Our Gallery

Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music 

an exhibit featuring 

Songwriters, Composers, & the Music Industry  

Including Robert “Little Bobby” Houle and Maury Finney

Open Now Until April 16

NWMAC Gallery 

Northland Community and Technical College 

1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls

Artist Reception April 16 from 6:30 to 8 PM

Warren, MN. The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our latest exhibit – Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. This exhibit highlights the accomplishments of Robert “Little Bobby” Houle and Maury Finney, as well six other music artists. The exhibit will run from now until April 16. 

Little Bobby’s impact on the music industry is known worldwide. Born in Red Lake and raised in Thief River Falls, blues musician and multi-instrumentalist Robert “Little Bobby” Houle III was a third generation Native American musician who followed in his father’s and grandfather’s musical footsteps. From his father, Robert Houle II “Big” Bobby, to his grandfather, Robert Houle, a Rockabilly Music Hall Of Famer, it’s no surprise that Little Bobby was as gifted as he was. 

He began as a drummer and then in his early twenties ventured into singing the blues. After already being mostly self-taught, an improvising blues style was a natural fit. In 2005, Little Bobby released his first CD Before The Storm. After that, he released numerous blues albums, including Down, Dirty & Mean (2007), I've Got A Woman (2009), a live DVD A Night At The Empire (2009), Life of the Blues (2010), Showbiz (2015), Super B (2016), the single “Grow Old With You” (2018), an autobiographic DVD Music Is My Life (2018), Simple (2020), God Made Me Blue (2022), and That Killer B Sting (2023). Many of the albums or singles made the charts including holding the #1 album. For a time, he joined Nora Jean Bruso to perform in concerts and blues festivals and toured the United States and abroad including Poland. After playing at the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Sun Times rated Nora Jean & Little Bobby the number one band to see. In 2011, the two put together the CD Good Blues in which Little Bobby not only played on but co-wrote and produced and the album landed on the blues charts. 

Little Bobby is the only Minnesota artist to be featured on “The Beale St. Caravan Radio Hour,” the largest syndicated blues show in the world. He’s also been featured on the Black and Blues radio show in The Netherlands, The Monster Blues Show and the Bear Blues Show in the UK, and The Sunday Morning Hangover Cure in Canada, as well as several others. Since the release of God Made Me Blue, his music has played on 1,700 blues stations all over the world. 

One of the things that makes Little Bobby’s music so unique is that, except for saxophone, harmonica or steel guitar, he played all the instruments himself and produced his own albums in his state-of-the-art studio in McIntosh under his label, Untouchable Productions. His long-running blues show, Little Bobby’s Juke Joint played Wednesday nights on 90.1 FM (www.radionorthland.org). Tragically, Little Bobby died suddenly in 2024, but his legacy lives on. His albums are available at Little Bobby’s Bar and Grill in McIntosh or online at www.little-bobby-music.company.site or find his music on local radio stations, YouTube, Pandora, iTunes, Spotify, many other music platforms and on every jukebox in the world.

Our other featured music artist is Maury Finney, who is also well-known. Originally from rural Kittson County Minnesota, Maury Finney grew up with music dominating his family’s focus. Dorothy, his mom, was a talented piano player and had been raised in a family of musicians herself. His dad George was a saxophone player and Maury followed in his footsteps. Maury started playing the sax at a young age with guidance from his dad. In his teens, he was hired by a local band leader to fill in for the regular sax player who was forced to take time off to have his teeth fixed. When the sax player returned, Maury remained in the band, gaining invaluable experience by playing alongside seasoned musicians. Those early gigs proved life changing as he developed his talent in ways that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.

With his brother Allen, Maury formed a rock and roll band called The Charms. The band recorded a record and developed a large following, playing venues throughout the local area. 

In addition to his music career, Maury and his wife Faith owned Maury's Tv and appliance business in East Grand Forks and later opened a recording studio.

In 1976 Maury recorded the song “Maidens Prayer” for Soundwaves Record Co. of Nashville, which began his country music career with nationwide success. Between 1976 and 1977, he charted the most instrumental songs of any country music artist. In 1977 and 1978, Maury was named “Top New Instrumentalist” by the three leading music reporting magazines -- Billboard Music Week, Record World, and Cashbox magazine. He charted twelve times on the Billboard country singles charts. Later, he organized a 7 piece band called Reedsong Music Company, which included family members. Maury was inducted into Minnesota’s Rock Country Hall of Fame in 2007.

Not long ago he was introduced to Little Bobby Houle and they performed together. Maury shared, “it was a magical time when I became Little Bobby’s saxman at several of Bobby’s shows at casinos, Bluesfests, and many city celebrations. It was a blast playing with such a professional and talented songwriter, guitarist, and great Blues singer. Little Bobby’s passing has left a hole in my music life.”

Maury continues to perform in the northwest Minnesota area and sometimes in Florida, with blues bands, on his own, and when other opportunities arise and he still thoroughly enjoys it.

In addition to Little Bobby and Maury Finney, other artists and groups featured in the exhibit include The Dank, Project: Constellation, Northern Valley Youth Orchestra, Anthony Diaz of Crookston, The O’Neil Family Band of East Grand Forks and Daniel Knight of Grand Forks. Items in this exhibit include posters, awards, newspaper articles, photos, albums, clothing and other merchandise.

Take a virtual walk through of this exhibit at  https://youtu.be/gH-Plzv4WvY (on the NWMAC YouTube page). The video is also available on our website under the exhibits tab on the top of the homepage. 

An Artist Reception will be held at the gallery on April 16 from 6:30 to 8 PM. Refreshments will be served and everyone is encouraged to attend. 

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.

