FEE: Free to apply

Artist Resources & Relief: Minnesota

In response to ongoing community disruption and its impacts on artists and creative workers across Minnesota, this evolving resource list brings together emergency relief funds, creative business recovery support, calls for artist-led community projects, mutual aid networks, toolkits, and legal resources.

Compiled by Springboard for the Arts in collaboration with arts organizations and community partners statewide, these resources are intended to support artists through immediate challenges and longer-term healing, recovery, and connection. Offerings include emergency and small business relief, opportunities for community-based creative action, mutual aid and solidarity networks, training resources, and practical toolkits.

This list will continue to be updated as new resources become available.

FEE: Free— Registration required

Creative Power, Civic Purpose:
How Artists Strengthen Democracy

Six-Part Virtual Series | 2026

Creative Power, Civic Purpose is a six-part virtual series exploring how artists and culture bearers strengthen civic health, deepen democratic participation, and help renew the civic fabric of communities nationwide. Grounded in civic health frameworks and national conversations around democratic renewal, the series combines field-framing dialogue with practical learning for artists, cultural leaders, civic partners, funders, and community practitioners.

Across six sessions, speakers and facilitators examine the role of arts and culture in civic infrastructure, public understanding of systems, belonging and trust, artist–government collaboration, and funding creative civic work. Registration provides access to all sessions, including calendar holds, Zoom links, updates, and recordings.

Dates & Times (all sessions):
Thursdays, 12:00–1:30 PM (CT)

• Feb 26, 2026

• Mar 26, 2026

• May 28, 2026

• June 25, 2026

• Sept 24, 2026

• Oct 29, 2026

Format: Virtual
Registration: Single registration covers the full series; individual sessions also available

FEE: Vendor fee—$125

Call for Artist Vendors: Sauk Centre Festival of the Arts

Artists and makers are invited to apply as vendors for the Sauk Centre Festival of the Arts.

Application Deadline for Marketing Inclusion: August 15, 2026

Event Dates: Friday, August 29 – Saturday, August 30, 2026
Event Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (both days)

Selected vendors will receive approximately a 10’ x 10’ booth space (additional space available for purchase), along with promotion through festival social media and website. Coffee, donuts, water, and restroom access will be provided. This is a rain-or-shine event.

Vendors are required to provide their own tables, tents, and 40 lb. weights or sandbags, and must commit to both full days with no early teardown.

For questions, volunteer opportunities, or to sign up, contact Cathy at cathy@510artlab.com or cathy@510artlab.art

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Artists: Fall Into Art Festival Art Competition

Application Deadline: Monday, September 7, 2026 | Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance, Morris, MN

The Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance (PRCA) is seeking artists to participate in the Fall Into Art Festival Art Competition on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Side Park in Morris, Minnesota.

This year’s competition theme is “Celebrating the Prairie,” and artists are invited to submit original three-dimensional artwork inspired by prairie landscapes, nature, flora and fauna, regional history, or culture. Eligible works may include sculpture, ceramics, fiber art, woodworking, metalwork, mosaics, mixed media, furniture, garden art, planters, bird baths, rain barrel art, and other creative three-dimensional forms.

All submitted works must be original, viewable in three dimensions, and have a minimum value of $100. Contest entries will be considered donations to the Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance and will be auctioned during a live auction following the competition, with proceeds supporting PRCA programming and community arts initiatives.

Cash prizes will be awarded through public voting during the festival:
• First Place — $300
• Second Place — $200
• Third Place — $100

Artists donating a contest piece will also receive a free vendor booth space during the festival to display or sell additional artwork.

The Fall Into Art Festival takes place from 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM and features live music, food trucks, art vendors, beverages, and free family-friendly art activities throughout the day.

To participate, artists should email prca@prairierenaissance.org by September 7 with their name, address, phone number, artwork value, and — if possible — a photo of the work. Artists should also indicate whether they would like a free vendor booth space.

For additional information, contact Diane Trew at 320-314-2262 or prca@prairierenaissance.org.

