Northwest Minnesota Arts Council News | | The Latest in Regional Arts Opportunities | | Exhibits, Grants, Announcements, Events, Trainings, Calls for Art, Awards, & More! | | |
- June 11 Artist Spotlight with Monika Lawrence
- June 26 Welcome the Whimsical Exhibit Artist Reception
- June 26 Traveling Art Exhibit Opens in Thief River Falls
- July 1 Grant Applications Open
- July 10 Art & Wine Walk Heritage Through Photography
- July 31 Grant Deadline for Organizations
- August 15 Welcome the Whimsical Exhibit closes
Learn more about these programs, services, and events in this newsletter!
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Welcome the Whimsical: An Exhibit Featuring Your Imagination
Open Until August 15
Artist Reception June 26 from 6 to 8 PM
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce Welcome the Whimsical, a fun exhibit open until August 15 at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. This exhibit includes 103 pieces of art created by 70 artists in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pen and ink, fiber art, printmaking, colored pencil, photography, ceramics, written material, marker, and mixed media. Some of the art is for sale.
Twenty-six adult and 44 student artists from throughout the region -- Lake Bronson, Thief River Falls, Hallock, East Grand Forks, Badger, Williams, Karlstad, Roseau, Crookston, Gatzke, Warroad, Lancaster, Gully, Red Lake Falls, Ada, Fertile, and Warren, contributed to this showcase with 55 adult pieces and 48 student pieces of art.
Take a virtual walk through of the exhibit here.
Karlstad Artist Alicia Spilde shared, “I hope you enjoy my sense of humor. Sometimes I feel like my art style doesn’t belong in an exhibit. I am an untrained artist who often makes pieces that may look a bit messy and not done in the best techniques. Lately, I’ve been leaning into the folky-ness of my style, inspired by folk artists of the past. We all have a message to share through our artwork, whether it is fine art or not.”
Artist Debbie Aune said, “I am a collector of weird and wonderful stuff and have been since I was a kid. About 15 years ago I was going through an exhausting stage in life trying to juggle work, family, and my own aspirations. During one of my daily walks, I found this mask shape, hairy piece of truck thread and envisioned dolls. It transformed into a ‘Tired Doll.’ It was coincidental that the medium matched my disposition at the time.”
Finally, Aliza Novacek-Olson explained, “Traditional techniques and functional purpose are the foundation of my work with textiles. Every once in a while, a different side of me shows itself in my art. The result is a piece that turns out mythical, a bit ugly, and sometimes . . . strangely cute. The theme of this exhibition is a perfect opportunity for my curious little wooly creatures to show themselves and see if they can make you smile.”
There will be an Artist Reception on June 26 from 6 to 8 PM at the gallery. This event is free and open to all and held in conjunction with a community play Seussical Kids being held in the college theater at 7 PM that evening.
The NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls is at 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls 56701. The gallery is open during Mon-Fri from 8 – 4:30 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please call to make sure the college is open before making a special trip. Hours can change, especially during the summer. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.
| | Welcome the Whimsical exhibit | | |
Arts Grants Applications have Upcoming Deadline for Organizations
Applications Open July 1
Deadline is July 31
Applications open July 1 for government entities and nonprofit organizations. Applications will be accepted from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.
Nonprofits and government organizations can apply for one arts project at a time. Grants deadlines for these are July 31, October 31, and February 28. Grants are between $500 and $10,000. Funding sources for these grants are Clean Water, Land and Legacy funds, and general allocation funds from the State of Minnesota.
Organizational arts activities funded through this very important grant opportunity includes festivals, community theatre projects, folk music entertainment, sponsorship of visual demonstrations, creative writing workshops and many other activities that improve the quality of life of people
in our communities.
There will be a free grant writing session to help you write your grant application or answer any questions. You can attend via Zoom or at our office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend. The date will be announced soon.
To learn more about grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. The grant application process is completely online and NWMAC's Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal to get accustomed to it. Please contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886.
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Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Levene
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces our first exhibit at the Fournet Building Downtown Crookston
Open Through July at the
Historic Fournet Building
101 N Broadway Downtown Crookston
2nd Floor in the Atrium
Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S. Levene, is open through July at the Fournet Building at 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston and includes 29 pieces of art in printmaking, pen and ink, fabric art, and mixed media created by Red River Valley Printmaker and Artist Jill Levene of Tabor. This is the first exhibit that the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council has hosted in this space.
NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett shared, “I first encountered Jill’s artwork at the Tettegouche State Park as our family was on vacation along the North Shore. I was immediately taken by her pen and ink skills. Jill is a versatile and accomplished artist flowing with creativity and inspiration. Her new exhibit at the Fournet Building in Crookston will pull you into another world of wonder and hope.”
