Artist Career Development Grants Awarded


At the September 14, 2023, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded $27,993 in Artist Career Development grants.
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.  Laura Ruprecht, $4,000, to create an artist documentary to be included with her mosaic work featuring Minnesota’s endangered bird species that will be exhibited the Hallberg Center for the Arts in Wyoming, MN.
2. Timothy Takach, $4,000, for marketing efforts that promote “Unfashioned Creature” composition for live dance through incentives offered to dance companies to attend the premier as well as videography of the premier for future promotion.
3. Kelly Meyer, $4,000 for support in the development of an outdoor fabric dye lab space to expand work in natural dyeing and eco-printing.
4. Susan Davies, $4,000 for support to elevate professional portfolio and broaden audience base in the production of new work, a mentorship with painter Bonnie Cutts, and activities that promote the new work and exhibition at Wright County Historical Society.
5. Scott Miller, $4,000, to support an investment in a more complete sample library and renewed subscriptions to notation and digital audio workstation software essential to the production of film/TV-ready demos, and notation of scores and parts.
6. Emily Holt, $3,993, to support updating current computer and printing equipment, website and marketing outreach.
7. Desi Murphy, $4,000 to further explore the minimalism concept through ceramic fine art forms and to update booth equipment used for displaying art festivals.

Three criteria are used to evaluate applications: 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.

Artist In Residence Grants Awarded


At the September 14, 2023, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded $23,448 to area organizations in support of Artist Residencies.

The Artist in Residence (AIR) program is designed to enhance education through the arts with supportive grants to schools and nonprofit organizations. The intention of any residency proposal must be to increase interaction between students, community members and professional artists.

1.     510 Art Lab, $3,500, for a four-session Storytelling Workshop with Laura Packer where participants learn how to pick a topic, embellish the story, and present that story to an audience. A 90-minute storytelling concert will follow the workshop at 510 Art Lab in Sauk Centre
2.     Foley High School, $3,500, for a hand-building and mold making residency with ceramicist Desi Murphy where students will create 3D ceramic cubes that will be fired and hung to create a temporary wall installation presented during a celebration in spring. Students will then be able to take home their modern ceramic cube.
3.     MontiArts, $3,500, for resident artist Brian Larson to lead school art club, local creatives, and people from the community in painting techniques, design process and installation of public art. Leaners will practice on a temporary brick building that will be demolished before collaborating on a permanent mural that will be located on the rear entrance of the MontiArts building.
4.     Prairie Porcelain Painter of Albany, $2,810, for artist Lucy Thomas to teach three new porcelain painting techniques over nine days that include techniques for preparing, mixing, and grinding paints, painting, and brush techniques, and applying paint for kiln firing.
5.     St. Michael-Albertville High School, $3,500, for secondary band students to enhance learning and improve musicianship through a masterclass with Dallas Brass that will conclude with a public performance.
6.     Talahi Community School, $3,178, for teaching artist Levi Weinhagen to conduct “Humor Can Come in Many Ways” residency with second grade students that will focus on composing short sentences and scenes that express feel-good humor and fun learning.
7.     Wirth Center for the Performing Arts, $3,500, for musician and actor Sean Tillmann-Hauser to conduct a singer/songwriter workshop for rock band students and a masterclass for faculty with a deeper focus on the songwriting process to benefit the students they teach.

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.

CMAB Awards Public Art Grants


At the May 11, 2023, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded a total of $27,535 in Public Art Grants. The CMAB Public Art program provides funds for the completion of well-planned works of public art that are accessible to the public and supported by the community. An organization must provide a minimum of 25% in matching funds. Public Art Grants are provided through Minnesota’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

The following were awarded:
1. MontiArts, $20,000, for The Dragonfly Sculpture created by Parker McDonald chosen by a selection committee to be installed at East Bridge Park in Monticello, MN.
2. St. Cloud Technical High School, $7,535, for the “Stepping Up”, a large-scale ceramic wall installation consisting of 23 slip cast rectangular prisms created by alumni Desi Murphy and installed inside the school’s main entrance in St. Cloud, MN.

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.

CMAB Awards Regional Project Grants


At the May 11, 2023, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded a total of $214,772 in support of thirty regional arts projects. Applications are scored by a panel of artists, nonprofit administrators, and members of other community groups. Panel scores are provided to the Board of Directors and used in determining how to allocate funds. Criteria used in evaluating applications include equity & sustainability, artistic merit & quality, demonstrated need, outcomes & evaluation, and ability to complete the proposal.

