Inspire Inclusion: An Art Show Celebrating International Women's Day - Request for Artwork Submittal

Show opening on International Women's Day

Location: Grand Forks Arts Center operated by Arts for Vets
215 N 3rd Street, Grand Forks, ND 58203

Opening Reception: March 8, 5:00-7:30
Show Run Dates: March 8 to March 31, 2024


ERA NOW (Equal Rights Association), Arts for Vets, and the Women's Fund (a component fund of the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and Region) will be hosting a show in honor of International Women's Day (IWD). 

The 2024 IWD theme is "Inspire Inclusion" and artists are invited to consider information provided by IWD as they submit works for this show: 

When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion in all sectors of society, family, business and culture, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, empowerment, and conscious acknowledgement of all the contributions women give to make the world a better place.

When women aren't present, we must ask: "If not, why not?"

When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice.

When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action.

When women's contributions are not acknowledged and celebrated we must create opportunities to do so. 

And we must do this each time, every time.

To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavor.

Are you an artist? Submit art for the show by February 10, 2024. Full details and submission link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbHOwfJHTXzRM4pFdDSuWzx1vq3Q1vjqV_HkFPzXnBIAPBeQ/viewform

Request for Qualifications Artist/Creative Team Region 6, ND Flyways, Byways, & Waterways

ARTS ACROSS THE PRAIRIE:

Placemaking in Rural North Dakota

PLACEMAKING IN REGION 6 – South Central NORTH DAKOTA

There are eight distinct regions in North Dakota. South Central, Region 6, is comprised of Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Stutsman and Wells Counties. Regional and local leaders from business, arts, education, and various communities were recruited to formulate a roadmap for the development of one site to be the artistic, historical, and cultural representation for the nine counties. The Stakeholders Group came together and met online for over a year to plan the fourth statewide Arts Across the Prairie project.

Arts Across the Prairie is a first of its kind, statewide Creative Placemaking program, developed by North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA). This grew out of a presentation on art as a catalyst for community change in fall 2019. The statewide conference participants discussed the need for artistic and cultural enrichment and access to art within their rural communities. North Dakotans expressed a concerted desire for greater cross-community collaboration and to enhance the vitality of art throughout the state.

Arts Across the Prairie will create eight large-scale art installations – one in each geographic region in the state – that reflect the unique history, landscape, and cultural heritage as defined by Stakeholder Groups in these regions. All eight artworks will be placed in decidedly rural locations. (Rural = no buildings, no people!) The art installations will reference and represent the natural setting, as well as the cultural and economic history of the region as determined by each of the Stakeholder Groups.

Flyways, Byways, & Waterways

The vision is for a permanent large-scale art installation, and the finalist’s proposals should reflect your affection for and attention to place. Rural communities/residents will be living with the artwork for a long time, perhaps generations. The selection process for this project will also require the finalist’s ability to teach and share with others as we train future North Dakota artists in the outdoor installation process.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

An artist or creative team may apply; the total fee for the project will not alter. You must be an established artist, with experience in large-scale outdoor installations, public art, placemaking or placekeeping, community work, and teaching.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

● Friday, January 19, 2024: 3-4pm CT: Informational Webinar; email arts@nd.gov by January 18 to receive log-in information

● Friday, January 26, 2024:11:59pm CT: PHASE ONE Interested artists and collaborators submit initial artist application and materials

● February 9, 2024: Notify three finalist candidates with detailed RFP for Phase Two

● Monday, March 11, 2024:11:59pm CT: PHASE TWO Three finalist candidates’ proposals due

● Monday, March 18, 2024: 2-5pm CT: Online interviews with three finalists

● Late March 2024: Final Artist Selection announced

HOW TO APPLY – PHASE ONE

DO NOT submit a project proposal or design at this time.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please email arts@nd.gov.

All requests must be made by January 18.

It is recommended that all potential applicants join an Informational Webinar to be held on Friday, January 19, 2023, 3-4pm pm CT.

Please email arts@nd.gov by Thursday, January 18 to receive Zoom link.

Provide the following in a single (one) PDF document. Please do not include supplemental materials beyond the requirements listed below. Work samples (JPEGs) can be sent as separate files. The single (one) PDF document should include the following:

● One-page of contact information for the lead artist, as well as creative team members. All applicants must live in the contiguous United States.

