Arts News
Community Dance Nov 15 — All are Welcome
North Country Fiddle & Dance
presents a
Community Dance with O'Neil Family Band
Saturday, November 15 from 3-5:30 PM
Bernie’s Restaurant
121 DeMers, East Grand Forks
The O'Neil Family Band will provide rousing fiddle tunes for American folk dances including reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more. You do not need to know how to dance -- all dances are taught and easy to learn. All are welcome — singles, couples, and families!
Join us!
Donations at the door
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
Artist Spotlight with Kat Allen on November 18
Please join NWMAC Staff Members Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling in a live discussion with Kat Allen. Kat is a visual artist, author, and graphic designer from Warroad and is originally from Stephen. Kat designed our recent Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. She is also currently exhibiting work in our Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at NCTC at 1101 State Hwy 1, Thief River Falls. The exhibit is open until December 24.
An Artist Reception will be held Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM. This exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
We'll talk about Kat's art, her background and inspiration, and more!
Artist Spotlight with Samantha Thibert Harrill October 30 at 2 PM — Watch the recording
Please join NWMAC Staff Members Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling in a live discussion with Samantha Thibert Harrill. Watch the discussion at https://www.youtube.com/live/adNW0BAHZPM?si=nIWijlLQnDXejTJQ
Samantha is a potter from Warroad and is originally from Red Lake Falls. She was recently hired as the Executive Director of Warroad RiverPlace. We spoke with Samantha about her art and Warroad’s RiverPlace.
Samantha is currently exhibiting work in our Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at NCTC at 1101 State Hwy 1, Thief River Falls. The exhibit is open until November 21.
Meet Samantha at the Artist Reception on Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM at the gallery.
This exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Artist Spotlight with Therese Masters Jacobson
Join NWMAC Staff Trey Everett and Kristin Eggerling in a live discussion with Artist Therese Masters Jacobson. We spoke about Therese's art, her current exhibit, her background, philosophy, and inspiration, and much more! The discussion was live. You can watch the recording at https://www.youtube.com/live/-3oQp8Cfy_g?si=_VjQlM_xmpybD9u6 or at our YouTube page.
Drawn from Observation, An Exhibit featuring Art by Therese Masters Jacobson, is open through Mid-December at the Historic Fournet Building, 101 N Broadway, Downtown Crookston, on the 2nd Floor in the Atrium.
This exhibit includes 29 pieces of art in pen and ink, acrylic, and colored pencil created by Visual Artist Therese Masters Jacobson of Alvarado.
Jacobson explained, “All my artwork begins with observing life: the vegetable and flower gardens we grow, wildlife in our world, my family, children and grandchildren. Subjects vary widely as everything I see around me always has interesting shapes, lines, textures, forms, contrasts, or colors which I imagine drawing or composing. This exhibit features a few of my observations in a variety of mediums drawn first in my mind, then composed on paper or canvas.”
Therese Masters Jacobson has always loved colors. While she studied with professionals at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and Bemidji State University, she became a self-trained artist through exploration. She is a visual artist who uses standard media, including acrylics, watercolor, pen and ink, and colored pencils, but she says that “no medium is off the table.” She has created portraits by snipping construction paper, and by making collages with torn magazine. Most recently she has been re-purposing sticky address labels to create portraits.
Parking and admission is free. Some pieces are for sale. Take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where the gallery is located in the atrium. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Watch this video for a virtual tour of the exhibit at https://youtu.be/rXEBWfAczs8 or find it on our website under the exhibits tab at the top of the homepage.
Please let us know if you have questions about the Artist Spotllight or the exhibit.
Therese is also featured in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet and has work in our Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College. There will be an Artist Reception on Thursday, Nov 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM at the gallery. The Artists of NW Minnesota exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Sand Hill Mural Dedication Oct 25
Sand Hill Arts invites you to come to their mural dedication on October 25 at 11 AM in Climax. Hallock Artist Beau Bakken created the mural.
Beginner Stained Glass Workshop in Lengby Nov 15
Make a Stained Glass Christmas Tree
Making stained glass is a dying art (it is literally on the "endangered craft" list!), but you can learn how to do it! It's fun and easy. Grab a friend or two and sign up at oldschoolarts.org. The class will be held upstairs in the old schoolhouse in Lengby on November 15 from 1 to 5 PM.