FEE: Free to apply

NOW OPEN: Nordic Folk Arts & Cultural Traditions in the Upper Midwest Competition

Application Deadline: September 15, 2026

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Nordic Folk Arts & Cultural Traditions in the Upper Midwest Competition. This annual program supports the preservation, practice, and public celebration of Nordic folk arts and cultural traditions throughout the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Fellowship Opportunities for Artists

Artist fellowships are designed to:

• Strengthen traditional artistic and cultural skills

• Support mentorships between master artists and apprentices

• Encourage the continuation of folk traditions across generations

• Increase public awareness of Nordic cultural heritage through visible and engaging projects

Grants for Public Programs & Community Projects

Nonprofit organizations may apply for support of:

• Community festivals and heritage celebrations

• Workshops, classes, and demonstrations

• Performances and cultural events

• Programs that preserve and share Nordic traditions with public audiences

Applicants for public program grants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations.

About the American-Scandinavian Foundation

Founded to promote cultural exchange between the United States and the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—the American-Scandinavian Foundation supports fellowships, grants, cultural programming, publishing, and educational opportunities throughout the United States and abroad.

Through this program, ASF continues its commitment to preserving Nordic cultural traditions while fostering connections between communities in the Upper Midwest and the Nordic world.

Deadline: September 15, 2026

For more information, contact Sally Yerkovich, Director of Educational Exchange & Special Projects, at grants@amscan.org or (212) 847-9714.

FEE: $25

Call for Artists & Vendors: Pickletoberfest Outdoor Market

Event Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026 Location: Main Avenue, New York Mills, MN

Artists, makers, bakers, and creative businesses are invited to participate in the Outdoor Market at the 3rd Annual NYM Pickletoberfest — a free community celebration hosted by Continental Divide Brew Pub and NYM Cultural Center. Vendor booths are $25 each, first-come, first-served.

To register, call 218-385-3339 or email info@kulcher.org.

FEE: Free to Apply

2027 Full Color Printmaking Fellowship

Application Deadline: August 12, 2026 | Highpoint Center for Printmaking, Minneapolis, MN

Highpoint Center for Printmaking is accepting applications for its 2027 Full Color Printmaking Fellowship, a year-long professional development program supporting Minnesota artists from BIPOC communities with prior printmaking experience.

The fellowship provides 12 months of access to Highpoint's cooperative print shop, free adult printmaking classes and workshops, up to 10 hours of individual technical instruction, mentorship, professional development opportunities, exhibition opportunities, and a $500 unrestricted stipend. Fellows also receive discounted cooperative print shop membership following completion of the program.

Eligible applicants must be Minnesota residents who identify as members of BIPOC communities and have demonstrable experience in one or more printmaking techniques, including lithography, intaglio, relief, monotype, or screenprinting.

An online information session will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 7:30 PM for prospective applicants.

Important Dates:

• Online Information Session: Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 7:30 PM

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, August 12, 2026

• Fellowship Begins: Thursday, October 1, 2026

• Fellowship Ends: September 30, 2027

Location:
Highpoint Center for Printmaking
912 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Public Art – Interactive Movable Sculpture

Proposal Deadline: Friday, September 4, 2026 | 10:00 AM

The City of Moorhead is seeking proposals from artists to create an inspirational, movable public art installation that can be displayed at various locations throughout the city. Artists are encouraged to incorporate interactive elements that invite community participation and create engaging public experiences.

The City is looking for proposals that:

• Encourage public interaction through creative or kinetic elements

• Promote creativity and youth engagement

• Are safe and accessible for all ages

• Are durable enough for outdoor display in Minnesota's changing weather

• Inspire people to gather and connect

Examples of interactive elements may include kinetic sculptures, tactile components, or digital features that encourage exploration and play.

Proposals will be reviewed by the City's Artist Review Team (A.R.T.), with recommendations advancing to the Art and Culture Commission and ultimately the Moorhead City Council for final approval.

Application Deadline:
Friday, September 4, 2026
10:00 AM

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Artists: 2027 Minnesota Artist-in-Residence Program at Cellar Press

Application Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 3:00 PM CST

The Grand Center for Arts & Culture in New Ulm is accepting applications for its 2027 Minnesota Artist-in-Residence Program at Cellar Press. The residency offers Minnesota artists the opportunity to spend two to three weeks working in the Cellar Press studios, utilizing letterpress, printmaking, and bookbinding facilities to create new work or expand their artistic practice.

Up to eight artists will be selected, with priority given to early-career artists, though artists at all career stages are encouraged to apply.

