In this issue:
- SMAC Annual Celebration in Appleton: Register today!
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- SMAC Awards $51,215 to local Organizations & Artists
- Next in the Gallery: Jammie Niemeyer
- Join SMAC in Litchfield for a Meeker County Arty Party!
- In Memoriam: Jerry Ostensoe
- Save the Dates: Welcoming Week in our communities
- Upcoming SMAC Grant Deadlines & Webinars
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Pictured: Papermaking project from Dream Technical Academy in Willmar, who received a SMAC Arts in the Schools Grant for students to learn about Book Arts with an artist residency. |
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We've Moved!
Southwest Minnesota Arts Council's new location is 509 W Main Street in Marshall (pictured)!
With our new location, we also have updated hours. SMAC offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm. If these times do not work for you, please be sure to contact SMAC on alternative times.
We look forward to seeing you in our new location!
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Please join Southwest Minnesota Arts Council for our Annual Celebration of the Arts & Artists of SW MN in Swift County on Saturday, September 24!
We'll be highlighting various arts locations in Appleton of Swift County this year! We will hold our annual meeting, celebrate and publicly present awards to SMAC's 2022 Prairie Star John Sterner and 2022 Prairie Disciple, Melanie Loy in the Valley District Dance main floor space which is housed in the historic former county courthouse. As always, we'll feature local arts entertainment, a networking happy hour & food, and our 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 through SMAC Staff or a SMAC Board Member, and available onsite at the celebration. Food & Cash bar will be from Plazita Mexican Restaurant of Appleton & Montevideo! Watch for our emails, social media on Facebook and Instagram, and the SMAC website for more info!
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From 2-4 pm, check out these grant-funded art locations around Appleton:
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52 Wing Mural (inside the building is under construction, but we can still appreciate the outside mural!)
- Appleton City Park Mosaic Benches
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Window Murals in the old Electric building along the river, across from the City Park
- Explore the many rooms of the Art & Culture Center who host classes weekly
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Valley Dance District:
- Two options (2:30 pm & 3:30 pm) to watch what a class is like for dance students of the Valley Dance District
- Check out their large second-story* dance studio
*Requires steps to access
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SMAC Awards $51,215 to local organizations & artists:
The SMAC board met on August 23 and awarded a total of $49,215 in grant funds to eight organizations and a total of $2,000 to two individual artists
The following seven organizations have been awarded SMAC Art Project grants. These grants provide organizations in the SMAC region with up to $7,000 to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance and appreciation of the arts.
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The Barn Theatre in Willmar has been awarded $7,000 to help support their upcoming Live theatre Winter Season, currently with a chosen line-up of “Miracle on 34th Street” from Dramatic Publishing, “Wait Until Dark” by Frederick Knott, Dramatist Play Service and “The Andrews Brothers” created by Roger Bean, Stage Rights.
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Hutchinson Center for the Arts was awarded $3,265 for their 2023 Visual Arts Exhibition Series. For 2023, they will be featuring the work of eight artists from across the state and two shows that celebrate local talent; the Annual Community Showcase for artists in the McLeod County region ages 18+ and the Annual Youth Art Show for artists under 18. In 2023, the center is introducing a new exhibit, the Annual Holiday Show, which will feature handmade artwork and goods by local artists and artisans. Funds are used to cover artist stipends, exhibit installation expenses, public receptions, workshop expenses, and marketing costs.
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The Meander Art Crawl along the Upper Minnesota River Valley was awarded $7,000 for it's 2023 Art Crawl. The Meander Art Crawl is a free, self-guided, three-day tour of over 40 local artists' studios and galleries in Chippewa, Big Stone, Swift, Yellow Medicine, and Lac qui Parle counties. "Visitors are encouraged to visit artists in their own environment who celebrate a lifestyle that represents the small, handmade, personal and local culture of the area."