● One-page letter describing interest in the project and approach to art making; please include statement addressing eligibility criteria, approach to research and stakeholder engagement, and integrating educational opportunities into the process.

● One-page bio or resume; if you have multiple team members, please keep biographical information for each team member to one (1) page.

● One-page list identifying each of up to seven work sample images, to include title, year, medium, dimensions

● Work sample images: up to seven (7) digital images of your recent projects. Individuals and teams are limited to seven (7) images maximum. All images must be in JPEG format, 1920 pixels

It is recommended that all potential applicants join an Informational Webinar to be held on Friday, January 19, 2023, 3-4pm pm CT.

Please email arts@nd.gov by Thursday, January 18 to receive Zoom link.

Arts Across the Prairie, Region 6 - RFQ 3

maximum on the longest side, 72 dpi, with compression settings resulting in the best image quality under 2MB file size. The image files should be named so that the list sorts in the order of the image listing. (If the work cannot be documented well with still images, please include video links.) Reminder, up to 7 work samples total. Artists should include photos that document experience in creating large scale work outdoors.

Again, DO NOT submit a project proposal or design at this time.

SELECTION PROCESS and DEADLINES

RFQ PHASE ONE: Selection of finalists

NDCA Staff will review all initial submissions to determine if basic qualifications are met. Applications will then be reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of stakeholders, artists, and community members. Selection of three (3) finalists will be based on the following criteria:

● Quality of letter of interest directly related to the site; why do you want to be involved in this project?

● Quality of work samples

● Ability of artist(s) to complete project based on bio and prior work experience

All PHASE ONE materials must be received by Friday, January 26, 202411:59pm CT

______________________________________________________________________________

RFP PHASE TWO: Initial design concepts by three selected finalists

Only three finalists will be asked to develop a design concept presentation to the Selection Committee. They will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

● Design concept’s resonance with the project description

● The installation is presented as a community asset and creates a sense of welcome

● The artist/s mode of working and design process approach, including budget

● An ability to communicate and engage with diverse communities, including fabrication and construction professionals

All PHASE TWO materials must be received by Monday, March 11, 202411:59pm CT

Please submit all RFQ materials via email to arts@nd.gov

* Subject Line – Arts Across the Prairie - Region 6

This is not a postmark deadline; no materials will be accepted after the listed time

No application materials will be returned

NDCA will not be responsible for applications delayed or lost in transit

NDCA and the Selection Committee reserve the right to withhold the award of a commission or re-release the call for entries.

The three finalist interviews will take place via Zoom on Monday, March 18, 2024; the Selection Committee will announce the artist selected for the Region 6 Arts Across the Prairie project by Late March 2024.

BUDGET INFORMATION

Region 6 – The total project budget is $150,000. Fabrication/construction and other expenses will be discussed with finalist/s for this remote build.

The artist/creative team budget is $55,000 of the total listed above. The expenses covered include:

● design

● technical drawings

● 3D charette/model

● in-state transportation

● lodging

● per diem

● Two-three trips to North Dakota (dates TBD

FULL PROJECT TIMELINE

● Late Spring/Summer 2024: Planning Process includes design, budgeting, community involvement and construction plans

● Late Summer 2024: Break Ground

● Summer/Fall 2024: construction work will be ‘build’ and weather dependent

● Subsequent training of North Dakota artists TBD. This will be a workshop situation, online and hopefully on-site, utilizing artist’s specific installation materials

● Spring/Summer 2025: construction

● Late Summer/Fall 2025: public unveiling

BACKGROUND/THEMES FOR REGION 6, Flyways, Byways, & Waterways

After considerable discussion around the history, people and land, the stakeholder group settled on “Flyways, Byways, and Waterways” as a way to encapsulate the unique aspects of Region 6. Movement, whether of wildlife, peoples, wind or water, is a common denominator. A successful proposal will demonstrate an understanding of these elements, and an ability to capture the essence of this Region in a way that will resonate with viewers.

The land, part of what is now known as North Dakota, was once largely covered by glaciers. These massive ice sheets sculpted the landscape, creating hills, potholes, sloughs, and rivers, leaving fertile soil deposits behind as they receded. This area is frequently referred to as the “Prairie Potholes Region” after the numerous small water bodies that dot the landscape.

