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• Grants Awarded: SMAC Awards $42,174 to area organizations & artists
• In the SMAC Gallery
• Upcoming grant workshops, deadlines & grant assistance options
• Legacy in the Wild
• New Cottonwood County Board Member & 5 SMAC Board Openings
| | Pictured: The Kerkhoven Arts Council received a SMAC Art Project grant for their Summer Youth Musical production of Beauty & the Beast Jr. | | |
SMAC Awards $42,174 to local organizations, schools & artists
The SMAC board voted on November 25 to award $3,870 in grant funds to 2 organizations, $10,000 to 3 schools and $28,304 to 8 individual artists
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The following two organizations have been awarded SMAC Quick Support for Organizations grants. These grants provide 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 501(c)(3) status, small equipment purchases, or small arts projects. | | Watercolor by Heather Smith, instructor for Olivia's House of Hope. | | |
• Dawson-Boyd Arts Association has been awarded $2,470 for replacing the drum heads on their current drum set, which will be high quality and more versatile to fit the needs of the professional groups perform in their space.
• Olivia's House of Hope in Olivia was awarded $1,400 to facilitate a class for women currently living in a transitional residential facility that will offer them an opportunity to express themselves through the medium of watercolor with the hope they will find therapeutic benefits to help them better cope with their challenges. The classes will be taught by local artist Heather Smith.
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The following three schools were awarded SMAC Arts in the Schools grants. These grants provide public schools with up to $4,000 for projects such as artist residencies, arts field trips, juried student art exhibits, etc.
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Lake Ripley Elementary in Litchfield has been awarded $3,000 for a residency with Climb Theater, who will put on two different performances, one for students K-2 and one for students grads 3-4. Students will enhance their social and emotional learning by watching and participating in the performances.
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Willmar Senior High School has been awarded $3,000 for a jazz festival in March 2026 for junior high and senior high jazz ensembles in SW MN. The day will include a performance by the Willmar Jazz Combo, who will act as clinicians for the festival.
| | Above: Work sample by Eva Margaret titled "Shoo Fly", mixed media on wood panel. | Above: Work sample by Molly Schweinfurter, macro photography of a sunflower before it blooms. | | |
The following seven artists were awarded SMAC Artist Growth grants. These grants provide up to $4,000 to artists at any career stage for projects that will advance their skills and artistic career.
• Tyler Gastecki of Granite Falls was awarded $4,000 to produce a short film, a horror comedy inspired by Granite Falls' "Todd the Squid".
• Eva Margaret of Willmar has been awarded $4,000 for producing new pieces to add to her current body of work (3-dimensional paintings with paper clay) and having at least one exhibition.
• Dani Prados of Granite Falls was awarded $4,000 for mentoring with poet Daniel Ladinsky and collaborating with him on a new book of poetry inspired by her recent first published work. The book will also include some of her visual artwork.
• Molly Schweinfurter of Redwood Falls has been awarded $4,000 for a photography project documenting the four seasons with a macro lens and also learning how to make her own frames to present the results of the project.
• Joy Wambeke of Marshall was awarded $4,000 for writing and revising two new short stories, then working with editors so the stories will be ready to submit for publication.
• Andrew Webster of Hutchinson has been awarded $4,000 for attending the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts and completing a series of teapots in response to the knowledge and inspiration experienced.
• Beatrice Winter of Glencoe was awarded $3,304 for producing 10-15 new paintings blending patchworked abstraction with imagery from nature. By integrating photographs and significant imagery into her work, she intends to replicate the look of quilted fabric or collage while examining how her surroundings influence her sense of self.
Pictured bottom left: Work samples by Andrew Webster, ceramic mugs.
| | Pictured: Artist work sample from Katie Webster | | |
The following artist was awarded a SMAC Quick Support for Individual Artists grants. These grants provide artists with up to$1,000 for activities such as purchasing supplies, attending classes, and small artist-led community projects.
• Katie Webster of Hutchinson has been awarded $1,000 for creating a series of water-slide decal images to be used as surface decoration on a collection of 20-30 pots. This “overglaze” technique provides an additional layer of surface decoration that creates greater depth, detail, and visual interest.