Residency Benefits Include:

• Two- to three-week residency

• Free lodging at The Grand Apartment

• $300 weekly stipend

• Materials stipend

• All-hours access to the Cellar Press studios

• Grand Center membership

• Technical support and equipment training

• Participation in the annual Artist Residency Exhibition

• Artist profiles in GCAC print and online publications

Residents are expected to create new work, spend significant time in the studios, and develop a community engagement project in the New Ulm area, such as a workshop, demonstration, public art activity, or educational program.

Applicants must be Minnesota residents with experience in printmaking, letterpress, book arts, or a related artistic practice. Application materials include a résumé, artist statement, project proposal, community engagement proposal, availability, and a digital portfolio of six to eight images.

Applications are open through Friday, August 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM CST. Selected artists will be notified by late November 2026, with residencies beginning as early as January 2027.

Questions:
cellarpress@thegrandnewulm.org

FEE: Free | Application Required

Artists Respond: Roots of Democracy – Call for Artists

Application Deadline: Monday, August 10, 2026

Springboard for the Arts invites artists and culture bearers in West Central Minnesota to apply for Artists Respond: Roots of Democracy, a program supporting creative, community-based projects that strengthen connection and participation in civic life.

Artists working in all disciplines are encouraged to propose small-scale projects that use creativity and culture to help communities learn about civic participation, build relationships across differences, reduce isolation or polarization, care for neighbors, and strengthen community connection.

Selected artists or artist teams will receive a $2,000 grant to support artist time, materials, event costs, and other essential project expenses. Projects will take place between September 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027.

Applicants must be based in Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, or Wilkin County, or the White Earth Nation. Applications may be submitted in writing, audio, or video format.

Application Deadline: August 10, 2026
Grant Amount: $2,000
Project Period: September 1, 2026–March 31, 2027

Applications are accepted through SlideRoom.

FEE: Free to Apply

Lanesboro Arts BIPOC Artist Residency Program

Application Deadline: Monday, August 10, 2026
11:59 PM

Lanesboro Arts invites Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) artists living in Minnesota to apply for its 2026–2027 BIPOC Artist Residency Program. Open to practicing artists of all career stages and disciplines, this flexible residency offers time, space, and support to nurture creative practice in the scenic community of Lanesboro.

Residencies take place between September 2026 and April 2027 and may be one or two weeks in length. Artists receive a $1,250 weekly stipend to help cover food and living expenses, along with up to $500 for art supplies if pursuing a creative project during the residency. Artists may also choose to participate in a cohort residency, sharing the residency period with another BIPOC artist while maintaining separate living accommodations.

The residency is designed to support artists without requiring a finished project or exhibition. Instead, participants are asked to complete one community share-back activity, such as a workshop, school visit, informal gathering, or blog post, developed in collaboration with Lanesboro Arts staff.

Artists are selected through a lottery process, with selections announced after August 14. If residency spaces remain available, applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until all residencies are filled.

FEE: Free to Apply

2026 Midwest Culture Bearers Award

Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
12:00 PM (Noon) CT

Arts Midwest is now accepting applications for the 2026 Midwest Culture Bearers Award, recognizing individuals who carry forward the traditional arts, cultural practices, stories, and teachings that strengthen their communities.

This year's program will award 18 culture bearers with $5,000 unrestricted awards to support their cultural practice. In addition to the award, recipients will participate in professional development and capacity-building opportunities and will be featured in an Arts Midwest story highlighting their work.

Eligible applicants are individuals who have practiced a folk art or traditional cultural practice for at least 10 years and are committed to sharing their knowledge with others. Applicants must reside within the Arts Midwest region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, as well as the Native Nations and communities that share this geography.

Awards will be announced in October 2026

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Artists:
Exhibition Proposals – Carnegie Art Center

Application Deadline: October 25, 2026

The Carnegie Art Center in Mankato is accepting exhibition proposals from Minnesota-based individual artists and collaborative artist groups working in all visual art media.

Open to both emerging and established artists, the Carnegie Art Center welcomes proposals for exhibitions in its three galleries within the historic Carnegie building, as well as satellite exhibition spaces throughout the Mankato community.

As part of its mission to support living, working artists, the Carnegie Art Center is especially interested in proposals from artists representing a broad range of ethnicities, cultural perspectives, and underrepresented communities.

