Grand Rapids Oct 3-5 and a stipend the NWMAC provides, as well as other happenings. Listen to learn more!
9.10.2019 Jamie Bakken
Director of the Peder Englestad Pioneer Village and local teacher Jamie Bakken is featured on this week’s podcast with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West. Jamie told Ron all about the Village Art Festival in Thief River Falls taking place this Saturday September 14. The day will be full of arts activities, including music, visual artists, and arts classes. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
9.3.2019 Jerry Amiot
Jerry Amiot of the Polk County Historical Society spoke about Pioneer Day, which takes place in Crookston on September 8. The O’Neil Family, the Woodpicks and Double the Trouble will perform. Demonstrations include a spinning wheel and blacksmithing. Listen below to learn more!
8.27.2019 Karie Kirschbaum
Gary, MN Mayor Karie Kirschbaum was this week’s guest with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West to talk about the Gary Pines. The NWMAC funded some of the wooden animal carvings in the Pines. Listen to their conversation to learn more! And, make a trip to Gary to see the Gary Pines.
8.20.2019 John Hess
John Hess spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week about Grinding Day, which takes place on August 25 at Old Mill State Park. Listen to learn all about it!
8.13.2019 Michelle Roise
Michelle Roise was Ron West’s guest this week. Michelle has organized a nature journaling presentation and workshops with Sandra Muzzy at the Oxbow on August 22 and 23. This is a pre-Chautauqua event in Huot at the Old Crossing Treaty Park. There are workshops for children and for adults. There is still space in the workshops so consider signing up!
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8.6.2019 Cheryl Peters
Viking resident Cheryl Peters spoke with Ron West this week about Viking Good Old Days, which starts on August 16. The Woodpicks will be playing at the event on August 17. Listen to learn more!
7.30.2019 Annie Fitzgerald
Crookston Singer Songwriter Annie Fitzgerald was Ron West’s guest this week. They spoke about her career, music and the grants she received from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council. Listen to their conversation and some of her music below.
7.23.2019 Eric Mickelson
Eric Mickelson talked with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West about the 3rd Annual Freedom Festival taking place in Goodridge on Saturday, July 27. The NWMAC provided funding for some of the entertainment. Listen to their chat below and attend the event!
7.16.2019 Morgan Anderson
Marshall County Fair Social Media Director and Photographer Morgan Anderson was Ron West’s guest this week. She filled Ron in on the highlights of the fair which takes place July 24-28. The NWMAC sponsored some of the events on the free stage. Listen to the conversation and plan to attend the Marshall County Fair.
7.9.2019 Bonnie Nordvall
Warroad Summer Theatre Artist Director Bonnie Nordvall spoke with Ron West this week about their show Tarzan the Stage Musical, which opens on July 10. She also filled Ron in about the theater. Listen to their chat and see the show!
6.25.2019 Pam Hetteen
Pam Hetteen of Roseau was this week’s interview and podcast. Pam talked about the concert series in Roseau and all the scheduled performers. Listen to their discussion and plan to attend one of the concerts!
6.18.2019 Don Merkens
Don Merkens of the Norman County Fair spoke with Ron West this week about the fair, its schedule and the activities sponsored by the NWMAC. Listen to hear more!
6.11.2019 Shannon Christenson
Kittson Central Kindergarten teacher Shannon Christenson was Ron West’s guest this week. She filled him in about Camp Art that will be held in Hallock June 24-27. Students K-8th can still sign up for Camp Art (call 612-210-1159). The theme this year is “Moving with Art” and features break dance, theater, and drumming. Listen to the conversation to learn more!
6.4.2019 Alicia Spilde
Mixed Media Artist and Illustrator Alicia Spilde of Karlstad is featured in this week’s podcast. She talked with Ron West about her art, her piece that is in the Parenthood Exhibit at our gallery in East Grand Forks, and her We Are Water artwork at the Minnesota State Arts Board’s Exhibition A Creative Investment, Celebrating 10 Years of Legacy Art and Impact. Listen to their chat below!
5.28.2019 Elizabeth Rockstad
Ada Mosaic Artist Elizabeth Rockstad spoke with Ron West about teaching art, her studio in Ada, mosaics, receiving first place in the recent NW Art Show in Badger and being on the Teaching Artist Roster (TARP). Listen to learn more!
5.21.2019 Jane Anderson
Thief River Falls Area Community Theater Executive Director Jane Anderson was featured in this week’s podcast. Jane filled Ron West in about their organization, their upcoming show Death of A Salesman and their summer schedule. Listen to their talk below and see the show!
5.7.2019 Andy Hall
Photographer Andy Hall was Ron West’s guest this week. Andy is the owner of Sweetlight Gallery in Crookston where he has an exhibit called “The Fournet Experience” until May 25. Andy received 2nd place in the Annual NW Art Exhibit in Badger. He’s also offering some photography classes shortly. Listen to learn more!
4.30.2019 Kim Hruba
Writer Kim Hruba spoke with Ron West this week about writing, a workshop “You’re Not Ready” about publishing that she offers, and the annual retreat that she hosts at the Lake of the Woods in September. Listen to the discussion to learn more!
