In this issue:

• Give to the Max Day: Support our Art Study Opportunity for Youth Grants!



• SMAC Awards $25,826 to local school, organizations & artists

• In the SMAC Gallery

• Check in with SMAC Arts Ambassador

• Annual Celebration: Thanks for Attending!

• Upcoming Virtual Grant Webinars & Upcoming Grant Deadlines

• Outreach: Swift Arty Party

• Will YOU be a SMAC Board Member?

• November Office Hours

Pictured: Nikki Bettcher Erickson received a SMAC Individual Artist Grant to write and produce the play "CARE FOR", which used large-scale puppets created and designed by Erickson.

SMAC is bringing back our Special Fundraising Campaign to raise funds for our Art Study Opportunity for Youth Grants during this year's Give to the Max Day!

Before our special fundraising last year, SMAC historically only had the funding available to award 8 grants in our Art Study Opportunity for Youth Grants program per year but there are more than 8 children in SW MN who wish to pursue art! SMAC wants to offer more children the opportunity to further themselves in arts education. Every child is worthy to pursue what the arts have to offer.

What are our Art Study Opportunity for Youth Grants? These grants provide up to $500 to allow young artists entering grades 5 – 12 to attend an enrichment camp or specialty study.

Arts funding in our schools continues to go down, and ss a result, students aren't always getting the attention they need in regards to the arts. For students who want to expand their arts learning, there needs to be another option. Kids deserve exposure to the arts in the same way they deserve exposure to sports and other competitions and excellence pursuits! 

SMAC provides 8 youth art grants per year to help kids explore the arts. 

With your support, we can provide more opportunities for more kids.

Your gift of $100 or more by December 31st will help SMAC say "yes" to more kids who want to pursue the arts! If 15 donors gave $100 each, we could award 3 more students this spring. With 30 donors we could award 6 more students, and with 40 donors ($4,000) we could DOUBLE the amount of students awarded grants this spring!

Join SMAC in fundraising on Give to the Max Day this year: Thursday, November 16th!

Give to the Max Day celebrates its 15th anniversary on Thursday, November 16, 2023. Plan to join GiveMN and thousands of Minnesota nonprofits and schools as we raise funds together for the organizations which make our communities stronger. If you represent a nonprofit or school looking to join in on Minnesota's giving holiday, take time to review the resources and information page to learn more. SMAC encourages you join us!

What IS Give to the Max Day? It is a Minnesota-based initiative started by GiveMN in 2009 to help raise money for participating nonprofit organizations and schools. GiveMN adds incentives starting on November 1st, and especially on Give to the Max Day itself (Thursday, November 16), for giving to your favorite MN causes. Each time a gift is made during Give to the Max, it is eligible to help organizations win part of the $100,000+ Prize Pool. In fact, there are nearly 150 chances to win during Give to the Max Day and Early Giving, beginning November 1. The Bush Foundation is sponsoring the prize pool again in 2023. Learn more about the prize incentives, such as Golden Tickets and Power Hours!

SMAC Awards $25,826 to local school, organizations & artists

The SMAC board voted on October 24 to award $4,000 in grant funds to one school, $6,248 to three organizations and $15,578 to four individual artists

The following school was awarded a SMAC Arts in the Schools grant. These grants provide public schools with up to $4,000 for projects such as artist residencies, arts field trips, juried student art exhibits, etc.

• Yellow Medicine East in Granite Falls was awarded $4,000 for students to work with media artist Deacon Warner to create immersive StoryMaps, compelling short films, and digital artwork to interlace the varied narratives of Native history, town history, and students' personal stories. 

The following three 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. 

• AMP (Arts & Mentoring Project) of Pipestone has been awarded $2,500 to purchase two snow machines and rent two specialty projectors for their theater productions.

• Friends of the Auditorium in Worthington have been awarded $2,250 for hiring local musicians to perform in the lobby area both before the shows and during the intermissions. This serves to not only promote and support local performers, but it also creates a wonderful social event with live music for audience members.

