Join the Red Lake Nation College as we welcome Dr. Dennis Fisher for Ojibwe Winter Stories, Anishinaabe Aadisookaanan!

A presentation on the history and exploits of that well-known character Wenaboozhoo.

This will take place on Wednesday February 12th from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at the Red Lake Campus site at the Union Room. In addition for those who can't make it in person, we will have the event play out live on the RLNC Facebook page.

There will be lunch provided.

Don't miss this info session about the 2025 McKnight Fellowship for Community-Engaged Artists!

McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowships for Community-Engaged Artists

pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org

What's in it for you?

• $25,000 unrestricted award to support your artistic practice 1   

• Recognition for your contributions to community-based art

• Connect with fellow artists and learn about the application process

When: Thursday, February 13th, 6:00 PM Where: Watermark Center, Bemidji Who: Mid-career artists, creators, and culture bearers with a history of community-based art projects.

Light Meal: Provided!

RSVP: patrick@r2arts.org or 218-751-5447

Please Join us on February 14th 2025 to honor and remember our relatives.

March starting at 11am from NWICDC to BSU Beaux Arts Ballroom.

Program at 11:30-3pm Beaux Arts Ballroom.

Wear red and bring your signs. Call out for singers and dancers.

In partnership with Mending the Sacred Hoop, Indigenous Environmental Network, Aazhoomon & Council of Indian Students BSU.

Contact MMIW218 Facebook Page with any additional questions.

In this climate we all need a quilt in our car for safety. Or a rugged quilt for picnics or the beach. This class is an excellent beginner sewing and/or beginner quilt project.

Register: warroadriverplace.org/events

Learn how to applique with elder, Bev St. John. Workshop is free and lunch is provided. Seats are limited, so register now!

February 15th 10am-4pm WETCC Azaadi Room (Sewing room)

This workshop is free and open to students and the community. Lunch is provided.

To register: email ian.anderson@wetcc.edu or text 5074049994

Artists Engage Communities Grant (Max request $6,000)

Engage your community with arts performances, art workshops, participatory arts events or whatever great arts ideas you have to involve the public! Applicants must reside in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, or Mahnomen counties and funded arts activities must occur within the state of Minnesota.

For more information on this specific grant, please click here.

Watermark Art Center will hold an opening reception for Robert DesJarlait (Red Lake Nation) on Saturday, February 15 from 5 to 7pm. The reception will open with a hand drum ceremony featuring DesJarlait’s son Miziway Migizi.

DesJarlait's exhibit Inaaband Mitigwaki or “Woodland Vision” depicts, documents, and defines the life of the Ojibwe people as he perceives it visually. His work engages the viewer in a visual language through which cultural diversity is the message.

Robert DesJarlait (Endaso-Giizhik) is a visual artist, muralist, writer, historian, and educator. His career in art spans over four decades.

His paintings and illustrations focus on Ojibwe family life, cultural traditions, and origin stories. He has served as a cultural mentor and advisor on community art projects and has illustrated curriculum units for American Indian Education Programs and American Indian agencies and organizations in Minnesota.

For more information regarding exhibits, classes, or events contact 218-444-7570 or visit watermarkartcenter.org. Watermark is accessible, free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. This exhibit is made possible with support from the McKnight Foundation.

Join us at the Armory Arts and Events Center for a Lydia Rose Band Concert!

February 25th, 7pm

This concert is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Region 2 Arts Council, and the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra is a thriving community orchestra servicing the region of North Central Minnesota. We bring classical music to new audiences and provide performance experience for musicians. Disney favorites from movies such as Beauty and the beast, The Lion King, and The Jungle Book. Individual concert tickets can be purchased in advance at either Lueken's Village Foods locations and online at www.bemidjisymphony.org Tickets: Adults $27. Seniors (62+) $22. Students: k-12 Free. College: $10 with College ID.

Figure Drawing - Tuesdays for 6 weeks: January 21-February 25, 6-9 PM (18+)

Connect with other local artists in these informal drawing sessions featuring a live model, led by a skilled professional artist. This welcoming environment is designed for artists of all experience levels to improve their skills, experiment with new techniques, or simply enjoy drawing in a supportive setting.

We have a few spots open for these upcoming classes. Register today—space is limited. https://plainsart.org/create/

Queer Family Ties, a first Gathering for Parents and families of our 2SLGBTQ community.

March 19 Carving Your Clan with Jeffrey Tibbetts 1-4 @ the Baudette Public LIbrary.  Contact Kellie Pelland @ 218-634-2329 to register.

