Mara Hanel, Executive Director of the NWMAC discusses: Development and production of the 2017 Area Artist Handbook (resource with visuals of their work). The NWMAC “Artist in Residency” program to help train regional artists to work in residency for schools and other event-based activities and events. Current showcase at the NWMAC Gallery and Gift Shop in downtown East Grand Forks, MN (Pottery by Janet Johnson of Malung. MN and paintings and drawings by Lucille Nelson of Argyle, MN.)
Guest: Kaitlin Barbosa – Kittson County, MN 4-H Coordinator Topic: A recent summer art camp at Lake Bronson State Park in Lake Bronson, MN. The camp highlighted the art of photography, oil painting and sign painting by area artists. Funding for the camp was provided by the NWMAC. Kaitlin also gave details on her wide and varied role as 4-H Coordinator within Kittson County and the many activities that are offered by 4-H throughout the year.
Amy Holte and Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla, MN successfully wrote grant applications from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) for multiple art projects that will take place at the Grygla Centennial Celebration. The event is being held August 25th through the 27th. Among the seven NWMAC sponsored events are: Klondike Chainsaw Wood Carvings from Red Lake Falls, MN, live bluegrass and gospel from the “Woodpicks” of northwest Minnesota, a “steamroller” from Cannon Falls, MN to help make personal “prints”, quilt and needle point demonstrations, a character artist and the Nor-Sweden dancers form Fargo, ND – dressing and dancing in traditional Scandinavian music.
Kristina Gray, member of the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) Board of Directors. Kristina is active with the “Save the Carnegie” in Crookston, MN. During the city’s annual “Ox Cart Days” celebration, the Carnegie building will be open on Thursday, Aug. 17 and Friday Aug. 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Area/Regional artists work on display: North wing – artists: Irene Bertils, Tim Bhajjan, Marti Newquist, and eight high school art students work (Gary Stegman) South wing – photographers: Chuck Bush, (EGRFKS) Steve Hannah, Linda Swenson (Crookston) East wing – fire department memorabilia, (area set aside for kids drawing and coloring) Lower level – LaVonne Forsberg’s art and refreshments for sale This year’s Carnegie events theme ties in to the 2017 Ox Cart Days theme of saluting fire fighters: “Fired UP at the Carnegie.”
Pat Heggen of Stephen, MN directs the “Arts on Fifth” program in Stephen. The center is located in a former church building and is home to live music, theater and artistic events. Heggen discusses upcoming events to include an appearance by the late Bobby Vee’s son – Robby, performing on September 10th and the financial support that the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council provides for the Stephen arts center.