Organizations, schools, local government, community groups, and individuals may apply for up to $8,000 in support of arts-focused events. Funding for these CMAB Grants is provided through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the state’s general fund, and its Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund created by the Voters of Minnesota

The following were awarded:
1.   510 Art Lab, $5,400, to support the addition of Fabric Art programming to offer classes and demonstrations for the community in the Fall of 2023.
2.    Anna Marie’s Alliance, $7,750, Hope for Survivors project lead by artist Laura Ruprecht where participants create individual mandalas which will be incorporated and installed into a finished mural to create a warm and welcoming transition from the entry to inside the shelter.
3.   Avon Hills Folk School, $6,389, to provide a multi-day opportunity Adult Artist and Maker Camp for local and regional artists and makers in September 2023 in Avon, MN.
4.   Boys & Girls Clubs of Central MN, $8,000, to support the Youth Arts Initiative arts programming that empowers youth through intentional projects on diversity, equity and inclusion with a showcase and exhibit in Winter 2023 in St. Cloud, MN.
5.  Buffalo Community Orchestra, $8,000, for “Overture” concert and performance in Fall 2023 where selected pieces offer a wide array of musical styles and varying instrumentations in Buffalo, MN.
6.  Buffalo Community Theater, $8,000, to support “Grumpy Old Men the Musical” the rehearsal and performance in Fall 2023 in Buffalo, MN.
7.  Central Minnesota Youth Orchestra, $8,000, for students to perform musical works that have inspired many composers, authors, and screen writers themed “Tales of Time: Myths & Legends” in Fall 2023.
8.  Chamber Music Society of St. Cloud, $8,000, for BPR Trio & Sybarite5 concerts and related community outreach activities in Fall of 2023 in St. Cloud, MN.
9.   Community Legacy Foundation, $4,100, for the Laurie Morvan Band Concert during Art on the Avenue on Saturday, June 24, 2023, in Sauk Centre, MN.
10.  Delano Community Band, $5,532, to support the community band 2023 concerts and performances.
11.  Foley Economic Development Committee, $3,400, to support a public art expansion by paying selected artists to produce renderings of the proposed public art for public voting events and judging panel.
12.  Great River Educational Arts Theatre, $8,000, to support a youth-lead theatre production and performance of “A Year with Frog and Toad” in October 2023 in Waite Park, MN.
13.  Higher Works Collaborative, $6,000, to support a 10-event Spoken Word series “Auditory Perception of Human Emotions” in different locations throughout St. Cloud, MN.
14.  Independent Music Collaboration of Central MN, $8,000, to support Project 37 that provides the tools and sober-friendly space necessary for musicians of all ages to perform in a Showcase Series during 2023 in St. Cloud and surrounding communities.
15.  Lyricality, $8,000, to host Poetry Day 2023 on August 5, 2023, at Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon Trail in Holdingford, MN.
16.  Millstream Arts Festival, $7,000, to support the outdoor juried Millstream Arts Festival featuring work by local and regional artists and musicians August 27, 2023, in St. Joseph, MN
17.  Minnesota Center Chorale, $6,200, for a choral concert entitled “Minnesota Made: Celebrating 50 Years” on May 21, 2023, at the Paramount Theater in downtown St. Cloud, MN.
18.  Munsinger Clemens Botanical Society, $8,000, to support Art Fair in the Gardens that features art, artists, and musicians July 20, 2023, at Munsinger Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud, MN.
19.  Options Inc., $7,500, to support artist Mandi Sabourin in providing on-site instruction bi-weekly painting tutorials for adults with cognitive and intellectual disabilities in Big Lake, MN.
20.  Paramount Center for The Arts, $8,000, for Water Street Dance Milwaukee to lead a masterclass with Ms. Melinda’s Dance Studio and present a public performance in January 2024 at the Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud, MN.
21.  Quiet Oaks Hospice House, $7,825, to support the Heart Held Hands program where photographer Judy Goering captures moments of holding hands to provide framed photos for each family at no cost.
22.  Rum River Art Center, $8,000, for the Senior-Art Reach Programming series of single outreach classes and workshops to older adults ages 55+ at Elk River Senior Center and St. Michael Library.
23.  Sinclair Lewis Foundation, $7,760, for the 2023 Writers Conference that includes a panel discussion, keynote talk and small group presentations in person and virtually October 2023 in Sauk Centre, MN.
24.  SOAR Regional Arts, $8,000, for the Fall 2023 production and performance of “Mamma Mia” at the St. Michael Town Center outdoor park in St. Michael, MN.
25.  St. Cloud State University, $8,000, to support the Lemonade Concert & Art Fair that showcases local artists and performances June 22, 2023, on the SCSU campus in St. Cloud, MN.
26.  St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, $8,000, for “Life Cycles” concert that consists of music connected to different views on the cycle of life and death held October 28, 2023, at Ritsche Auditorium in St. Cloud, MN.
27.  St. Michael-Albertville High School, $8,000, to support a theatre retreat in August 2023 for high school theatre students with Blackout Improv that includes professional theater training and show preview a show in St. Michael, MN.
28.  Stearns History Museum, $8,000, for an Art Collection Collaboration organizational framework that involves gathering and archiving of artists’ work that have a connection to Stearns County.
29.  Wirth Center for the Performing Arts, $4,675, to support “School of Rock” for students in grades 6-12 focused on all aspects of being a musician that includes a performance in August 2023 at the Paramount Theater in Saint Cloud, MN.
30.  Youth Chorale of Central MN, $7,250, for a “A Choral Community” that gathers local vocal ensembles to the same stage in a single performance in Fall 2023 at Blattner Energy Arts Theatre in Albany, MN.

