Crookston, MN native Anthony Diaz loves his guitar. He loves his guitar. Find out why.

Red Lake Falls, MN native Alex Conwell is a gifted musician. And at the young age of 23 he’s on the cusp of becoming a well-known and successful violinist. He talks about his creative side and the love of music. 

Sheila gives an update on pending legislation in the Minnesota state legislature – as it pertains to COVID19 and the arts – and how the artists of Northwest Minnesota have sources of support and resources, through the NW Minnesota Arts Council and the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts.

Michele is based in Fergus Falls, MN. She gives details on an Emergency Relief Fund for artists and a fundraiser they are facilitating to meet the extra demands right now, plus other relevant topics.

Thursday 3-26-20 Springboard opened their “Artists Emergency Relief Fund” to assist creative workers impacted by Coronavirus related cancellations with $10,000 from our reserve fund. Since then they have been able to raise an additional $25,000 from individuals and other nonprofit organizations.

Springboard has had 288 applications for support (compared to the typical pace of the ERF, which is about 2 applications a month), and they are actively fundraising to meet the demand.

Chris is a teacher at Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School. He has a sculpture series that is a part of our Impact of Technology Art Exhibit at Northland Community &Technical College (Thief River Falls campus). His series includes everyday technological devices that have been modified into or contain concealed toy weapons. “These odd juxtapositions and larger than life size scale serves as playful metaphors, drawing attention to the absurdity of our often unfounded and irrational fears.”