Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and
arts advocates within our seven county region who stand out in terms of
artistry or volunteerism in the arts. “Of the Year” Award winners were
nominated by area residents. We are proud to announce this year’s
recipients are Gayle Moen of Shelly, Jane Vigness of Climax, and Annelee
Woodstrom of Ada!
The “Of the Year” awards and the
NW Art Exhibit awards will be presented at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Exhibit
Reception on Sunday, April 30 in Halstad at the Norman County West High School
cafeteria and small gym at 2:00 pm. Please come starting at 12:00 noon to view
the 100 pieces of high quality regional artwork on display in the NCW library
and vote for people’s choice. At 1:15 enjoy a snack and music
entertainment in the cafeteria. The program will begin promptly at 2:00
with the main focus being the recognition and celebration of artists and the
arts in Northwest Minnesota. Everyone is welcome to this free
event.
In addition, the 2017 Creative Minnesota Report about Northwest Minnesota
will be given by Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Executive Director Sheila
Smith, followed by a brief discussion of the impact of the arts and culture in
the region. Craig Dunn from VSA Minnesota (Very
Special Arts Minnesota) will be attending to meet and greet and talk about the
Americans for Disabilities Act. He will have information that helps arts
organizations work towards inclusion for people with special needs. Kathee
Foran will be attending as a program director at the Minnesota State Arts Board
(MSAB). She will have materials related to grants and services of
MSAB. The public is welcome to attend.
RSVP for the reception at 218-745-9111. For more information about the Arts
Exhibit see the website: http://www.northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/2017/04/northwest-minnesota-arts-council-annual-exhibition/
Of the Year Award Winners include:
Gayle
Moen, Shelly MN, will be awarded the Northwest Artist of the Year Award. Ms. Moen is a musician. She plays the piano and organ.
She is a long-time educator in the Crookston Public School System. Our Artist
of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual,
performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their
artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500.00.
Jane
Vigness of rural Climax will be awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year
Award. Ms. Vigness is the librarian in Climax and
is active in the Sandhill Historical Society. She is also active in the
Association of the French of the North and as a board member helps organize
their arts festival each year in August. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is
$500 and includes arts from all disciplines.
Annelee Woodstrom of Ada will receive the Northwest Star Award.
Ms. Woodstrom is a writer and previously an award-winning school teacher in
Twin Valley. She has written about her life in War Child: Growing Up in
Adolf Hitler’s Germany and Empty Chairs. This award
comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once, as a
lifetime achievement award.
Please come on April 30 to show support for our artists.
Funding for Northwest Star and Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The
McKnight Foundation. Funding for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from
the Minnesota State Legislature.