Exhibition proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Carnegie Art Center Gallery Committee, with exhibition schedules typically finalized each November. Selected artists will be contacted directly to discuss exhibition opportunities.

FEE: Free

Creative Community Coffee Club at Springboard for the Arts

Third Friday of Every Month
10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Connect with fellow creatives during Creative Community Coffee Club at Springboard for the Arts in downtown Fergus Falls. Held on the third Friday of each month, this informal gathering offers a welcoming space for artists, makers, writers, and creative entrepreneurs to work alongside one another, share ideas, and build community.

Bring your laptop, busy work, sketchbook, craft project—or simply stop by for conversation. Coffee, light refreshments, and good company are provided.

No registration is required.

Location:
Springboard for the Arts
201 West Lincoln Avenue
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Coffee & Light Refreshments:
Provided by Stumbeanos Coffee Roasters

FEE: Free

Wetland Sound Sessions – Call for Local Songwriters

July 18 & August 29, 2026 | Downtown Fergus Falls, MN

Calling all local songwriters! Sign up for the inaugural Wetland Sound Sessions and record an original song in a brand-new music studio in downtown Fergus Falls.

Participants will receive a free one-hour recording session and a digital audio file of their original song. Whether you're an experienced songwriter or recording for the first time, this is an opportunity to capture your music in a professional studio setting.

Recording sessions are available on:

• Saturday, July 18, 2026

• Saturday, August 29, 2026

Advance registration is required. Reserve a one-hour time slot using the registration link or contact the organizers with questions.

Information:
sunroomlab@gmail.com

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Lake Region Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Artists: Self-Portraiture – Reflections of the Self

Applications Open: July 20 – August 17, 2026 | Lake Region Arts Council

Lake Region Arts Council invites visual artists from its nine-county region to submit work for Self-Portraiture: Reflections of the Self, a regional exhibition celebrating the many ways artists see, interpret, and express themselves.

This exhibition welcomes self-portraits in all visual mediums, embracing realistic, abstract, symbolic, conceptual, and imaginative interpretations of identity. Artists are encouraged to explore themes of memory, culture, place, emotion, lived experience, alter-egos, mythology, and the stories that shape who they are.

Eligible artwork includes:

• 2D artwork (painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, digital art, etc.)

• 3D and sculptural works

• Mixed media and multimedia artwork

• Installation proposals (space permitting)

Artists may submit up to three original works, and artist statements are encouraged, particularly for conceptual or symbolic pieces.

Eligibility: Open to artists age 18 and older residing within LRAC's nine-county region.

Important Dates:

• Applications Open: July 20, 2026

• Submission Deadline: August 17, 2026

• Artist Notification: August 28, 2026

• Exhibition Dates: September 28 – December 17, 2026

Reception & Artist Talks:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Reception: 5:00–6:30 PM
Artist Talks: 5:30 PM

We look forward to seeing the many ways artists reflect, reveal, and reimagine themselves through art.

FEE: Free to Apply

Fall Project Grant for Organizations

Application Opens: July 20, 2026 | Deadline: August 27, 2026 | Lake Region Arts Council

The Fall Project Grant provides up to $4,500 to support arts programming by nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and educational institutions within LRAC's nine-county region.

Funding may be used for a variety of arts activities, including productions, exhibitions, touring artists, artist residencies, workshops, and other projects that engage communities through the arts.

A 20% cash or in-kind match is required.

Application Opens: July 20, 2026

Deadline: August 27, 2026

FEE: Free | Application Required

New York Mills Arts Retreat Residency

Applications Accepted Year-Round
Deadlines: October 1 (January–June Residencies) | April 1 (July–December Residencies)

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center invites artists of all disciplines to apply for its Arts Retreat Residency Program, offering dedicated time and space for creative development, research, and reflection in rural Minnesota.

Residencies are available to artists working in visual, literary, performance, audio, and interdisciplinary arts. Lasting two to six weeks, each residency provides free housing in a private one-bedroom bungalow, studio space at the Cultural Center, and wireless internet, allowing artists to focus on their creative practice in a quiet, supportive environment. Artists are responsible for their own transportation and meals.

As part of the residency, participants develop a community outreach project—such as a workshop, reading, performance, or other public program—that connects their creative practice with the New York Mills community.

