The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce that George French of Crookston has been selected as the 2019 Northwest Minnesota Star Artist of the Year for his lifetime achievement in music, specializing in piano and organ.
French is an Associate Professor and Director of Music/Theater at the University of Minnesota Crookston and has been there for 39 years. Early in his career, he taught elementary and junior high school music. He is the church organist at Trinity Lutheran church and part-time organist at First Presbyterian church. He has been involved with the Crookston Community Theater, directing and acting in musicals and plays, and is a member of the Kiwanis Club, Crookston Rotary and Masonic Lodge.
French disclosed that he feels fortunate. “I never really feel like I go to work”. He explained that “Arts are critical in the development of students; development of the person. The arts are part of the whole educational process that will fulfill a need in all people. The arts and arts organizations like the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council are terribly important, especially in a rural area.”
Asked if he had any advice for aspiring artists. He said, “Grab onto the opportunities when they come. Know your limitations, but you can grow and learn. Set new goals and aspirations.”
Sandy Perkins explained, “George’s influence in the arts in the area of NW Minnesota and throughout the state is widely known and appreciated. His talents and influence are exceptional to all who know him and work with him.”
Reverend Gregory Isaacson shared, “George affirms people in their gifts and helps them to shine in their own performance.” Finally, former Chancellor at UMC Charles Casey praised French’s work at the college. “Each year it was amazing to watch George find and support the talents of the students coming to campus from across the country and around the world. Before long he would have them performing for the enjoyment of the campus, community, and region.”
The Northwest Star Artist Award is given each year to recognize artists within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry. “Of the Year” Award winners are nominated by area residents. This award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once, as a lifetime achievement award. Funding for the Northwest Star comes from the McKnight Foundation.
Congratulations George French on winning the Northwest Star Award!
The awards will be presented at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Exhibit Reception on Sunday, March 31 in Badger at the Badger Community Center at 111 North Main Street, Badger, MN 56714. Refreshments will be served at 2:15 pm with the program beginning promptly at 3:00 pm. Local entertainment will be featured during the program. In addition, the 2019 Creative Minnesota survey results for our region will be given by Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Executive Director Sheila Smith, followed by a brief discussion of the impact of the arts and culture in the region. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information about the Arts Exhibit see our website: https://www.northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/2019/03/2019-nw-annual-art-exhibit/