Artist Jill Levene explained, “Gainfully retired from commercial graphic design, I now enjoy the freedom to integrate my world travels with natural history and the environment to create my “Inklings”—pen and ink renderings of people, non-human animals, and natural settings. In 2011, I was introduced to New England’s remarkable Folly Cove Fabric Designers of the mid-20th Century. This discovery inspired me in a new direction—block carving and printing on fabric using originally-designed, hand-carved linoleum blocks based on my Inklings. Added to this is my interest in repurposing various types of fiber-based food packaging, such as tea and gum wrappers, by incorporating fragments of these colorful containers onto the Inklings foundation. The combination of Inklings, block printing on fabric, and kitchen-based art led me to my current focus on functional art—hand-printed usable cloth pieces including dishtowels, bandanas, infant swaddles, aprons, and garden flags—anything fabric—with the goal of creating art that is both functional and perpetual, as well as beautiful and one-of-a-kind for the culinarian and collector alike: ‘Hand-printed. One at a time, every time.’”
This exhibit is open through July at the Historic Fournet Building downtown Crookston. Parking and admission is free. Some pieces are for sale. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/XB96nngkHhU or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
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The Capitol Art Exhibit Advisory Committee is excited to continue to announce the next Call for Art Exhibit Proposals. CAEAC is accepting proposals until July 6, 2025. This call for art is for the 3rd floor gallery at the Capitol building in St Paul, which offers great exposure and a resume builder opportunity. The time period is the calendar year 2027. Three exhibits will be chosen.
Exhibits must comply with (at least) one of the criteria outlined in Minnesota Statues 15B.36―that art exhibits should tell Minnesota stories and engage people to:
- reflect on Minnesota history;
- understand Minnesota government;
- recognize the contributions of Minnesota's diverse peoples; inspire citizen engagement; and appreciate the varied landscapes of Minnesota.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the depth by which the art addresses these requirements and the provided scoring criteria.
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The 2027 Call for Proposal series opens May 1 through July 6!
Information regarding the CAEAC and the Call for Proposal can be found on the CAEAC website, which is hosted by the Department of Administration.
Here are quick links to the 2027 Call for Proposal information page, and the application form. Note: applicants will need to log in to apply and to submit images with the following credentials - username: capitol.art@mnhs.org, password: Minn?sota2027?
Please reach out to Lindsey Rulon-Miller (she/her), Capitol & MNHS Sites Art Program Specialist at the Minnesota Historical Society at 651-259-3252 with questions.
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Artists of Northwest Minnesota 6th edition is here!
Featuring artists, performers, and
arts businesses & organizations in our region
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council publishes a directory every 3 years that lists fine craft and visual artists, photographers, writers, and performing artists who answered our call for entries, as well as arts organizations. It's an invaluable resource when you are looking for art and artists in our region. This resource allows you to connect with and find local artists and their products, as well as businesses that support the arts. Our goal is to assist creative people, organizations, and businesses to flourish in our area.
As you know, our region is home to talented writers, visual artists, performance artists, fiber artists, sculptors, 3D artists, photographers, mosaic artists, printmakers, jewelers, metal artists, wood carvers, and more. The booklet helps you find them. This edition of the booklet includes a new section of performing artists, including musicians who play in our area.
Artists of NW Minnesota was designed by Kat Allen of Warroad and edited by NWMAC Promotions Specialist Kristin Eggerling and Executive Director Mara Hanel with funding from the McKnight Foundation.
Pick up a copy of this directory at no cost at your local library, coffee shop, or other businesses in our region. To view the booklet online visit https://northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/artists-of-nw-minnesota-booklet
| | FREE services offered in our office space! | |
Did you know that we offer free services in our office space?
We have an audio recording room, a grant writing station, meeting rooms, a photography room, and an enhanced art gallery that you are free to use at no cost!
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Our photography room offers amateur headshots, photography of instruments and samples of art pieces, as well as live recording shots.
You must make an appointment for this service. director@NWArtsCouncil.org or 218-745-8886.
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Need an images of your art?
Take advantage of this free service to elevate your arts business.
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Do you need a headshot?
Or images of you performing your art?
Take advantage of the photography room.
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Heritage Through Image
a photography exhibit
Carnegie Library, 102 Main Ave N, Thief River Falls
Stop by During the Art & Wine Walk on
July 10 from 4 - 8:00 PM
This NWMAC exhibit will be a stop on the Art & Wine Walk in Thief River Falls on July 10. Heritage Through Image, an exhibit open through July. The exhibit includes 22 images (2 images of each subject), along with a 5 x 7 framed narrative for each person that depict traditional practices, customs, and folklore that serves as a visual representation of regional heritage.