Good Vibrations: All About NW Minnesota Music

An Exhibit about Songwriters, Composers, & the Music Industry at NCTC in TRF

Stay tuned for our upcoming music industry exhibit at our gallery in Thief River Falls. This exhibit will open mid-January.

Help Us Celebrate the Artists Behind the Music!

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is sponsoring an exhibit featuring songwriters, composers, and others involved in the music industry opening mid-January through April at our gallery in Thief River Falls.

There’s still time to include

• Singer/Songwriters

• Composers

• Performers

• Instrument Makers

• Others involved in music publishing, recording, management, production, distribution, marketing, merchandising, art design, and more!

Items that will be showcased

• Gig posters

• Musical Instruments

• Picks

• Drum Sticks

• Notebooks with music or lyrics

• Awards

• Newspaper/magazine articles

• Photos

• Sheet music

• Albums

• CD cases

• Clothing or Merch

• Other

Those featured will primarily be residents of our 7 county region. Former residents or others with a connection to the region can also be included.

Please reach out with questions and interest. treyeverettcreates@gmail.com or 218-280-4917

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.

Artists of Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit  

NWMAC Gallery 

Northland Community and Technical College 

1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls

Open Until Mid-December

Artist Reception will be held Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM

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 our latest exhibit – Artists of Northwest Minnesota at our gallery at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 Highway 1 East in Thief River Falls. 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.

Gully Artist Cindy Kolling shared, “This exhibit is an energy-filled composite of sample works from many Northwest Minnesota artists. It is a wonderful celebration of the varied and growing art that continues to develop in this area. It’s worth making a point to see this exhilarating exhibit!” 

Photographer Megan Sugden of Hallock said, “I'm honored to have my acrylic photograph "Abandoned Divco Milk Truck" included in this exhibit. Through my lens, I aim to capture the quiet magic of the night sky, inspiring viewers to see the world from a new perspective and showcase how light and darkness can exist together to create a truly unique work of art.”

Alvarado Artist Therese Jacobson explained that her piece “Uncle Marty” is a portrait of her brother and that it, “illustrates his character as a radio host and musician on "the Left Coast," and also his compassionate heart toward others.” She went on to say that this exhibit, “is an opportunity for folks to see full-sized creative pieces by artists of Northwest Minnesota, to get a better sense of the depth of their works.”

Jessica Ross of Thief River Falls stated, “This exhibit features a wonderful collection of works from local artists. The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council does an incredible job of showcasing the artwork that we create. This exhibit reflects the minds behind the music, visual, and written art in our area. I encourage everyone to come see not only this exhibit but future exhibits as well. Many of the artists have beautiful work for sale. Supporting local artists enriches our communities which is what we aim to do with our art. I cannot thank this community enough for supporting me as an artist and enabling me to keep painting the beauty I see on my adventures in this life.”

Finally, Artist Kat Allen who designed the booklet and is participating in this showcase described the exhibit as "An illustrious and instinct-driven showcase of regional artists. The diverse collection includes familiar styles of exceptional skill and craft, as well as unique works created in response to the current political landscape and the effects on all of us." 

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. 

An Artist Reception will be held at the gallery on Thursday, November 6 from 6 to 8:30 PM. 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.

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, visit our website at NWArtsCouncil.org, 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.

Welcome the Whimsical

An Exhibit Featuring Your Imagination

Artist Reception June 26 from 6 to 8 PM 

NWMAC Gallery 

Northland Community and Technical College 

1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls

Welcome the Whimsical, a fun exhibit open May 21 – August 15 at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls is having an artist reception on June26 from 6 to 8 PM. This exhibit includes 103 pieces of art created by 70 artists in acrylic, oil, watercolor, pen and ink, fiber art, printmaking, colored pencil, photography, ceramics, written material, marker, and mixed media. Some of the art is for sale.

Twenty-six adult and 44 student artists from throughout the region -- Lake Bronson, Thief River Falls, Hallock, East Grand Forks, Badger, Williams, Karlstad, Roseau, Crookston, Gatzke, Warroad, Lancaster, Gully, Red Lake Falls, Ada, Fertile, and Warren, contributed to this showcase with 55 adult pieces and 48 student pieces of art.

Welcome the Whimsical features other worldly experiences. Think playful, unusual, odd, quaint, imagination, or fanciful art. 

Take a virtual walk through of the exhibit here.

Karlstad Artist Alicia Spilde shared, “I hope you enjoy my sense of humor. Sometimes I feel like my art style doesn’t belong in an exhibit. I am an untrained artist who often makes pieces that may look a bit messy and not done in the best techniques. Lately, I’ve been leaning into the folky-ness of my style, inspired by folk artists of the past. We all have a message to share through our artwork, whether it is fine art or not.”

Artist Debbie Aune said, “I am a collector of weird and wonderful stuff and have been since I was a kid. About 15 years ago I was going through an exhausting stage in life trying to juggle work, family, and my own aspirations. During one of my daily walks, I found this mask shape, hairy piece of truck thread and envisioned dolls. It transformed into a ‘Tired Doll.’ It was coincidental that the medium matched my disposition at the time.”

Finally, Aliza Novacek-Olson explained, “Traditional techniques and functional purpose are the foundation of my work with textiles. Every once in a while, a different side of me shows itself in my art. The result is a piece that turns out mythical, a bit ugly, and sometimes . . . strangely cute. The theme of this exhibition is a perfect opportunity for my curious little wooly creatures to show themselves and see if they can make you smile.”

You won't want to miss this interesting exhibit open through August 15 at the NWMAC Gallery at NCTC in Thief River Falls. There will be an Artist Reception on June 26 from 6 to 8 PM at the gallery. This event is free and open to all and held in conjunction with a community play Seussical Kids being held in the college theater at 7 PM that evening.  Light snacks will be served.

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 – 4:30 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, especially during the summer. 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.