Region 2 Arts Council awards $17,720 in Artists Engage Community Grants

On May 14, 2026, the Region 2 Arts Council Board of Directors awarded $17,720 in Arts and Cultural Heritage Funds to area artists following a community panel review on May 5th of applications for our Artists Engage Community Grant. Three artists planning to engage the community were granted, promising to bring high-quality, accessible arts and cultural activities to people in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen counties. 

Darcy Brambrink of Laporte was awarded $5,720 to organize a series of workshops to instruct painters to deepen their observation, refine technique, and cultivate a personal visual language in watercolor and oil in a “plein air” setting, meaning in the open or outdoors in nature

Elisa Boushee of Park Rapids was awarded $6,000 to lead community-based art sessions, which will include painting and leatherwork, focused on environmental education, conservation, and sustainability using creativity as a bridge for connection, inclusion, and engagement.

Shannon Lucas Westrum of Bemidji was awarded $6,000 to organize and teach a 3-day sculptural basketry workshop to beginning and advanced weavers.

Region 2 Arts Council Artists Engage Communities Grants are made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.