There is a class fee of $50. Class size is limited to 10 participants. To register please visit www.bagleyarts.org

Join us in an Alcohol Inks class with local artist, Dave Christensen of Bagley, MN. Participants who come to this class will learn about alcohol inks and how they can be manipulated using air, straws, brushes, moving the paper in any direction, or by using old credit cards.

Dave will quickly put everyone at ease while allowing students to come up to get their supplies to create their masterpieces. The class will be focused on creating abstract paintings. Some items/techniques that are used in this art project are: a type of paper called Yupo, isopropyl alcohol, and a bleeding solution. This is challenging to most students until they stop trying to control what is happening. It is very much a “let go and see what happens” type of art experience. Some comments from previous participants who have taken a similar class range from “loved this class! wonderful, something everyone can enjoy” to “I have found my jam!!” The instructor will bring all tools and materials needed.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation thanks to the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Nikki Besser is self-taught in the art of paper quilling. Besser, a Minnesota artist, uses thousands of strips of paper that are rolled or folded, glued and shaped meticulously together to create original artworks.

The exhibition Portrayals in Paper will be on display at Talley Gallery from January 17 to February 20. A closing reception, featuring an artist talk at 2 p.m., will take place on February 20 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Talley Gallery, located in the basement of the Bridgeman building at Bemidji State University, is wheelchair accessible and open to the public free of charge.

For more information call (218) 755-2950.

Join us for the next Open Mic Night at the Armory Arts & Events Center from 7-9pm on January 16th!

Call 2373722 to sign up to perform.

Class cost is free. Size of 10 participants per session.

AM class: 9:30-Noon

PM Class: 1:30-4pm

The Goat Milk Lotion Bar is packed full of goat milk nutrients, using only all-natural ingredients. It will leave your skin silky smooth. The Lip Balm is made with fresh natural ingredients. Easy to apply and goes on smooth.

The instructor will provide the oils, goat milk and containers to take your product home with you. Also included will be a recipe so you can make your own at home. If you have a stick blender you should bring it with you; we will have some to use for those who may not have a stick blender.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

COMMUNITY ARTISTIC ADVENTURES” with Northern Artist Association at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN! Register online at www.ci.bemidji.mn.us (Parks & Recreation will have a link to register for these classes)

FREE CLASSES, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED - Class size is limited so sign up now! Classes are for age 18 and older.

“Watercolor Pencils” watercolors with Les Sanders

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

COMMUNITY ARTISTIC ADVENTURES” with Northern Artist Association at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN! Register online at www.ci.bemidji.mn.us (Parks & Recreation will have a link to register for these classes)

FREE CLASSES, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED - Class size is limited so sign up now! Classes are for age 18 and older.

“Painting Landscapes with Complementary Colors” acrylics with Gillian Bedford    

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

SAVE THE DATE!

Headwaters Presents: Heart to Heart, An Annual Instructor Showcase

Saturday, February 22, 2025

Enjoy a little sparkle and sophistication as our talented music and art instructors take center stage! The evening will feature an incredible mix of rock, blues, jazz, and classic tunes, alongside stunning artwork from our teaching artists. Cocktail attire encouraged.

Doors open at 5 PM and the music kicks off at 6 PM · Saturday, February 22 · 4th Street Lodge (formerly the Elks Club) · 116 4th St. NW · Bemidji, MN 56601

5 pm Social hour, 6 pm Music Show

Cash bar, appetizers, live and silent auctions, artwork available for purchase

https://headwatersmusicandarts.org/.../headwaters...

Vision Board Workshop, Manifest it in 2025!

Sun Feb 23rd, 1-4pm $50 Early bird price!

Learn this playful and powerful process for reaching your goals utilizing the Law of Attraction. In this workshop you will be expertly guided to:

-Reflect and visualize to uncover your true desires

-Craft a colorful, inspirational roadmap to your dreams and goals

-Learn the secrets to making your Vision Board truly work for you

-Connect with others in a serene, spacious, and relaxing space

-Leave feeling hopeful and inspired about the coming year!

For more information and to register, please visit: www.leahcorcorancoaching.com

Learn the basics of using a sewing machine with this beginner-friendly course! Students will gain essential skills, including: how to thread the needle, how to change a broken needle, how to fill the bobbin, how to start and stop sewing, and many other foundational techniques.