4.23.2019 Sherri Kukowski
Mosaic Artist Sherri Kukowski was featured in this week’s podcast. Sherri is the Arts Advocate of the Year. She is also the instigator and creator of the Badger Community Heritage Wall. A piece of the wall is featured in the Minnesota State Art’s Board A Creative Investment exhibition, celebrating ten years of Legacy art and impact, which opens on April 26, 2019, at the Minnesota State Arts Board in Saint Paul, and will be on display through the fall. Listen to the podcast to learn about the wall, the exhibition and the award!
4.9.2019 Jean Honl
Rosemaling Artist and Woodworker Jean Honl is the Artist of the Year. She spoke with Ron West this week about art, rosemaling, woodworking, her current exhibit at the gallery in East Grand Forks, and receiving the award. Listen to their conversation below!
4.2.2019 George French
University of Minnesota Crookston Associate Professor George French is featured in this week’s podcast. George received the Northwest Star Award for his lifetime achievement in music (specifically piano and organ music) from the NWMAC this past weekend. Listen to Ron West and George talk about the award and more!
3.26.2019 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel talked with Ron West about the NW Art Exhibit in Badger, the Artist Reception, Exhibit Award Winners, Of the Year Award Winners, the Fiber and Rosemaling Exhibit in EGF and more! Listen to their chat to learn about all that’s going on!
3.19.2019 Carolyn Meisel
Area Artist Carolyn Meisel spoke with Ron West this week about her art and Riverwalk Artists in East Grand Forks. Riverwalk Artists is looking for more artists to become members. Consider joining Riverwalk Artists, visit the gallery and listen to the podcast below!
3.12.2019 Kat Allen
Kat Allen was Ron West’s guest this week. Kat is the recent author and illustrator of Where I Fly: A Hockey Story and Where We Run: A Dogsledding Story. She’s busy speaking throughout the region. Listen to the discussion below!
3.5.2019 Rob Burkel
In this week’s podcast Rob Burkel chats with Ron West about TRFACT (Thief River Falls Area Community Theater) and the Fargo-Moorhead Opera Young Artists who will be performing live on March 7 in TRF. Rob Burkel is coordinating the event and school workshops with the Fargo Moorhead Opera. Listen below!
2.26.2019 Andrew Youngblom
Thief River Falls Teacher Andrew Youngblom talked with Ron West this week about the NW Art Exhibit and teaching art to students. Listen to their chat below! And, submit your art to the exhibit!
2.19.2019 Fresh Voices
Maria Argueta, Monique Arguelles, Mallorie Zapata, and Chris Espericueta Jr. of Fresh Voices spoke with Ron West this week. Based in Crookston, Fresh Voices has been dedicated to the support, encouragement, and celebration of art of local Latino youth for over twenty years. The photography and written works that make up the Fresh Voices exhibit in our gallery right now was created by these and other high school students. Maria Argueta is an educator and has been a part of Fresh Voices for the past several years. Listen to the interview below and stop by the gallery to see their art!
2.12.2019 Naomi Schliesman
Springboard for the Art’s Naomi Schliesman was Ron West’s guest this week. Naomi will be facilitating much of the Work of Art Training that NWMAC is holding in Warren. Naomi is the Artist Development Director for Springboard for the Arts in Fergus Falls. Listen to the podcast below and register to attend the training!
2.5.2019 Gretchen Weinrich
Gretchen Weinrich was Ron West’s guest this week. She talks about directing the upcoming TRFACT’s show Barefoot in the Park, Lincoln High School’s spring play and being in the NWMAC’s artist booklet. Listen to the podcast below!
1.22.2019 Sheila Smith
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Executive Director Sheila Smith spoke with Ron West this week about the 10 year anniversary of the Legacy Amendment, the We Are Water Exhibit and Reception, MCA, the arts and the current legislative session. Listen to their discussion below and stop by the We Are Water Reception at UMC on Friday, January 25!
1.15.2019 Dariann Leigh
Karlstad resident and singer Dariann Leigh talked with Ron West about her music and performances in the region. Dariann received a grant from the NWMAC for in-ear monitors and a transmitter for performance. She released a Christmas song and video last month and her first album will be released soon. Listen to their discussion below!
1.08.2019 Mara Hanel
NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel spoke with Pioneer 90.1’s Ron West this week about the many activities going on with the Arts Council, including upcoming grant deadlines, exhibits, arts awards and artist trainings. Listen to learn more!
12.18.2018 Patty Mickelson
Patty Mickelson, music director at Red Lake County Central School System, spoke with Rom about music and a grant they received from the NWMAC for a sound shell for their music. Listen to their chat below!
12.11.18 Sarah Meisinger
Sarah Meisinger, owner of En Liten Svensk (Little Swedish) Shoppe in Roseau, spoke with Ron West this week. Sarah’s shop features and sells many works of area artists. They also hold events where artists demonstrate their craft. Listen below to learn more!
