09/02/2010

First Friday Art Walk – September 3!

Kristin Majkrzak's "Northern Lights" will be on display at the Wild Hare Bistro along with much more of her work. Kristin received an R2AC Arts and Cultural Heritage Grant to attend the national fiber conference, "Convergence." She will be offering weaving courses in the near future!

The First Friday Art Walk for September kicks of a month of fabulous art at local galleries, businesses, and coffee shops.  All the details are below!

Bemidji Community Art Center presents Works in Wood - an exhibit of functional, handcrafted work by 9 local artists.  Diverse in content, the exhibit will showcase work from furniture to ukuleles, canoe paddles to sculpture and offer an interesting contrast of vision, unique to each of the exhibitors.  Join us for the opening reception to visit with the artists as a part of the First Friday Art Walk on Sept 3rd from 5 to 7pm. This exhibit runs Sept 3rd through Oct. 23rd.  The BCAC is free and open to the public.  Hours are Tues to Fri. 12 to 5pm and Sat. 12 to 4pm. Visit the Art Center and Shop 426 at 426 Bemidji Ave N (Carnegie Library on 5th St) on the web at www.bcac.wordpress.com for more information call, (218) 444-7570 or email –  bcac@paulbunyan.net

Tall Girl #1 by Ashleigh Buck

Bad Cat Creations Gallery & Gifts – presents Ashleigh Buck as their featured artist for September with her exhibit, “Print and Process”. The show will be a combination of mixed media lithograph prints along with encaustic paintings. There will be a demonstration of encaustic painting with pieces available for purchase during the Opening Reception on Friday Sept 3rd from 4-6pm.. Bad Cat Creations is a boutique featuring Art & Fine Craft by over 50 different artists and an eclectic selection of fun gifts and contemporary accessories.  Showcasing mostly local artists, Bad Cat has everything from jewelry and ceramics to cards and fun accessories for you and your home.  Bad Cat Creations is located at 315 Irvine Ave NW.  For more information call 218-444-9225.

Beltrami County History Center The Beltrami County Historical Society presents “Patterns and People” by photographer and artist John Eggers now through the end of September.  Stop by and enjoy refreshments and Free Admission into the Museum on Friday September 3rd and every First Friday from 10 to 4pm. The History Center is located at 130 Minnesota Avenue SW in the historic James J. Hill Great Northern Depot. Hours are Mon – Sat 10am to 4pm.  For more information 219-444-3376 or www.beltramihistory.org

Bemidji Public Library Art Wall presents artist and Trek North art teacher, Kristin Gustafson as their featured artist for the month of September.  Kristin says, “my work is about expressing my ‘in spirit’ moments and I create only when I have this overwhelming urge to just get it out on canvas”.  Starting with a soft spray painted background, Kristin then works with oil paint to add layers and build the image.  Using this technique allows her to create interesting compositions through the use of repetition, color, texture thus creating layers that will draw the viewer in and allow them to discover the many parts of the whole.  For more information on this exhibit or opportunities for exhibiting at the Public Library, please contact Bemidji Public Library Art Wall Coordinator Paul Simonson, 444-7886.

Brigids Cross Irish Pub and Restaurant-Brigid’s Cross Irish Pub and Restaurant invites the public to meet some of the artists featured in their upcoming collaborative show “Ride with H♥art” on Friday, September 3rd at starting at 5pm. The theme surrounding the show is “bicycle” and will include two dimensional and three dimensional works by Suzi Rae, Linda Brown, Malisa van Masdaam and others.  Some of the works will be available for purchase.  James Godwin will provide live entertainment from 8 to 11pm.  Brigid’s Cross Irish Pub and Restaurant is open at 11 am Monday through Saturday and closed Sundays beginning in September except for downtown community events.  More information at 218-444-0567 or on our web site at www.brigidsirishpub.com