With your new skills you’ll complete a simple and fun project: making your very own pillowcase! This hands-on project will teach you how to sew using straight lines and apply your basic sewing knowledge. Perfect for those new to sewing or looking to build confidence with their machine.

Cost: $30 registration fee and $10 supply fee due at the time of class to the instructor.

To register: visit www.bemidjicommunityed.arux.app or call 218 333 3284

Figure Drawing - Tuesdays for 6 weeks: January 21-February 25, 6-9 PM (18+)

Connect with other local artists in these informal drawing sessions featuring a live model, led by a skilled professional artist. This welcoming environment is designed for artists of all experience levels to improve their skills, experiment with new techniques, or simply enjoy drawing in a supportive setting.

We have a few spots open for these upcoming classes. Register today—space is limited. https://plainsart.org/create/

There is a class fee of $50. Class size is limited to 10 participants. To register please visit www.bagleyarts.org

Join us in an Alcohol Inks class with local artist, Dave Christensen of Bagley, MN. Participants who come to this class will learn about alcohol inks and how they can be manipulated using air, straws, brushes, moving the paper in any direction, or by using old credit cards.

Dave will quickly put everyone at ease while allowing students to come up to get their supplies to create their masterpieces. The class will be focused on creating abstract paintings. Some items/techniques that are used in this art project are: a type of paper called Yupo, isopropyl alcohol, and a bleeding solution. This is challenging to most students until they stop trying to control what is happening. It is very much a “let go and see what happens” type of art experience. Some comments from previous participants who have taken a similar class range from “loved this class! wonderful, something everyone can enjoy” to “I have found my jam!!” The instructor will bring all tools and materials needed.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation thanks to the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Gelli Wiggle Paintings - 2 sessions: Thursday, January 30, & Thursday, February 27, 6-7 PM (Ages 4-8)

Get out those wiggles and paint/print them! Using a squishy gelli plate, students will paint and print from this material onto paper.

We have a few spots open for these upcoming classes. Register today—space is limited. https://plainsart.org/create/

The Anishinaabe Arts Initiative (AAI) Fellowship is made possible by the generous support of the McKnight Foundation to provide unfettered funding to one individual Indigenous artist or culture bearer to fuel his/her art in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Mahnomen, Lake of the Woods, Becker, Roseau, Cass, and Itasca counties in Minnesota. Applications will be scored on the artistic quality of the work, the artistic merit of the artist, and on the proposal.

The goal of the annual Region 2 Arts Council AAI Fellowship Program is to assist the region’s most talented artists who are enrolled tribal members and descendants, in furthering and innovating their work by awarding substantial financial support to fund creative time and/or arts experiences that facilitate depth and advancement in their art form. Through such support, the R2AC aims to raise the profile of artistic work in the region and create a strong community of Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Fellows. Each fellow’s artwork will be featured on our website.

Typically one $5,000 award will be granted.

The funds can be used for, but not limited to:

• Exploring new directions or continuing work in progress

• Production costs, materials, or equipment

• Marketing your work

• Travel, research or study to further your art

• Collaborative or community projects

Eligibility
Download a copy of the application form below and read through the eligibility requirements carefully. If you can answer true to each requirement, then you should be eligible to apply. If you answer false to one of the eligibility requirements, or have questions of your own, contact us to discuss eligibility. There may be another grant or more suited to your needs.

Watch a video about how to create an account
or jump in and create an account and apply online

Last Year’s Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Fellowship Application (Sample only – cannot be submitted – only online submissions are accepted)

Tweens & Teens Artistic Adventures: FREE CLASSES for youth under the age of 18.

March 1, 9:30-12:30: "Foggy Morning"

Each participant will complete an 8X10 paint of a tree silhouetted against a misty shoreline. Each kit will include a set of brushes, canvas, and enough paint and other supplies to complete the project.

Classes will be held at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN. Registration is required, go online: www.ci.bemidji.mn.us Parks and Recreation will have a link to register for these classes.

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.”

Tweens & Teens Artistic Adventures: FREE CLASSES for youth under the age of 18.

March 1, 1:30-4:30: "Sleepy Fox"

Sculpt a sleeping fox using several needle felting techniques. Ages 12 - 18. All materials and tools are supplied.

Classes will be held at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN. Registration is required, go online: www.ci.bemidji.mn.us Parks and Recreation will have a link to register for these classes.

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.”

Heartland Concert Association, founded in 1981, provides quality entertainment to our area at a reasonable price. The concert series features many varied artistic performances.

For more information, please visit www.heartlandconcertassociation.org

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Join Us for Arts Advocacy Day!

