EVENT LINK: https://plainsart.org/exhibitions/jaque-fragua/

FEE: Free

Ghost Writing

Fred Donath, Jr. Memorial Gallery

April 5, 2025 - March 15, 2026

Ghost Writing is a compelling, mid-career retrospective showcasing work by Jaque Fragua, a contemporary artist from Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. Fragua works in a diverse array of media, including digital painting, sculpture, installation, and public art. His distinct style is characterized by bold colors and mark-making as well as thoughtful approach to appropriation.

EVENT LNK: https://plainsart.org/exhibitions/wiwahokichiyapi/

FEE: Free

Wíwahokičhiyapi

They Promised Things to Each Other

April 25, 2026 - February 7, 2026

Fred Donath, Jr. Memorial Gallery

Treaties are living documents that are “the supreme law of the land” and remain legally binding agreements that establish the political relationship between Native Nations and the United States government. These agreements have established land boundaries, resource rights, reservations; they determine Tribal Nation citizenship and outline mutual obligations. The Influence of treaties and the policies surrounding them has been profound, shaping both traditional and contemporary Indigenous art and ways of making. This exhibition explores how treaties continue to resonate through Native creativity and expression.

Wíwahokičhiyapi: They Promised Things to Each Other is an overview of treaties in this country with a focus on those that pertain to our region. This exhibition is developed in collaboration with the National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Plains Art Museum partnered with Lakȟóta Archeologist Tyrel Iron Eyes and Giiwedinnong Treaty Museum’s Logan Monroe, Don Wendl, and Winona LaDuke. Our partners contributed research that informed and shaped the development of this exhibition.

EVENT LINK: https://www.hcscconline.org/treasures-from-norway.html

FEE: Free Tuesday nights: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Standard Rates
Adults (Ages 18-64): $12
Seniors (Ages 65+): $11
Youth (Ages 5-17): $8
Children (under 5): FREE
Discounted Rates
Time Travelers: $11
College Students: $9
Veterans: $5
HCSCC Members: FREE
ASCTC Members: FREE
Active Duty Military: FREE

Treasures from Norway

Treasures from Norway honors the Norwegian immigrants that settled this region during the middle part of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These new Americans came to the United States with little more than the clothes on their back and a few personal effects. These personal items, tangible reminders of family they were leaving and the old country, will be displayed from July 1, 2025 to June 22, 2026.

EVENT LINK: https://www.emceramics.studio/art-project-605

FEE: Free

2025

RIMER CARDILLO

DEEP ECOLOGY

Resistant Allusions

an exhibition in partnership with Plains Art Museum, Fargo, North Dakota

Few artists today embody the urgent call of environmentalism as powerfully as Rimer Cardillo.

The Uruguayan-American artist has spent over fifty years building a body of work that mourns, warns and ultimately inspires. His art connects directly to the idea of Deep Ecology, a philosophy that insists we can no longer separate human survival from the survival of all living things.

For Cardillo, this is no abstract theory. His work traces a lineage from the genocide of Indigenous peoples to the extinction of plants and animals, as well as the destruction of earth's ecosystems. It is a continuum of loss, but also a call to recognize that all life is interconnected. Since his student days in Uruguay during the late 1960s, Cardillo has used his art to memorialize what has vanished and warn of what could still disappear. The result is a haunting, beautiful and deeply ethical visual language.

Resistant Allusions, on view at Art Project 605, is Cardillo’s most recent body of work, 26 digital color photographs with woodcut, silkscreen, and drawing.

Deep Ecology unfolds across four partner institutions in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota. Audiences are encouraged to visit all four exhibitions, each offering a distinct lens on Cardillo's career.

Location

Art Project 605

605 Washingto Ave

Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Click here to see a map of all four locations.

Artist Reception: Thursday, September 11 from 6 to 8 pm.

Art Project 605 Dates and Hours

September 2-30, 2025

Tuesday–Friday, 10 am to 5 pm

Saturday, 11 am to 1 pm

And by appointment: 917-971-7712

Partner Institution Dates

Plains Art Museum, Fargo, ND

August 28, 2025-February 8, 2026

Nemeth Art Center, Park Rapids, MN

August 28-September 30, 2025

The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, Moorhead, MN

January 8-February 8, 2026

EVENT LINK: https://www.artofthelakes.org/clay-studio.html

FEE: 4-Use CAC Studio Rental Punch Card: $36.00 / $28.00 - Member price
12-Use CAC Studio Rental Punch Card: $84.00 / $60.00 - Member price

Open Ceramic Studio*

Every Wednesday, 5-8 pm

*PENDING NEW LOCATION

Open Ceramic Studio is a series of dedicated sessions for the community and AOTL Members to use the ceramic studio in the Creative Arts Center. Open Ceramic Studio is for artists to work individually on personal ceramic projects. Participants will need prior ceramics background, as no formal instruction will be given. Kristi Everts and other ceramic artists will be available during the Open Ceramic Studio hours, for questions and assistance if needed.​

Equipment: Pottery wheels, bats, project boards are available. Tools are available for purchase or artists may bring their own tools. Limited tools are also available for use.
  
Supplies: 25# of clay are available for purchase for $35 which includes the cost of clay, firing and glaze.  No outside clay can be used unless approved prior to use with documentation of type and cone. We bisque at cone 06 and glaze at cone 6.  

• Commercial glazes are available for use. No outside glazes can be used without approval prior to use with documentation of cone from original container.

Purchase a Punch Card for studio access
Choose the CAC Maker Studio Punch Card that best fits your needs and your schedule. 

• Only in the area for a short while? Just need a few days of work to finish a project? Choose the 4-Use option.

• Here for the season or year-round? Have a bigger project in mind? Choose the 12-Use option.

Each Punch Card gives you access to any of the Maker Studios at the CAC during hours of operation, subject to availability.

EVENT LINK: https://www.andersoncenter.org/residency-program/

FEE: Free to apply

The Anderson Center: 2026 Deaf Artists Residency Program

Anderson Center’s Deaf Artists Residency (DAR) is an opportunity in 2026 for five Deaf artists based in the United States of America to come together in an ASL-centric environment to create, communicate and exchange ideas for one month.

The program was created in 2014 to enact the vision of a Deaf visual artist, Cynthia Weitzel, who designed and coordinates the program. The panelists who select residents are all accomplished Deaf Artists, some of which are also past residents.

Thanks to support from funders & sponsors, selected artists receive a $1,400 stipend for the month, reimbursement of up to $600 in travel costs, live/work space, chef-prepared communal dinners & more. Applications will open in the fall of 2025

LEARN MORE & APPLY

The Anderson Center provides equal opportunity for all people to participate in and benefit from the activities of the Center, regardless of race; national origin; color; age; religion; gender; sexual orientation; disability, in admission, access, or employment.  Please call before applying to discuss accommodations.

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/youth-ballet-2025-2026/

FEE: PreK-Kdg: $80 per session, 1st-3rd Grades: $100 per session (2 spots in each class will be offered as full scholarship spots)

Youth Ballet at the Cultural Center: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026

Youth Ballet Classes Return!
Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
8-Week Sessions
Weekly on Wednesdays

We are excited to once again offer Youth Ballet through a partnership with instructor Leona Cichy at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center on Wednesday afternoons for youth starting in Pre-K (age 4) through 3rd Grade.

Students will learn basic ballet techniques in a fun and encouraging class environment. Classes will be offered on Wednesdays in the upstairs dance studio at the Cultural Center (accessible only by stairs).

Times / Age Groups / Fees:

• 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. – PreK-Kdg, $80 per session

• 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. – 1st-3rd Grades, $100 per session

Dates – Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 Sessions:

Both a Fall Session and Spring Session will be held; each is 8 weeks and will culminate in a short recital (details TBD). Classes held on Wednesday afternoons, on the following dates:

• Fall 2025 Session: Wednesdays, October 15 – December 3, 2025

• Spring 2026 Session: Wednesdays, February 4 – April 1, 2026 (NO CLASS 3/18/26)

Registration & Payment:

Limited spots to ensure small class sizes; 12 students per class/age group. Full session payment is required to guarantee your spot.