For more information about the Art & Wine Walk or to purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trf-zehlians-art-wine-walk-2025-tickets-1259732075549?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Photographer Monika Lawrence, formerly of Bemidji now living in Germany, was commissioned to capture the images that reflect traditional practices, customs, and folklore to serve as a visual representation of the heritage of East Polk County.
Come and see images and information featuring folk arts such as Hardanger embroidery, Scandinavian desserts and pastries, rosemaling, historical storytelling including stories from Indigenous communities, woodworking, experimental archaeology and textiles, blacksmithing, tractor and vintage car restorations, and more. There’s something for everyone!
Lawrence interviewed and photographed the subjects who are featured in this exhibit. They include Stephenie Anderson, John Balstad, Dustin Carlson, Caleb Curfman, Amy Mulry, Al and Vicky Olson, Jeffrey Olson, Earl Steinbrenner, Lynn Sundrud, Rosayn Watnemo, and Carol Wold.
Hallock Artist Dennis Kinkead will be joining this exhibit with his work soon. He is a 2-D and 3-D artist who specializes in sculpture and iron works. See Dennis's work during the Art & Wine Walk!
The Carnegie Library in Thief River Falls is at 102 Main Ave N. The gallery is open Mondays & Fridays from 10 AM - 2 PM and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 8-11 AM. It will be open when the Chamber of Commerce office is open. You can contact the Chamber of Commerce to see about other possible open hours at trfchamber.com, 218-681-3720, or info@trfchamber.com.
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Please join NWMAC Staff and Photographer Monika Lawrence as we discuss the Heritage Through Image exhibit, Monika's art, and more. Live discussion on Wednesday, June 11 at 9 AM on the NWMAC facebook or YouTube page. This will be available to view afterwards on our website or YouTube page.
| Let's Talk Art is our weekly radio interview and podcast with host Phil McKenzie | |
Let's Talk Art Podcast
Our podcast program features artists, arts organizations, and arts events in our region. The program is broadcast weekly on Wednesday afternoons at 3 PM. To hear all of the past podcasts visit our website here.
Ada Mosaic Artist Elizabeth Rockstad won 1st place in the Annual NW Art Exhibit in Crookston. She spoke of creating the piece of art that won (it’s part of a series of 3), the materials she used (slate, shale, Ada brick, glass), the background of her process, how the public finds her (Studio413mosaics.com or studio413@ymail.com), taking commissions, workshops she offers, school residencies, and galleries where her work is at. Listen here.
Artist due Mike and Janette McColl spoke about the Old School Artist Retreat Center, their art, the retreats and activities at the retreat center, and more! Janette is featured in the Artists of NW Minnesota booklet and the Artist Retreat Center is also in the booklet. Located in a restored 1906 schoolhouse in the heart of Lengby, MN, the Old School Artist Retreat Center is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing creativity and building community through immersive, hands-on retreats. It’s a place where artists, makers, and curious souls can gather to learn new skills, connect with others, and find beauty and inspiration in the creative process. See oldschoolarts.org for more info. Listen here.
5.21.25 Jane Anderson The Executive Director of the Thief River Falls Community Theater, spoke about TRFACT’s 30 year anniversary, the organization, the upcoming shows this summer, including Little Shop of Horrors (June 4-6 and 9-11), Seussical Kids (June 24-26), Talking with … by Jane Martin (July 9-10), and The Addams Family (July 29-31). You can buy tickets for these shows online at TRFACT.org. Jane also shared anecdotes about the importance and impact of theater for kids, as well as her work at TRFACT (including grant writing, publicity, and signing contracts, and more. Listen here.
In part 2 of their conversation, Darcy and Phil continued to discuss Darcy’s creative approach to choir directing and receiving the NW Star Award.
They spoke about the trips that Darcy and the choir took to Minneapolis and NYC and what they experienced and learned about life, history, and humanity through music. They also spoke about racism, injustices, and how the students felt safe to express themselves in the classroom. Listen here.
Darcy Reese is a retired music educator who recently received the prestigious NW Star Award for creative choir directing from the NWMAC. She shared how she came to take an innovative approach to choir directing. Darcy and her students learned about and incorporated diverse experiences into the choir room and performances, including poems about the Holocaust, spending time with Holocaust survivors, Black Gospel music, and American Indian music and jingle dancing into performances. These experiences were eye opening for her and her students. This is part 1 of their conversation. Listen here.