Artists are selected based on artistic merit, dedication to their craft, commitment to creative growth, and interest in community engagement through the arts.

Application Deadlines:

• October 1 – January through June residencies

• April 1 – July through December residencies

Applications are accepted year-round.

FEE: Free | Application Required

2026/27 MCAD–Jerome Foundation Fellowships for Early Career Artists

Application Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026 | 12:00 PM (CT)

The MCAD–Jerome Foundation Fellowships for Early Career Artists are now accepting applications from Minnesota artists with 2–10 years of creative practice beyond school or college exhibition opportunities.

The fellowship supports artists at a pivotal stage in their careers through professional development, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities. Applicants can access two pre-recorded information sessions and schedule one-on-one meetings for personalized feedback on work samples, artist statements, résumés, and other application materials.

To help ensure equitable participation, mileage and lodging are provided for Greater Minnesota artists attending fellowship meetings, curator studio visits, and exhibition installation.

FEE: Free | Application Required

LRAC Artist Cohort Program Applications Open

July 23–August 20, 2026 | Application Deadline: August 20 at 5:00 PM (CT)

The Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) is accepting applications for its FY27 Artist Cohort Program, a 10-month professional development experience designed to help artists build sustainable, thriving creative careers.

Open to artists at any stage of their career living within LRAC's nine-county region, the program offers personalized one-on-one career coaching, participation in Springboard for the Arts' Work of Art professional development workshop series, peer networking through Talking Circles, professional photography, a promotional video, and individualized assistance with artist statements, biographies, and résumés.

The program concludes with a group exhibition at the LRAC Main Gallery, along with additional exhibition and networking opportunities throughout the year. Participants are also eligible to receive a participation-based stipend of up to $1,000.

Artists working in all creative disciplines—including visual arts, music, theater, dance, literary arts, film, craft, and more—are encouraged to apply.

FEE: Free | Call for Artists

Emerging Artist Exhibition Opportunity

Submissions Accepted Now

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center and Continental Divide Brew Pub invite emerging artists from rural Minnesota to submit artwork for exhibition and sale at the Continental Divide.

This opportunity is designed to help artists expand their audience, build their exhibition experience, connect with fellow creatives, and become part of a growing regional arts community. Artists are encouraged to submit samples of original artwork along with a brief exhibition proposal for consideration.

To Apply:
Submit artwork samples and a brief exhibition proposal to:

• Megan Shirley-Ross, Artistic Director: megan@kulcher.org

• Cyrus Bickell, General Manager: cyrus@cdbpnym.com

Continental Divide Brew Pub
32 N Main Ave, New York Mills, MN 56567

FEE: $25 Booth Fee

Call for Vendors: Black Antler Night Faire

Vendor Applications Now Open

Artists, makers, energy readers, and creative businesses are invited to apply as vendors for the 3rd Annual Black Antler Night Faire on Friday, October 9, 2026, in downtown New York Mills.

The event features a festive evening market celebrating art, creativity, and the mysterious spirit of the season. Indoor booth spaces (approximately 6' × 6') and outdoor booth spaces (10' × 10') are available for $25 each on a first-come, first-served basis. Vendors are responsible for providing their own display materials.

To apply or learn more, contact:

• Emily: emily@kulcher.org

• Cyrus: cyrus@cdbpnym.com

Event Location:
New York Mills Regional Cultural Center & Main Avenue
24 North Main Avenue
New York Mills, MN 56567

FEE: No submission fee

Call for Artists: Art Ghoullery IX – Nine Lives to Live

Submission Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026

The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum invites artists to submit work for Art Ghoullery IX: Nine Lives to Live, the ninth edition of its annual exhibition celebrating frightening, fantastical, and whimsical art for the Halloween season.

This year's exhibition explores themes of recursion, reanimation, rebirth, and reincarnation. Artists are encouraged to consider repetition, cycles, second chances, returning from the unknown, and other real or imagined interpretations of the theme. Work may be creepy, kooky, mysterious, or spooky, but should remain approximately PG-13 or under and retain a sense of whimsy and connection to the theme.

Artists may submit up to three works in any medium for consideration. This is a juried exhibition, and selected artists will be notified by Monday, September 14. Accepted artwork must arrive at The Rourke by Saturday, September 26.

