Five area artists will be supported to strengthen their skills and unleash their creativity through new Quick Start grants from Lake Region Arts Council, Fergus Falls, MN. A total of $5,000 was awarded by LRAC at its September Grant Review on Tuesday, September 19. The council funds the program with resources from The McKnight Foundation.
Funding to Promote Art In All Its Forms
From mentorship and advanced studies to musical mastery and new ways to produce traditional art, this year’s grants support five Fast Start grant awardees who represent the rich diversity of arts in our region. They include:
“Colorization of Stuart” Varnished Watercolor, 2021, Lisa Burns
Lisa Burns, Visual Artist - $1,000, Clay County, will enroll in online classes offered by master portrait artists and to create new dynamic works for exhibition. She anticipates that the classes will allow her to gain additional confidence to participate in national art exhibitions and competitions and to provide portraiture services for local and regional art patrons.
International Euphonium Tuba Festival at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Timothy Wollenzien, Musician - $1,000, Clay County, plans to use the grant to fund his participation in the 2024 International Euphonium Tuba Festival at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He expects the opportunity to perform in this prominent event to serve as a catalyst for more solo and chamber music performances in his community.”
“Family Bouquet” Stained Glass, 2023, Vanessa Gallagher
Vanessa Gallagher, Stained Glass Artist - $1,000, Otter Tail County, will be supported in a mentorship with John Olesen, a master glass blower from Clitherall, MN. Her experience will focus on the technique of blown glass rondels to incorporate in a one-of-a-kind body of work. As a result, she said she expects to be better able to “define who I am as an artist and gain education for my resume so I may continue to create work and apply for future exhibitions and gallery entries.”
“Summer Ojibwe Floral Motif” digital, 2023, Lera Hephner
Lera Hephner, Digital Artist - $1,000, Becker County, intends to apply the new techniques of digital design to an ancient art form: creating fabric with traditional Ojibwe floral designs to be used for everyday wear and home decoration, and also for powwow regalia-making.. She hopes to “share how beautiful and unique Ojibwe Floral is with the world, and pass on my knowledge of our art to Ojibwe youth.”
“A Familiar Hug”, Digital Photography, 2023, Zoey Zachek
Zoey Zachek, Photographer - $1,000, Clay County, has earmarked the funds to purchase a camera for digital/darkroom photographical work. “I truly believe that in any space, a beauty can be found, and I aim to continue pursuing that as a photographer for the rest of my days,” she commented.
Additional and Continuing Support for the Arts
With support from the McKnight Foundation, the Lake Region Arts Council is able to offer these future opportunities for grant support:
In spring 2024, LRAC will offer Career Development Grants for individuals in the LRAC region. to fund up to $2,000 per applicant for trainings, workshops, supplies, equipment, marketing, production, and time to create new work. The application will open February 19, 2024, and the deadline to apply is Thursday, April 4, 2024
Applications for next year’s Artist Quick Start Grant will open on July 1, 2024. The $1,000 grants are open to all applicants in the LRAC region that includes the counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin. These grants may take place outside of the LRAC region.
For more information about Lake Region Arts Council’s support for the arts and artists, contact: Miranda Lape, Grants Manager, Lake Region Arts Council, 133 Mill Street S, Fergus Fall, MN 56537-2562.
Phone: 218-739-5780 or 800-262-2787
Email: LRAC4@LRACgrants.org
Website: LRAC4.org
LRAC is a nonprofit art organization that provides grants, resources, and services to the nine county region; Becker, Clay, Douglas, Ottertail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin counties. Our mission is to encourage and support the arts in West Central Minnesota.