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.

**Event dates may change due to the current environment, visit aroundthecloud.org and organization websites for recent updates.

Announcing FY23 Student Arts Scholarships


Student Arts Scholarship Congrats

At the April 12, 2023 meeting, the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB) awarded $30,000 in Arts Scholarships to twenty students. The Student Arts Scholarship Program is designed to support individuals entering or enrolled in an accredited institution and who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in the arts. Applicants are eligible to receive up to four Student Arts Scholarships in a lifetime.

A volunteer panel of artists, arts professionals and educators evaluate each applicant according to established criteria. The CMAB directors received the recommendation from the panel and awarded scholarships to applicants that scored the highest.

The CMAB Student Arts Scholarship Award recipients are (listed alphabetically by city):

Megan
MEGAN MCDOWELL
Albertville, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Animation and Digital Media at
University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI

SYDNEY MATTSON
Big Lake, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Illustration at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, MN
Jonah
JONAH OVERBY
Big Lake, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Music Education at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN
Trent
TRENT LAMBERT
Buffalo, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Music Theatre at Columbia Collage, Chicago, IL
August
AUGUST CARLSON
Buffalo, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Illustration at University of
Wisconsin Eau Claire, WI
Erica
ERICA O’BORSKY
Buffalo, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Graphic/Interior Design at Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Sarah
SARAH WARREN
Clear Lake, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Studio Art at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, WI
Cullen
CULLEN BROWN
Elk River, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Music at University of Wisconsin, Superior, WI
Jan
JAN CHRISTOPHERSON
Elk River, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Fine Art at Lake Superior College, Duluth, MN
Ella
ELLA OVALL
Elk River, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Animation at University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI
Peyton
PEYTON HAGEN
Elk River, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Studio Art & Psychology at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, WI
Andrew
ANDREW RAHM
Foley, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Music Performance University of Saint Thomas, Saint Paul, MN
Chris
CHRISTOPHER MATHESON
Otsego, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Vocal Music Education at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
Kathryn
KATHRYN BLOMMEL
Saint Cloud, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Fine Arts at University of MN, Minneapolis, MN

LAINA BURRIS
Saint Cloud, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Music at Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio

LEAH DONNELLY
Saint Cloud, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Media Arts & Sciences at
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

CASSANDRA BLACKWOOD
Saint Cloud, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Studio Art at University of MN, Saint Cloud, MN

KAZMER BEAUDRY
Saint Cloud, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Music Education at Saint Olaf College, Northfield, MN

JACKSON GERADS
Saint Joseph, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Fine Arts at University of MN, Minneapolis, MN

SAMANTHA BROWN
Saint Michael, MN
$1,500 Student Arts Scholarship
Technical Theatre at University of MN, Duluth, MN
The Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB) strives to enhance appreciation of the essential economic and social roles the arts play in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties by providing grants and professional development services to arts and community organizations, schools, government units and individuals.

For more information about the Central MN Arts Board grant opportunities and services go to www.centralmnartsboard.org or call 320-968-4290 or toll free at 1-866-825-1471. For print resolution photos of students, contact Melissa at media@centralmnartsboard.org, 320-968-4290 ext. 4.

Eight Area Artists Receive Individual Artist Awards


The Central MN Arts Board is excited to announce the Individual Artist Award (IAA) recipients for 2023!

The Individual Artist Award provides awards in recognition and support of outstanding artists living in the Minnesota counties of Benton, Sherburne, Stearns or Wright (Region 7W). Funding for the program is generously provided by the McKnight Foundation.

