R2AC invites individuals and organizations from our five county area to propose workshop ideas to R2AC for direct funding. Please download an application from our website or contact our office.  

 

Help us Share your Artist Websites, Blogs, and Facebook Pages! 

Let us help you spread the word about your art. Region 2 Artists, please send [email protected] a link to your website and we'll post it on our Artist Links page.  Interested arts organizations should send us their links as well!  Click here to see if your arts organization has already been listed.   

 

Header Images

Thank you to recent Individual Artist Grant recipient Michelle Ruport (jewelry artist) for supplying images of her work for our December newsletter header. Other IAG recipients include Rick Lundsten (watercolorist) Joanna Dymond (author) and Joanne Kellner (beginning puppeteer). Congratulations to all!

 

Northern Arts News Deadline

Deadline for submissions for the January 2013 issue of Northern Arts News is December 15, 2012.     

Give the gift of art this holiday season! Shop 426 in the Historic Carnegie Library Building at 426 Bemidji Avenue features unique, hand-made artwork by local and regional artists. Come for holiday refreshments, free gift wrapping and more from 4 -7 p.m. Fri. and 10a.m, - 2p.m. Sat. While you are there, take in the 10th Annual It's Only Clay Exhibit including work by 2012 IOC Juror, Robert Briscoe. Much of the IOC work is available for purchase just in time for holiday gift giving. 

 

Dec. 7-22     The First Annual Holiday Ornament and Decoration Sale

One-of-a-kind ornaments will go on sale Dec. 7th and be available through Dec. 22 for the   Shop 426 Holiday Open House.  All of the ornaments have been donated with proceeds going to support programs and events such as the BCAC's Children's Art Extravaganzas. Remember, the BCAC and Shop 426 will be closed Dec. 23 through the New Year.

 

Dec. 7-Jan. 30    Ceramist Cyrus Swann at Wild Hare Bistro

Ceramist Cyrus Swann creates a wide range of functional and experimental ceramic work, including bowls, bottles, groupings, sculpture and installations.  His well-crafted pottery is intended for daily use and will last a lifetime.  In addition to wall displays, Cyrus will have an expanded selection of works available at the First Friday Artist Reception on December 7th, from 3:00 to 5:00pm, a great opportunity to purchase unique, fine quality, locally made gifts!  523 Minnesota Avenue, downtown Bemidji.  218-444-JAVA; wildharebistro.com.  *Please Note: There will be no First Friday Wine Bar or thematic dinner on December 7th, also no artist reception and no wine bar on January 4th. 

Dec. 8    Tuba Christmas 

Headwaters School of Music & Arts is hosting the fourth annual TubaChristmas at the Paul Bunyan Mall at 2:00 p.m.  Interested in playing? Come to just one rehearsal Sat. Dec. 8th at 10a.m. at Headwaters School at 519 Minnesota Ave in downtown Bemidji.  All baritone horn, euphonium, sousaphone and tuba players are invited to participate.  All ages are encouraged to be a part of this tradition.

 

Dec. 8   The Oxcars Awards Celebrate Local Theater

Come celebrate and enjoy live theater at the 2012 Oxcars Awards event on Saturday, Dec. 8th at the New City Ballroom in Bemidji. Award contenders include productions from Nov. 15, 2011 to Nov. 15, 2012  from the following regional non-professional theaters: The Minnesota Folklore Theater - Walker, Long Lake Theater - Hubbard, Northern Light Opera Company - Park Rapids, and Bemidji theater companies: Saarens Productions, the Mask and Rose Women's Theater Collective, Bemidji Community Theater, and Loon Opera Company.  

 

Social Hour with cash bar and hors d' oeuvres from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., awards show follows. For more info, go to OXCARS Facebook page, call Cate at 218-243-2685, or email [email protected] Tickets are $10 and are on sale now at Brigid's Cross Irish Pub or by credit card via Cate Belleveau at 218- 243-2685.  Limited tickets at the door: Come dressed to impress and you too might win an award!   

      

Dec. 8   Second Saturday Art Gala Night at the RailRiver Folk School   

Head over to 303 Railroad Street SW in Bemidji on the 2nd Saturday of each month for an evening of art, music, networking, and supporting our art community and the RailRiver Folk School.  Second Saturday Art Gala Night is held monthly, offering approximately one dozen artists the opportunity to display and sell their handmade items. This is a great place to meet some wonderful artists, purchase handmade art, and enjoy good music (live or DJ) and refreshments. 

 

If you are an artist or musician interested in participating in a Second Saturday Art Gala, please email [email protected] for an application.    

 

Dec. 10-17    The NAC Annual Members' Show

The Nemeth Art Center Members' Show featuring original and collected works will be held at the Good Life Café on Main Street in Park Rapids with a reception on Dec. 14. There will be a raffle and silent auction as part of this show.