MCA Tour Will Stop in Crookston October 28
MCA Announces Tour of the State
Join the Conversation on the Arts in our region at the Crookston Public Library on October 28 from 2 to 4 PM
Starting September 29th, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts is bringing the Creative MN report directly to communities across the state. These conversations will highlight the powerful impact of the arts on Minnesota’s economy, communities, and quality of life.
We’d love for you to be part of the discussion in Crookston from 2 to 4 PM at the Riverside Room at the Crookston Public Library. Before that, a group of arts leaders along with MCA will meet up at noon the Historic Fournet Building at 101 N Broadway Avenue downtown Crookston to view Drawn from Observation, an exhibit featuring artwork by Therese Masters Jacobson. There will be a walking art tour that includes a stop at Queen City Art Center, Sweetlight Gallery, In Progress/Studio 110, and the Care and Share ending at the Crookston Public Library. The Riverside Room at the library has been reserved from 2-4 PM for a presentation and discussion.
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of the arts in Minnesota. Register below to get full details on times, dates, and locations.
Sign up here.
Nov 6 Artist Reception for Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit
Artist Reception for Artists of Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit
Thursday, Nov 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM
NWMAC Gallery
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls
Experience a showcase of works created by talented individuals from throughout our region, including visual and written works
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce an Artist Reception for the exhibit Artists of Northwest Minnesota will be held on Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PMat our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this FREE event.
Refreshments will be served.
The Northland Community Band will perform at the college at 7 PM that evening.
This exhibit includes work by 19 artists from our region who have a listing in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. The exhibit will run from now until mid-December. There are approximately 106 pieces of artwork in this exhibit, many of which are for sale, including charcoal, photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting, pen and ink, pastel, collage, mixed media, pottery, glass work, jewelry, sculpture, books and written material, and mosaics.
Artists featured in the exhibit include Kat Allen of Warroad, Beau Bakken of Hallock, Rock Bakken of Hallock, Debbie Dahl Aune of Gatzke, Paulette Christianson of Badger, Ross Harper Hier of Crookston, Kristin Eggerling of Hallock, Trey Everett of Crookston, Christine Foster of Thief River Falls, Therese Jacobson of Alvarado, Jesscia Lundeen of Thief River Falls, Cindy Kolling of Gully, Elizabeth Kitchell-Rockstad of Ada, Gail Ose of Thief River Falls, Jodi Peterson of Ada and Moorhead, Ivy Bailie of Fosston, Megan Sugden of Hallock, Betsy Saurdiff of Goodridge, and Samantha Thibert of Warroad.
Take a virtual walk through of this exhibit at https://youtu.be/cDKoo0en7lY (on the NWMAC YouTube page). The video is also available on our website under the exhibits tab on the top of the homepage.
The NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls is at 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls 56701. The gallery is open during Monday-Friday from 8 – 5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Please call to make sure the college is open before making a special trip. Hours can change. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.
For more information about this exhibit or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 280-4917 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.
Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Hallock
NWMAC Traveling Art Exhibit Visits Hallock
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) sponsors an annual Traveling Art Exhibit, which visits northwest Minnesota communities throughout the year. This exhibit includes 14 original pieces of art by regional adult and student artists, chosen from works submitted for our annual juried exhibit. The exhibit is currently at the Hallock Public Library until November 12. Please stop by to see these works of art during library hours. Some of these pieces of art are for sale. Please reach out to the Arts Council with questions about the exhibit.
The 2025-2026 Artists and Artwork:
Lucille Nelson, Argyle, “Waiting to be Restored” (Acrylic Painting)
Andy Hall, Climax "Rose Leaves” (Photography)
Paulette Christianson, Badger, “Serene” (Pastel Painting)
Dennis Kinkead, Hallock, “Where Are You Guys Going?” (Watercolor Painting) (Merit)
Dennis Lee, Red Lake Falls, “Water Tower” (Acrylic Painting)
Alicia Spilde, Karlstad, “Dreams” (Mixed Media)
Jessica Lundeen, Thief River Falls “Bee’s Marigold” (Acrylic Painting) (3rd Place)
Melody Voeltz, Lancaster, “Field Bunny” (Watercolor Painting) Lancaster School Student 2nd Place
Daniel Jones, Crookston, “Retro Modern” (Ink Print) Crookston School
Josiah Sjothun, Ada, “Chevette” (Sculpture) Ada-Borup-West High School
Alyssa Foster, Thief River Falls, “One Act Matters” (Drawing) TRF School Student 1st Place
Kaytlyn Knutson, Red Lake Falls, “Masquerade” (Acrylic Painting) Red Lake Falls School
Anthony Lucio, Red Lake Falls, “Bridge From My Window” (Mixed Media) Red Lake Falls School
Addison Severts, Grygla, “Serenity” (Sculpture) Grygla School Student 3rd Place
The 2025-2026 Traveling Exhibit Schedule*:
May 8 to June 26 Red Lake Falls Public Library, Red Lake Falls
June 26 to August 5 Thief River Falls Public Library, Thief River Falls
August 5 to September 23 Roseau Public Library, Roseau
September 23 to November 12 Hallock Public Library, Hallock
November 12 to December 18 Ada Public Library, Ada
December 18 to February 3, 2026 Godel Public Library, Warren
February 3, 2026 to Mid-March Annual Exhibit TBD** Sorenson Gallery, Aurora Center for the Arts, Fosston
*The start and end dates at each location are approximate, depending on weather, venue hours and other circumstances that may occur to prohibit travel. For specific library hours, please contact each location before planning your visit, especially if you are planning on bringing a group.
