In this issue:
- SMAC's 2021 Annual Celebration!
-
Introducing SMAC's Arty Party series; Networking events in every county!
-
Job Opportunities: SMAC Seeks Arts Ambassadors
-
City-Artist-in-Residence: Public Notice
-
SMAC grant updates: Upcoming grant deadlines, Q&A sessions & Webinars
- SMAC seeks panelists to review grant applications for fiscal year 2022
Pictured: Printed works from artist Kerry Kolke-Bonk, who received a SMAC Individual Artist grant to take a printmaking class in 2021.
|
|
You are invited to join us in celebration of the arts and artists of our 18 county region! Saturday, September 18, 2021.
1-4 pm, An Arts Day in and Around Jackson, MN
-
Tour the JACKSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
-
View four Jackson Community Murals in progress - the first of which is completed at the JACKSON LIBRARY
-
From 2-4pm: Take a free plein air art class led by Bobbie Alsgaard-Lien on Fort Belmont grounds
- Explore Jackson's Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival: more details to come
- Details on more event options coming soon!
|
|
Concert inside the Jackson Center for the Arts.
Social Hour begins at 4 pm at the historic FORT BELMONT
Join a drum circle with Purpose Artisans as you arrive to the event site. At 5 pm SMAC will host a brief annual meeting, an award ceremony for 2021 SMAC Prairie Disciple Rosemary Glesener, and guests will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for our annual "Spirit of the Region" raffle.
Stick around to enjoy a tasty picnic meal by Kat's Hog Heaven (vegetarian options will be available) and live music from Jackson's own, Lynn Mullins!
Socialize and celebrate with artists and arts supporters across the Southwest Minnesota region and learn about the grants and activities SMAC has funded in the past year.
|
|
|
|
TICKETS:
Just $25/person. Advance ticket purchase required by SEPT 15.
Payment options:
1) CHECK: Complete the online registration form by clicking below and send a check for tickets to the SMAC office: PO Box 55, Marshall, MN 56258
2) CREDIT CARD: Complete the online registration form by clicking below and then click the credit card button to pay online.
|
|
~ No physical ticket will be sent or given, instead your name and information will be kept on our reservation list - ready to welcome you at the event. ~ |
|
MORE EVENT DETAILS:
"Spirit of the Region" Raffle: A $10 raffle ticket will get you the chance to win a basket of specialty goods made in the SMAC Region (from wine to honey, beer to fudge). Raffle tickets available in advance at the SMAC office or through a SMAC Board Member. Raffle tickets also available onsite at the event.
|
|
Rosemary Glesener and her husband, Mark Glesener. Photograph courtesy of Leta Jacobs, Design by Leta .
|
|
Award
2021 Prairie Disciple Award: Rosemary Glesener,
Bird Island
This award is to recognize a person who has been instrumental in promoting the arts in the 18-county area of southwestern Minnesota. Rosemary was nominated and had letters of support from many community members! Paul Heyl, the primary nominator, said that Rosemary is a "Minnesota native" and has resided in Renville County for forty years. During this time, she has organized art shows in various venues, ranging from a National Guard Armory to an abandoned convent and more. Heyl went on to say that "Rosemary’s largest impact on the Arts in SW Minnesota is her teaching and mentoring of artists. She has taught numerous art classes for everyone from preschoolers to senior citizens." Rosemary has discovered numerous young artists and helped them to exhibit, as well as made connections to artistic mentors for them. "Rosemary has made the Cultural Centre in Bird Island an integral part of the SW artistic community, but more importantly, Rosemary exemplifies the need for a broader sense of community, not just geographically and artistically, but for all the essential things that should be a central part of a good community and a good society." Read more here.
|
|
JOIN US for an “Arty Party” in Yellow Medicine County: Thursday, August 26! This will be our kick-off event for our 18-month series of county networking events for every county in our region.