All exhibited artwork will be available for sale, with a 40% gallery commission. Works should preferably not exceed 36 inches in any dimension and must arrive ready for installation.

Important Dates:
Submission Deadline: September 11, 2026
Acceptance Notification: September 14, 2026
Accepted Artwork Due: September 26, 2026
Exhibition: October 2–November 1, 2026
Masquerade Reception & Awards: Saturday, October 31, 2026

Location:
The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum
521 Main Avenue
Moorhead, MN 56560

FEE: $50 Booth Fee + 15% Commission on Sales | Application Required

Call for Artists & Vendors – Hidden Gallery Art Show

Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026

The Hidden Gallery is seeking artists and vendors ages 21+ to participate in the upcoming Hidden Gallery Art Show, a community event designed to showcase and celebrate local creative talent.

Participating artists will have the opportunity to display and sell their work, meet visitors and potential customers, connect with fellow artists, and take part in a welcoming day centered around creativity and community.

Organizers will thoughtfully arrange the exhibition to give each participating artist an opportunity to showcase their work. Complimentary snacks and beverages will be available for participating artists throughout the event, along with a dedicated Artist Lounge for taking breaks, recharging, and connecting with other artists.

An outdoor canopy area will also be available for artists and guests to relax and socialize. Artists are encouraged to engage with visitors throughout the day, sharing their creative process and the stories behind their work.

Booth Fee: $50 + 15% commission on sales
Eligibility: Artists and attendees must be 21+
Application Deadline: September 1, 2026

Event Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 12:00–7:00 PM
Location: The Hidden Gallery, 2520 20th Ave S, Suite A, Moorhead, MN
Questions: 218-329-5928

The event is sponsored by Unwind Dispensary.

FEE: Free to Enter | Registration Required

Call for Artists – Fall Into the Arts Festival: “Celebrating the Prairie”

Registration Deadline: Monday, September 7, 2026

The Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance (PRCA) invites artists to create and submit original three-dimensional artwork for the People’s Choice Art Competition at the 2026 Fall Into the Arts Festival in Morris.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Prairie.” Artists are encouraged to interpret the prairie through nature, flora and fauna, history, culture, or other creative approaches.

Eligible entries must be original three-dimensional works and may include sculpture, wood, metal, ceramics, fiber, found materials, glass, mosaic, concrete, mixed media, furniture, garden or yard art, planters, bird baths, rain barrels, and more. Artists are encouraged to be creative and push the boundaries of three-dimensional art. All sizes are welcome, and entries should have a minimum value of $100.

People’s Choice Awards:
1st Place – $300
2nd Place – $200
3rd Place – $100

Each artist who contributes a work to the competition will also receive a free vendor space to display and/or sell their artwork during the festival.

Please note that competition entries are considered donations to PRCA and will be sold during a live auction following the contest, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit organization.

To register by September 7, email prca@prairierenaissance.org with your name, address, phone number, value of the artwork, and, if possible, a photo of your entry. Artists should also indicate whether they would like a vendor booth.

Festival Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Festival Hours: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Artwork Drop-Off: 9:00–11:00 AM
Location: East Side Park, East 7th St., Morris, MN

The outdoor festival will also feature live music, food trucks, local beverages, art vendors, and free family art activities.

Questions: Diane Trew, 320-314-2262 | prca@prairierenaissance.org

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Artists – Northside Greenway Public Art Project

Application Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026 | 4:00 PM CT
North Minneapolis, MN

The City of Minneapolis invites artists and artist teams to apply for six public art opportunities connected to the Northside Greenway project. Artists may apply for one or up to all six opportunities.

The Northside Greenway is a four-mile route along Irving Avenue N. and Humboldt Avenue N., extending from 44th Avenue N. to Van White Memorial Boulevard in North Minneapolis.

Important Dates:

• August 18 at 3:00 PM – Virtual informational meeting

• August 19 at 4:00 PM – Deadline to email questions

• August 26 – Questions and answers document posted

• September 14 at 4:00 PM CT – Application deadline

Artists interested in creating public artwork as part of this major community greenway project are encouraged to review the individual opportunities, requirements, and application materials before applying.

FEE: Free

Community Mural Painting Project

Call for Volunteer Artists

August 12–14, 2026

Help bring a new community mural to life at the Henning Landmark Center! Volunteers of all ages and experience levels are invited to assist with painting this collaborative public art project designed to celebrate and beautify the community.