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Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center of Spicer has been awarded $7,000 for producing and presenting an original play titled "Meadow Adventures" by Minnesota playwright Annie Hough. Cast and crew will be made up of local community members. Performances will be held on Earth Day 2023 on the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center grounds. The play will be one-act educational play for children and families.
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Southwest Minnesota Orchestra of Marshall has been awarded $6,425 for presenting "The American Experience", a concert of American music that will feature works by George T. Walker and Brent Michael Davids. Another special component of the concert will be the newly-reedited and expanded "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra" by Robert Butler Whitcomb. "The concert will show the incredible diversity of not only artistic expression, but our many colors, creeds and ethnicities that have come to define the American Experience."
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Willmar Area Symphony Orchestra was awarded $7,000 for presenting two concerts: "Animalia", a family concert, and "Vive la France!" with cellist Pitnarry Shin. The "Animalia" concert will feature music that will be engaging and entertaining for audiences of all ages, with a new way of hearing "Old MacDonald" and a soundtrack to "Babar the Little Elephant" while the story is read aloud. It will also feature a unique musical "petting zoo" where any child that wishes to can hold and make sounds on orchestral instruments. The applicant said, "we encourage them to 'honk, scratch and blat' and have fun!"
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Worthington Area Symphony Orchestra has been awarded $7,000 for their November concert, Water Music! "Famous orchestral pieces inspired by water-themed music will flow through the entire performance concluding with WASO's favorite Holiday closer - Christmas Carol Sing-Along by Dan Goeller that welcomes audience participation." To commemorate WASO's milestone of reaching a full decade of music making, Maestro Christopher Stanichar has finished writing a composition entitled Minnesota Lakes that will be premiered at this concert. This new and exciting piece will kick off the Water Music selections.
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.
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DEMO inc of Svea was awarded $2,025 for a project they are calling "Honoring Diversity Labyrinth". Working with Lisa Gidlow Moriarty of Paths of Peace, the DEMO staff and board will plan for a "labyrinth that will honor a variety of cultures with a focus on Indigenous nations of the Minnesota area." This introductory grant will be for planning, research, and appointments with designers and Indigenous consultants.
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The Barn Theatre in Willmar was awarded $2,500 to fund a new marketing plan. The theatre hopes to achieve consistent advertising and marketing for each production during their season by working with a marketing consultant who will aid in strategy and planning.
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The following two artists were awarded SMAC Quick Support for Individual Artist grants. These grants provide artists with up to $1,000 for activities such as purchasing supplies, attending classes, and small artist-led community projects.
Lisa Bergh of New London was awarded $1,000 for equipment and materials to support a growing new body of work, which will be exhibited in the Spring of 2023 in Willmar, Hutchinson and Mankato.
Pictured left: Lisa Bergh, Barrier/Boundary. Vinyl, Paint, Wood, 8'x4'x8".
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Andrew Webster (Webster Pottery) of Hutchinson was awarded $1,000 for supplies to construct a wood/soda-fired kiln at his home pottery studio.
Left: Andrew Webster, Deer Bowl. Wood/Soda Fired.
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In the Gallery: Jammie Niemeyer
Diversity - An Eye on Our Growth
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Jammie Niemeyer of Maynard (Chippewa County) will be the first artist in SMAC's new gallery at 509 West Main Street in Marshall! Her exhibit, titled "Diversity - An Eye on Our Growth", will be in our gallery from September 8th to October 28th, 2022. Jammie received a SMAC Artist Equity grant in 2021 to work on a large number of new works, focusing on her list of “Most Influential Black Americans", but also including influential Americans with disabilities, influential American women, and influential Indigenous peoples in America. As part of her project, she also worked on a "Doodle" coloring book of her original art. |
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In-Person Gallery Reception
Thursday, September 8 from 5-7 pm with light refreshments.