• Jackson Center for the Arts has been awarded $1,498 to upgrade to the Square Register system for ease of use and more timely accounting of art sales. 

Pictured above: Artwork from Cynthia Zimmer

The following four artists were awarded SMAC Artist Equity grants. Our Artist Equity grants provide up to $4,000 to aid Black, Indigenous, and other artists of color with projects that will advance their skills and artistic career

• Cynthia Zimmer of Redwood Falls was awarded $4,000 to make an improved workspace with adequate supplies for her beading, painting, and other Native American arts. This improved workspace will lead to increased efficiency and a more creative environment.

• Doris Stands of Redwood Falls has been awarded $3,578 to purchase tables, chairs, and lighting for her studio, a tablet and software for media arts, leather and leather working tools, and beading and painting supplies. She hopes to expand and improve her capabilities and venture into new art mediums by having the supplies and proper equipment. (Artwork pictured top left.)

• Eileen Okeefe of Morton was awarded $4,000 to research and create Native American beadwork for a dancer whose style of dance is Men's Traditional, which has a very specific regalia, including headband, wrist cuffs, leg bands, arm bands, side drops, a belt, moccasins, and a vest. (Artwork pictured middle left.)

• Jason Johnson of Redwood Falls was awarded $4,000 to visit family beading artists to gain the skills & inspiration and purchase supplies to create three beaded winter-themed medallions. (Artwork pictured bottom left.)

Outreach: Swift Arty Party in Kerkhoven

SMAC's Swift Arty Party took place in Kerkhoven at the Public Library on October 19th. SMAC Swift County board representative Jessica Mata lead participants in a fall themed watercolor piece. Thanks for helping us keep the arts vibrant in Swift County!

In the Gallery: Adrienne Herbert

Please help SMAC in welcoming our next gallery artist, Adrienne Herbert of Lakefield. Adrienne will exhibit in the SMAC Gallery from November 9th through December 22nd, 2023. Adrienne received SMAC Quick Support for Artists grants in 2022 & 2023.

Pictured: 1937 by Adrienne Herbert

Reception Dates

In-Person Reception: Thursday, November 9th, 5-7 pm

SMAC Galley, 509 West Main St, Marshall, MN



Enjoy special musical guest,

Caroline Koska on harp!

Virtual Reception/Artist Talk & Unveiling of Virtual Tour

Thursday, December 7th, 5:30 pm

on Zoom

Join Zoom Call

Meeting ID: 849 1376 6476, Passcode: 415122

About the Artist

An Illinois native, Adrienne has lived in various places in the United States and Canada. Always drawn to water, much of her time has been spent in Florida near the Gulf Coast, in Canada near the Lake of the Woods, and now in Minnesota. In all places nature and people have been the primary sources of inspiration. Hiking in the woods or along a beach, she always has a camera in her hand. She captures her subjects to savor the memories of the experience and also to paint them. She is an oil painter and printmaker, and loves exploring techniques and tools. In recent years Encaustics has been the primary focus of her work, learning the versatility of this ancient medium.

Check in with SMAC Arts Ambassador: Tisha Wade in Granite Falls

Because I don't have a car, learning to navigate as an arts ambassador for 18 counties has been challenging. Fortunately, Nicole suggested week-long residencies throughout the region to connect with community members and to understand how SMAC can better serve artists and arts organizations.

Granite Falls began this journey, and Kenny was the first person I met in town while on the way to Dollar General. To get there, I had to cross the bridge past the squid. Kenny was the only other person on the bridge, but he wasn't moving. When I got closer, I asked what he was doing, and he said, watching the fish jump. So I joined him, and we watched them jump together.

Throughout my residency, Kenny and I continued to bump into each other in our daily crossing and use of the bridge. I learned more about his time in the military, and he shared about being the only Black person in Granite Falls when he first moved here decades ago.

When I asked him if he makes art, he quickly and firmly said no, but during the conversation, he enthusiastically recalled being taught how to construct and use a shoebox camera in high school.