4.30.25 Loreen Hanson Artist of the Year for Visual Arts Loreen Hanson prefers to paint with watercolors. Her artwork ranges from images of wildlife, flora, and fauna, still life arrangements, portraits, and paintings of people doing everyday activities -- all of which celebrate life. She has skillfully captured the beauty of the world around her and has demonstrated her exceptional talent and dedication to the arts through her contributions to the art community. Last fall Loreen had an impressive one-woman art show featuring 186 watercolor paintings in Thief River Falls! Listen here.
| | | | | | Images of podcast guests or topics include Elizabeth Rockstad, TRFACT summer theater schedule, Old School Arts Center in Lengby, NW Star Awardee Darcy Reese, and Artist of the Year Loreen Hanson. | |
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Traveling Art Exhibit is in
Red Lake Falls
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit that travels to area libraries throughout the year. The exhibit includes 14 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit.
The exhibit is currently at the Red Lake Falls Public Library until June 26. This is the first stop of this exhibit this year. Please stop by to see these works of art. Some of these pieces of art are for sale.
The 2024-2025 Artists and Artwork:
Lucille Nelson, Argyle, “Waiting to be Restored” (Acrylic Painting)
Andy Hall, Climax "Rose Leaves” (Photography)
Paulette Christianson, Badger, “Serene” (Pastel Painting)
Dennis Kinkead, Hallock, “Where Are You Guys Going?” (Watercolor Painting) (Merit)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Water Tower” (Acrylic Painting)
Alicia Spilde, Karlstad, “Dreams” (Mixed Media)
Jessica Lundeen, Thief River Falls “Bee’s Marigold” (Acrylic Painting) (3rd Place)
Melody Voeltz, Lancaster, “Field Bunny” (Watercolor Painting) Lancaster School Student 2nd Place
Daniel Jones, Crookston, “Retro Modern” (Ink Print) Crookston School
Josiah Sjothun, Ada, “Chevette” (Sculpture) Ada-Borup-West High School
Alyssa Foster, Thief River Falls, “One Act Matters” (Drawing) TRF School Student 1st Place
Kaytlyn Knutson, Red Lake Falls, “Masquerade” (Acrylic Painting) Red Lake Falls School
Anthony Lucio, Red Lake Falls, “Bridge From My Window” (Mixed Media) Red Lake Falls School
Addison Severts, Grygla, “Serenity” (Sculpture) Grygla School Student 3rd Place
The 2024-2025 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
May 8 - June 26 RLF Public Library
June 26 - Aug 5 TRF Public Library
Aug 5 - Sept 23 Roseau Public Library
Sept 23 - Nov 12 Hallock Public Library
Nov 12 - Dec 18 Ada Public Library
Dec 18 - Feb 3, 2026 Godel Public Library, Warren
Feb 3, 2026 to Mid-March TBD** Sorenson Gallery, Fosston Public Library
*The start and end dates at each location are approximate, depending on weather, venue hours and other circumstances that may occur to prohibit travel. For specific library hours, please contact each location before planning your visit, especially if you are planning on bringing a group.
**Tentatively scheduled
For more information about the Traveling Exhibit or our other exhibits call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
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Warroad RiverPlace
Classes and workshops at Warroad RiverPlace.
This new arts, culture, and events center is open Tue- Sat, 10 AM to 5 PM. The art gallery and tours of the space are free and open to the public. Contact the center at arts@warroadriverplace.org or (218) 986-0001.
Learn more at warroadriverplace.org
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Wooden Bowl Carving
Saturday, June 14 | 10 AM-5 PM
Hosted by Folk School Warroad
If you're passionate about carving, join for a day of crafting your own 6" by 12" very functional bowl. You'll be guided by expert carvers Hal and Keith Bitzer, renowned for their extensive experience and skill.
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Intermediate Watercolor
Saturday, June 21 | 1-4 PM
Taught by Sue Suess
Take your watercolor skills to the next level with artist Sue Suess. This intermediate class will focus on composition techniques and landscape painting to help refine your style and expand your creative toolkit. While this class builds on basic watercolor skills, the beginner course is not a prerequisite and all experience levels are welcome. All materials are provided—just bring your creativity!
For more info about these and other events visit https://www.warroadriverplace.org/events
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Art & Wine Walk July 10 Downtown Thief River Falls. Over 25 TRF Downtown Business have WINE samples and an ARTIST on display from 4-8 PM. You may stop at all of the businesses or just a few to enjoy great art during the evening of July 10. This year come dressed for EXTRA Prizes.
Theme this year is "Flower Power"
EXTRA PRIZES for "Best Dressed Group" & "Best Dressed Individual" For more info and to pre-purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trf-zehlians-art-wine-walk-2025-tickets-1259732075549?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
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Listen to Let's Talk Art, our radio interviews, with host Phil McKenzie on Wednesday afternoons
Pioneer 90.1FM
Email Kristin Eggerling
The podcast of the interviews on our website. This is a great way to promote your art! Listen to past interviews here!
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