NEW THIS YEAR: 2 spots in each class will be offered as full scholarship spots. Please contact leona@rwfsmn.org if interested.

EVENT LINK: https://fergusarts.org

FEE: $5

Cinema Sundays—A Center for the Arts

$5 tickets @ 2pm on select Sundays each month

CLICK ON MOVIE TITLE BELOW FOR ADVANCED TICKETS

Nightmare Before Christmas:  Oct 19

Paddington in Peru: Nov. 9

Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Dec 14

Mufasa – the Lion King: Jan 11

Soul: Feb 8

How to Train Your Dragon: Mar 8

Encanto: Apr 19

EVENT LINK: https://ffpubliclibrary.org/events/

FEE: Free

Social Justice Book Club

About Us: Essays from the Disability Series of the New York Times.

October 22 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

We will discuss “About Us: Essays from the Disability Series of the New York Times.” This landmark collection gathers the most powerful essays from The New York Times Disability Series.

Out of the Sierra: a Story of Rarámuri Resistance by Victoria Blanco

December 17 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

We will discuss “Out of the Sierra: a Story of Rarámuri Resistance” by Victoria Blanco. The Rarámuri people of Chihuahua, Mexico, make up one of the largest Indigenous tribes of North America. Renowned for maintaining their language and cultural traditions in the face of colonization, they have weathered numerous hardships—climate disaster, poverty, cultural erasure—that have only worsened during the twenty-first century.

Based on more than a decade of oral history and participatory field work, Out of the Sierra paints a vivid and vital portrait of Rarámuri displacement. When drought leaves the Gutiérrez family with nothing to eat, they are faced with the choice many Rarámuris must make: remain and hope for rain and aid, or leave their sacred homeland behind. Luis, Martina, and their children choose to journey from their home in the Sierra Madre mountains toward a new and uncertain future in a government-funded Indigenous settlement.

To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion is Making us Sick–and How We Can Fight Back by Alden Wicker.

February 25, 2026 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

We will discuss “To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion is Making us Sick–and How We Can Fight Back” by Alden Wicker.

EVENT LINK: https://ffpubliclibrary.org/events/

FEE: Free

Fergus Falls Writers Group

2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

This group shares and critiques their writing. Meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. This is a community-member-led group.

EVENT LINK: https://plainsart.org/exhibitions/women-artists/

FEE: Free

Women Artists: Four Centuries of Creativity

Jane L. Stern Gallery

November 1, 2025 - March 1, 2026

Plains Art Museum proudly presents Women Artists: Four Centuries of Creativity, a major exhibition running November 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026, that traces the resilience and innovation of women artists from the early modern period to the present. The exhibition features 40 works from the Museum’s Permanent Collection alongside 37 works on loan from the Reading Public Museum.

EVENT LINK: https://ndmoa.com/summer-art-camp/

FEE: Free to apply

Summer Art Camp Instructor Proposals Now Open!

Open to Practicing Artists in All Media 

The North Dakota Museum of Art is now accepting proposals for the 2026 Summer Art Camp season. Practicing artists working in any media - painting, sculpture, fiber, design, printmaking, photography, and beyond - are invited to apply.

This is open to artists at all career stages.

Summer Art Camp is an exciting opportunity for kids to explore creativity and discover the many ways art can be made! As a practicing artist, your leadership and experience can inspire the next generation of creators. The North Dakota Museum of Art, our state’s official art museum, located in the beautiful city of Grand Forks, is the perfect place to make a meaningful impact.

Compensation and Support

• $1,150 instructor stipend

•  $250 supply budget for materials

•  On-site staff and helper support

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until all sessions are filled.

Final decision for the 2026 Season will go out in February, 2026.

EVENT LINK: https://springboardforthearts.org/event/made-here-showcasing-regional-makers-and-their-stories-in-fergus-falls/

FEE: Free & open to the public

Made Here: Showcasing Regional Makers and their Stories in Fergus Falls

Come connect with the makers shaping our creative region. Each quarter, Springboard for the Arts spotlights a local creative business in downtown Fergus Falls. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes view of their work, hear their stories, and learn about your creative neighbors! November’s gathering will showcase local artist Sam Oberto, maker of Free Soul Candle Co.!

EVETN LINK: https://centralsquare.org/event/open-art-studio-wellness-activity/

FEE: Free to all, limited art supplies included

Open Art Studio & Wellness Activity

When: 1st Thursday of every month—Drop in anytime between 6 and 8 PM (Note: January 2026 will meet on the second Thursday due to the New Year holiday.)
Where: Central Square Art Studio (Suite 209)
Cost: Free to all, limited art supplies included
Who: All are welcome

Looking for a space to relax, recharge, and get creative? Join us for a drop-in evening designed to nurture both your creativity and your well-being.

Each evening offers:

• Open Studio Time—Use our art supplies or bring your own projects and enjoy a welcoming, communal space.

• Optional Guided Activity—Explore simple, wellness-focused art projects led by our own Program Manager, Jes Baggett. Activities may include mindful mandalas, gratitude collages, expressive painting, nature prints, and more!

No experience necessary—just bring yourself and a willingness to explore. Whether you’re looking to de-stress, connect with others, or simply make time for art, this is a space for you!

EVENT LINK: https://pwcenter.org/programs/mcknight-theatre-artist-fellowships/

FEE: Free to apply

McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships

Supports mid-career Minnesota-based theater artists (non-playwrights) who demonstrate a sustained body of work, artistic achievement, and commitment to their craft.

Fellowship Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Award: $25,000 fellowship to advance the artist’s work and career.

Applications are now open.

Key Dates

• Intent to Apply (strongly encouraged):
  Recommended starting September 2025 (any time before final deadline)
  — also add upcoming performances to the PWC performance calendar to help panelists view your work.

• Working Session: Creating Artist Statements:
  Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. CT

• Office Hours with Julia Brown (12–3 p.m. CT):
  Nov. 19 • Dec. 3 • Dec. 17 • Jan. 14 • Mar. 18

• Final Application Deadline:
  Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT

Eligibility Highlights

• Continuous Minnesota residency since March 26, 2025; must maintain residency during fellowship.

• Must be 18+ and have legal authorization to work in the U.S.

• Open to:
  Actors, directors, dramaturgs, stage managers, designers (incl. puppetry), theater-focused choreographers & composers.
  (Playwrights are not eligible.)

• Not eligible:

  • Full-time students

  • Recipients of any McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship from 2021–2026

  • Staff/board of McKnight or Playwrights’ Center and immediate families

• Applicants may apply to only one McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship per year.

Application Materials

1. Application form

2. Artistic statement

3. Résumé or bio

4. Two statements of working process

5. Work sample info sheet

6. Work sample(s)

Applications submitted through SlideRoom (separate login from PWC).

Additional Notes

• Declaring intent to apply helps panelists attend live performances (not required but strongly encouraged).

• Applicants without live performances during the cycle are still fully competitive—work samples are equally weighted.

• Info sessions on artistic statements and digital work samples will be announced; those who submit intent to apply will receive updates.

Questions:
Julia Brown – juliab@pwcenter.org | 612-332-7481 ext. 1115

EVENT LINK: https://artsmidwest.org/about/updates/call-for-pitches-short-form-video-from-your-community-winter-2025/

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Pitches: Short-Form Video from Your Community

Arts Midwest is looking for more community documenters: people with a passion for documenting creativity around them. Film 8–10 short, vertical phone clips of local art, culture, or community life, and get paid to help us amplify Midwestern creativity!

We’ll handle the editing, scripting, and posting on our channels. You’ll get credit and $250 for your footage and a short write-up.

Want to get involved? The first step is to tell us what’s happening in your community by submitting a pitch via our online form. Right now, we’re looking for events, activities, and creative happenings that will take place between December 8 – January 30.

Bring the view from your corner of the Midwest, and we’ll help share it with others.

