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• SMAC Awards 2025 Prairie Disciple!
• In the SMAC Gallery
• Upcoming grant deadlines & grant assistance options
• New SMAC board member for Lyon County & new staff member
• Artist Registry Highlight
• & More!
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Pictured: Al Opland Singers of Pipestone received a SMAC Art Project grant for their 26th season in 2025. | | |
Congratulations to Bill Richards, SMAC'S 2025 Prairie Disciple!
The SW MN Arts Council is pleased to announce William ("Bill") Richards of Walnut Grove (Redwood County) as the recipient of the 2025 Prairie Disciple Award!
The Prairie Disciple Award provides awareness and recognition of one individual per year from southwest Minnesota whose activities and involvement have substantially contributed to the arts over an extended period of time. The accomplishments of arts advocates working in the region are often not widely known or appreciated. In recognizing these individuals publicly, SMAC believes these awards raise the profile of the arts in their community and throughout the 18-county and 2 sovereign nations of the SMAC region. The public is invited to join SMAC in publicly honoring Bill Richards at our Annual Celebration of the arts and artists in our southwest Minnesota region. This Fall the celebration will be held in Pipestone on Saturday, September 27th (more details following this article)!
After the nominations were evaluated and scored by the SMAC Board of Directors it was determined that Bill Richards had the highest score for the Prairie Disciple Award. Richards' nominator and supporters planned a surprise presentation of the award with SMAC Executive Director, Nicole DeBoer, on Friday June 20th in Walnut Grove at a Wilder Pageant planning meeting (Richards is pictured above with SMAC Executive Director, Nicole DeBoer).
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SMAC’s 2025 Prairie Disciple Richards was nominated by Dan Wahl of Walnut Grove. Wahl starts his nomination by saying, “I like how Bill's resume occasionally strays into stories, because it's so easy to overlook his vast accomplishments… Was he a high school principal? Well, yes, but that's just a job title. Was his mission to bring art into young people's lives throughout the school year, for 38 years? Yes. Yes it was. Imagine the ripple effect of that kind of devotion”. Now, in order for all of Wahl’s nomination to make sense, we think we must also share a copy of the resume Wahl is referring to. Through reading it, we think you’ll learn a lot about Richards, too: click for William (Bill) Richards’ Bio/Resume.
Wahl's nomination continues: “Did he do technical direction for the Wilder Pageant? Well, yes, but that was just one of the caps he wore. Bill wrote, he directed, he promoted!
Was he instrumental in bringing the play up to the level of pageantry? In helping create an earth-sheltered sound booth bunker in an outdoor natural amphitheater? In designing a manageably movable stage made of buildings on tracks? In getting people to share this crazy vision enough to fund it? In getting 100-150 community members a year to be the actors, crew, and support staff? Yes. Did he keep improving it for more than 40 years? Making it more than art for the community, but in fact making it an actual element of the community?
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Yes.
I like how Bill's resume doesn't quite show us who he is, as an artist and an arts encourager. Oh, a small part is in the spotlight. But mainly, this list gives a hint of how SO much of his work was and is behind the scenes. There's no way to see the day-to-day Bill Richards, a person for whom art is simply part of living. When I call him or text him, when I stop in at his place, nine times out of ten he's in the midst of creating something, and eight of those nine times the art is in service to others. If only I had made record of this over the years, to give dull data proof of my estimate!
I like how I had to go after him for more information. The first version of his resume was kind of lean, as if he hadn't been keeping score. And I like how it begins and ends with family.
Finally, I like the last line, but would amend it. In my experience with Bill, Art is the Heart of a Great Life, Shared with You.”