Virtual Reception
Meeting ID: 849 1376 6476
Passcode: 415122
Pictured: Jimi Hendrix, 16"x20"
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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. |
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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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SMCA Meeker County Arty Party Tuesday, October 4th in Litchfield
You're invited to network with artists and arts supporters in the Meeker County area during this free event open to all! Join us at the Litchfield Opera House from 5-7 pm for some arts entertainment, tasty treats, and networking with area artists and arts supporters. More details will be revealed soon! SMAC staff will be available 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 the community. Keep up to date about this event through our social media on Facebook and Instagram, or you can always email us for details: info@swmnarts.org.
This will be our eleventh program in our 18-county series of networking events for every county in our region.
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In Memoriam and Appreciation
from 8 years ago
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Welcoming Week for this year is scheduled for September 9 – 18, 2022. This annual campaign is an opportunity to celebrate the values that unite us as neighbors, parents, and colleagues, and to make our communities more welcoming to all those who call southwest Minnesota home.
The theme for this year’s Welcoming Week is “Where We Belong”.
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10 am to 5 pm StoryWalk® & 1 to 3 pm Chalk art with SJ Miller Arts
Celebrate Welcoming Week in Tracy with a book walk and an artist-led chalk activity in Central Park! Make your way through the children’s book “A Map into the World” by Kao Kalia Yang, an award-winning Hmong American author and fellow Minnesotan. Families will get a book to take home in English, Hmong or Spanish. Location: Central Park, 124 Rowland St, Tracy.
Also, keep an eye out for window clings identifying local businesses that have pledged to help build a sense of belonging in the community all year long through intentional interactions with community members and visitors!
To celebrate our community’s connections, this event will feature more than 30 local community organizations and civil services, as well as door prizes, popcorn and more! Location: Pillsbury Park in Kerkhoven.
Join neighbors and friends on the lawn near the courthouse in Downtown Glencoe to celebrate at this FREE event.
There will be a DJ and dancing, local performers, kids’ activities, yard games and piñatas – plus a community resource fair. There will also be food available to purchase. "Newcomers and long-time residents – no matter where we’re from – Glencoe is WHERE YOU BELONG." Location: Downtown Glencoe Courthouse Lawn, 928 11th St E, Glencoe.
Enjoy a walk and a book with the “Family Story Stroll” on the Town Square in Windom to celebrate belonging in the community. Location: Windom Town Square, 3rd Ave, Windom.
This is the second Welcoming Week the City of Marshall has hosted. The event will consist of food, fun and friends. There will be activities for youth, opportunities to interact with Emergency Services (police, firefighters, and EMTs), Sambusa provided by the local Hindi Store and information on how to get involved in the amenities and services the City of Marshall has to offer.
The event will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Marshall Area YMCA, a hotspot for youth and people of all walks of life. The city’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission will be present at the event, volunteering and getting to know the attendees. "We hope this Welcoming Week offers a safe space for people who may be new to the community or to those who want to get more involved." Location: Marshall Area YMCA, 200 S A St, Marshall.
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Artist lead Tammy Isfeld and SMAC Executive Director Nicole DeBoer pose with the outdoor public art piece, a mosaic "M" to celebrate the 150th birthday of the city of Marshall, during the public dedication on August 18th. The city received a SMAC Art Legacy Project grant for this public art project. Tammy worked with community members to collect and organize mosaic pieces on the sculpture over multiple months. |
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including descriptions of the grants and funding amounts, deadlines, earliest project start dates, and webinar dates
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Upcoming Grant Deadlines
Application Deadline: 1st of the month August 2022 through May 2023 by 4:40 pm Request staff to review application before submission: One week before application deadline. Earliest project start date: 1st day of the following month (after submission).