Cabin Coffeehouse and Café presents “Pictures of Images” by artist Jacob Baggenstoss for the month of September.  As a student at the University of Minnesota, Jake studied painting and drawing and will present works in acrylic and oil for this exhibit.  Jake will not be on the First Friday Art Walk but please join us the following week for free coffee and desserts and to meet Jake for his opening reception on September 9th from 4 to 6pm. The Cabin also features original art and cards for sale by Audrey Merschman. The Cabin is open Mon. – Fri. 7am to 9pm, Sat. 8am to 8pm and Sun. 8am to 6pm.Visit us at 214 3rd Street or call 218-444-2899 for more information

Girl with a Pearl Earring Revisited by Terry Honstead

Dunn Bros Coffee –invites you to their September 3rd, First Friday Art Walk Opening Reception from 5 to 7pm featuring by work Terry Honstead. In her exhibit entitled, “Time Gone By”, Terry has created some paintings reflective of work by the “Old Masters”, but with a twist!  Working in acrylic and collage Terry’s work uses bold, juicy color, along with fiber, hand made paper, and found objects to create texture and surprises viewers with hidden meanings layered within the painting.  Dunn Bros is open 6am to 7pm – Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm on Saturdays and 7am to 6pm on Sundays.  Visit us at 501 Paul Bunyan Drive S. or Call (218) 444-5252 dunnbros106@dunnbros.com

Gallery North invites you to their September First Friday opening reception from 2 to 5pm to meet their Featured Artist and Member, Jeannine Brooks.  Working in oils, Jeannine is known for paintings that capture insights into daily life.  Also showing is the September Showcase at Gallery North featuring an eclectic collection of “Flora and Fauna”.  Join us for refreshments and to meet the artists at Gallery North.  If you are interested in our artists or want to know how to become a member of Gallery North call 218-444-9813 or email us at galleryn@paulbunyan.net You can also find us on the web at http://www.gallerynorthbemidji.com

Window Covering by Mary Therese Peterson

Headwaters Unitarian Universalist Fellowship presents Mary Therese Peterson as their featured artist for the September First Friday Art Walk.  Peterson is a well-known mixed-media artist producing collage, paintings and recently, functional and wearable art.  Finding inspiration from the natural world much of her work contains spirals, circles, birds, insects, and fish.  Playfully approaching her work, she draws with wax resists and thickened dyes, sometimes using natural objects and carved linoleum blocks to add layers of textures and imagery while painting with fiber reactive dyes on silk and cotton fabrics. The public is invited to join us for an opening reception for the artist on September 3rd from 4 to 6 PM as a part of First Friday Art Walk. We are located at 522 America Ave in Downtown Bemidji.  More information is available by calling 751 9654.

Neilson Place - The North Country Health Services Art Committee continues it’s exhibit “The Language of Flowers” by Bemidji Artist Pamela Nelson.  The exhibit will be on display at Neilson Place now through October 2010 for the pleasure of residents, families, staff and the community at large.  NEW WORK! Also featured in the new Coffee and Gift Shop, The Bistro at WoodsEdge, will be work by artist Butch Holden.  This exhibit contains pottery that is both wheel-thrown and hand-built and includes both high-fired stoneware and porcelain.  His pottery is for sale and may be purchased on site. The Bistro at WoodsEdge is located just inside the front entryway to Neilson Place at WoodsEdge, on the North Country Health Services Senior Living Campus, 1000 Anne St. NW, Bemidji.  For more information, email lpapkelarson@nchs.com.

Wild Hare Bistro and Coffee House – Wild Hare Bistro and Coffeehouse presents fiber artist Kristin Majkrzak, September 3rd through 29th.  With a special interest in tapestry weaving, Kristin finds inspiration for many of her designs in the world of nature. She uses wool or cotton warp yarns and wool and silk weft yarns in her work, weaves on various size frame looms, and will feature one piece woven from handspun and hand dyed yarns.  Join us for her opening reception during the First Friday Art Walk, September 3rd from 3:00 to 5:00pm. After the Art Walk, experience Wild Hare’s own culinary artists at the First Friday Wine Bar, from 5:00 to 9:00pm, featuring a new menu every month and wine and beer list to match. Find us at 523 Minnesota Avenue in Downtown Bemidji. Call 444-JAVA for details.