To learn more about Bill Richards and the three other letters of recommendation, please visit SMAC's website: swmnarts.org/bill-richards
SMAC thanks all the nominators and individuals who wrote letters of support, including for the nominees that were not able to be awarded this year; we had many exceptional and deserving candidates. We encourage nominators to try again in future rounds-the Prairie Disciple award will be awarded again in 2026 as it is given out every year. Learn more about SMAC’s Prairie Disciple Award. Bill Richards will be publicly awarded and celebrated at Southwest Minnesota Arts Council’s Annual Celebration in Pipestone on Saturday, September 27th (more information below). This award is funded by Southwest Minnesota Arts Council through an appropriation from the MN State Legislature with money from the State’s general fund.
| Based on the historical record of locations where we have held our Annual Celebrations, it’s time to revisit Pipestone County, where we haven’t been since 1988! SMAC is working with Mark Thode, our Pipestone County board representative, in planning our celebration which will be held at the Pipestone Performing Arts Center. Attendees can look forward to a performance-based event featuring local grantees, with heavy appetizers and a cash bar. We will also be publicly honoring our 2025 Prairie Disciple Bill Richards of Walnut Grove (see article above)! Save the date: Saturday, September 27th, 2025! | | Coming up soon in the Gallery: Art of SMAC Staff & Board | | | | |
SMAC's next exhibit will be a group show featuring the art of board and staff members! There will be a variety of talents on display! This will be a 6-week show running July 17 through August 29. Featured artists include: Eunice Woodberry of Jackson, John White of Ortonville, Maggie Fuller of Montevideo, Anna Johannsen of Windom, Mark Thode of Pipestone, and SMAC Staff: Nicole DeBoer, Caroline Koska, and Krystl Louwagie, all of Marshall. Participating artists will be exhibiting up to 4 works per person. To learn more about each artist, visit: swmnarts.org/board-staff
Pictured left: Works by Nicole DeBoer; Right: Work by Mark Thode.
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Gallery Events
• In-Person Artist Reception
Thursday, July 17, 5-7 pm
with special music guest Caroline Koska of SMAC Staff (pictured left)
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• Virtual Artist Talk & Gallery Tour
Thursday, August 14 at 5:30 pm on Zoom
Email info@swmnarst.org for zoom link to join
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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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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:
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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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 second Tuesday of the month from 10 am to 2 pm and the next one will be Tuesday, July 8th. 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. | | Our videos are a great resource to better understand our grants, and they can be viewed anytime & on your own schedule! | | It may seem like a small distinction, but there is a big difference between receiving a grant from SMAC and SMAC being a sponsor for an event. SMAC doesn't sponsor events, and advertising that we do can be confusing and misleading to the public. Please pay attention to how SMAC should be acknowledged at your events and social media as a grant funder, as opposed to an event sponsor. | Please help SMAC Welcome our new Lyon County Board Representative, Tetta Askeland! |
| |  | Tetta Askeland of Marshall has a MFA in Scenic Design, a BA in Theatre, Communications and Political Science. And she is currently pursuing a doctorate in Curriculum Design and Technology! She also studied film in her undergraduate work. Tetta is an assistant professor of theatre at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), teaching theatrical design, technology, film and tv aesthetics and management. In the summers she runs a SPT Equity theatre in Iowa called The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre where she is the assistant executive director. She is an avid attendee of local music and literary events, as well as participating in and supporting local dance productions, theater, cultural arts events, and DEI efforts. Tetta is the LGBTQ+/Women's Center Interim Co-Director and contributes to the Bias Incident Response Team, Equity Steering Committee, and Equity and Inclusion subcommittee at SMSU. She is also a beginning stained glass artist! Tetta has been a panelist for SMAC many times before becoming a board member. When asked why she was interested in working with SMAC she said, "An artistic mission of mine surrounds accessible art. I believe art should be accessible for all, and SMAC helps make this a reality for many local artists...My dedicated volunteer work supporting the local arts community reflects my deep commitment to both artistic expression and inclusion. As a participant in SW Minnesota’s vibrant arts community, I am eager to serve as the Lyon County representative on the SMAC Board of Directors. My passion for reinvesting in our artistic community through an educational lens directly aligns with SMAC's mission to develop and support the arts throughout Southwest Minnesota." We are so excited to have you join us, Tetta!
| Please help SMAC Welcome our new Financial Administrator, LaRae Disbrow | |
LaRae Disbrow of Pipestone will be helping SMAC with our book keeping so that full-time staff can dedicate more time to assisting grantees and future grantees. LaRae comes to SMAC with a total of 10 years experience in financial book keeping, 5 as a Project Debt Director and 5 years as a Finance administrator. She’s served as a volunteer for Community Club, Band Board, Youth Basketball, Sunday School and Youth Ministry. LaRae also brings a passion for music and the arts! Please help SMAC welcome this new team member to help our organization run smoothly.