Described as one of the world’s most important wetland regions, this part of the Great Plains provides ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including bison, pronghorn, and white-tail deer. As part of the Central Flyway Migration Corridor, during the spring and fall, the state is home to more than 50% of North America’s migratory waterfowl. The population of more than 400 different species is dependent on the potholes and abundant prairie grasses for breeding and feeding. Rivers within Region 6, including the James, Sheyenne and Maple, along with Pipestem Creek and several other smaller tributaries and streams, provide habitat and nourish growth.

Ancient indigenous burial mounds and other traces attest to long-standing human presence. It is estimated that the first inhabitants followed the herds of wooly mammoth and giant bison as early as 10,000 B.C. Native tribes first interacted with Europeans with the arrival of French trappers in the mid 1700’s. Nomadic Plains Indians called the prairie pothole region the “Center of the Earth”.

Early explorers, Lewis and Clark, sent by U.S. President Thomas Jefferson to map the western half of the continent, arrived in the Dakota Territories in 1804. The 1860’s saw the expansion of the Railroad and Homestead Acts, which attracted large numbers of settlers to the territory. Conflicts with Northern Plains tribes ended with a reservation system and forced assimilation of native peoples.

The 1862 Homestead Act served as a catalyst for the “Great Dakota Boom”. Reports of boundless hunting and trapping, rich soil for agriculture, and the promise of free land brought waves of settlers. From 1905 to 1920, North Dakota’s population more than tripled with the influx of Northern Europeans, the largest two groups being Scandinavians and Germans from both Germany and Russia. So significant was this foreign immigration that in 1915 over 79% of all North Dakotans were either immigrants or children of immigrants. The legacy of North Dakota’s diverse ethnic settlement history remains in cultural traditions that are found in pockets of the south-central region even today.

Region 6 RESOURCES

Arts Across the Prairie Website and Facebook pages

⮚ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prairie_Pothole_Region

⮚ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnes_County,_North_Dakota

⮚ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dickey_County,_North_Dakota

⮚ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foster_County,_North_Dakota

⮚ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griggs_County,_North_Dakota

⮚ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaMoure_County,_North_Dakota

⮚ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan_County,_North_Dakota

⮚ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McIntosh_County,_North_Dakota

⮚ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stutsman_County,_North_Dakota

⮚ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wells_County,_North_Dakota

ARTS ACROSS THE PRAIRE ADDITIONAL PROGRAM BACKGROUND

Arts Across the Prairie: Placemaking in Rural North Dakota was developed to:

● Celebrate the cultural heritage of rural areas

● Foster creative relationships across counties and regions

● Bolster NDCA’s role as a rural development partner

● Spur economic development through tourism

This program will create public-private partnerships throughout the state and provides a national model of this type of creative placemaking.

The goals of Arts Across the Prairie are to:

● Strengthen cross-county networking and regional collaboration

● Promote tourism for in- and out-of-state visitors

● Stimulate economic activity and development in rural areas of North Dakota

● Build stronger arts communities across the state

● Invest in North Dakota artists by providing professional training and support

● Celebrate and leverage existing assets with an infusion of creative expression

● Heighten visibility of North Dakota’s creative sector and talent

NDCA is committed to providing opportunities to all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, religion, political belief, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or physical ability.

Transformation of Communities:

Through this program, empowered groups will reach across their regions (and the state) for mutually beneficial partnerships. The culture of rural areas will be celebrated; and community-driven placemaking will create economic, tourism, and equity benefits.

Transformation of Local Art:

The artist(s) will offer training to North Dakota artists to take on projects of this nature. Local artists’ capacity will increase with these enhanced skills, resulting in the creation of more art for local communities. This will also expand artists’ eligibility for additional funding opportunities. (Workshop parameters TBD)

Partnerships:

NDCA is creating multi-sector, multi-jurisdiction groups of statewide Stakeholders who will collaborate to maximize resources and expertise. As a community-driven initiative, Arts Across the Prairie aims to promote civic pride, affirm uniqueness of place, and strengthen cultural identity. This program will create public-private partnerships throughout the state and will provide a national model of this type of creative placemaking, an important step forward for our state. The initiative will foster community innovation across North Dakota in a way that is equitable, scalable, and sustainable.