EVENT LINK: http://www.lakesideballroom.org/lakesidedanceclub/Home.html

FEE: $15/ person or $50 new member all season

Lakeside Dance Club

Lakeside Dance Club meets 10 out of 12 months of the year at Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood. The current season has the following dances yet to happen: 11/16, 1/11, 2/8, 3/15, 4/12.

Free lessons are offered from 3-4 pm with a social dance featuring live music from 4-7 pm.

Dress code: no jeans or shorts.

EVENT LINK: https://artsmidwest.org/get-support/shakespeare-in-american-communities/

FEE: Free to apply

Shakespeare In American Communities

Shakespeare in American Communities provides grants of up to $30,000 that connect young people across the country to Shakespeare’s plays. Grants support performances and workshops in schools and in the justice system, and apprenticeships for early-career theater professionals.

About Shakespeare in American Communities

Shakespeare in American Communities is a theater program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. It offers three grant opportunities for eligible nonprofit theater organizations:

• Schools Program: Supports Shakespeare-related performances and educational activities for middle and high school students. Matching grants range from $15,000 to $25,000.

• Juvenile Justice Program: Brings Shakespeare-related theater experiences to juvenile justice facilities. Non-matching grants range from $15,000 to $25,000.

• Apprenticeship Program: Provides paid apprenticeships for early-career theater professionals in administrative and technical roles. The programming that apprentices support does NOT have to be Shakespeare related. Matching grants range from $20,000-$30,000.

Since its inception, Shakespeare in American Communities has reached thousands of communities in all 50 states. In that time, more than 140 participating theaters have provided 16,000 performances and 60,000 educational activities.

Starting this year, applicants must choose one grant opportunity—Schools, Juvenile Justice, or Apprenticeships. Applicants can explore which grant opportunity might be the best fit for them using our eligibility quiz.

Applications for the 2026-2027 cycle are now open. A mandatory Intent to Apply is due January 29, 2026. Full applications are due February 12, 2026.

EVENT LINK: https://galsguide.org/2025/11/09/call-for-submissions-2026/

FEE: Free to apply

Gal's Guide Anthology— Call for Submissions

Gal's Guide seeks poetry, fiction, and non fiction for its 5th Anthology. Gal's Guide was founded in Indiana but has recently moved to Moorhead, MN. Gal's Guide is a women's history focused non profit, however, for this years anthology they are looking for well told stories no matter the identity of the writer or the main character. 

There are many ways to rebel. Gal’s Guide is looking for fiction & non fiction about all of them.

This is the fifth annual Gal’s Guide Anthology. Previous themes have been Women’s History, Journey, Nourish, and Female Friendships.

Stories/poems/essays will be chosen by a jury made up of board members of Gal’s Guide and a judge from the literary world.

Stories/poems/essays picked for the anthology will be ones that best fit the theme of rebellion, follow the submission specs, and are turned in on or before the deadline.

Writers may submit as many pieces as they like; however, a maximum of three (3) pieces per author will be chosen by the judges for publication in the 2026 anthology.

There is no submission fee.

Deadline is 3/31/26
For more rules and prizes visit galsguide.org

EVENT LINK: https://loft.org/classes/2026-year-long-novel-writing-project-peter-geye-winter-online-cohort

FEE: Regular $7,500.00 / Friend $7,440.00

2026 Year-Long Novel Writing Project with Peter Geye—Winter Online Cohort

2026 Year-Long Novel Writing Project with Peter Geye
Dates: Jan. 29–Dec. 10, 2026
Time: 6–9 p.m. CT
Level: Advanced • Genre: Fiction
Location: Online (Zoom)
Sessions: 1-year program
Price: $7,500 ($7,440 Friend rate)

Work with novelist Peter Geye in a year-long fiction cohort designed to take your novel from first draft to polished manuscript. Through weekly Zoom sessions, craft lessons, workshopping, and one-on-one mentorship, you’ll explore structure, pacing, voice, revision, and the path to publication. Includes virtual guest speakers and a final public reading.

See the Loft’s Novel Writing Project page for full schedule and details.

EVENT LINK: https://www.artofthelakes.org

FEE: Free

Fiber Arts Group Meeting

Wednesdays at Art of the Lakes Gallery

Join fellow makers every Wednesday from 2–4pm at Art of the Lakes in Battle Lake. Whether you knit, crochet, weave, stitch, or simply enjoy creating in good company, all are welcome. Bring your project, meet new friends, and get inspired!

EVENT LINK: https://ffpubliclibrary.org/events/

FEE: Free

Sew Unique

3rd Thursdays @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

All types of sewing projects are welcome. Bring your projects, cutting tools and sewing machine. Several irons and boards will be provided. Meets the third Thursday of each month. This is a community-member-led group.

EVENT LINK: https://minnewaska.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/costoption/class_id/2843

FEE: Free & open to all

Open Pottery Studio

with Shauna Loxtercamp

Join us on the third Thursday of every month from 6–8 PM in Central Square’s Pottery Studio (Room 207) for a relaxed, come-as-you-are clay night. This free community studio time includes limited art supplies and is open to all. Explore the wheel, hand-building, or glazing at your own pace. Fellow ceramic artist, Shauna Loxtercamp, will be available for guidance, but the time is yours to create and connect!

EVENT LINK: https://artsmidwest.org/get-support/nea-big-read/

FEE: Free to apply

NEA Big Read Grants

Intent to Apply Deadline: January 15, 2026

Full Application Deadline: January 29, 2026

The NEA Big Read, a partnership with Arts Midwest, is a program that awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to organizations for community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. Programming for the 2026-2027 grant cycle will center around the theme America250 with titles that celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. 

EVENT LINK: https://www.dlstreetfaire.com/applications

FEE: Free to apply - see link for booth and vending fees

Call for Applicants

Street Faire at the Lakes

Friday & Saturday, May 29- 30, 2026

The 26th Annual Art & Craft Experience, Downtown Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Applications Open: December 1st 2025

Applications Close: May 28th 2026 (or until we have reached capacity)

The Historic Holmes Theatre is gearing up for the 26th annual Street Faire at the Lakes in beautiful Downtown Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, May 29-30th. HHT, as a part of the Detroit Lakes Community and Cultural Center, has dedicated itself as a hub of arts to the area, and works to uplift and organize for the vibrant and thriving arts community in the region. With 130 artist booths, Street Faire at the Lakes is the first outdoor art show of the season in the Lakes Region and takes place on the beautiful Washington avenue in Detroit Lake’s downtown center. We see thousands of shoppers in We are looking for vendors who are ready to sell handmade/designed/crafted wares to visitors in the lakes area. Vendors are required to be present for the two full days of the faire. This is the earliest street faire in the region this year (happening before the Edina Art Fair the first weekend of June) and we always have a great turn out!

Jury Process:

All artist applicants, when filling out an application, must submit 4 digital images for jury process -- 3 images of work and 1 image of booth display. Artist images will be viewed anonymously and scored by a panel of jurors based on originality and craftsmanship. No scores or explanation of results will be given. Artists will be invoiced for booth payment upon acceptance.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• -December 1st 2025- Applications will open online.

• -February 2nd 2026- The first round of Jurying will be complete for anyone who applied from

• December 1st to January 30th and applicants will be notified of their status.

• March 2nd 2026-  The end of Early Bird pricing. The second round of Jurying will be completed for anyone who applied from January 31st to February 28th and applicants will be notified of their status.

• April 30, 2026 - Last day for full refund (cancellation request must be received in writing)

• May 1, 2026 - All certificates of insurance must be received.

• May 28, 2026- Food Vendor registration & set-up from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Artist registration & set up from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

• May 29, 2026 - Final registration & set up from 6:30 - 9:00 a.m. All artists/vendors must be ready by 9:30 a.m. Show opens at 10:00 a.m..

Booth Prices:

11 X 11 foot space: Early Bird $195 After March 1st $245

22 X 11 foot space: Early Bird $390 After March 1st $490

33 X 11 foot space: Early Bird $585 After March 1st $735

Corner Booth Request is an additional $60

EVENT LINK: https://mnbookarts.org/mcknight-fellowships.

FEE: Free to apply

Applications for the 2026 McKnight Fellowships for Book Artists are open!

