The tables turned for our podcast this week. Pioneer 90.1 Radio Host Ron West, whose actual name is Rom Ogaard, was interviewed by Promotions Specialist Kristin Eggerling. Ogaard will be receiving the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award on Sunday, April 21.

Ogaard has been a radio host at KSRQ 90.1 radio at Northland Community and Technical College and is retiring at the end of the month. As Ron West, he has partnered with the NWMAC to offer a weekly radio segment that promotes artists, the arts, and arts organizations. He also has segments that feature the Campbell Library in East Grand Forks, and the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks. These radio programs have brought news and information about the arts to our region and beyond and highlighted our regional artists.  

This award will be presented on Sunday, April 21 in Lake Bronson at the Kittson County History Museum. 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. Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Funding for this award comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.

Listen to the interview to hear about what Rom has learned about the arts and much more!

Grand Forks Artist Pat Danielson was the juror of our annual NW Art Exhibit this year in Lake Bronson. Pat viewed each piece several times and looked at it carefully. She said, “while technique is important, I looked for art that surprised with its original idea, showed clear intention, was well executed and presented, and especially that drew me back to learn more about it.”

“This exhibit showed a wide variety of media—paintings, ceramics, fiber arts, sculpture, photography, fused glass, mosaic, assemblages, digital art—in many sizes and many shapes! Some of the treasures offered were small works and made no less impact than large ones.”

As an artist, Pat has worked in water media, ink, pastel, pencil, oils, photography, clay, and fibers. She is a member of the River Forks Watercolor Society and of Arts for Vets. She sees “art as a natural community builder. Art invites participation not only for those who wish to try it as a means of expression or for fun, but also for the many community members who enjoy viewing all the different forms of art and supporting their family and friends who create it! We need to celebrate both as individuals and as a community. “

Thanks, Pat for jurying our exhibit!

The exhibit is open until April 21. On the 21st it opens at noon. The reception starts at 2 PM and the awards program at 3PM.

Randy Larson lives in Gatzke and is the Northwest Artist of the Year for Music. This award will be presented on Sunday, April 21 at the Kittson County History Museum.

Larson is a talented musician who sings and plays bass guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and lead guitar. He also writes music. Randy was 17 when he and a quartet from high school began The Back Behind the Barn Boys. The Barn Boys, their abridged title, added drums, piano, and guitar after a year. The Barn Boys hit the road full time touring 23 states and 3 provinces. With one 45 record, 2 albums and a CD, Randy and the band played with or fronted many national acts including, Alabama, Gatlin Brothers, Sawyer Brown, Diamond Rio, Charlie Daniels, Kentucky Headhunters, Restless Heart, Reba McEntire, Southern Pacific, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Marshall Tucker, and Nitty Gritty Dirt band. 

Randy and the Barn Boys represented Minnesota at the Wrangler Star Search competition in Nashville, Tennessee performing at The Grand Ole Opry. The song “Come on Sunday Morning," written by The Barn Boys, reached #88 on Billboard, #68 on Cashbox, and #2 on the National Indie Charts and stayed on the charts for 8 weeks. The band played at We Fest in Detroit Lakes numerous times.

Randy has played in other bands, as well. He currently performs with Eagle Creek (with his sons and others).

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. Funding for the Northwest Artist of the Year 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. Listen to learn more and hear some Back Behind the Barn Boys music!

Grygla Artist Betsy Saurdiff is receiving the NW Star Award this year. This is a lifetime achievement award. Congrats, Betsy!

She's a retired visual arts (and German) teacher in the Grygla and Goodridge School districts. Betsy taught many art mediums, but preferred pottery.

Betsy is a well-known potter in our region and sells her work out of her studio and at art shows. In 2018 she was the Arts Advocate of the Year.

She's had her own solo show in our gallery and is a regular entrant and award winner in our annual NW Art Exhibit. She's also received grants from the NWMAC for equipment and trainings. Betsy will receive the award on Sunday, April 21 in Lake Bronson. The public is invited to join the celebration.

Listen to hear more, including making pottery, getting grants, and arts council support!