09/01/2010

FREE Grant Writing Workshop for Anishinaabe Artists!

Anishinaabe Artist Delina White's work

The Region 2 Arts Council will conduct a free grant writing workshop in Bemidji Thursday, September 16 beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Region 2 Office at 426 Bemidji Avenue N.

Discussion will focus on the R2AC/McKnight Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Individual Artists Grant Program.  This grant opportunity is available to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes who live in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Becker, Roseau, Itasca, and Cass counties.

The Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Grant is open to individual Native American artists in all disciplines. These grants offer funding of up to $1,000 per project for costs associated with the exhibition, performance, or production of a creative work; purchase of materials or equipment necessary for a creative work; educational opportunities; mentorships; and proposals for career-enhancing projects or opportunities.

In the past, artists have used grant monies for painting or photo exhibitions, creating decorative quill work, recording music CDs, drum-making, creating beaded clothing, jewelry, wood or stone carving, theater projects, basketry, etc.

If you are interested in learning about how to navigate through  the grant writing process or if you have an project idea you would like to discuss, please attend the workshop!

08/25/2010

Red Lake Grant Writing Workshop

Quill work basket by Anishinaabe artist Mel Losh

The Region 2 Arts Council will conduct a free grant writing workshop in Red Lake tomorrow (Thursday, August 26) beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Tribal Council Headquarters Building.

Discussion will focus on the R2AC/McKnight Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Individual Artists Grant Program.  This grant opportunity is available to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes who live in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Becker, Roseau, Itasca, and Cass counties.

The Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Grant is open to individual Native American artists in all disciplines. These grants offer funding of up to $1,000 per project for costs associated with the exhibition, performance, or production of a creative work; purchase of materials or equipment necessary for a creative work; educational opportunities; mentorships; and proposals for career-enhancing projects or opportunities.

In the past, artists have used grant monies for painting or photo exhibitions, creating decorative quill work, recording music CDs, drum-making, creating beaded clothing, jewelry, wood or stone carving, theater projects, basketry, etc.

If you are interested in learning about how to navigate through  the grant writing process or if you have an project idea you would like to discuss, please attend the workshop!

Thursday, August 26

4:30- 5:30 p.m.

Tribal Council Headquarters Building

08/24/2010

Beginning Tole Painting Workshop Series

Region 2 Arts Council is sponsoring a “Beginners Tole Painting” series to be presented by Melody Bowles in 8 sessions on Tuesdays from 6 – 8 p.m. beginning October 5, 2010. Classes will be held in the Nevis Church of Christ, on the corner of Bunyan Trails and Pleasant Street in Nevis.

“Beginners Tole Painting” will focus on how to prepare a surface, selecting brushes, loading brushes, various strokes, transferring patterns, creating patterns, and writing with brushes. Finished project will be a sample board of a daisy, strawberry, mushroom, apple, pear, and violet.

Melody Bowles has been tole painting for 30 years. She has studied the Priscilla Hauser technique and taken numerous classes in which she painted on wood, canvas, tin, slate, and glass with both acrylics and oils. She is an accomplished artist in reverse-glass painting and rub-out techniques, and has taught classes in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

The workshop fee is $30 per participant. Each attendee will purchase a $10 sample board from the instructor and will need to bring six brushes and a pallet knife to the classes. Paints and many other materials will be provided.

To register, bring or send a $30 check, made payable to the Region 2 Arts Council, to the R2AC office at 426 Bemidji Avenue, Bemidji, MN  56601.