Apple Maps Link: https://maps.apple.com/?address=Gackle,%20ND%20%2058442,%20United%20States&auid=6210008713004659825&ll=46.632570,-99.230025&lsp=7618&q=58442&t=m

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7W5xcni4oRTodWij9

The coordinates as shown on Google Maps are: 46.63256975185597, -99.23002704535529

“Maurice Sendak- 50 Years” Presented by the North Dakota Museum of Art with additional support from The Public Arts Commission and The Arts for Vets, March 14 to April 28, 2024

CALLING ALL ARTISTS: Submit your Artwork for “The Wild Project”
Deadline for Submission: March 25th, 2024

Arts for Vets and the Public Arts Commission are announcing a call on all artists to participate in “The Wild Project”, a collaborative conceptual project interpreting Maurice Sendak's iconic work "Where the Wild Things Are", to be showcased April 4 – May 12 at the Arts for Vets Studio.

This partnership project by Arts for Vets and the Public Arts Commission, in collaboration with the North Dakota Museum of Art, will help celebrate "Maurice Sendak - 50 Years”, a retrospective honoring the 50th anniversary of the publication of "Where the Wild Things Are”, hosted by the North Dakota Museum of Art on March 14 – May 12, 2024.

The Public Arts Commission and The Arts for Vets would like to announce a call to all artists!

SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

In collaboration with the North Dakota Museum of Arts, Arts for Vets and the Public Arts Commission request an open call for all artists to submit an interpretation or reimagining of the “Where the Wild Things Are” images in their artistic style. Drawing inspiration from Francis Alys's "The Fabiola Project" could offer insights into how artists reinterpret and present existing images in a new context.

Objective: The Arts for Vets will display the final conceptional work “The Wild Project” in their studio located at 301 North 3rd Street from April 4 – May 12, 2024, in correlation to the North Dakota Museum of Art exhibition schedule.

Requirements : The specific requirements or guidelines set by Arts for Vets and the Public Arts Commission must tailor their submissions accordingly. Interpreting the images from "Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, must follow these requirements:
● You must Interpret one or both of the 2 images from “Where the Wild Things Are”.
● All media accepted.
● The maximum dimensions are 12 x 14 inches.
● The background color must be Indigo Blue and ready to hang.

Submission: March 25, 2024
Please email all submissions to Vickie at arndt60@gmail.com . All work must be delivered by March 24,
2024, to the Arts for Vets Studio located at 215 North 3rd Street, Suite #100, Grand Forks, ND.

Questions: Contact People
● Vickie Arndt at Public Arts Commission: 347-721-2875 or arndt60@gmail.com
● Kim Wilson at Arts for Vets: 701- 330-3072 or artsforvets@gmail.com

Inspiration: Francis Alys's "The Fabiola Project"
Replicating an image in your unique style allows you to
showcase your creativity while working within a common framework. Installing multiple works of
different dimensions in a framed overall space for the artwork will be 10 x 20 feet with an Indigo blue
background will create a cohesive visual impact while allowing for variations in the interpretation of the
original image.

Francis Alÿs: The Fabiola Project consists of more than 450 reproductions of a lost 1885 painting of 4th-century Roman Saint Fabiola by French artist Jean-Jacques Henner. The project was initiated by Belgian artist Francis Alÿs in the early 1990s, shortly after he moved to Mexico City, his current home. Fascinated by the artisanal culture of the city and short on funds, he decided to build an art collection by combining the city’s flea markets and antique and junk shops. He expected to find copies of masterpieces by painters like Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Jean-François Millet. Instead, he found and bought versions of Henner’s Fabiola, depicted in a left-facing profile wearing a red headscarf. Gradually, Alÿs’s casual collecting project gathered steam as he and his friends discovered new images of the saint during their travels worldwide.

Today, The Fabiola Project consists primarily of paintings but also includes bas-relief wood carvings and images in needlepoint, painted ceramics, jewelry, and in one case a mosaic made of rice and beans. On view in the Menil’s Byzantine Fresco Chapel, where slower and deeper reflection is encouraged, the exhibition is curated by Toby Kamps, Modern and Contemporary Art curator.

Objectives: The Arts for Vets will display the final conceptional work “The Wild Project” on one wall in their space at 301 North 3rd Street for March and April in correlation to the North Dakota Museum of Art exhibition schedule.

About the Curator: Vickie Arndt is a North Dakota-based artist with a diverse background and extensiveexperience in the art world. After spending three decades living and working in New York City, shedecided to make a significant change in her life in 2020 due to the pandemic. Arndt holds a Master of FineArts degree from the State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY, indicating her dedication to her craft and her commitment to advancing her artistic skills and knowledge.