These deadlines apply to:
Application Deadline: September 14 by 4:30 pm
Request staff to review application before submission: August 31, 2022
Earliest project start date: November 1, 2022
Application Deadline: October 5 by 4:30 pm
Request staff to review application before submission: September 21, 2022
Earliest project start date: December 1, 2022
Application Deadline: October 19 by 4:30 pm
(Only 1 grant round for this grant in fiscal year 2023)
Request staff to review application before submission: October 5, 2022
Earliest project start date: December 1, 2022
Application Deadline: November 9 by 4:30 pm
(Only 1 grant round for this grant in fiscal year 2023)
Request staff to review application before submission: October 26, 2022
Earliest project start date: February 1, 2023
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Art Legacy Project Grant: 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 this year. Grantwriting webinar: September 29, 2022
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Virtual SMAC Grants Q&A Sessions for Fiscal Year 2023
(July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023)
Join us for a virtual Grants Q&A Session to get questions answered about any of our grant programs. Dates include:
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Virtual Grantwriting Webinars for Fiscal Year 2023
(July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023)
Register for one of our online workshops to learn about our available grants. Grants administrator Caroline will cover guidelines, applications, and the granting process, along with taking time for questions about your specific projects.
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including descriptions of the grants and funding amounts, deadlines, earliest project start dates, and webinar dates
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Now that our move is over, we're resuming our Open Office Hours for grant support every 2nd Tuesday of the month! The office hours are from 10 am to 2 pm, and the next one will take place Tuesday, September 13th. 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.
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Other options for Grant Assistance
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.
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.
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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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Important Opportunities from the Minnesota State Arts Board |
SMAC encourages Arts Organizations to apply for the Minnesota State Arts Board’s (MSAB) Creative Support grant for Organizations. These grant programs are available statewide, but we encourage eligible applicants from our 18-county region to apply.
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We encourage Arts Organizations to apply by September 9th for the Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Support for Organizations and request up to $30,000. This program provides support to help organizations deliver arts programming and meaningfully engage their communities in a time of transition. While the grants are designed to be flexible, applicants will be asked to align their activities with one of three program outcomes that address the intent of the legacy amendment and the Arts Board's goals. Grant range: $5,000-$30,000.
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For more opportunities and resources be sure to check out our latest news posts (updated DAILY!) on SMAC's website
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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!
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Memberships
From July 30 to August 31, 2022
Contributors: Lac qui Parle Broadcasting Co., Madison • Lac qui Parle County Historical Society, Madison • Raymond & Alice Thull, Lucan • Michele Knife Sterner, Marshall • Ramona Larson, Redwood Falls • Dr. Bryan & Susan Nelson, Redwood Falls • Tracy Public Library, Tracy • Prairie Winds Concert Band, Willmar • Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra, Willmar •
Supporters: Judy Beckman, Big Stone • Buffalo Ridge Chorale, Hendricks • Ardy Palmer, Jackson • Glen & Jackie Herfurth, Montevideo • Anna Johannsen, Windom •
Sustainers: Kristine Shelstad, Madison •
Other Donations: Hy-Vee Reusable Bag & Coins Program, Marshall • Paula Nemes, Marshall • John Larson, Milan • Shirley Espeland, St. Paul • Sein Asia Grocery, Worthington •
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Would you like to become a contributing member of SMAC or make a donation?
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ARTS!
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2022 SW MN Arts Council BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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Big Stone - Judy Beckman
Jackson - Gilligan Singler
Lincoln - Mark Wilmes
Meeker - Darlene Kotelnicki
Pipestone - Erica Volkir
Rock - Shawn Kinsinger
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Chippewa - Georgette Jones
Kandiyohi - Cheri Buzzeo
Lyon - Michele Knife Sterner
Murray - Jessica Welu
Redwood - David KelseyBassett
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Cottonwood - Anna Johannsen
Lac qui Parle - Kristine Shelstad
McLeod - Justin Beck
Nobles - Cheryl Avenel-Navara
Renville - Kylie Rieke
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Executive Director - Nicole DeBoer
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Grants & Financial Administrator - Caroline Koska
Accessibility & Marketing Coordinator - Krystl Louwagie
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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.
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