Minnesota Center for Book Arts is pleased to partner with the McKnight Foundation to offer two fellowships to beyond-emerging artists living and working in Minnesota who show sustained experience in the book arts.

If you are a Minnesota-based book artist, this is an incredible opportunity to grow both artistically and professionally alongside other creatives.

2026 Fellowship Benefits Include:

• Unrestricted $25,000 award

• Studio visits from a national critic/curator

• $1,000 travel stipend to attend a conference

• Opportunity to participate in public artist panel

• $1,000 educational stipend

• Two years of MCBA studio access

• Opportunity to attend an artist residency with stipend

• Group exhibition in MCBA’s Main Gallery

Minnesota Center for Book Arts values a culture of equity and inclusion and encourages artists with diverse cultural backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

Timeline

December 5, 2025
Application cycle opens

January 21, 2026 • 6–7pm CT
Virtual information session
(Click link above to register)

February 24, 2026 • 7–8pm CT
Ask Me Anything with Director of Artist Programs, Anika Schneider
(Click link above to register)

March 6, 2026 • 11:59pm CT
Applications due

May 29, 2026
Fellows announced

August 1, 2026–July 31, 2027
2026 fellowship period

EVENT LINK: https://www.midatlanticarts.org/opportunity/usartists-international/

FEE: Free to apply

USArtists International

Application Open - Apply by Wednesday, February 25, 2026

USArtists International® (USAI) supports U.S. artists' with eligible performance engagements abroad, providing grants of up to $11,000 that can help cover expenses like flights, lodging, per diems and more. The program funds individuals and ensembles that meet criteria that are based anywhere in the U.S. across all performing arts practices and disciplines.

To apply, you must have at least one invitation to perform at an international festival outside the U.S. where you are being paid an artist fee, or an invitation to perform at a global performing arts market like CINARS or PAMS. Review the updated guidelines for additional eligibility requirements, updates to the program, and details on the 1:1 grant matching requirement. 

New this year: Artists that do not have non-profit status may no longer apply for this program with a non-profit fiscal sponsor. This is due to a policy change by our funder. Instead, artists that do not have non-profit status may apply directly as an individual. Individuals that receive grant funds on behalf of themself or their ensemble will receive a 1099 from Mid Atlantic Arts and are liable for any tax burden of receiving the grant. Review guidelines for additional info and attend this webinar to learn more about potential tax impacts. 

Learn More / Apply Today

Applicants with eligible performance engagements between June 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027 can apply at the next deadline on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Notifications of funding decisions are sent by May 20, 2026.  

EVENT LINK: https://www.loringparkartfestival.com/2026-applications

FEE: $35.00 (Application Fee)

Loring Park Art Festival 2026 — Call for Applicants

Loring Part Art Festival was created by artists for artists.  We strive to create a pleasant and successful event for all our artists and visitors.  Artists frequently report the festival is one of their top three festivals of the year.  We are listed on Sunshine Artist Magazines top 100 Fine Art shows in the US.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• March 20, 2026 - Application deadline

• March 30, 2026 - Notifications

• April 20, 2026 - Accept/confirmation deadline

• July 25, 2026 - Festival, 10am-6pm

• July 26, 2026 - Festival, 10am-5pm

EVENT LINK: https://fergusarts.org

FEE: $5 tickets

CINEMA SUNDAYS @ A Center for the Arts

Select Sundays— all seats $5

• Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Dec 14

• Mufasa – the Lion King: Jan 11

• Soul: Feb 8

• How to Train Your Dragon: Mar 8

• Encanto: Apr 19

EVENT LINK: https://lrac4.org/organizational-grants

FEE: Free to apply

LRAC Spring Project Grants Now Open!

Eligible organizations can apply for up to $4,500 to support the creation, performance, or exhibition of artistic projects.

Open to all artistic disciplines—visual art, dance, literary, music, and more.

• 20% organizational match required (up to $900)

• Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Questions about eligibility? Contact the LRAC Grants Manager at 218-517-9760.

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/teen-art-club/

FEE: Free

NYMRCC Teen Art Club

New York Mills Regional Cultural Center

All New – 2025 Kick-Off
Open to ALL Teens ages 13-18
Free to Attend
YOU Belong Here!

🎨 Hey Teen Artists & Makers! 💡
Looking for a creative crew? Join the Teen Art Club at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center!

We’re launching a fun, welcoming, and safe space for teens to share ideas, learn new skills, and explore open-studio artmaking together. Whether you paint, draw, sculpt, sew, film, or just love to make cool stuff — you belong here. 

Following our intro meeting held in November 2026, the group decided on the following schedule for 2026. Adjustments may be made as we move forward.

• Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 4:30–6:00 PM | Guided Workshop/Group Meeting

• Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:30 PM | Volunteer Hours

• Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:30 PM | Volunteer Hours

• Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:30 PM | Come + Go Open Studio Hours

• Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 4:30–6:00 PM | Guided Workshop/Group Meeting

• Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:30 PM | Come + Go Open Studio Hours

• Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 4:30–6:00 PM | Guided Workshop/Group Meeting

• Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:30 PM | Come + Go Open Studio Hours

• Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 4:30–6:00 PM | Guided Workshop/Group Meeting

• Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:30 PM | Come + Go Open Studio Hours

• Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 4:30–6:00 PM | Guided Workshop/Group Meeting

As we work together to establish this group, participants will:

• 💬 Review the Community Contract

• 🙌 Learn about volunteer opportunities

• 🎉 Brainstorm activities and projects they’d like to explore

• 🍿 Enjoy FREE snacks

All teens in the region, ages 13-18, are invited to come and make art, make friends, and help shape a new creative community for teens at the Cultural Center!

EVENT LINK: https://springboardforthearts.org/programs/leslye-orr-fund-for-artists-with-disabilities/

FEE: Free to apply

The Leslye Orr Fund for Artists with Disabilities

The Leslye Orr Fund provides non-competitive direct support for artists with disabilities in Minnesota to create work and invest in their careers. Inspired by Leslye Orr’s advocacy for “the possibilities of disabilities,” this fund fosters artistry, inclusivity, and community joy. 

4 Minnesota-based artists will be selected through a randomized drawing process of eligible applicants

• Each artist will receive a $2500 unrestricted grant in recognition of their work

• This opportunity is open to artists of all disciplines that self-identify as an individual with disabilities.

Deadline: Apply by Sunday, April 6, 2026

EVENT LINK: ndmoa.com/limited-time

FEE: $40 entry fee

Limited Time Only | 2026

Exhibition Dates: February 5 – 22, 2026

Calling All Regional Artists

NDMOA invites all practicing artists to submit an original artwork to our non-juried exhibition titled “Limited Time Only.” This exhibition is a celebration of regional talent, showcasing dozens of artists across all media. The artwork will be on display for three weeks, but past shows have been some of the Museum’s most popular, drawing hundreds of guests. Imagine an exciting array of art from the Red River Valley and surrounding areas to brighten our lives in winter. This year we will also feature one cash prize and one people’s choice award.

Eligibility: If you are a serious artist from North Dakota, Southern Manitoba, neighboring Minnesota, and northern South Dakota, you are invited to submit one artwork of your choice to Limited Time Only.

Dates: The show will be fully installed by Thursday, February 5, 2026, and run through Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Delivery of Art: Museum staff will be on hand to receive works Monday, January 26-Friday, January 30, 2026, during the Museum’s regular hours: 9 am – 5 pm.

Entry Fee: $40.00 paid prior to or when the work arrives at the Museum.

Sale of Art: All work must be for sale and priced according to your current retail sales expectations. Remember, artists establish the sale price and split proceeds 50/50 with the Museum or you may choose to donate the proceeds to the Museum.

For inquiries: Anna Sigridur Arnar aarnar@ndmoa.com or 701-777-4195

See event link for full detail and to apply.

EVENT LINK: https://www.artofthelakes.org

FEE: Free

Sunday Socials @ AOTL Gallery

Starting January 4 — Sundays — 2-4pm

Sunday Socials are your chance to get out of the house, beat the winter blahs, and connect with others who love the arts. They're a casual drop-in time for anyone and everyone - members and non-members alike. Bring a project, or just join in the conversation. Sundays, 2-4pm in the Gallery.