 

If you are interested in participating, but you are not a member, you can become a member by donating $25 at www.nemethartcenter.org. For participation or questions, contact NAC director [email protected].

 

Dec. 13    Sankta Lucia Festival

At sunrise on Thurs. December 13th in the Beau Arts Ballroom on the BSU campus begins the 37th annual Sankta Lucia fest. Members of the Bemidji Affiliate bake Lucia buns and Bemidji State University Food Service prepares a breakfast smorgasbord of traditional Swedish foods for the assembled guests. As the sun rises over Lake Bemidji, the emcee calls forth all former Lucias while everyone sings Halsa Demm Der Hemma, a favorite Swedish American Folksong displaying longing for the homeland. The Bemidji Affiliate is one of very few chapters still celebrating Sankta Lucia, the symbol of light and the spirit of good will. Contact Karen Olson at [email protected] for more information.

 

Dec. 14-16    Headwaters School of Music and Arts Student Recitals

HSMA student recitals will be held on Friday, Dec. 14 at 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 15 at 12:30 and 4:00 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 16th at 2:30 p.m.  Students and their families are asked to bring either canned goods or cash donations that will be given to the Bemidji Food Shelf.    

 

Dec. 14    Wesley May Live Art Demonstration to the music of Sonny Johnson

At The Cabin Coffee House on 3rd street in Bemidji from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., visual artist Wesley May and musician Sonny Johnson collaborate with music and a live art demonstration. May will also be showing New Works and will be on hand for discussion. WesleyMayArts Gear will also be on sale.  

 

Dec. 20    Arts Downtown Park Rapids

The Arts Downtown PR series will continue Thursday, Dec. 20 in downtown Park Rapids. This event is designed to bring audiences to see and hear visual artists, musicians, writers and other artists in businesses in downtown Park Rapids on the Third Thursday of the month. A schedule will be available at downtown businesses and the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber office as well as on the Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council website (www.prlaac.org ).

 

 

Dec. 21&22    First City Dance Studio's The Nutcracker

At the Historic Chief Theater in downtown Bemidji on Friday Dec. 21st at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday Dec. 22nd at 2 p.m. First City Dance Studio presents 150 of Bemidji's finest dancers performing to the music of Tchaikovsky in The Nutcracker. Tickets available at First City Dance Studio Mon-Thurs from 3:30-7:30 p.m. or at the door 30 min prior to show. $7/each; 5 and under/free.

December and January    Customized Grant Writing Workshops

Region 2 Arts Council is trying a bit different approach to grant writing workshops for organizations and individuals this winter. We're checking in with non-profits, arts organizations and galleries and offering to work with groups in the comfort of their natural environment. If your organization is interested in a hands-on Region 2 Arts Council grant writing workshop tailored to the specific needs and interests of your participants, please contact us at [email protected] or call 751-5447 or 800-251-5447.  Groups of five or more individual artists interested in a customized grant writing workshop should call us as well.

 

Dec. 4    Grant Writing Drop-In Session, Mahnomen 

Come between 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. to the Red Apple Cafe on Main Street in Mahnomen and learn more about Region 2 Arts Council's Arts and Cultural Heritage Grant (ACH), Individual Artist Grant (IAG), Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Grant (AAI), and Arts Project Grant (APG). The  AAI grant is open to Roseau, Itasca, Cass, and Becker County residents as well as to those residing in the five counties of Region 2. Grant packets will be on hand.

 

Dec. 8   BCAC Children's Holiday Art Extravaganza

On Saturday December 8th from 10a.m. to 2p.m. in the Future Home of the BCAC - (Old Lakeside Luekens Building across the street from Library Park), children and their families can enjoy

• $1 Make and Take Art Project for Secret Family Presents (5 to choose from and recommended for school age kids)
• Free Art Projects and Gift Wrap Station
• Holiday Movie and Story Time with Mrs. Claus
• And Holiday Sweet Shoppe with Fresh Baked Treats and Coffee.

Opportunities

Dec. 1    Poetry Outloud 2013 Registration Deadline

Now in its eighth year, with over one million students participating across the nation last year, Poetry Out Loud encourages 9-12 grade students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation as well as master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. The National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation has partnered with state arts agencies to support the program. Full details of the program can be found at www.poetryoutloud.org.   