| | In the Gallery: Kelly Henkels | | Kelly Henkels of Worthington received a SMAC Quick Support for Artists grant in 2024 to create abstract wall hangings and 3-D creatures by exploring sewing, hand stitching, embroidery, fabric paints, gelli printing, felting, different textures of fabric and other supplies. Henkels is exhibiting in the SMAC Gallery through December 19, 2025. During open gallery hours you can also make your own mini collage and add it to Henkels' exhibit (or choose to take it home with you)! There are stations set up in the gallery on tables and all the tools are supplied from the artist. After the exhibit you can get your pieces back, or have them mailed to you. You can learn more on our website: swmnarts.org/kellyhenkels | | | | |
Upcoming Opportunities
Virtual Artist Talk &
Gallery Tour on Zoom
Thursday, December 4 at 5:30 pm on Zoom
Email info@swmnarst.org for zoom link to join
Pictured: Fiber art by Kelly Henkels, titled "Omitide"
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Next up in the Gallery
Sheila Tabaka of Marshall will share the History & Construction of Kilts. Tabaka received a SMAC Artist Growth grant in 2024 to to take a two-week kilt making master class in Scotland conducted by the historical kilt maker, Nikki Laird, and visit Carloway Mill for demonstrations of historic tweed weaving. She gained first-hand knowledge on the weaving process of the tartans, traditions, and techniques of historic kilt making. Check out this YouTube video showing Sheila presenting on this topic.
Pictured: Sheila Tabaka in one of the kilts she made during her time in Scotland.
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Please let us know of any accommodations needed for you to enjoy any of our events, virtual or in-person: info@swmnarts.org. Visit SMAC's Access Page for more information and resources. | |
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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In-Person Sessions
Schedule an in-person grant session in your community: If there are multiple interested individuals or organizations in your community, contact us (info@swmnarts.org) to schedule a workshop at your location to learn about grant programs for FY2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).
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Upcoming Virtual Grant Workshops
**Workshops are free, but registration is required**
Q&A Sessions
Join us for an overview of SMAC grant opportunities for Fiscal Year 2026 (July 2025 – June 2026), with time to ask questions about any of the grants or your specific projects. Register for the session you prefer by clicking on the linked dates:
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Other options for Grant Assistance:
Visit SMAC's Workshop & Assistance page
SW MN Arts Council grants administrator Caroline Koska (pictured left) is available to meet with you by phone, web conference, or in person to answer your questions on grant eligibility and using the application system or to review a draft of your application. Schedule a time with Caroline Koska.
Every month we hold "Open Office Hours" for grant support on the Tuesday of the month from 10 am to 2 pm. In December this will be Tuesday, December 9th. 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.
You can also call 800-622-5284 or email us info@swmnarts.org with your questions. Please let us know of any accommodations needed for you to attend any of our events, virtual or in-person. View SMAC's Access page for more information.
| | 1st of the Month August 2025 through May 2026 or until funds are expended: | | All applications are due by 4 pm on the deadline date. No exceptions. | | |
Understanding start dates for grants with monthly deadlines
The following SMAC grant programs have deadlines on the 1st of each month, August through May: Arts in the Schools, Art Study Opportunity for Youth, Quick Support for Artists, and Quick Support for Organizations. (There are no deadlines in June or July, while we close one year and begin a new one.)
For these programs, the earliest date you can start your project (advertising, auditions, purchases, etc.) is a month after the deadline. For example, applications submitted by the January 1 deadline would list a start date of February 1. An application submitted January 2 or later, while still received by SMAC in January, would count for the February 1 deadline and need a start date of March 1. If you are unsure about choosing your start date, please contact us.
| | We know that the whole grant process can be intimidating and confusing. We've made two new videos that should help! For understanding the whole grant process, watch our SMAC Grant Process video and to help you navigate our grants system when applying and filling out final reports, watch our Using the Grant System video. If you need more guidance or assistance, please visit SMAC's Workshop & Assistance page. Our videos are a great resource to better understand our grants, and they can be viewed anytime on your own schedule! Check out the many options: | | |
Legacy in the Wild
As continuing grassroots efforts to bring attention to all of the good that the “Legacy Fund” (Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund) brings to the State of Minnesota, a new social campaign has been launched.
Legacy in the Wild is a celebration of the ways that the Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment has impacted our great state since being passed by the voters of Minnesota back in 2008.
When you spot the Legacy logo, snap a selfie and upload the photo onto social media with the caption of your choice. Be sure to use the hashtag: #mnlegacyinthewild
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Looking for arts events to attend? Check out our 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! Remember, these don't have to be SMAC grant funded events, just arts events in our 18-county region!
Have something that's not an event, but an arts opportunity, like a RFP or call for local artists? We'll add it to our opportunities posts! Send us those, too!
| | Please help SMAC welcome our new Cottonwood County Board Member, Michelle Hooker! | | | | |
Michelle Hooker of Windom was voted in as the new Cottonwood County Board member at the end of September. Michelle is a self-taught mixed media artist and likes to dabble in a bit of all things creative! Raised in a family of artists from several disciplines, she believes creative expression is of great importance to us all. Joining the council is a way for her to advocate for the arts and arts education. Since moving to a rural area, she is excited to get more involved in the arts of this region and meeting up with other artists and attending events; she would love to create more opportunities for artists to come together. Michelle dreams of helping to create a collaborative creative space, like a co-op for artist studio spaces. SMAC is excited to work more with you, Michelle!