During her time in New York City, Vickie Arndt had a multifaceted career in the art industry. She served as a foundation exhibition manager and art registrar, which suggests that she played a crucial role in organizing and managing art exhibitions and collections. This work allowed her the privilege of collaborating with some of the most esteemed artists of our time, including notable figures such as Matthew Barney, Richard Serra, Ann Hamilton, and Bridget Riley. Her experience working with these renowned artists likely provided her with valuable insights into the art world and its inner workings.

Replicating an image in your unique style allows you to showcase your creativity while working within a common framework. Installing multiple works of different dimensions in a framed overall space for the artwork will be 10 x 20 feet with an Indigo blue background will create a cohesive visual impact while allowing for variations in the interpretation of the original image.

About the ND Museum of Art

“ Maurice Sendak - 50 Years ”
50th Anniversary Celebration of the Publication “Where the Wild Things Are”

Hosted by: North Dakota Museum of Art
March 14 – May 12, 2024

" Maurice Sendak - 50 Years, " is a retrospective honoring the 50th anniversary of the publication of "Where the Wild Things Are," a seminal work by the renowned author and illustrator Maurice Sendak. The North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks hosts the exhibition and features an array of original paintings and illustrations by Maurice Sendak.

The retrospective showcases Sendak's journey and creative evolution over five decades, providing viewers with a comprehensive look at his iconic contributions to children's literature. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in the whimsical and imaginative world created by Sendak, exploring the characters, themes, and artistic techniques that have made his work timeless.

This retrospective not only celebrates the brilliance of Maurice Sendak but also serves as a platform for community engagement and education. The diverse range of events and activities surrounding the exhibition ensures a rich and immersive experience for visitors of all ages, celebrating the enduring impact of Sendak's contributions to the world of literature and illustration.

Contact: ndmoa@ndmoa.com

Jodi M. Smith “What I see When I Stop To Look”

Jodi's passion for nature photography is truly inspiring. She is an emerging artist born and raised in Grand Forks, ND currently living in East Grand Forks, MN and her focus is on capturing the essence of stillness and the raw beauty that surrounds us in nature. Through her lens, she skillfully portrays the serene landscapes, the intricate details of landscape, the vibrant flora, and the overall mesmerizing beauty of the natural world. Her photographs not only showcase the visual splendor, but also convey the tranquility and awe-inspiring moments found in the great outdoors. Jodi's dedication to capturing these elements is what makes her photography so captivating and powerful.

There is an element of a perceptual phenomenon in her images - a bistable effect - the perceiving in two different ways. This bistable effect in Jodi's images adds an intriguing layer to her already captivating work. This phenomenon, where the perception of an image toggles between two distinct interpretations, can add depth and complexity to her photographs. It's as if her images possess multiple stories or perspectives within a single frame, allowing viewers to experience different interpretations or emotions each time they engage with her work. This unique quality further enriches the experience of viewing Jodi's nature photography, inviting viewers to explore and appreciate the diverse facets of the natural world through her lens.

Various cognitive processes involving attention, perception, sensory experiences, and memory are linked in Jodi's images.  They challenge perceptions and invite contemplation, almost like a visual riddle waiting to be solved. This element of mystery or puzzlement within her images fuels curiosity and encourages viewers to delve deeper into the intricate layers present within the frame. The images may prompt questions about what is seen, inviting individuals to explore their own interpretations and make sense of the dual perceptions they experience. This engaging quality makes Jodi's work not just visually stunning, but also intellectually stimulating, leaving a lasting impression on those who encounter her photographs.

25th Annual Autumn Art Auction at the North Dakota Museum of Art

The North Dakota Museum of Art is thrilled to announce the 25th Annual Autumn Art Auction, a milestone celebration of artistic excellence, community, and culture. The event will occur at the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, December 2nd, 2023

Time: Social begins at 6:30 PM; Auction starts at 8:00 PM

Location: North Dakota Museum of Art, 261 Centennial Drive, Grand Forks, ND

Ticket Information:

Tickets for this unforgettable evening are priced at $50 and include an exquisite array of culinary delights from renowned area restaurants, plus one complimentary drink. To enhance your experience, there will be a beer and wine cash bar available. Online and absentee bidding will be available at ndmoa.com.

How to Purchase Tickets:

Tickets can be purchased at www.ndmoa.com or by calling 701.777.4195.