EVENT DETAILS::THURSDAY, AUGUST 26
-
5-7 pm, Say Yes! Capital Campaign Launch Party at the Yes! House: Join the Department of Public Transformation for a lively summer gathering with cocktails, canapés, music, art-making, photo booth, interactive tours, and more! Check out their designs, plans and progress for the renovation of The YES! House on Prentice Street in Granite Falls and learn more about how you can be part of building the future of this creative community gathering and social space.
-
7-8:30 pm, SMAC's Arty Party: SMAC will host appetizers at the Bluenose Gopher Public House and provide networking games and opportunities for attendees... and possibly some live music! SMAC staff will be in attendance to connect with attendees and get the word out about who SMAC is, what we do and what services and assistance we can offer for our communities.
We look forward to p(art)ying with you!
|
|
JOB OPPORTUNITIES: SMAC Seeks Arts Ambassadors
SMAC is looking for ARTS AMBASSADORS! Three contract positions are now open for arts-engaged community members to serve 6 counties – one position in the North, one Central and one South – in the SMAC 18 county region.
|
|
The role of the SMAC ARTS AMBASSADOR will be to build relationships, connections and networks with groups and communities that SMAC has not been successful in serving or reaching. The job will include a priority of creating connections with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) artists and organizations and/or other groups or communities historically excluded in the region. This outreach position will have flexible hours and schedule, and includes a monthly stipend + mileage reimbursement.
|
|
In the Gallery: Mary LaPatka
Through August 27, 2021, you can enjoy Mary La Patka's botanical paintings in our Southwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery. La Patka (of Willmar) received a SMAC Individual Artist Grant in 2020.
|
|
The Beauty and Science of Botanical Art
"Botanical painting has allowed me to expand my horizon through the medium of watercolor. My detailed, accurate and beautiful paintings are a result of many hours of research, field study and painting.
I have always loved painting, drawing, fiber arts, photography and gardening. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to renew my interest in painting. I was able to combine both my love of painting with my love of gardening through Botanical Art. The result is a happy mix of flowers, bulbs, roots, leaves and vegetables, all represented through the medium of watercolor and graphite.
Each painting requires extensive research of the chosen subject, field study, and many hours in detailed painting. My intention is that by creating paintings of beautiful, botanically accurate plants, those who view the paintings will discover, connect with, and appreciate our ecology, plant diversity and educate in preservation of plant species" ~ Mary La Patka
Pictured: Common Chicory (Malus domestica 'Scilate'), Watercolor on paper, 2021.
|
|
or access the pdf file of the virtual exhibit here.
|
|
|
Next in the Gallery: Anne Wedler |
|
Anne Wedler of Marshall will be exhibiting in the SMAC gallery September through October, 2021. Wedler received a SMAC Individual Artist grant in 2020 to explore drawings to develop into cyanotypes. Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. Wedler will have an in-person reception (September 9 • 5-7pm) as well as a virtual reception (September 16 • 5:30pm). Be on the lookout for more details to come about her receptions on our Facebook, Instagram, website, and through our emails!
|
|
Please let us know of any accommodations needed for you to enjoy any of our events, virtual or in-person: info@swmnarts.org.
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.
|
|
City-Artist-In-Residence Public Notice:
ATTENTION City & Tribal Government
The Department of Public Transformation, leaders & visionaries in creating a CITY ARTIST IN RESIDENCE program in Granite Falls MN, have partnered with the SW MN Arts Council to offer consultation, background and research experience to three communities interested in exploring the possibilities of an artist in residence. Meant for government units to explore what it takes from a process and funding perspective to plan, recruit and secure an artist in civic service to their community. The possibilities of how an artist can build community are endless. Interested in hearing more? Please connect with: nicole@swmnarts.org
|
|
Through Welcoming Week, organizations and communities bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.
This year, SMAC will be a regional partner of Welcoming Week and help to promote and support the 11 communities that will be holding events: Montevideo, Granite Falls, Willmar, Hutchinson, Glencoe, Kerkhoven, Worthington, Windom, Milan, Lower Sioux Indian Community/Morton and Marshall. Be on the lookout for more details from our Facebook, Instagram, website, and emails!
|
|
New “Quick Support” grant programs
Apply by the 1st of the month, and if awarded, begin your project on the 1st of the following month. Available August through April while funding remains.