Throughout my stay, I learned to readjust my question from 'Are you an artist?' to questions that encompass the myriad of ways we practice creativity and consume artistry daily. I realized that some people are shy and often hesitant to associate their lived expression within the context of art. 

In my conversation with Dani Prados, she shared about art being the connective tissue that facilitates the harmony needed to build and sustain community. We agreed that art is a tool to support our ability to practice imagining, creation and world-building together. Dani shared with me the creation story of Squid Fest and the Stone Soup folktale and tradition.

During my time in Granite Falls, I witnessed local artists wielding art practice as a tool for activating rural communal space.

I attended my first and the 20th annual Meander Art Crawl. As I moved in and out of art studios, I was full of gratitude that I got to witness the works of local artists and to know more about what is being crafted and generated within the region.

In addition, I attended The Granite Falls Walking Theater: Her Story. The immersive performance recalls the stories of women over the century who have initiated radical change in Granite Falls. Despite the rain, we gathered along the downtown sidewalks, watching residents retell the stories of the land. I was able to speak with Scott Tedrick and Ashley Hanson and hear more about Place Base Productions and the evolution of the walking theater. Scott and I agreed that there is a spirit that holds and guides people in this part of the country.

I'm grateful to be able to inherit the stories and reap the fruits of labor that people like Tamara Isfeld and many others helped sow into being with the creation and sustaining of the Granite Area Arts Council. Hearing Scott talk about the transformation of downtown Granite from when he first arrived in the early 2000s and Tamera speak about how the art council came into being, I realize how change can happen relatively quickly.

My time in Granite Falls involved listening to stories, inviting recall, receiving artifacts, and charting growth over time. I'm left understanding that art is an act of service. An investment in the arts is also an investment in the artists and communities who creatively engage each other by wielding art to preserve and pass down the memories, traditions, and artifacts of rural Minnesota. 

Southwest Minnesota Arts Council Annual Celebration for 2023 in Tyler MN: Thanks for Attending!

Thank you so much for helping us make 2023 a successful Annual Celebration!

Extra thanks to the artists, studios and locations that were open before our event:

Pam Blake Glass Art in Tyler, Nancy Huehl Oil Painting Studio in Tyler, Lake Benton Opera House, the Danebod Folk School Stonehouse Museum in Tyler, "PAN!" Children's Theatre presented by the Tyler Arts Council and performed at RTR High School Auditorium, Michelle Weber Studio in Lake Benton, and the Ardor Square in Hendricks!

And of course, thanks to attendees, raffle ticket buyers, attending board members and board members who sourced items for the raffle baskets and helped to sell those tickets, Scotty Biggs BBQ for supplying the awesome food, Danebod Folk School for the lovely location, Lee Kanten & Friends for the many lovely tunes, and most of all, thanks for keeping the arts alive and vibrant in SW Minnesota! More pictures can be found on our Facebook album.

The SMAC board decided to suspend any penalties during the pandemic due to the uncertainty of circumstances, but now the board has voted to begin enforcing the penalties outlined in the grant contract for late final reports, which are as follows: Failure to submit an online report within 60 days of the end of the project without a prior request for an extension will result in a 20% scoring penalty on the applicant’s next application. These conditions will apply for all grants awarded after July of 2023.

Attend In-Person SMAC Grants Session in Fairfax!

On Wednesday, November 15th SMAC's Grants Administrator, Caroline Koksa, will be conducting a grant information workshop in Fairfax at the Fairfax Community Center (300 Park St S, Fairfax) from 7-8 pm. Learn all about SW MN Arts Council grant opportunities for this year (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024), including updates to guidelines and deadlines. SMAC funding is available for organizations, cities, Tribal Nations, artists, schools, and youth in the SW MN region. Learn more about our grants & see the current Grants Calendar

This session is free, but registration is preferred

The entire community center is on the same level and there are no steps to enter the building. There is an accessible bathroom in the building. Please let SMAC staff know if you request any accommodations to attend this event: info@swmnarts.org or 800-622-5284. Visit SMAC's Accessibility Page

For more grant assistance options, visit SMAC's Workshop & Assistance page.

