At the September 12, 2024, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded $70,633 in Artist Career Development grants to artists in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties.
The CMAB Artist Career Development program provides funding in support of projects, training opportunities, purchases and other activities that assist artists in making the next step in their artistic careers. Funding for this program is provided by the McKnight Foundation.
1. David Barthel, Sauk Rapids, $4,000, to support the purchase of new equipment that will allow reliable and more efficient photograph production with higher quality and challenging lighting conditions.
2. Linda Brobeck, Waverly, $4,000, in support of supplies and material for a solo exhibit at North Face Wall Gallery, Unitarian Universalist, Minnetonka January 2025 – March 2025. The proposal includes collaborating with a marketing student who will use the show as a portfolio project for capstone activities.
3. Shelly Chambers, Royalton, $3,907, for the exploration and creation of work themed “Recovering Vitality” that will tell the story of an individual’s journey through medical trauma and recovery.
4. Sarah Flicek, Delano, $4,000, to create a series of original framed art pieces celebrating each season with a cast of woodland flora and fauna by combining printmaking, embossing, watercolor and silversmithing.
5. Dan Gruhlke, Monticello, $4,000, to explore, enhance and expand Little Mountain Stories oral storytelling performances for young audiences.
6. Barb Kellogg, Avon, $3,184, to support an upgrade in camera, accessories and printer equipment that will increase artistic output and offer more features to expand creativity.
7. Steven Lemke, Saint Cloud, $4,000, for the purchase of hardware and software tools that will assist in advancing in the field of sculpture, installation art, and digital design technology.
8. Jessica Levanduski, Saint Cloud, $3,987, for materials and supplies for new large-scale paintings using linen and transparent gesso and to support the promotion of current and new work.
9. Aryn Lill Diemand, Monticello, $4,000 for creative time and supplies to develop two bodies of work focused on wildlife and the environment that will expand artist skills and the artist’s portfolio.
10. Desi Murphy, Saint Cloud, $4,000, to support the creation of works for an exhibition that will include ceramic sculptures, ceramic wall installations, framed ceramic pieces and paintings influenced by Modern Minimalist Bauhaus architecture.
11. KateLynn Rentz, St. Joseph, $4,000, to expand artistic techniques in fiber arts and costume design, studio updates and to develop a curriculum that can be offered to the community.
12. Charlene Ridlon, Waite Park, $4,000, to expand skills in pastel painting through participation in a mentorship, workshops and plein air competitions.
13. Tracy Rittmueller, Sauk Rapids, $4,000, to support consulting, supplies, materials and equipment to increase knowledge and skills in offering poetry, song and trauma-sensitive presentations.
14. Laura Ruprecht, Saint Cloud, $4,000, to advance artistic practice through mosaic courses, purchase of studio tools and the creation of two new pieces for a solo exhibition in 2025.
15. Timothy Takach, Big Lake, $3,555, in support of promotion and networking of an original composition premiering fall of 2025 at The State University of New York in Potsdam, New York.
16. Sandra Theis, Saint Cloud, $4,000, to complete the illustrations for a children’s book and assist in printing and promoting.
17. Kyle Young, Saint Cloud $4,000, to continue transcribing “Ladies in the Parlor: Music from the First Women Who Played Banjo” that will be published along with audio tracks.
18. Shari Zimmermann, Delano, $4,000, in support of supplies and equipment that will expand techniques, promote new work, and reach a broader audience.
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.
For more information about the Central MN Arts Board programs visit www.centralmnartsboard.org or call the office at 320-968-4290 or toll free at 1-866-825-1471.