- Organizations may request up to $2,500 for Art Legacy project planning, arts organization development (board training, strategic planning, etc.), arts organization start-up (creating bylaws, filing for 501(c)(3) status, etc.), small equipment purchases, and small art projects.
- Previous grant programs for Art Legacy Project Planning, Arts Organization Development, and Arts Organization Start-Up have been discontinued.
- For arts organizations requesting start-up funds, the requirement for at least two years of programming before applying has been eliminated.
- Artists at any stage of their career may request up to $1,000 for supplies, classes, etc. and small artist-led community projects.
|
|
View the entire grants calendar for our current fiscal year here.
- Provides 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 a 501(c)(3) status, small equipment purchases, or small arts projects. **Watch recorded webinar from June 2021 here: https://youtu.be/hwovaG_HOMU**
- Provides artists with up to $1,000 for activities such as purchasing supplies, attending classes, and small artist-led community projects. **Watch recorded webinar from July 2021 here: https://youtu.be/De0GDhg2mRo**
- Provides up to $4,000 to aid Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other artists of color with projects that will advance their skills and artistic career. **Watch recorded webinar from July 2021 here: https://youtu.be/3tfW6p4pOHI**
- Provides up to $10,000 to to artists to create a major new work while collaborating with the community, introducing community members to the arts in a new way. **Watch recorded webinar from June 2021 here: https://youtu.be/wrT9ykPebP4**
- Provides up to $10,000 to to artists to create a major new work while collaborating with the community, introducing community members to the arts in a new way. **Watch recorded webinar from June 2021 here: https://youtu.be/wrT9ykPebP4**
- Provides organizations in the SMAC region with up to $7,000 to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance and appreciation of the arts (pre-packaged theatre residencies limited to $2,500). No cash match required this year. **Watch recorded webinar from July 2021 here: https://youtu.be/o0RMrHpRyjc**
- Provides arts organizations with up to $10,000 for the purchase of equipment items and facilities improvements that will strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve the arts needs of the SMAC region. No cash match required this year.
- Two-year grants for arts organizations with a current 501(c)(3) and at least two years of programming and financials, to be used for operating expenses. Submit financial info in a pre-application to determine your request amount, 15% or 35% of your organization's average operating budget, depending on budget size. **Register for August 5 Webinar from 12-1 pm here!**
View the entire grants calendar for our current fiscal year here.
|
|
Join us on Zoom for a virtual Grants Questions & Answers Sessions to get questions answered about any of our grant programs. Dates for FY2022 (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022) include:
You do not need to register, but you can if you wish to receive email reminders.
How to join:
Join the virtual meeting here. Meeting ID: 982 8089 0625 Passcode: 433868
If joining by landline, find your local number here.
Please let us know of any accommodations needed for you to attend any of our events, virtual or in-person: info@swmnarts.org. |
|
Please let us know of any accommodations needed for you to attend any of our events, virtual or in-person: info@swmnarts.org.
- Two-year grants for arts organizations with a current 501(c)(3) and at least two years of programming and financials, to be used for operating expenses. Submit financial info in a pre-application to determine your request amount, 15% or 35% of your organization's average operating budget, depending on budget size. **Grantwriting Webinar: August 5, Noon-1 pm. Register here!**
-
Grants to schools for artist residencies or field trips that include educator training and community involvement, juried student art exhibits, and prepackaged theater experiences. Up to $2,500 (field trips, juried exhibits, or prepackaged theater) or $4,000 (residencies). No cash match required.**Grantwriting Webinar: August 23, 7-8 pm. Register here!**
-
Provide organizations in the SMAC region with up to $20,000 to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance and appreciation of the arts through large-scale projects that will leave an arts legacy in Southwest Minnesota. No cash match required in fiscal year 2022.**Grantwriting Webinar: September 30, 7-8 pm. Register here!**
View the entire grants calendar for our current fiscal year here.
|
|
Meet With Our Grants Administrator
SW MN Arts Council grants administrator Caroline Koska is available to meet with you by phone, web conference or in person at our office in Marshall to answer your questions on grant eligibility and using the application system or to review a draft of your application. Click here to schedule time with her.