Call for Building Activation Projects
in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana

2026-2028 Activate Rural Learning Lab

Calling all rural builders, dreamers, and community shapers!

The 2026 – 2028 Activate Rural Learning Lab is gearing up, and the Call for Building Activation Projects in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana officially opens January 5, 2026!

If you’re eager to bring new life, connection, and creativity into a rural space, now’s the time to start imagining what’s possible. You can preview the application materials today!

The Activate Rural Learning Lab is a curated cohort program designed for teams of creative entrepreneurs, artists, community activators, elected leaders, and small business owners who want to cultivate vibrant third places in their communities.

Participants receive:

• Grant funding

• Monthly project check-ins

• Exchange visits & workshops

• Gatherings with peers across the region

• Dedicated staff support to help build systems for operations, activations, and long-term stewardship

• If you’re ready to bring a building to life and strengthen community in the process, we’d love to see what you’re dreaming up.

Timeline

• January 5, 2026: Online application form opens

• January 21, 2026: Virtual Informational Session (12-1pm)

• will be recorded and made available on our website

• February 20, 2026: Online Application forms due at 11:59 pm CST

• March 2026: Selection committee review applications

• April 6-10, 2026: Applicant notifications and 30 minute Zoom meetings with finalists

• May 2026: Public announcement of selected 10 cohort teams and projects

Visit here for a PDF Preview of the Application Materials -> link.publictransformation.org/ARPreview

EVENT LINK: https://lrac4.org/arts-mentorship-program

FEE: Free to apply

Artist Mentorship Program (AMP) — Applications Open

Application Period:
January 5 – February 9, 2026

The Lake Region Arts Council is now accepting applications for the Artist Mentorship Program (AMP), a competitive and transformative opportunity for students in grades 8–12 to deepen their artistic practice through individualized mentorship.

Each year, selected students are paired one-on-one with a professional artist mentor in their chosen discipline and receive a $700 Arts Study Award to support their creative growth. AMP supports a wide range of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, creative writing, theater, design, media arts, and more.

Applicants are selected based on artistic potential and demonstrated commitment.

Eligibility:
• Students in grades 8–12
• Public, private, or home-schooled students
• Must reside in the LRAC nine-county region: Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, or Wilkin counties

EVENT LINK: https://galsguide.org/2025/09/02/2025-2026-writing-workshop/

FEE: $150—12 week workshop (A limited number of scholarships are available.)

Feminine Healing & Creativity Writing Workshop

Gal's Guide well-love writing workshop returns. For it's fifth year, this program will 100% online with live sessions as well as self paced videos. Perfect for a new year, a new you!

This year’s workshop will again focus on healing & creativity through an unapologetically feminine lens. Using the Mother Castle method, students will use writing and meditation to heal emotional wounds for creativity to flourish. This tool, developed by Dr. Leah “Riwo” Leach utilizes women’s history, mythology, Buddhist meditation, and compassion. Previous students found immense value in a process that allowed them to heal the hard stuff so they could write.

In this 12-week workshop, students from around the world, will also learn writing critique tools, receive feedback from their fellow writers, and have an opportunity for publication in the Gal’s Guide Anthology. Previous years this workshop was supported by National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Noblesville Creates, Indiana Arts Commission, and The Pacers Foundation.

Gal's Guide is flexible because we know lives get busy. You can take the classes live on Wednesdays, watch recordings, or a bit of both. Registered writers will have access to all pre-recorded videos and digital materials for 1 year. The live classes will not be recorded so that conversations about healing can stay private.

LIVE ONLINE OPTION: Classes will be Wednesday evenings 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Central, January 7 – March 25. Leah will lead the classes live online with group discussion, writing feedback, and questions answered. This version is highly recommended to foster your own unique writing community.

SELF LED VIDEO OPTION: Take the class at your own pace. Watch and pause videos as you need. From January – March you’ll still have access to writer feedback from Leah and your classmates.

*NEW* ONE-ON-ONE TIME: Schedule time with Leah for help with your writing and/or creativity.

WRITING COMMUNITY: Registered writers get access to a private Discord channel within the Gal’s Guide server to build community, ask questions, share stories, ask for feedback, and more.

EVENT LINK: https://www.heartlandarts.org/pages/sculpture-trail/sculpture-trail.php

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Submissions
Park Rapids Sculpture Trail | 2025–2026

The Park Rapids Arts and Culture Advisory Commission invites artists to submit work for the Park Rapids Sculpture Trail for the 2025–2026 season.

A suggested theme of Water has been identified for this cycle. Submissions are not required to reflect the theme, but works that do may receive priority consideration.

Important Dates

• Entry Deadline: Monday, March 23, 2026

• Notification of Selection & Alternates: April 1, 2026

• Installation Deadline: May 14, 2026

• Opening & Guided Walk: May 16, 2026

• Sculpture Removal Window:

  • May begin as early as April 19, 2027

  • Must be completed by May 12, 2027

Questions & Contact

Lu Ann Hurd-Lof
📧 Email: luann47@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 218-820-2716

EVENT LINK: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?class_id=fmct~134846

FEE: $120 ($15/week)

Musical Theatre II— KPOP Golden

Grades 3-4-5

Saturdays 1/10 - 3/7 

3:30pm - 5:00pm  

Tuition = $120 ($15/week)

REGISTER HERE

Students will explore the world of musical theatre, learning vocal technique and choreography from the KPOP sensation as they challenge themselves they will refine their skills in a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment. It's going to be GOLDEN!

Students will perform in a showcase on the final day of class, March 7.

All classes will be held at the Hjemkomst Center
(202 1st Ave N, Moorhead, MN 56560)

EVENT LINK: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?class_id=fmct~134847

FEE: $120 ($15/week)

Musical Theatre III — KPOP Golden 

Grades 6-7-8-9

Saturdays 1/10 - 3/7 

3:30pm - 5:00pm 

Tuition = $120 ($15/week)

REGISTER HERE

Students will explore the world of musical theatre, learning vocal technique and choreography from the KPOP sensation as they challenge themselves they will refine their skills in a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment. It's going to be GOLDEN!

Students will perform in a showcase on the final day of class, March 7.

All classes will be held at the Hjemkomst Center
(202 1st Ave N, Moorhead, MN 56560)

EVENT LINK: https://lrac4.org/exhibit-schedule

FEE: Free and Open to the Public

LRAC EXHIBITION:
Tranquility & Turmoil

Lake Region Arts Council Main Gallery Opens New Exhibition
Tranquility & Turmoil

Opening: Monday, January 12, 2026
Closes: Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Location: Lake Region Arts Council Main Gallery
Joint Artist Reception: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 5:00–6:30PM
Artist Talks Begin: 5:30 PM
Reception held jointly with Solo Exhibition – Jammie Niemeyer

The Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) Main Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of Tranquility & Turmoil, a new group exhibition opening Monday, January 12, 2026. The exhibition explores the dynamic tension between calm and disruption, revealing how growth, insight, and transformation often emerge from uncertainty as much as from intention.

Through ceramic sculpture, suspended installation, and painting, Tranquility & Turmoil brings together the work of Blayze Buseth, Desiree Logan, Sam Busko, and Kiley Busko—artists who examine fragility, pressure, and imbalance within both natural and emotional landscapes.

Blayze Buseth’s ceramic practice embraces experimentation and imperfection, pushing clay to the edge of cracking, remixing materials, and allowing flaws to become integral to the final form. His sculptural vessels take on organic, elemental qualities reminiscent of wood grain, tree bark, eroded earth, and landscapes shaped by time and pressure—embodying turmoil as a necessary force in creation.

Desiree Logan contributes sculptural elements that reflect human presence within imagined environments. Drawing visual parallels to traditional shan shui landscape painting, her forms suggest emotional terrains that bridge inner human experience with contemplative, otherworldly spaces.