For 25 years, the Autumn Art Auction has been a cornerstone of cultural expression in Grand Forks, 

North Dakota. We invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and supporting our vibrant arts community at the North Dakota Museum of Art. Artwork slated for auction will be available for public viewing in our Mezzanine Gallery from November 15th through December 2nd, 2023.

MJ Haji-Sheikh

Education and Rural Arts Director

mjhaji-sheikh@ndmoa.com

701.777.3599

About  the North Dakota Museum of Art:

By legislative mandate, the North Dakota Museum of Art is the state’s official art museum dedicated to  fostering artistic expression in the region. The museum aims to delight, enlighten, and educate diverse  audiences through curated experiences for children, students, and the broader public. Core functions  include research, collection, conservation, and exhibition of artworks, alongside the development of  programs in performance, media arts, and music. Our goal is to create a cultural hub that preserves and celebrates the artistic spirit of the Northern Plains.

PAC Request for Proposals (RFP) - Public Art Sculpture in Pillsbury Park, Downtown Grand Forks - Budget: $15,000

Dear Artists and Sculptors,

PAC invites artists to submit proposals for the creation of a welded steel public art sculpture, with a total project budget of $15,000. The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to select an artist to design, fabricate, and install a unique and visually engaging public art piece that will enhance our community and become a focal point for visitors and residents and a welcoming piece that welcomes you to Pillsbury Park.

Project Overview: The public art sculpture will be prominently displayed at Pillsbury Park. The sculpture will be welded on the current concrete sculpture base at the park and should fit within the dimensions of the sculpture base.  The art will replace the current sculpture Welcome Sign.

Scope of Work: The selected artist will be responsible for the following:

1.            Design and Concept: Develop a creative and compelling concept for the public art sculpture that is both visually striking and relevant to the community. Optional words to include: welcome. Sculpture should fit within the dimensions of the sculpture base (18” in diameter).

2.            Materials: Create the sculpture primarily from welded steel, ensuring durability and resistance to outdoor elements.

3.            Fabrication: Fabricate the sculpture in accordance with the approved design and specifications.

4.            Installation: Oversee the installation of the sculpture in its designated location, ensuring it meets all safety and security requirements.

Submission Requirements: Interested artists must submit the following documents and information as part of their proposal:

1.            Artist's Statement: A brief statement describing your artistic background, style, and how your proposed artwork aligns with the project's goals.

2.            Design Proposal: Detailed sketches, renderings, and descriptions of the proposed sculpture, including approximate dimensions and materials to be used.

3.            Budget: A detailed budget that outlines how the $15,000 grant will be allocated, including design, materials, fabrication, transportation, and installation costs.

4.            Timeline: A proposed timeline for the project from design approval to installation, we are looking at a spring 2024 installation.

Selection Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1.            Artistic Merit and Creativity

2.            Relevance to the Community

3.            Durability and Maintenance

4.            Budget Realism

Timeline:

•              RFP Issuance: 11/2/2023

•              Deadline for Proposal Submission: 11/20/2023

•              Artist Selection: 11/27/2023

•              Sculpture Installation: Spring 2024

Please submit your proposal electronically to info@publicartnd.com by 11/20/2023. If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact PAC at info@publicartnd.org

PAC looks forward to reviewing your proposals and selecting an artist to create a stunning public art sculpture that will become a source of pride for our community. We appreciate your interest in this project and your commitment to the arts.

Sincerely,

PAC

Public Arts Commission Presents Mayor’s Choice Exhibition: Muddy Water Clay Center Monday Members Challenge: “Faces & Masks” Curated by Vickie Arndt

The Public Arts Commission is delighted to announce the upcoming Mayor’s Choice Exhibition: Muddy Waters Clay Center Monday Members Challenge: “Faces & Masks”.

This exceptional exhibition aims to showcase the talent and creativity of the ceramic members of the Muddy Waters Clay Center. It highlights their ability to work as a passionate and enthusiastic clay community. The Monday Members' Challenge is an ongoing initiative that encourages members to participate in creative challenges to strengthen the community and enhance their skills.

Members were tasked with creating sun faces, green faces, and masks as part of this specific challenge. Each artist brought their unique style to the challenge, allowing for creative expression and skill development. Various clay techniques were used to craft the masks, including molding, sculpting, and underglazes, followed by bisque firing and glazing. The exhibition showcases both the artistic process and the final products. The event recognizes the rich history of clay and pottery production in North Dakota, dating back to the 1900s, as well as the cultural significance of sun motifs found in art and artifacts.