 

Interested Minnesota high school teachers should contact [email protected]. Poetry Out Loud satisfies most of the NCTE English Language Arts Standards (see Teacher's Guide on website). REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  December 1, 2012.  Registration forms can be obtained by contacting [email protected]  

 

Sculpture Walk 2013 Call to Artists

Participate this year in Northern Minnesota's premiere public art venue: Bemidji's 14th Annual Juried Public Art Exposition. The Sculpture Walk committee will select the 20 best submissions, based on their conceptual strength, originality, and workmanship. These will be presented for 12 months in locations throughout Bemidji, Minnesota. Please apply before March 1, 2013 at:  http://www.bemidjisculpture.org/submit_form.html#. Go to http://bemidjisculpture.org for complete contest information. Questions? contact   

[email protected] 

 

Reminder: all sculptures on the Bemidji Sculpture Walk 2012 exhibition are for sale and would make great holiday gifts. Please contact:  [email protected]  

 

CRE8 Online Literary Magazine Seeks Submissions

The new reading period for CRE8 is OPEN!  Please submit work before February 14, 2013. Visit www.cre8here.com for more details and the required Submission Cover Page. CRE8 is the new online literary magazine sponsored by the English Department at Bemidji State University.  CRE8 showcases creative works by writers and artists from northern Minnesota.  Fiction and nonfiction up to 4,000 words, poems up to 75 lines in length, and graphic narratives accepted.

 

MACT Seeks New Logo

Minnesota Association of Community Theatres (MACT) is sponsoring a design contest to come up with a fresh, new look for their logo. In exchange for all Intellectual Property Rights to the winning logo, the artist will receive $200 ($250 for MACT members) plus two free, full admissions to MACTFest, which will be held March 13th - 17th, 2013 at North Hennepin Community College. Go to www.MACT.net for more information.

 

 

ACLU-MN North Office Call for Artists: Deadline March 5th, 2013

The Greater MN Racial Justice Project North, brought to you by American Civil Liberties Union- MN, is now accepting applications for the Art from Within show. Featured artwork will give a personal and compelling view in to the lives of real people whose civil liberties, protected under the Bill of Rights, have been challenged. Art from Within is a venue for American Indians as well as non-Natives who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. For more information, please contact Audrey Thayer, ACLU-MN, Greater MN Racial Justice Program, at 218-444-2285.

 

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Artist Database Available

MN artists interested in working with county fairs can access more information regarding the County Fair Arts Access and Cultural Heritage Grant Program on line at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/grants/grants/countyfair.aspx Artists interested in signing up to share their talent with MN County Fairs should consider submitting their information to the MDA County Fairs database.

 

Minnesota State Arts Board unveils WebGrants

MSAB will begin using a new online grants management system during the FY2014 grant cycle. Potential users are encouraged to take advantage of online training available in Fall 2012. Go to  http://www.arts.state.mn.us/training-and-info/webgrants-overview.htm. Sign up today to receive messages regarding the latest information from the Arts Board about training and the new system.    

   

Bemidji Selected for Arts Midwest World Fest

Arts Midwest is delighted to confirm its desire to partner with the Headwaters School of Music and the Arts for the 2013-15 Arts Midwest World Fest cycle.  Bemidji is the only Minnesota community to be invited to participate in Arts Midwest World Fest and Arts Midwest looks forward to this partnership.

 

During the two-year partnership, Arts Midwest will bring to Bemidji four music ensembles for week-long residencies during which each ensemble will share the music of its culture through workshops and concerts.  The ensembles will be coming from Israel, Canada, China and Brazil.

 

Contact Headwaters School of Music & Arts at 218-444-5606 or by email at  [email protected] for more information or to be included in this great opportunity.

 

 

Kudos to Al Belleveau on the purchase of his sculpture - "Expecting "- from the Knotty Girl series- as part of the permanent collection for the North Dakota Museum of Arts in Grand Forks. In addition, the Tinkering Museum in San Francisco, CA has recently commissioned and purchased a piece (go to http://blogs.exploratorium.edu/tinkering/2012/03/30/al-belleveaus-toolbox/ for more information) in addition to purchasing three other Belleveau pieces for their collection.

 

Congratulations to Cate Belleveau for receiving a fellowship to attend the Giant Steps Conference at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis in mid-November. Giant Steps is an interactive conference for "creative entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial creatives" interested in forging collaborative connections. How perfect that Cate B. was awarded this fellowship!

 

Congratulations to the Baudette Depot on receiving a Minnesota Historical Society Grant award.  The Baudette Depot is the site of a most unique artifact - a wall of signatures on the soft yellow track-side bricks. Travelers left their marks (names, dates, towns) shortly after the current depot was constructed in 1923. Pencils in that era had real lead, which allowed for inscribing on the soft yellow bricks and weather resistance. The proposed exhibit is titled "If These Bricks Could Talk." The plan is to create "stories" related to the early travelers based on genealogical research of the data. Over 129 signatures have been documented and filmed by John Tscudy in preparation for the creation of "If These Walls Could Talk" at the Baudette Depot.