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SMAC is still seeking 3 board members! Will you join us as a voice from your county or sovereign nation?
SMAC is seeking community members from two counties and two sovereign nations to serve on our board of directors: Cottonwood, Upper Sioux and Lower Sioux
Do you live or work in one of these communities? Do you want to volunteer in a meaningful way? Are you interested in helping your community? 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 three vacant board seats. We are seeking a community member from each of the counties and sovereign nations 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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SMAC Artist Registry Highlight: Nikki Bettcher Erickson
In our new fiscal year (which started July 1st) we are introducing quarterly Artist or Arts Organization highlights from our website registries! By highlighting these, we hope to grow awareness of our registries and encourage expansion; sign up on our Artist or Arts Organization registries today if you haven't already!
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Nikki Bettcher Erickson moved to Willmar, MN, from St. Paul after receiving a B.A in Theatre and Communications from Concordia College and touring nationally as an Actor and Director.
Nikki has directed over 25 shows at The Barn Theatre in Willmar, directed at The Little Theatre of New London, teaches youth theatre classes, and also does theatre activities with individuals with special needs. Nikki is a mom, wife and arts and nature enthusiast.
Nikki received her Master of Science from the University of North Dakota in 2018 in Special Education and is also a full-time special education teacher.
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Nikki has been working as a theatre artist for the last two decades and has had the pleasure of working in the realm of theatre on three continents but is most happy creating theatre in her home state of Minnesota! She can be contacted at nberickson22@gmail.com
You can view Nikki's SMAC Artist Registry page and learn more at: swmnarts.org/user/nberickson22/
| | In June SMAC wrapped up a 7 week "Work of Art" workshop series for artists! Each week one session was presented twice, one at the Upper Sioux Tribal Safety Center and one at the Lower Sioux Caƞsayapi Wicoicaġe Oti Intergenerational Cultural Incubator. 5 of the sessions were taught by Kandace Creel Falcón, presenting information from Springboard for the Arts' Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists series. The 6th week featured SMAC staff overviewing SMAC grant funding and resources, and the last week was a virtual panel on zoom, lead by Springboard for the Arts. These sessions were open to all artists, culture bearers, and creatives in our southwest Minnesota region. Both the Granite Falls and Morton sessions were very well attended; thanks for coming out to learn with us! | | |
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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!
Panelists are compensated $75 for a panel. More details on being a SMAC panelist
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For more opportunities and resources be sure to check out our latest news posts on SMAC's website.
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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!
| | Lets work together to create a robust arts calendar for our region!! | | SMAC donors will get an "I Love Rural Arts" Sticker! | | |
Memberships
From May 30 to July 02, 2025
Contributors: Kris Shelstad, Madison •
Supporters: Klein Foods, Inc., Marshall • Richard Handeen & Audrey Arner, Montevideo • Karen Gilbertson, Willmar •
Sustainers: Craig & Karen Pfeifer, Worthington •
Patrons: Lisa Hill, Hutchinson •
Benefactors: Rock County Commission, Luverne •
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General Donations
Cheryl Avenel Navara, Worthignton •
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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!
| | 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
Pipestone - Mark Thode
Rock - Shawn Kinsinger
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Chippewa - Georgette Jones
Kandiyohi - Ana Serrano
Lower Sioux/Cansa'yapi - OPEN
Lyon - Tetta Askeland
Murray - Tiffany Holmes
Redwood - Pending
Swift - Jessica Mata
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Cottonwood - OPEN
Lac qui Parle - Kristine Shelstad
McLeod - Lisa Hill
Nobles - Cheryl Avenel-Navara
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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