Date: TUESDAY, MARCH 4th, 2025

Rally in the Capitol Rotunda: 10:00 AM

Legislative Meetings: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Please share this information with everyone in your circles and encourage them to share it out as well. When encouraging them to sign-up use the following link: https://artsmn.org/act/advocacy-opportunities/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIHfpVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZd0mOXkWtSTw1Qibp8SazPbWz3F5fZ64ni9ff1DPbMLjQzFNKaP9z58hQ_aem_gDUwmm3NybX-2H5QU7Z26w

Register today for our next Early Release Creative Fun Day at Headwaters Music & Arts!

Date: March 5, 2025

Grades K-5

$40.00 per child, Financial assistance available

Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Looking for an engaging and fun way to spend early release days? Join us for an afternoon filled with creativity and connection!

Icebreaker Games: Make new friends and laugh together.

Board Games: Classic and exciting games for all skill levels.

Movie & Popcorn: Relax with a family-friendly film and tasty snacks.

Art Activities: Unleash creativity with hands-on projects.

Group Music: Sing, play, and explore the joy of making music together.

https://headwatersmusicandarts.org/.../early-release...

Heartland Concert Association, founded in 1981, provides quality entertainment to our area at a reasonable price. The concert series features many varied artistic performances.

For more information, please visit www.heartlandconcertassociation.org

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Join artist Charles Alberti for a follow-up painting class for his exhibition Books and Windows.

There is a class fee of $100 in advance or $125 on the day of the class. All materials will be provided.

Loon Country Arts can be reached at (218)444-9813 to register for this painting class.

Heart to Art: Annual Instructor Showcase Fundraiser

Saturday, March 8, 2025 5 pm Social hour, 6 pm Show

The Loft Event Center · 116 4th St. NW · Bemidji, MN 56601

Cash bar, appetizers, live and silent auctions, artwork available for purchase

This year, we’re aiming to raise $8,000 for our Headwaters Scholarship Program to ensure children and teens can access life-changing music and opportunities regardless of financial barriers. We invite you to help us reach this goal by attending this signature fundraising event. And because we want the Heart -to- Art: Instructor Showcase to be accessible to attend, please choose your ticket price from $10-$50.

https://headwatersmusicandarts.org/.../headwaters...

Tweens & Teens Artistic Adventures: FREE CLASSES for youth under the age of 18.

March 15, 9:30-12:30: "Wirewrapping 101"

The instructor will teach you the basic techniques of wirewrapping using Jasper stone and silver wire to create a project that can be used as a pendant or a zipper pull. We will also make a small silver charm to enhance the project. Ages 10-18.

Classes will be held at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN. Registration is required, go online: www.ci.bemidji.mn.us Parks and Recreation will have a link to register for these classes.

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.”

Tweens & Teens Artistic Adventures: FREE CLASSES for youth under the age of 18.

March 15, 1:30-4:30: "Stenciling For Kids"

Each student will paint and stencil an 8 x 10 canvas. Acrylic paints will be used. Assorted stencil designs will be available. The instructor will do a demonstration and step by step instruction in the class. Ages 10-18.

Classes will be held at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN. Registration is required, go online: www.ci.bemidji.mn.us Parks and Recreation will have a link to register for these classes.

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.”

Join us for the next Open Mic Night at the Armory Arts & Events Center from 7-9pm on January 16th!

Call 2373722 to sign up to perform.

Tweens & Teens Artistic Adventures: FREE CLASSES for youth under the age of 18.

March 29, 9:30-12:30: "Fun with Watercolor Pencils"

Les will teach you some of the different ways to use your new pencils for different effects. You will pick your project pattern and complete an 8” X 10” watercolor painting using watercolor pencils. All supplies are provided in the kit! Ages 10-18.

Classes will be held at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN. Registration is required, go online: www.ci.bemidji.mn.us Parks and Recreation will have a link to register for these classes.

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.”

There is a class fee of $35. Class size is limited to 16 participants. All materials are provided by the instructor. Register for this class at www.bagleyarts.org

Are you looking for fun and creative ways to dye your easter eggs this year? Why not use alcohol inks?

Alcohol ink easter eggs! Dress up your holiday easter table with these beautiful eggs- no experience needed, just bring one dozen blown-out white eggs and Carole will supply everything else and let’s have some fun!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Tweens & Teens Artistic Adventures: FREE CLASSES for youth under the age of 18.