The Muddy Waters Project is commended for its ability to bring together a community of passionate artists who contribute to the artistic culture of Grand Forks. This event offers an opportunity for members to be recognized for their support of the Grand Forks artistic community.

EVENT DETAILS:

Exhibition Title: Monday Members’ Challenge: "Faces & Masks"

Reception Date: November 1, 2023. The reception will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Location: City of Grand Forks, City Hall, 255 North 4th Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201

For more information about the exhibition, you can visit the Public Arts Commission website at info@publicartnd.org. PAC Curator: Vickie Arndt at 347-721-2875 or arndt60@gmail.com for additional inquiries.

Deadline for Individual Artist Grants Extended: October 15 for $5,000, November 15 for $1,500

Warren, MN. Applications are open for arts grants to individuals from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.

Individual Artist Grants have an October 15 deadline for $5,000 grants and November 15 deadline for $1,500. Quick turnaround grants for $500 will be available in January 2024. These grants are awarded to performing artists, visual artists, media artists, and creative writing artists from our seven county Minnesota service area including Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau counties.

Individuals must be out of high school and at least 18 years of age to be eligible. College tuition is not an eligible expense. This is the main category that individuals use to support their artistic business or advance their technical skills. This category is for non-hobby artists who make substantial yearly income from their art. Grants are awarded annually with $1,500 going to four individuals and $5,000 going to four individuals. Support for this program comes from The McKnight Foundation.

Individuals absolutely must reside in our region (for one year prior) and remain living in our region during your entire grant year (2024). In the case of college students, your school or your home mailing address must be in our region. You will have to show proof of residency, usually your driver’s license.

We are offering several grant training workshops via Zoom or in person at the NWMAC office in Warren. You must RSVP to attend. Email director@nwartscouncil.org to RSVP or with questions. Don’t let your questions about the grant process keep you from applying! We are here to help. Upcoming trainings will be:

· November 1 at 10 am. Individual Artist grant training workshop.

To learn more about our grant programs and start an application visit www.NorthwestMinnesotaArtsCouncil.org. The grant application process is completely online and NWMAC's Director Mara Hanel can help walk you through the process of using the grants portal to get accustomed to it. Please contact her at director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886.

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Announces Figures of Ghosts & Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson

An Art Exhibit at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery

NCTC in Thief River Falls through November 29, 2023

Artist Reception Wednesday, October 18 from 6-8 PM

Warren, MN. The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce the opening of Figures of Ghosts & Dreams: The Artwork of Stephanie Olson. The exhibit is open through Wednesday, November 29 at the NWMAC Gallery at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

Stephanie Olson works as a public-school English teacher in Goodridge and lives with her husband and kids in rural Thief River Falls. She holds a Writing MFA degree from Hamline University. Her visual artwork has appeared in several group shows, including past exhibits with the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, two This Week Only exhibits at the North Dakota Museum of Art, and a group show at the Vine Arts Center in Minneapolis.

Figures of Ghosts and Dreams includes 42 pieces of watercolor on paper, India ink on paper, and acrylic on wood, cork, and canvas. Stephanie explained, “This exhibit reflects the art that comes to me. When I sit down with an idea, with a plan, my art fails almost every time. But when I sit down with no intention, it's like a door is left open. In the beginning, my art was more abstract: lines, color, depth. Now, I have these figures. Sometimes they seem peaceful, as if visiting from a dream. Sometimes they remind me of loved ones who have passed on, like visiting ghosts. There are undeniable motifs that I can't escape: houses, snakes, dogs, cats, women. I must let it all come as it is, like the weather. I wouldn't say it's like the notion of a muse taking over, not at all. It's more like a house filling up with guests. I'm never sure how long they'll stay, but this is what I find when I manage to steal time to sit down and paint. It's always a surprise. Try it! You never know who might show up, who you might meet.”

An artist reception at the gallery will be held at Northland Community and Technical College on Wednesday, October 18 from 6 to 8 PM. Everyone is welcome to join us for this free event with live music and refreshments. Stephanie will be live painting during the reception. Come and see Stephanie creating art while viewing her large group of expressive pieces! Stephanie’s art is available for purchase.

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door B, which is right next to the gallery. Visitor parking is free.

For more information about this exhibit visit or for other information look to our website at www.NWArtsCouncil.org, or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at (218) 745-8886 or email NWArtsCouncil@gmail.com. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.