**Tentatively scheduled
For more information about the Traveling Exhibit or our other exhibits look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, call our office at (218)-745-8886 or contact Trey at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
Sketches of Minnesota Civic Improv Comedy Tour at Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing Oct 18
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing for the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour on October 18. These free events use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment. Beginning with a catered meal, these gatherings invite audience members to share what makes their town great, what they think people get wrong about it, what local divisions concern them, and what future they imagine. An improv comedy troupe listens in on the conversations, takes everything they heard from residents, and brings it to life on stage through entirely unscripted improv comedy theater.
5:00–6:00 PM: Doors open / Community hour
6:00–7:15 PM: Dinner
7:15–8:00 PM: Performances
8:00–8:30 PM: Talkback
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom, and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society.
THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing, 102 S Kaiser Ave, Fosston, MN 56542
Warroad Summer Theatre’s Girls Night Out Oct 2-4 & 9-11
Warroad Summer Theatre Presents
Girls Night Out
Oct 2-4 & 9-11
Warroad RiverPlace
Tickets at warroadsummertheatre.com or
218-242-3476
TRF Area Community Theater’s Evening of Short Comedies Nov 13-15
An Evening of Short Comedies
November 13-15, 2025
Eagles Club, Thief River Falls
This year’s TRFACT’s showcase will feature 10 hilarious 10-minute plays, each one a mini-masterpiece of wit and humor, brought to life by some of the community’s most talented actors. Get your tickets at http://our.show/tbk2rynn7a or get them at the door.
Community Folk Dance with Corner Booth String Band Oct 11
North Country Fiddle and Dance presents a Community Folk Dance with
Corner Booth String Band
Saturday, October 11 from 3 to 5:30 PM
Bernies Restaurant, 121 DeMers, East Grand Forks
Corner Booth String Band, from Fergus Falls, will provide rousing dance tunes on banjo, guitar, bass, and harmonica for reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more.
All dances are taught and easy to learn, all ages are welcome! Everyone is welcome!
Donations at the door.
This activity is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.
Mixed Blood Presents Warroad Community Potluck at Warroad RiverPlace September 12-14
Mixed Blood Theater Presents Warroad Community Potluck at Warroad RiverPlace September 12-14.
ANNOUNCING TICKET SALES | Tickets are now available for the free production of Warroad Community Potluck, a new play by Mixed Blood Theater made for the RiverPlace stage on:
Friday, September 12 | 7 PM
Saturday, September 13 | 7 PM
Sunday, September 14 | 2 PM
TICKETS: warroadriverplace.org/events/potluck
It’s Potluck Time—and the stakes have never been higher!
It’s the ultimate small-town showdown: a potluck battle judged by a mysterious visitor on a mission to determine Minnesota’s best. With hotdish drama, fishing contests, heritage trivia, and surprise guests, this lighthearted comedy celebrates the spirit of Warroad, where competition is fierce but community always wins.
*Special note: This play is a potluck in name only. Just bring yourself — no food, please! — and stay for light refreshments and community conversation after the show.
Written by nationally-recognized playwright Kira Obolensky and directed by award-winning director Michael John Garcés, Warroad Community Potluck is brought to you by Mixed Blood Theater—a nationally acclaimed theater company in Minneapolis that models reciprocity, inclusion, and genuine welcoming to build relationships—and Warroad RiverPlace.