March 29, 1:30-4:30: "Circular Basket"

Base starts at 4 1/2 inches square and ends as a circular basket 5 inches tall. You will learn to do a filled base and a matchstick run to give a nice finish to the basket. Limit of 8 students, ages 10-18.

Classes will be held at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN. Registration is required, go online: www.ci.bemidji.mn.us Parks and Recreation will have a link to register for these classes.

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.”

Learn the art of Line and Wash Watercolor.

This technique blends ink lines with watercolor washes. Basic Watercolor techniques will also be taught in this class. Students will be able to paint an 8”x10” floral design.

Laporte Community ed. Tuesday April 1st at 5pm. $25 material fee.

To register: 2182242288 Ext 1041

Tweens & Teens Artistic Adventures: FREE CLASSES for youth under the age of 18.

April 5, 9:30-12:30: "Copper for the Younger"

Ages 10-18 learn to play with copper. Make a project to take home. All supplies and tools provided, take a kit home.

Classes will be held at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN. Registration is required, go online: www.ci.bemidji.mn.us Parks and Recreation will have a link to register for these classes.

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.”

There is a class fee of $35. Class size is limited to 16 participants. All materials are provided by the instructor. Register for this class at www.bagleyarts.org

Are you looking for fun and creative ways to dye your easter eggs this year? Why not use alcohol inks?

Alcohol ink easter eggs! Dress up your holiday easter table with these beautiful eggs- no experience needed, just bring one dozen blown-out white eggs and Carole will supply everything else and let’s have some fun!

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Tweens & Teens Artistic Adventures: FREE CLASSES for youth under the age of 18.

April 5, 1:30-4:30: "Folded Card Making"

Students will be making a 4 1/4” X 5 1/2” folded card with envelope. Students will learn to use inks for coloring, add cutouts, layer elements, embossing, add bling, and using stamp. Students will also receive a packet to take home to make an additional card. Ages 12-18.

Classes will be held at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN. Registration is required, go online: www.ci.bemidji.mn.us Parks and Recreation will have a link to register for these classes.

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.”

Line and Wash Spring Floral Watercolor workshop!

Learn the art of Line and Wash Watercolor. This technique blends ink with watercolor washes. Basic watercolor techniques will be taught in this class. Students will paint an 8”x10” floral design.

Community Ed fee: $20

Material Fee: $25 due at time of class to the instructor.

To register please visit: https://bemidjicommunityed.arux.app

for more information: 218 333 3284

Tweens & Teens Artistic Adventures: FREE CLASSES for youth under the age of 18.

April 12, 9:30-12:30: "Baskets"

Begins with weaving a 4 by 8 inch rectangular base. Basket is approximately 3 1/2 inches tall with color accent piece woven in the side. This basket has a typical basket rim lashed with a strong waxed thread. Limit of 8 students, ages 10-18.

Classes will be held at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN. Registration is required, go online: www.ci.bemidji.mn.us Parks and Recreation will have a link to register for these classes.

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.”

Tweens & Teens Artistic Adventures: FREE CLASSES for youth under the age of 18.

April 12, 1:30-4:30: "Self-Portraiture of the Face"

Description of the project: We will be exploring self-portraiture using watercolor pencils to draw the face, focusing on individual elements such as the eyes, the mouth and the nose. We will then introduce a painterly element by incorporating water and paintbrushes to the watercolor pencil drawings. Each student will be supplied with a handheld mirror, a set of watercolor pencils, a paintbrush, a disposable cup and paper. Ages 8 -18.

Classes will be held at the historic Carnegie Library, 426 Bemidji Avenue N, Bemidji, MN. Registration is required, go online: www.ci.bemidji.mn.us Parks and Recreation will have a link to register for these classes.

“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through an Artists Engage Community Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.”

Watch a video about how to create an account on our grants portal
or jump right in and create an account and apply online

Videos to help you out
Artists Engage Community Grant Overview/Pep Talk Video
Artist Bio/Resume, Work Samples, and Artistic Vision
Creating a Budget for Your Community Engagement Project
Let’s Talk Collaborators
Target Audience, Outcomes, and Evaluation Methods
Do I really want a Fiscal Sponsor?

Eligible Applicants
Open to artists or culture bearers in all arts disciplines, 21 years of age or older, living and working in one of the five Region 2 Arts Council counties of Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, or Mahnomen, Minnesota.