Painting will take place over three days with multiple volunteer shifts available each day. Whether you can help for a couple of hours or several shifts, your participation will help transform the Landmark Center into a vibrant public gathering space.

Volunteer Shifts:

• 8:00–10:00 AM

• 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

• 4:00–6:00 PM

Advance registration is encouraged.

Location:
Henning Landmark Center
Henning, MN

To Volunteer:
Call 218-548-5760 or register using the QR code on the event poster.

FEE: Free

Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival

Thursday, September 10 – Saturday, September 12, 2026
Red Door Art Gallery & Heritage Square | Wahpeton, ND

Celebrate three days of art, artists, and community during the Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival, presented by Red Door Art Gallery. The festival features the Rural Art Juried Exhibition, artist demonstrations, educational programs, local artists, food vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

Festival Schedule

Thursday, September 10

• 5:00–7:00 PM – Rural Art Juried Exhibition Reception & Awards

• Meet participating artists and celebrate the opening of the exhibition, juried by Kent Estey.

Friday, September 11

• 2:00–4:40 PM – Ellen Diederich Painting Demonstration

• 5:30 PM – ART21 Screening Society presents Human Nature

Saturday, September 12

• 10:00 AM–2:00 PM – Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival

• Artist booths in the gallery and Heritage Square

• Artist demonstrations

• Art classes

• Food vendors

• Entertainment

• $25 & Under Art Booth, featuring affordable original artwork by participating artists.

Location:
Red Door Art Gallery & Museum
418 Dakota Avenue
Wahpeton, ND 58075

More Information:
www.reddoorgallerywahpeton.com

FEE: Free; fees may apply for art classes

Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival

September 10–12, 2026

The Red Door Art Gallery presents the Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival, a three-day celebration of visual art featuring exhibitions, artist demonstrations, film, hands-on art experiences, artist vendors, and more in downtown Wahpeton.

The festival begins Thursday evening with the Rural Art Juried Exhibition Reception & Awards, continues Friday with opportunities to experience artists at work and an Art21 film screening, and culminates Saturday with the Fine Arts Festival featuring artist booths, art demonstrations, classes, food vendors, entertainment, and affordable original art.

Thursday, September 10
5:00–7:00 PM — Rural Art Juried Exhibition Reception & Awards
Celebrate the 2026 Rural Art Juried Exhibition and participating artists during a public reception and awards presentation with juror Kent Estey.

Friday, September 11
2:00–4:40 PM — Ellen Diederich Painting Demonstration
Meet artist Ellen Diederich and watch her creative process firsthand. Visitors are welcome to stop in, ask questions, learn painting tips and techniques, or simply watch the artist at work. Free and open to the public; no reservations required.

5:30 PM — Art21 Screening: Human Nature
Explore the relationship between people, society, and the natural world through the work of artists Lenka Clayton, Josh Kline, Delcy Morelos, and Sin Wai Kin. Snacks will be served. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 12 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM — Fine Arts Festival
Saturday's festivities include:

• Artist booths at Red Door Art Gallery and Heritage Square

• Art demonstrations

• Art classes

• Food vendors

• Entertainment

• A special $25 & Under Art Booth

• Air-Dry Clay Gnome Class with Deb Boyer

Location:
Red Door Art Gallery & Heritage Square
418 Dakota Avenue
Wahpeton, ND

More Information:
Red Door Art Gallery
701-591-1010

FEE: Registration Required (Starting at $500)

32nd International Sculpture Conference

October 22–25, 2026

The International Sculpture Center presents the 32nd International Sculpture Conference in Minnesota's Twin Cities, bringing together sculptors, artists, educators, curators, and arts professionals from around the world for four days of presentations, discussions, networking, and special events.

Hosted primarily at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), the conference features keynote speakers, panel discussions, artist presentations, workshops, exhibitions, and opportunities to connect with the international sculpture community. Optional tours and excursions will be offered before and after the main conference program, highlighting the Twin Cities' renowned public art, museums, and cultural destinations.

The majority of conference programming, including registration, keynote presentations, panel discussions, and lunchtime activities, will take place on the MCAD campus.

Location:
Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)
2501 Stevens Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404