At the September 11, 2025, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded $37,700 in Artist Career Development grants to artists in Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties.
The CMAB Artist Career Development program provides up to $4,000 in funding to support projects, training opportunities, creative time, purchases and other activities that assist artists in making the next step in their creative development and artistic careers. Funding for this program is made possible by the McKnight Foundation.
The following applicants were awarded:
1. Deborah Russell, Clear Lake, $4,000, to support the transition from hybrid published non-fiction to traditionally published fiction author.
2. JD Jorgenson, Kimball, $4,000, to pursue a new body of two- and three-dimensional work using wild clay ceramics and salvaged, recycled or repurposed materials.
3. Desi Murphy, Saint Cloud, $4,000, to create a new body of work focused on minimalism through sculptures and installations.
4. Jessica Heusinkveld, Saint Cloud, $1,829, to purchase studio safety equipment for firing and clay dust reduction.
5. Lisa Meyers McClintick, Saint Cloud, $4,000, for consultation in developing nature journaling workshops, workshop material and marketing.
6. Laura Ruprecht, Saint Cloud, $4,000, to pursue work on a new small-scale paper mosaic series during medical leave.
7. Margaret Hanson, Saint Joseph, $4,000, in support of time, materials, and documentation needed to complete a five-part painting series exploring the four structural forms of the feminine psyche.
8. MacKenna Hanson, Saint Joseph, $4,000, to explore and demonstrate historical artistic techniques for making rabbitskin glue, half-chalk ground, egg tempera, and distemper paints to raise awareness of homemade and folk painting traditions.”
9. Tim Johnson, Sauk Rapids, $3,871, to fund equipment that will expand the scope, quality and detail of astrophotography.
10. Kayla Boeckman, St Joseph, $4,000, in support of skill development, materials and supplies to build a cohesive body of oil paintings.
A panel of volunteers read and score each application using three criteria: artistic quality and merit, professional need and ability to complete the proposal. An applicant must receive an average score of 15 points (50%) or higher to be considered for funding.
The Central Minnesota Arts Board supports collaborative and innovative arts opportunities through partnerships and financial investments in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties. The CMAB is one of eleven Regional Arts Councils designated by the Minnesota State Arts Board working with community partners to increase access to the unique cultural assets of Minnesota.