08/23/2010

“NO RISK” WORKSHOP FUNDING AVAILABLE

Attendees at Marion Hunziker-Larsen's two day fiber workshop, "Braids, Cordmaking and Knotting Techniques for Fiber, Jewelry and Bead Artists"

The Region 2 Arts Council invites individuals and organizations from our five-county area (Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods and Mahnomen Counties) to propose workshop ideas to R2AC for direct funding.  The workshop is funded with no financial risk to you.

The workshop must focus on learning experiences for adult artists and be open to the public.  Any group that wants to bring in an artist to do a workshop is eligible, as are regional artists who wish to present a workshop themselves.  Proposals are considered on an ongoing basis, but funds are limited, so the sooner you contact us, the better.

Please contact the Region 2 Arts Council, at 218-751-5447 or 1-800-275-5447 or e-mail staff@r2art.org if you have questions or wish to request a workshop application.  Workshop applications are available is fillable PDFs on this website.  Simply download the application, complete it, save it to your computer, and email it to staff@r2arts.org as an attachment.

What sort of class would you like to see offered?  Make it happen!

08/23/2010

UPCOMING GRANT DEADLINES

Arts Project Grants, Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Grants for Individual Artists, and Individual Artist Grants have deadlines fast approaching!

Arts Project Grant
Deadline: September 15, 2010

Bemidji Community Theater's Pirate's of Penzance

Open to any non-profit organization, school (including community education offices), and units of government.  These grants offer funding for a variety of art projects including costs related to performances or exhibitions, engagement of guest artists, and artists-in-residence. Organizations can apply for grants up to $3,000.

Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Grant

work by Anishinaabe artist Delina White

Deadline: October 6, 2010

Open to individual American Indian artists in all disciplines. These grants offer funding for costs associated with the exhibition, performance, or production of a creative work; purchase of materials or equipment necessary for a creative work; educational opportunities; mentorships; and proposals for career-enhancing projects or opportunities. Artists can apply for grants up to $1,000.

Individual Artist Grant

Deadline: October 7, 2010

Daisies and Gold by Bemidji based artist Paula Swenson

Open to artists in all art disciplines.  These grants offer funding for costs associated with the exhibition, performance, or production of a creative work; purchase of materials or equipment necessary for a creative work; educational opportunities; mentorships; and proposals for career enhancing projects or opportunities. Artists can apply for grants up to $1,000.

Projects funded through R2AC’s grants programs should have primary impact on and accessibility to residents of Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen Counties.

The term “arts” refers to music, creative writing, dance, visual art, theater, and other forms of creative expression. We would be happy to discuss your ideas with you, help you locate an artist, or assist you in completing the application form. Call 751-5447, toll free at 1-800-275-5447, or e-mail staff@r2arts.org.

08/11/2010

Cultural Connections Community Celebration!

Peacemakers Resources, a nonprofit based in the Bemidji area and dedicated to building a positive community, applied for an Arts and Cultural Heritage Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council this past spring.  Their efforts paid off.

Peacemakers Resources received $6,000 in funding to assist in the coordination and implementation of the performance and educational components of the Cultural Connections Community Celebration.

Cultural Connections Day will take place Wednesday, August 18, from 2-8 p.m. at Waterfront Park and Library Park in Bemidji.  The cost is FREE!  This festival for the Bemidji area and surrounding areas celebrates diversity and promotes cultural understanding.

Come celebrate “who we are together” through engaging, fun, and healthy activities and demonstrations!

There will be cooperative and cultural games, water activities, pop-can fishing, Native arts and crafts, interactive demonstrations and information booths, food, and entertainment.   P-Town Boyz, a group from the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra, Annie Humphrey, Baba Yaga, Native storyteller Chelsea Annette, Eric Carlson, hip-hop performers Native Era and Native Bro, and Sadie and Sarah Hamrin will perform throughout the event.

Partners for the event include the Shared Vision, Indigenous Environmental Network, BSU Outdoor Program Center, Peacemaker Resources, Bemidji Area Race Relations Council, Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP), Greater MN Racial Justice Program-ACLU MN, and the City of Bemidji.

