Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county24 region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. “Of the Year” Award winners were nominated by area residents.
Of the Year Award Winners include:
Jean Honl of Roseau will be awarded the Northwest Artist of the Year Award for fine craft of rosemaling. Jean has been rosemaling for over 45 years. Her work is currently exhibited in our gallery in East Grand Forks. Our Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500.00.
Sherri Kukowski of Badger will be awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award. Ms. Kukowski is a mosaic artist and a strong advocate for the arts. She created the Heritage Wall at the Badger Community Center — a 26 ‘ X 12 ” glass mosaic public art installation showcasing rural life in northern Minnesota. The Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines.
George French of Crookston will receive the Northwest Star Award. Mr. French is a musician, specializing in piano and organ, and head of the music and theater departments at the University of Minnesota Crookston. He has directed numerous theater productions and is a dedicated and active volunteer in his community. This award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once, as a lifetime achievement award.
These 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/
Funding for Northwest Star and Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Funding for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.