In dialogue with these works, Sam Busko presents a suspended flock of ceramic birds that embody freedom, movement, and wildness. Some birds are partially or fully coated in a dark, toxic-appearing substance that weighs each form down differently. As the coating increases, the birds become distorted and unrecognizable, prompting the question: if a bird loses the ability to fly, can it still be considered free?

Kiley Busko’s watercolor paintings extend this conversation by exploring tranquility alongside vulnerability in the natural world. Her vivid depictions of birds capture moments of stillness and grace, inviting quiet observation. This serenity is unsettled by more confronting works—portraits of injured or deceased wildlife rendered through expressive inks and gestural washes—exposing loss, fragility, and environmental consequence.

Together, the works form a shared landscape where beauty and disturbance coexist rather than cancel one another out. Across ceramic vessels, sculptural forms, and painted imagery, Tranquility & Turmoil invites viewers to reflect on how imbalance, pressure, and fragility shape both the natural world and human experience.

Gallery Hours:
Monday – Thursday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Closed Friday – Sunday
(Please call or email in advance to ensure the gallery is open on the day of your visit.)

About the Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC):
The Lake Region Arts Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging the vitality of the arts in west central Minnesota. LRAC provides grant opportunities, workshops, technical assistance, and publishes a monthly ArtsNews newsletter for artists and arts organizations in the counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin.

EVENT LINK: https://lrac4.org/exhibit-schedule

FEE: Free and Open to the Public

LRAC EXHIBITION:
Solo Exhibition by Jammie Niemeyer

Lake Region Arts Council Office Gallery Presents
Solo Exhibition by Jammie Niemeyer

Exhibition Dates: January 12 – March 12, 2026
Location: Lake Region Arts Council Office Gallery
Opening Reception: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Joint Reception with: Tranquility & Turmoil (LRAC Main Gallery)

The Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) Office Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition by artist Jammie Niemeyer, on view from January 12 through March 12, 2026. An opening reception will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, in conjunction with the Main Gallery exhibition Tranquility & Turmoil. The reception is free and open to the public.

Jammie Niemeyer’s art practice is deeply rooted in lived experience. A self-taught artist, Niemeyer has been drawing since childhood, often using art as a means of focus, expression, and understanding. Later in life, discovering they are full-spectrum dyslexic further affirmed the importance of art and music as essential tools for learning, processing, and communication.

Niemeyer’s creative journey began with small painted scenes on blown eggs and hobby-based artwork, gradually expanding into murals in churches and private homes, including a large-scale doodle mural along the Riverwalk in Granite Falls, Minnesota. Their work has also included a doodle silhouette series honoring influential Black Americans, larger sculptural works such as Lake Goddess, and recent explorations in copper sculpture. Over the past three years, wood-burning and leather burning have become central to Niemeyer’s practice, alongside ongoing teaching in both doodling and wood-burning.

Stylistically, Niemeyer’s work balances freedom and precision. Doodling provides a spontaneous, expressive outlet, while woodburning and leather burning offer a meditative, disciplined process grounded in focus on pressure, pace, and patience. Together, these methods reflect both the energetic and contemplative dimensions of their creative voice.

In addition to visual art, Niemeyer engages in public speaking as a form of storytelling and social reflection. Drawing from experiences of growing up in an all-white community and family, they share narratives that address both joy and harm, offering space for honesty, understanding, and connection. Through art and words, Niemeyer gives voice to perspectives that are often left unheard.

For Niemeyer, art is not simply a practice—it is a way of life.

Gallery Hours:
Monday – Thursday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Closed Friday – Sunday
(Please call or email in advance to ensure the gallery is open on the day of your visit.)

About the Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC):
The Lake Region Arts Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging the vitality of the arts in west central Minnesota. LRAC provides grant opportunities, workshops, technical assistance, and publishes a monthly ArtsNews newsletter for artists and arts organizations in the counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin.

Event Link: https://springboardforthearts.org/event/springboard-sunroom/

FEE: Free

Winter Rituals: Springboard Sunroom

EVENT, FREE, IN-PERSON

The Springboard Sunroom is a space where the community can find light during the darkest months. Popping up at Springboard in Fergus Falls, the space is equipped with a desk/table, a vitamin D lamp, paper, pens, pencils, cozy blankets, and candles. The space also has three different writing invitations (Winter Words [short musings], The Next Page [community fiction], and The Wonder of Winter: Eight Deep Reflection Prompts) to help people find the light within themselves.

The Sunroom will be open Mondays – Thursday, 10:00am-4:00pm beginning January 12 through March 26, 2026. This activity is free and open to all ages, but kids under 10 should be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Event Information

Location
Springboard for the Arts, 201 W Lincoln Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Date
Monday, January 12, 2026 - Thursday, March 26, 2026

Time
10:00 - 4:00 CT

EVENT LINK: https://historicholmestheatre.csstix.com/event-details.php?e=1797

FEE: $270 (pre-registration required)

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (5-week course)

5 Tuesdays: January 13 - February 10, 2026

Two Class Time Options: 10AM-12PM or 6-8PM

Want to learn how to draw? Come on a creative journey with artist Anna Lassonde as she guides you through Betty Edwards' book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain." In this 5-week course, you will learn different drawing skills and techniques for sketching and improving your drawings. In addition to class instruction, students will use Edward's well-researched textbook and follow-along workbook. Students to bring their own copies of "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: The Definitive, 4th Edition" and "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workbook: The Definitive, Updated 2nd Edition" as well as drawing paper and pencils to work on homework. Ages 16+//class size limited/ /pre-registration required

EVENT LINK: https://trollwood.org/totally-trollwood-musical/

FEE: https://trollwood.org/registration/registration-forms/

Totally Trollwood Musical: Disney’s Newsies, Jr.
(Grades 6–8)

Take your place on stage with the 2026 Totally Trollwood Musical! Students in grades 6–8 will build performance and production skills while staging Disney’s Newsies, Jr. with professional educators and artists. Open to beginning through advanced students. (Auditions happen at the start for role placement—no auditions required to participate.)

📅 Program Dates: July 8–August 6, 2026
📍 Locations: Trollwood Performing Arts School (orientation) + Fargo North High School (rehearsals/performances)

Orientation (required): July 8, 7:00 PM
Trollwood Performing Arts School, 801 50th Ave S, Moorhead, MN
(A student + at least one parent/guardian must attend)

Auditions/Callbacks (for role placement):
July 9–10 • Fargo North High School (times TBD)

🎭 Performances: August 4 & 5 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
📍 Fargo North High School, 801 17th Ave N, Fargo, ND

🗓 Registration Opens: January 14, 2026 (after 5:00 PM)
⏳ Registration Deadline: May 23 (first come, first served—enroll early!)

💡 Students bring their own lunch/snacks daily.

EVENT LINK: https://www.artsidc.org/call-for-artists

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Art: Electrical Box Wraps in Alexandria, MN

We are transforming electrical boxes around Alexandria into works of art—and your design could be featured on the next one!

• Artist Compensation: $400 per selected artwork (up to 4 artworks may be displayed on a single box).

• Exhibition: Wrapped boxes will be displayed at sponsoring businesses throughout Alexandria.

• Submission Requirements: All design entries must be submitted with a completed artist application (form below).

• Artwork Eligibility: Artists may submit new original designs or propose the use of existing original work. Existing works must not currently be displayed within 30 miles of Alexandria.

• Selection Process: All submissions will be reviewed by the City of Alexandria, Alexandria Light and Power, and The Arts Initiative committee. Approved designs will be included in an online design catalog, from which sponsors will select the final artwork.

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/think-off/the-great-american-think-off/

FEE: Free to apply

Call for Submissions / Contest / Live Debate

Great American Think-Off 2026:
Essay Contest + Live Debate

2026 Think-Off Question:
Is the pursuit of happiness making Americans unhappy?

The Great American Think-Off is a national philosophy contest and celebration of civil discourse, now in its 33rd year. Each year, people from across the country submit short essays responding to a timely question rooted in everyday life.

The 2026 question invites reflection and spirited debate on American culture, well-being, and what it truly means to live well today:

Is the pursuit of happiness making Americans unhappy?