Upcoming Virtual Grant Workshops

visit SMAC's Workshop & Assistance page for more info

**Workshops are free, but registration is required**

Thursday, November 2, Noon (12)-1 pm

Public Art Grants (Register Here)

Learn about SMAC's Public Art grants, available to cities, organizations and Tribal Nations.

Tuesday, December 5, 7-8 pm

Virtual SMAC Grants Q&A Session (Register Here)

Get questions answered about any of our grant programs or your project ideas.

Monday, December 11, Noon (12)-1 pm

Equipment & Facilities Improvement Grants (Register Here)

Learn about SMAC's Equipment & Facilities Improvement grants, available to arts organizations.

Thursday, March 7, 7-8 pm

Virtual SMAC Grants Q&A Session (Registration coming soon)

Get questions answered about any of our grant programs or your project ideas.

Thursday, February 15, 5:30-6:30 pm

Art Study Opportunity for Youth Grants (Registration coming soon)

Available to students entering grades 5 through 12.

**Workshops are free, but registration is required**

Watch a recorded webinar for all grants info session from earlier this year

Other options for Grant Assistance:

Visit SMAC's Workshop & Assistance page

SW MN Arts Council grants administrator Caroline Koska 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 on the 2nd Tuesday of the month we hold "Open Office Hours" for grant support. The office hours are from 10 am to 2 pm and the next one will be Tuesday, October 10th. 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.

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.

Upcoming Grant Deadlines

1st of the Month August, 2023 through May 2024:

• Quick Support for Organizations (watch Quick Support for Organizations recorded webinar)

• Arts in the Schools (watch Arts in the Schools recorded webinar)

• Quick Support for Artists (watch recorded webinar for Artist Grants)

November 8: Art Project (watch recorded webinar for Art Project Grants)

December 13: Public Art (register for Public Art webinar)

January 10: Artist Growth (watch recorded webinar for Artist Grants)

January 31: Equipment & Facilities Improvement

(register for Equipment & Facilities Improvement webinar)

February 28: Artist Equity (watch recorded webinar for Artist Grants)

March 13: Art Project (watch recorded webinar for Art Project Grants)

March 27: Art Study Opportunity for Youth (registration for webinar coming soon)

View our current grants calendar

including descriptions of the grants and funding amounts, deadlines, earliest project start dates, and webinar dates for our new fiscal year, starting July 2023 through June 2024.

Visit SMAC's Workshop & Assistance page

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

The Minnesota State Arts Board is also seeking grant review panelists. To learn more, visit our opportunities post on our website.

Will you serve as a SMAC Board Member?

Starting in January, SMAC will be seeking representatives from six counties to serve on our board of directors: Big Stone, Jackson, McLeod, Murray, Redwood and Yellow Medicine

Do you live or work in one of these counties? Do you want to volunteer in a meaning way? Are you interested in helping your community? Are you passionate about arts awareness & funding and where & how those funds are distributed?

SMAC's Board of Directors currently has three vacant board seats. We are seeking a representative from each of the counties listed above to serve. 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 counties, 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!

To learn more and to fill out an application visit SMAC's Become A Board Member Page. You can also schedule a meeting with our Executive Director, Nicole DeBoer, for further questions.

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!

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!

 Memberships

From September 30 to October 24, 2023



Contributors: Mary Meneely, Arco •Claire Swanson, Granite Falls • MN Pottery Festival, Hutchinson • The MORE Network, Marshall •

Supporters: Dassel Area Historical Society, Dassel • Madison Art & Innovation Center/Madison Mercantile, Madison • Milan Village Arts School, Milan •

Sustainers: Gillian Singler, Lakefield • Pipestone Performing Arts Center, Pipestone • Beth Habicht, Worthington •

SMAC Members will get an "I Love Rural Arts" Sticker! (pictured left)

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS!

Chippewa - M E (Maggie) Fuller

Kandiyohi - Ana Serrano

Lyon - Dr. Erin Kline

Murray - OPEN

Redwood - David KelseyBassett

Swift - Jessica Mata