For information about volunteering for this event, visit  www.WantToVolunteer.org

The R2AC is proud to support the arts components of this important celebration.  Art is a universal language and a catalyst for building bridges between cultures.  The Cultural Connections Community Celebration is a progressive, positive event promoting understanding, awareness, and connections.

08/10/2010

Drum Camp

This spring, the Headwaters School for Music and the Arts (HSMA) received an Arts and Cultural Heritage Grant from the R2AC that helped cover the costs of hosting the 2nd Annual Lakes Area Drum Camp.

The camp took place all of last week, culminating with a concert Friday, August 6, that was open to the public.

Throughout the week, campers were instructed by Eric Sundeen, Ben Anderson, and Tom Buckley.

They received a special jazz workshop from Dr. Terry Vermillion of St. Cloud State University.  The workshop focused on using brushes rather than sticks and the impact such changes, and others, can have on music.

Ryan Inselman, the drummer for popular G.B. Leighton gave a special clinic on transferring drum line/marching band  perspectives to the drum set.

HMSA set up a sound studio so that students would have the opportunity to record and listen to themselves, an opportunity most people never have.

This camp was open to all levels of drummers.

R2AC is proud to sponsor events such as this that nourish the lively arts scene thriving in our region.  These types of opportunities encourage the next generation of artists to recognize their potential, hone their skill, and hopefully make art an integral component of their lives.

Click here to watch the “In Focus” segment on the drum camp that aired on Lakeland News.

For more information about Headwaters School for Music and the Arts, visit their website.

08/09/2010

He Pulled a Rubber Chicken Out of a Hat

Last September, writer and actor, Jeremiah T.S. Liend took part in Bemidji’s first “Out of the Hat” production.  Out of the Hat is a theatrical experience in which writers, directors, and actors converge on a Friday evening and have exactly 24 hours to pull together an original play based on a prop, a setting, the first line of the play, and the actors and actresses who will perform in that play – all criteria that are literally drawn out of hats.

Liend’s “Grimaldi’s Chicken” was born as a result of him drawing none other than a rubber chicken as his prop among a colorful combination of other elements.  His play, written in 12 hours, was magical.  Liend’s ability to weave a full, connected, hilarious, and witty one-act play in such a short time is certainly a gift.  A gift those of us in Bemidji are fortunate to have access to.

Now he’s taking his show on the road.

“Grimmaldi’s Chicken” starring Eric Nelson, Britanne Ostberg, Mallory McKay, and Joel Ward is ruffling feathers at the Minnesota Fringe Festival in the Twin Cities.  This tale of the American dream has two performances left.  This coming Saturday, August 14 at 5:30 and Sunday, August 15 at 4:00.  Performances take place at the Playwright’s Center, 2301 E Franklin Avenue on the West Bank in Saint Paul.

For more information about how to support Jeremiah’s play, click here.   If you happen to be in the Twin Cities this coming weekend and would enjoy a break from whatever you are focused on, think about attending his play.  You’ll leave smiling.

08/06/2010

Grant Deadlines Approaching Quickly!

Attention Artists and Non-Profit Organizations:

Grant Deadlines Approaching Quickly!

The Region 2 Arts Council (R2AC) has many grant deadlines just around the corner.  Here is a listing of those upcoming deadlines.

Arts and Cultural Heritage Grants            $3000 – $6000                       August 12

Arts Project Grants                                    $3000                                    September 15

Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Grants            $1000                                    October 6

Individual Artist Grants                        $1000                                    October 7

The R2AC encourages individual artists, nonprofits organizations, schools, and government entities to take advantage of these grant opportunities. Art projects enhance our world and expand thinking on personal and community levels.

Contact the R2AC for more information about these grants or to talk about arts project and programming ideas.  Call 218-751-5447 or email staff@r2arts.org.  More information is also available at http://www.r2arts.org.

More grant opportunities will be available in spring of 2011.