Four essay finalists will be selected to travel to New York Mills, Minnesota for a weekend of community and conversation, culminating in a live debate for the title of America’s Greatest Thinker.

Key Dates

✅ Essay Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026
✅ Finalists Announced: May 1, 2026
✅ Live Think-Off Debate: Saturday, June 13, 2026 (second Saturday in June)

Essay Guidelines

• Length: Up to 750 words

• Take a clear position on the question

• Root your response in personal experience

• No fee to enter

Finalist Support / Prize

Each finalist receives:

• $500 cash prize

• Travel reimbursement, lodging, and meals

• Chance to compete in the live debate on June 13, 2026

How to Submit

Submit your essay by April 1, 2026:

• Online: think-off.org (submission page available via kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay)

• Email: info@kulcher.org

• Mail: NYMRCC, PO Box 246, New York Mills, MN 56567

More Info

Website: think-off.org
Phone: 218-385-3339

EVENT LINK: https://www.hcscconline.org/gadgetsgalore.html

FEE: Adults (Ages 18-64): $12 | Seniors (Ages 65+): $11 | Youth (Ages 5-17): $8 | Children (under 5): FREE

Discounted Rates: Time Travelers: $11 | College Students: $9 | Veterans: $5 | HCSCC Members: FREE | ASCTC Members: FREE | Active Duty Military: FREE

Free Tuesday Evenings: 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Gadgets Galore!

Transforming the American Household

January 17 - June 7, 2026

Third Floor Gallery - Hjemkomst Center

Possers, stereoscopes, landlines, and slide projectors? All of these items were at one point the latest in modern technology and a way to show off to your neighbors. Gadgets Galore tells the stories of these objects, how they changed our lives, and the ways they gave way to the modern world. View the world of the 19th century through vintage stereoscopes, test your knowledge on everyday inventions, design your own invention, and more! This exhibit offers a fantastic blend of science, nostalgia, and hands-on learning for all ages.

Gadgets Galore! Transforming the American Household is a traveling exhibition for from Exhibit Envoy, a nonprofit, and Heather Farquhar. This exhibition is based on the initial iterations at the Hayward Area Historical Society and Los Altos History Museum.

EVENT LINK: https://lrac4.org/legacy-grants

FEE: Free to apply

LRAC Spring Legacy Grant

Application Dates: January 19 – March 5, 2026

Lake Region Arts Council is excited to announce that Legacy Grant applications are now open!

Minnesota’s Legacy Arts and Cultural Heritage funding is made possible through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature, with funds approved by Minnesota voters on November 4, 2008. This important funding supports projects that strengthen arts and culture across the state—creating a lasting arts legacy for generations to come.

LRAC Legacy grants support projects in three key areas:
🎨 Arts Access
📚 Arts Education / Learning
🏛️ Arts & Cultural Heritage

Funding Available:
👩‍🎨 Individual Artists: up to $6,000 (with a $3,000 cap on equipment)
🏫🏛️ Organizations & Institutions: up to $12,500 (nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions)

If you have a project that expands creative opportunities in our region—we’d love to hear from you!

EVENT LINK: https://www.powderhornartfair.com/exhibit

FEE: Varies—see link for fees

Powderhorn Art Fair

Apply today!

The 35th Annual Powderhorn Art Fair is a fine arts and crafts festival that will take place in Powderhorn Park on Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd. 
 
In 2025, our art show welcomed over 17,000 record-breaking attendees over the two-day event. There are several ways for artists, local vendors, and community partners to participate!

Please note:** All fees are non-refundable. All artists must be at least 18 years of age. 

For further information contact events@ppna.org

EVENT LINK: https://trollwood.org/totally-trollwood-academy/#tab-bd9f1c4ecdb15646189

FEE: See Program Fees for 2026 fee structure.

Totally Trollwood Academy Classes

Choose from 15 different summer classes in the performing arts! Whether your interests lie in musical theatre, acting, dance, technical theatre, improvisation, film, or songwriting, you will be able to immerse yourself in the perfect learning opportunity. Make your own schedule – you can sign up for 1 to 4 classes daily in June!

Grades: Grades 5, 6, or 7 (all grades refer to 2025-2026 school year)

Dates: June 8-July 1, 2026, Monday–Friday (No classes on June 19)

Time:
Period 1  9:00am – 10:20am
Period 2  10:30am – 11:50am
Period 3  1:00pm – 2:20pm
Period 4  2:30pm – 3:50pm

Location: Trollwood Performing Arts School at Bluestem – 801 50th Ave. S. Moorhead, MN 56560

Fees: See Program Fees for 2026 fee structure.

Bus Transportation: Trollwood offers bus transportation to Trollwood Performing Arts School from various pickup points in Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead and back again. Routes will run prior to 9:00 am and again after 4:00 pm, allowing you to participate in a full day of programming at Trollwood.

For just $100.00, you may ride the bus both ways, only one way, or switch it up from day to day! Routes will operate Monday – Friday from June 8–July 1, 2026 (no classes June 19th). Refer to Student Services for schedule/locations.

EVENT LINK: https://trollwood.org/trollwood-players/

FEE: Varies—see registration link

Trollwood Players (Non-Musical Summer Theater): Prime Time of Your Life

Trollwood Players is a non-musical summer theater opportunity for students in grades 8 through graduated seniors. This year’s production, Prime Time of Your Life, is written and directed by Scott McClure—a hilarious, fast-paced story where the cast of America’s hit sitcom “Blink and You’ll Miss It” realizes their life is a rerun that might not end when the TV turns off. When life gives you a limited series… RUN!

Students will build acting and performance skills, collaborate with new peers, and take on a variety of roles in a fun and supportive environment.

📍 Location: Fargo Davies High School Theatre
📅 Dates: July 20–August 13, 2026
🕘 Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
🎭 Performances: August 12 & 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM

✅ Enrollment: First come, first served
🎬 Role Placement: Auditions held on the first day to assign roles (no audition required to participate)

EVENT LINK: https://trollwood.org/trollwood-conservatory/#tab-a4aa00a165e1f257cd2

FEE: Varies—see registration

Trollwood Conservatory: Musical Theatre Intensive (Grades 10–12)

Take your training to the next level with the Trollwood Musical Theatre Conservatory, an intensive designed for advanced students looking to strengthen acting, singing, and dance skills as a “triple threat.” Created for experienced performers, this conservatory offers focused instruction and high-level musical theatre training.

Grades: 10th grade through graduated seniors (Grades 8–9 by approval of Program Coordinator)
Prerequisite: 2–3 years of musical theatre training and performance experience (advanced level)
Dates: June 22–July 1, 2026 (Mon–Fri)
Time: 10:30 AM–2:30 PM
Orientation (required): June 8, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Orientation Location: Marcil Commons, Trollwood Performing Arts School
Location: Trollwood Performing Arts School, 801 50th Ave S, Moorhead, MN
Instructors: Kristin & Robin Griffeath
Student Prep: Bring a printed, memorized 32-bar audition cut to the first class (rep book/headshot/resume encouraged if available).
Fee: Included in the Trollwood “one inclusive” high school fee structure (see Program Fees page)
Registration Deadline: May 23, 2026 (may remain open if space allows)

EVENT LINK: https://trollwood.org/student-leadership/

FEE: Free to apply

Trollwood Student Leadership Program (High School)

The Trollwood Student Leadership Program offers advanced students the opportunity to learn through mentorship while building real-world leadership experience in the arts. Student Leaders work alongside professional artistic, technical, teaching, or administrative staff—growing skills through hands-on practice and helping guide and support other students.

Student Leaders may serve with programs such as the Mainstage Musical, Totally Trollwood Musical, Trollwood Academy, Totally Trollwood Academy, Trollwood Players, and more.