Eligible Proposals
Artists Engage Community grants support the creation, production, and presentation of high quality arts activities that help instill the arts into the community and public life in our region. Eligible grant proposals must connect and engage with audiences, participants, students, and/or communities to provide new and/or expanded arts programming to residents of our region’s counties, and/or remove barriers that audiences may have to accessing arts activities. These grants offer funding for a variety of artist led arts activities that will benefit the residents of Beltrami, Hubbard, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods, or Mahnomen counties. Arts activities proposed for funding must be artist led, accessible by the public, and connect with community members through the arts. Activity must begin within 12 months of the earliest start date, and must be completed by June 30, 2025.

Eligible Uses:

• Participatory arts projects

• Arts classes, camps, or workshops

• Public art projects – murals, sculpture walks/trails, concerts in public parks, etc.

• Arts performances – concerts, theatrical productions, dance performances, film screenings, etc.

• Arts presentations – readings, exhibitions, artist talks, etc.

• Arts festivals

Is your grant project eligible?  Check out our eligibility section: Artists Engage Community Grant Eligibility Requirements – If you can answer true to all the statements, then you should be eligible to apply. If you answer false to one of the statements, please contact us to discuss your eligibility.

The Grant Application
The online grant application will ask questions about demographics which we use for reporting to the Minnesota State Arts Board (see our Data Privacy Policy), and questions based on our scoring criteria – Artist Qualifications & Artistic Vision for the Project, Arts Access Provided by the Project, Community Impact and Evaluation of the Project, and Ability to Carry Out the Project. There are also pieces needed for the grant application that you should gather before you apply, such as work samples (Work Sample Submission Policy), resume, and a list of all project costs.

Budget Guidelines
IMPORTANT FOR ALL APPLICANTS: Project specific costs incurred and paid prior to a project’s Earliest Start Date will make a project ineligible for funding. Read about this and more:
R2AC Budget Guidelines

Outcomes and Evaluation Methods
Because we ask you to engage community in this grant, we want you to set an outcome and a means to measure whether you successfully achieved that outcome. An outcome should describe a change in knowledge, skill, attitude, awareness, behavior, or condition in your target audience. Effective project outcomes are specific, measurable, and can be reasonably achieved by the proposed activity. It is important that you measure and document progress made in achieving the proposed outcome for the target audience. You may wish to consult Getting Started with Program Evaluation – a guide published by the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies for information on outcomes evaluation.

Sample Application Form for download
Last Year’s Artists Engage Community Grant Application
(Sample only – cannot be submitted – only online submissions are accepted)

A Note on Grant Awards as Taxable Income
If awarded, you will be asked to fill out a W-9 tax form and the grant award will be considered extra income for you in that tax year. Because this is a grant for individuals, you cannot shift the tax burden to any limited liability companies/corporations you may own for your arts business, but you can use a fiscal sponsor. A fiscal sponsor is a nonprofit entity that lends you their nonprofit status and provides some financial oversight for funds received from a grant award. Often they charge a flat fee or request a percentage of granted funds for this service.  If awarded, your grant award check would be made out to your fiscal sponsor, they would relay the funds to you in one large check or series of smaller payouts for your each of your expenses as you ask for/report them. The granted funds would be part of the fiscal sponsor’s tax reporting, removing the tax burden from you. You would want an agreement (sample fiscal sponsor agreement form) in place to set the responsibilities for each of you.

Join us for the next Open Mic Night at the Armory Arts & Events Center from 7-9pm on January 16th!

Call 2373722 to sign up to perform.

The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra is a thriving community orchestra servicing the region of North Central Minnesota. We bring classical music to new audiences and provide performance experience for musicians. Vaughn Williams' The Lark Ascending featuring Eric Olson on violin plus two works by Jean Sibelius. Individual concert tickets can be purchased in advance at either Lueken's Village Foods locations and online at www.bemidjisymphony.org Tickets: Adults $27. Seniors (62+) $22. Students: k-12 Free. College: $10 with College ID.

Join us for the next Open Mic Night at the Armory Arts & Events Center from 7-9pm on January 16th!

Call 2373722 to sign up to perform.

These grants help provide some measure of funding stability by offering operating support to arts organizations and arts affiliates so they can focus on increasing the quality and availability of the arts to their communities. Organizations qualify for funding amounts between $2,000 – $7,000 based on their averaged annual expenses from the past two years. This two-year grant open to any arts organization or arts affiliate. Arts groups formed for nonprofit purposes, with a fiscal sponsor, that plan to use this grant to apply for their own nonprofit status are also eligible.

For more information on this specific grant, please click here.