**This production was made possible by the American Theatre Wing, National Endowment for the Arts Our Town program, the Ruth Easton Fund of the Edelstein Family Foundation, and by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Northern Lights Concert Association Hosts The Mexican Brass
The Mexican Brass
Friday, October 17 | 7:30 PM
Hosted by the Northern Lights Concert Association
Concert is at the Warroad RiverPlace (103 State Avenue, Warroad, MN 56763)
Celebrating 20 years as a brass quintet, M5 The Mexican Brass is a world-class ensemble seamlessly blending virtuosic musicianship, non-stop audience interaction, and showmanship to produce a great musical-theatrical experience every night!
*Please note: This concert is part of the Northern Lights Concert Association series. Season tickets—for only $45!—are required to attend any or all of the five shows lined up for the 2025-2026 season.
North Country Fiddle & Dance September Events
North Country Fiddle and Dance September Events
Nordic Fiddle with Vidar Skrede
September 8th, 5:30 PM at the EGF Campbell Library
Vidar Skrede is a performer and composer of Nordic folk music. Originally from western Norway, and currently living in Milwaukee, WI, he is a multi-instrumentalist performing fiddle, Hardanger fiddle, guitar, and mandolin.
Vidar is a leading musician on the Nordic folk music scene and is well known for his own tune creations across the scene.
Community Dance with Eric Lind and Teresa Neby-Lind
Saturday, September 13th, 3 to 5:30 PM at
Bernies Restaurant, 121 DeMers, EGF
Fiddle and banjo duo Eric Lind and Teresa Neby-Lind from the Twin cities, will provide rousing dance tunes for reels, simple squares, circle mixers and more.
All dances are taught and easy to learn, all ages are welcome! Join us!
Donations at the door for both events.
2025 Association of the French of the North’s (AFRAN’s) Chautauqua & Arts Festival at Old Crossing Treaty Park Aug 23 and 24
Association of the French of the North’s (AFRAN’s) Chautauqua & Arts Festival at Old Crossing Treaty Park. This arts event is free and everyone is welcome. Featuring live music, dancing, and more! Huot, MN
Artist Spotlight with Karlstad Artist Alicia Spilde
An Artist Spotlight with Karlstad Artist Alicia Spilde was held on Thursday, August 7 at 11:30 AM.
NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett spoke with Karlstad Artist Alicia Spilde on Thursday, August 7 at 11:30 AM. We discussed Spilde and her art. She has been a frequent entrant in the NW Art exhibits and currently has a piece in the Traveling Art Exhibit and the Welcome to the Whimsical Exhibit. The conversation was live on our Facebook and YouTube channels. Watch the discussion at https://youtube.com/live/Fn0oj2WasPc
East Grand Forks Heritage Days with Live Music and Dancing Aug 8-10
East Grand Forks 2025 Heritage Days with
Live Music and Dancing
August 8, 9, 10
Heritage Village 219 20th Street NE, East Grand Forks
Bandstand Show
Open gate for all events
Friday, August 8 – Bandstand
Classic Swing Band - 6 - 8 PM dance / concert, hotdogs available at concessions, antique car show on grounds.
Saturday, August 9 : Bandstand, Heritage Village Grounds
1 - 2 PM – Peggy and Dean Ellingson, ( Bemidji ) - Light-hearted songs from the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s - Guitar and Mandolin
2 - 3 PM - Skally Line,- Original songs and stories about Minnesota history and traditional tunes.
3 - 4 PM- O'Neil Family Band - traditional and original songs, tunes, and dancing
Sunday, August 10: Bandstand, Heritage Village Grounds
12 -1 PM – Chuck Gust – accordion
1 - 2 PM – Skally Line - Original songs and stories about Minnesota history and traditional tunes.
2 - 3 PM - Fargo Spelemanslag- Hardanger Fiddle ensemble
3 - 4 PM – O'Neil Family Band - traditional and original songs, tunes, dancing, and dance participation
Artist Spotlight with Jill S Levene
Artist Spotlight with Jill Levene July 28 at 10 am
Listen to NWMAC Staff Kristin Eggerling and Trey Everett in a conversation with Red River Valley Artist and Printmaker Jill Levene. Levene’s work is featured in our exhibit Middle Sister Made: The Inklings of Jill S Leven” at the Historic Fournet Building Downtown Crookston, 101 N Broadway. We talked about her art, the exhibit, her inspiration, artistic practice, and much more! The exhibit is open until August 5 on the 2nd floor Atrium. The conversation was live on our Facebook and YouTube channels. You can watch it at https://www.youtube.com/live/8O-ymys7s8o?si=1Kgw_nbZ10o3XBZU