Eligibility: High school students with at least two years at Trollwood and/or juniors & seniors
Student Leaders receive opportunities for:
• Individual mentorship from professionals in their discipline
• Leadership training and hands-on experience
• Supporting and mentoring fellow students
• Strengthening communication and problem-solving skills
• Building professional connections in the arts

Expectations Include:
• Participate in orientation/training meetings
• Set goals and work with a mentor throughout the summer
• Assist with responsibilities in assigned area
• Model strong teamwork and leadership
• Assist with strike through completion (duties may run through Friday, August 6)

APPLY HERE

EVENT LINK: https://trollwood.org/trollwood-academy/#tab-5224a36ae6db2420c68

FEE: Varies—see registration

Trollwood Academy Summer Classes (Grades 8–12)

Hone your craft this summer with Trollwood Academy, a high school performing arts training program offering a wide range of classes in musical theater, acting, singing, dance, improv, film, technical theater, songwriting, and more. Build your own schedule and take 1–4 classes daily throughout June.

Grades: 8th grade through graduated seniors (2025–2026 school year)
Dates: June 8–July 1, 2026 (Mon–Fri)
No classes: June 19, 2026
Times / Periods:
• Period 1: 9:00–10:20 AM
• Period 2: 10:30–11:50 AM
• Period 3: 1:00–2:20 PM
• Period 4: 2:30–3:50 PM
Location: Trollwood Performing Arts School, 801 50th Ave S, Moorhead, MN
Fees: See Trollwood Program Fees page
Class placement: Informal skill assessment may occur on the first day to ensure best-fit class placement.

Bus transportation: Optional bus service available from Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead (routes before 9:00 AM and after 4:00 PM). $100 for transportation (both ways, one way, or flexible day-to-day use).

EVENT LINK: https://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/creative-individuals.htm

FEE: Free to apply

Minnesota State Arts Board | Creative Individuals Grant

Creative Individuals Grant (FY 2027) – Now Open
This pilot program provides funding for individual artists and culture bearers to develop or sustain their creative practice and meaningfully engage with Minnesotans through audiences, participants, students, and/or community activities.

Grant Amount: $2,000–$10,000 (no cash match required)
Deadline: March 6, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.
Who Can Apply: Individual artists (dance, media arts, music, photography, poetry/prose, theater, visual art) and culture bearers trained by traditional elders or master artists.
Grant Period: January–December 2027 (awards approved November 2026)

Note: Applicants may apply to only one FY 2027 program (Creative Individuals, Arts Experiences, Arts Education, or Cultural Expression). FY 2026 Creative Individuals grantees are not eligible.

EVENT LINK: https://grandmaraisartcolony.org/events/arts-festival/artist-info/

FEE: $35.00 (Jury Fee - non refundable)

Call for Applicants—Grand Marais Arts Festival

Arts Festival Applications are Open!

The Grand Marais Arts Festival is a juried fine arts festival and a microcosm of the Midwest arts scene. The event is known for its high-quality exhibitors, scenic location on the North Shore of Lake Superior, strong art-buying crowd, and exceptional support amenities for festival artists.

* Application deadline: February 23, 2026

* Invitations Issued: March 16, 2026

* Festival dates: July 11 – 12, 2026

Quick Facts:

• Average attendance: 9,500+

• Average booth sales: $3,400

Amenities and Unique Features of the Grand Marais Arts Festival

• Artist Support | The Art Colony provides application support and a small number of photo shoots to develop your portfolio and strengthen your application

• Overnight Security | is provided both Friday and Saturday nights

• Exceptional Volunteers | provide short booth breaks and other support

• Community Support | Local businesses support the event and its promotion

• Exposure | Marketing campaigns for the Arts Festival annually reaches over 2 million people

EVENT LINK: https://plainsart.org/exhibitions/homing-radical-re-membering/

FEE: Free

Alicia Hauff | Homing: Radical Re-Membering

January 31, 2026 - July 5, 2026

Homing is a solo exhibition featuring the work of regional multidisciplinary artist Alicia Hauff. This body of work examines the disconnect between contemporary life and the ecological, ancestral, and somatic systems that have sustained human and non-human communities. Homing refers to “an ability to return to a place or territory after traveling a distance away from it.” The foundational aspects of home include a sense of rootedness, connectedness, belonging, safety, and mutual care. Homing is a re-membering, recovering, and re-commitment to the greater whole of interconnected, interdependent life. Re-membering relates to the embodied act of becoming whole, putting ourselves back together again in care and community. For Hauff, homing begins with getting to know those beings all around us, every day.

Starion Bank Gallery | Plains Art Museum

General admission to this and all exhibitions at Plains Art Museum are free every day of the week.

EVEN LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/yoga-nymrcc-winter-spring-2026/

FEE: Varies— see link for details

Yoga @ NYMRCC | Winter–Spring 2026

3 Class Options: Gentle, Accessible Yoga For All
February – May 2026

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is pleased to welcome yoga back for the Winter/Spring 2026 season with instructor Bobbi Jo Hamilton of Northwoods Velvære Studio.

This season offers multiple ways to participate — including a regular weekly Friday class, a 7-week low-cost Wednesday series, and a monthly chair-supported option — all rooted in body awareness, choice, and nervous system support.

Bobbi Jo brings a somatic, body-centered approach that blends gentle movement, mindful breath, and self-compassion. With a background as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and experienced yoga teacher, she creates a calm, welcoming space where students are encouraged to listen to their bodies and move at their own pace.

Weekly & Monthly Offerings Include:

• Wednesday Body-Led Yoga Flow
  Wednesdays, 6:00–7:00 pm | Feb 11–Mar 25, 2026 (7-week session)
  $5 community rate — a great way to try yoga midweek

• Friday Body-Led Yoga Flow
  Fridays, 10:00–11:00 am | Feb 6–May 29, 2026 (steady weekly practice Feb-May)
  Gentle, mindful movement to support balance, mobility, and nervous system regulation

• Gentle Chair-Supported Movement (Monthly)
  Second Friday of the month, 8:00–9:00 am | Feb–May 2026
  4 sessions: Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 10, May 8
  $10 drop-in community rate

Punch cards offer flexible attendance across regularly scheduled classes. Drop-ins are also welcome if space allows.

No prior yoga experience is needed. All bodies and abilities are welcome.

EVENT LINK: https://theatreb.org/box-office/

FEE: Ticketed event— please see event link for details

Perfect Arrangement

by Topher Payne

February 20th – March 8th

ASL & Sunday Salon March 1st

Directed by Matthew Dryburgh

It’s 1950, and new colors are being added to the Red Scare. Two U.S. State Department employees, Bob and Norma, have been tasked with identifying sexual deviants within their ranks. There’s just one problem: Both Bob and Norma are gay, and have married each other’s partners as a carefully constructed cover. Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the American gay rights movement, madcap classic sitcom-style laughs give way to provocative drama as two “All-American” couples are forced to stare down the closet door.

PERFORMANCES:

Fridays: February 20,  27, March 6 at 7:30 pm

Saturdays: February 21, 28, March 7 at 7:30 pm

Sundays: February 22, March 1 & 8 at 2:00 pm (matinee discounts!)

EVENT LINK: https://trollwood.org/mainstage-musical/

FEE: Free to apply

Trollwood Musical: Disney’s Frozen
Cast, Crew & Orchestra Opportunities

Join Trollwood Performing Arts School for Disney’s Frozen, directed by Trollwood alumna and Broadway star Becky Gulsvig! Step into the magical world of Arendelle in this beloved musical about sisterhood, acceptance, and discovering the true meaning of love. Participants can get involved as a cast member, orchestra musician, run crew member, or technician.

Cast Auditions— All auditions are open to students currently in Grades 8-12.

📅 February 21–25
Sign up for an audition slot by calling 218-477-6500 or emailing trollwood@fargo.k12.nd.us

Orchestra Auditions

📅 February 20–March 8
Auditions take place after school at various metro-area high schools and at Trollwood Performing Arts School. Video auditions are also accepted for students unable to attend in person.
🎶 Register for an orchestra audition time online

Crew & Technical Theatre

Students may participate as a run crew member or technician by registering for Trollwood summer programming.

🎭 Performance Dates: July 20–25 and July 28–August 1, 2026
📍 Bluestem Center for the Arts (Bluestem Amphitheater)
801 50th Ave S, Moorhead, MN