Pictured: Mixed media artwork titled "Sacred Hearts" by Michelle Hooker.
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SMAC is seeking 5 board members! SMAC is seeking community members from three counties and two sovereign nations in our region to serve on our board of directors: Kandiyohi, Meeker, Nobles, Upper Sioux and Lower Sioux
Are you a member of these communities? Are you passionate about arts awareness & funding and where & how those funds are distributed?
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The SMAC Board of Directors continually seeks artists, arts administrators, arts teachers, arts volunteers, and arts appreciators to serve on its board and to keep all 20 board positions filled. SMAC encourages and seeks a diverse mix of individuals from across our Southwest Minnesota region, from all communities – including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals – and representing all artistic disciplines - to be present on our board. Board members share their knowledge and expertise in the arts and/or nonprofit management and their ability to grant funds equitably and fairly.
SMAC's Board of Directors currently has two vacant board seats and will have 3 more in January. We are seeking a member from each of these communities listed above to serve.
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The Board meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday evening at the SMAC office in Marshall or on Zoom to set policies, make final decisions on grant awards with input from grant review panels, share ideas and information from their representative communities, and to design programs that enable SMAC to best serve our communities.
Other opportunities include serving on several grant panels a year to evaluate applications, attending a yearly board retreat in January, learning opportunities and trainings on Access, Equity, Inclusion & Diversity and more!
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Would you like to help SMAC review and score grant applications?
The SMAC Board of Directors continually seeks panels of artists, arts administrators, arts volunteers, and arts appreciators representing multiple artistic disciplines from throughout the SMAC geographic region and from all our communities including BIPOC, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. Being a grant panelist is a positive way to strengthen your grantwriting skills by understanding the process as a whole. It's also a great way to learn and support what exciting projects are happening in rural SW MN!
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Would you like to become a contributing member of SMAC or make a donation?
You can help by contributing online or by mail, for more information, visit Become a SMAC member! All SMAC donors will get an "I Love Rural Arts" Sticker!
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Memberships & Donations
From November 1 to November 29, 2025
Memberships Donations
Contributors: Sue Selden, Granite Falls • Hutchinson Center for the Arts • Lac qui Parle Study Club, Madison • Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra •
Supporters: Ross Anderson, Marshall • Robert Dorlac, Marshall •
Sustainers: Ruth Hamlow, Hutchinson • Bill & Tina Richards, Walnut Grove • Margaret K Erickson, Worthington • Brett Lehman, Worthington •
Donations
Contributors: Anonymous Donation • LuAnne Fondell, Dawson • Cassandra Bruns, Marshall • Courtney Jo Backen, St. Paul •
Supporters: Anonymous Donation • John Ginocchio, Marshall • Lisa Bergh, New London • Agnes Alsgaard, Rushmore •
Sustainers: Cathy Schlagel, Marshall •
Benefactors: Deb Maki, Marshall •
| | THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS! | | 2025 SW MN Arts Council BOARD OF DIRECTORS | | |
Big Stone - Krista Hartman
Jackson - Eunice Woodberry
Lincoln - Mark Wilmes
Meeker - Darlene Kotelnicki
(Open in January 2026)
Pipestone - Mark Thode
Rock - Shawn Kinsinger
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Chippewa - Georgette Jones
Kandiyohi - Ana Serrano
(Open in January 2026)
Lower Sioux/Cansa'yapi - OPEN
Lyon - Tetta Askeland
Murray - Tiffany Holmes
Redwood - Charlene Graff
Swift - Jessica Mata
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Cottonwood - Michelle Hooker
Lac qui Parle - Kristine Shelstad
McLeod - Lisa Hill
Nobles - Cheryl Avenel-Navara (Open in January 2026)
Renville - Joseph Evans
Upper Sioux/Pezihutazizi - OPEN
Yellow Medicine - Tim Pehrson
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Executive Director - Nicole DeBoer
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Grants Administrator - Caroline Koska
Accessibility & Marketing Coordinator - Krystl Louwagie
Communications Assistant: Jessica Stölen
Financial Administrator: LaRae Disbrow
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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 and two sovereign nations of southwestern Minnesota by serving as a source of funds and technical services which enable local organizations, educational institutions, and individuals to sponsor and/or create and promote the arts in their communities.
SMAC receives funding from individuals, businesses, organizations, schools, cities, counties, private foundations including the McKnight Foundation, an allocation from the State of Minnesota, and a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund, made possible by the voters of Minnesota.
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