As a reminder, Koska also holds monthly in-person open office hours at the SMAC offices in Marshall on the second Tuesday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm. The next one will take place August 14.
As always, feel free to call 800-622-5284 or email us info@swmnarts.org any time with your questions. Please let us know of any accommodations needed for you to attend any of our events, virtual or in-person: info@swmnarts.org.
|
|
SMAC seeks Panelists to review grant applications for fiscal year 2022
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. Panelists will be expected to review and score grant applications online (usually between 5-10 applications in a 2 week span) and then participate in a meeting discussing grants and scores. Click here for more details!
Compensation:
- Mileage is reimbursed at the year’s standard mileage rate per mile (when meetings are held in person).
-
Individuals serving on a grant review panel will receive a stipend of $75 in addition to their mileage reimbursement.
- Breakfast, lunch, and beverages are provided by SMAC when appropriate (when meetings are held in person).
TO APPLY:
-
Read about our Grant Panel Responsibilities
-
Read and sign our Conflict of Interest policy
-
Download and fill out a copy of the Panelist Application (PDF or Word doc) or fill out the online form at the bottom of this page: https://swmnarts.org/about/become-a-grant-panelist/
-
Submit your completed application and signed Conflict of Interest document by using the submit button on the webpage, emailing them to info@swmnarts.org, or mailing them to SW MN Arts Council, PO Box 55, Marshall, MN 56258.
|
|
For more opportunities and resources be sure to check out the latest news posts (updated DAILY!) on SMAC's website:
|
|
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!
|
|
SMAC is still seeking representatives from Lac qui Parle County and McLeod County to serve on it’s Board of Directors.
If you live or work in Lac qui Parle or McLeod county and are interested in a position on our board here are some details: The Board meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday evening, currently virtually, 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. To learn more and to fill out an application, please go to
|
|
Memberships
From June 25 to July 26, 2021
Contributors: Lac qui Parle Broadcasting Co./KLQP-FM, Madison • Lac qui Parle County Historical Society, Madison • A to Z Letterpress Printing, Montevideo • Sandra Saulsbury, New London • Dr. Bryan & Susan Nelson, Redwood Falls
Supporters: Wilder Pageant, Walnute Grove
Patrons: Blue Mound Area Theatre, Luverne
|
Would you like to become a contributing member of SMAC or make a donation?
The arts have suffered tremendously since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our arts organizations and individual artists have had to modify, postpone or cancel most, if not all of their projects and events, since March of 2020. These closures meant lost income and lost opportunities. We are just starting to see the region opening up and the arts becoming part of our lives again. The SW MN Arts Council will continue working to support and fund arts access for the citizens of Southwest Minnesota. We need you to help us support the arts.
You can help by contributing online or by mail, for more information, visit:
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS!
|
2021 SW MN Arts Council BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
|
Big Stone - Janine Teske
Jackson - Kristen Kuipers
Lincoln - Mark Wilmes
Meeker - Darlene Kotelnicki
Pipestone - Erica Volkir
Rock - Shawn Kinsinger &
Louella Voigt
|
|
Chippewa - Georgette Jones
Kandiyohi - Cheri Buzzeo
Lyon - Michele Knife Sterner
Murray - Jessica Welu
Redwood - David KelseyBassett
Swift - Alison Nelson
|
|
Cottonwood - Anna Johannsen
Nobles - Cheryl Avenel-Navara
Renville-Anne O'Keefe-Jackson
Yellow Medicine-Betsy Pardick & Michele Huggins
|
|
 |
Executive Director - Nicole DeBoer
|
|
|
|
Grants/Financial Administrator - Caroline Koska
Marketing Coordinator - Krystl Louwagie
|
|
|
|
SW MN Arts Council
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 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.
Thank you for supporting the arts in the southwest Minnesota region!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
