Monday, April 17, 2017

NW MN Arts Council Announces “Of the Year” Award Winners & Art Exhibit Reception



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.