The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is excited to announce that Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla received the Northwest Star Award. The award was presented to Saurdiff on Sunday, April 21, in Lake Bronson at the Kittson County History Museum during the NW Art Exhibit Awards Reception and Program.
Saurdiff is a well-known and accomplished potter in the area. She is a retired visual arts and German instructor in the Grygla and Goodridge School districts. Currently, she substitute teaches, works part-time at the Grygla Library, and teaches art classes in her community.
In 2023, three pieces of Betsy’s pottery were selected for the “It’s Only Clay National Competition and Exhibition” at the Watermark Center in Bemidji. One of the pieces, “Brown Antler Bowl,” won the HarlowPurchase Award. She has been named Teacher of the Year three times and awarded numerous grants for her art and equipment.
Former student and current art teacher Tausha Sieverts shared, “Mrs. Saurdiff is not just a great artist; she is an amazing person all around. She cares deeply about her family and community. Mrs. Saurdiff will go above and beyond to help whoever and wherever needed. She stays involved in our school and community by holding community education classes, attending school events, subbing at our area schools, and even mentors [me] with ceramics.”
The well-known quote by Pablo Picasso – “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life,” resonates with Betsy. She reflected on the impact of the arts on society. “Without art, we could live, but it wouldn’t be so precious.”
Goodridge Superintendent Tom Loberg explained that Betsy’s “unending passion of teaching art to others, mentoring area artists and art teachers, and her continuing pursuits to create art that serves as the inspiration to others has had a profound impact on our students, schools, communities, and the arts community in our region.” He went on, “In my opinion, Mrs. Saurdiff’s contributions to the area arts community are the definition of a lifetime achievement in art. Despite her retirement as an art teacher, nothing has changed. She continues to educate, mentor, create, and inspire.”
Betsy has advice for aspiring artists. “Make use of the arts council. Money is available for you and people who can help you write your grants if needed.” She also said, “Work really, really hard. Don’t dream about it. Every day, do something. There’s no substitute for hard work.”
According to former stuntwork (and current art teacher) Andrea Halvorson, “Betsy is an exceptional artist both personally and professionally. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Betsy since middle school. She has had a profound impact on me. Having her as an art teacher helped mold me into the artist I am today. As a teacher, Betsy always saw potential in all her students, even if they didn’t think they had talent. She showed patience, provided guidance, and challenged students to keep reaching their highest potential.”
She said, “Betsy gives back to the community by teaching others. She holds community education pottery classes for people of all ages and levels. Betsy has taught me so much about art, even learning about the other artists in the area, as well as resources and people. She does this to educate others and know there is more for artists. This is huge when living in a small rural community where resources in the arts are so limited. She is always encouraging and teaching people about what is offered to them.”
Betsy wanted to thank the arts council for all the support over the many years. “I wouldn’t be the potter I am without them.”
The NW Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive it once as a lifetime achievement award. Funding for the Northwest Star comes from The McKnight Foundation. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents.
