Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) Executive Director Mara Wittman discusses nominations for three awards from the NWMAC to recognize individuals active in the arts. The awards are $500.00 for Northwest Artist of the Year, $500.00 for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year, and $5,000.00 for Northwest Star Artist plus everyone receiving an award is recognized for their achievements at our artist reception on April 27. Nominations must be received by February 28, 2014. Only residents of Minnesota counties Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau are eligible for these awards. Also highlighted, the upcoming “Sweet Art Exhibition” at the NWMAC River Walk Shop and Gallery, in East Grand Forks, MN.