Artists are invited to apply for this award once each year in January and may receive up to $5,000 in Individual Artist Awards in a lifetime. A panel of arts professionals reviewed and scored each application. Those with the highest average score were recommended to the CMAB Directors for awards. CMAB Directors accepted the review panel’s recommendations at their March 9, 2023, board meeting with a total of $21,500 in awards.

The 2023 Individual Artist Award recipients are:

1.  Marienne Kreitlow, Musical Theatre, playwright, lyricist, composer; Wright County
2.  Jean Matua, Visual art, Pysanky, batik-style wax-resist; Stearns County
3.  Patricia Riley, Visual art, fine arts, oil on linen; Wright County
4.  Kathryn Blommel, Visual art, graphite, charcoal; Sherburne County
5.  Nik Rymer, Visual art, mixed media; Sherburne County
6.  Matthew Coppersmith, Visual art, wood, metal & resin; Wright County
7.  Amy Coppersmith, Visual art, digital photography; Wright County
8.  Steven Lemke, Visual art, sculptor; Stearns County

JeanMatua_PysankaLobster, Leaks and Lemon oil on canvasGrandma and me Charcoal and GraphiteIntersections sculptureBipolar Oil on canvasOrange Dreamsicle DeskTesla's Mistress

To view samples of the winning artists’ work, visit the Central Minnesota Arts Board website at www.centralmnartsboard.org.

The 2023 Individual Artist Award panel reviewers were:

Board of Directors, Bopha Thomas: Fashion Designer; Bopha Sar sewing and alterations, owner; AA Fashion Design; experience in theater, costume design, instrumental music; Princeton Area of Commerce Board Member; Central Minnesota Arts Board Director.

Cezarija Abartis: M.A. and Ph.D. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale; St. Cloud State University Professor of English; Published Author

Sydney Kakuk: University of Minnesota BM Vocal Performance and BA Political Science; opera singer and classical vocalist, experience in theater, choir, orchestra; volunteered for Tri-County Animal Humane Society, St. Cloud Times Editorial Board, Quiet Oaks Hospice, Esperanza Ensemble

Craig Palm: Visual Artist, Sculptor, Hennepin Tech for Graphic Arts; Art Masters Academy Apprenticeship and taught 30 years of Oil painting, mural work, air brush, and sculptural experience; volunteered at Elk River High Art Dept, Evansville Art Association.

Mike Odden: Visual Artist, Visual Art High School Teacher, retired; past Central Minnesota Arts Board of directors and chair; Holdingford Fine Arts Booster Club, Member of Resurrected Artists Theatre group, Member Petals to Pedals Garden Club

Rebecca Froehlich: Textile Art Center, Instructor, Member of Art to Change the World; AmeriCorps VISTA, Development & Communications Associate, Development & Communications Specialist, Development & Communications Manager; Arts in Health Practitioner with Creative Care LLC; Artist in Healthcare at Sanford Canby; Former Young Professionals Board Member: Cornerstone Advocacy Services; Current Board Member: Friends of Roberts Bird Sanctuary; Former grant reviewer for: Minnesota State Arts Board, Youthprise, Synergy & Leadership Exchange

Mary Joyce: Visual Artist, Member Kanabec County Art Association, The Wyoming Area Creative Arts Community, Hallberg Center for the Arts, Wyoming, MN

The Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB) strives to enhance appreciation of the essential economic and social roles the arts play in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties by providing grants and professional development services to arts and community organizations, schools, government units and individuals.

Teaching Artist Grant Awarded to Area Artist


At the March 9, 2023 meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded Teaching Artist, 
Cristina Seaborn $2,000 to lead a Barn Dance residency for second graders at Talahi Community School. The activities combine music, physical education, and historical culture concluding with a community barn dance.

The Teaching Artist Grant is available to artists who complete the CMAB Teaching Artist Roster Program  and are listed on CMAB’s Teaching Artist Roster.  The goal of the program is to support local artists in sharing their knowledge, skills and process with learners throughout the region.

Funding for the TAG program is provided by the McKnight Foundation.

For more information about the Central MN Arts Board Teaching Artist Roster visit www.centralmnartsboard.org or call the office at 320-968-4290 or toll free at 1-866-825-1471.

CMAB Awards Organizational Development Grants


At the November 10, 2022 meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded $70,386 in Organizational Development Grants.

The CMAB Organizational Development program provides funds to help establish, maintain & strengthen the infrastructure of nonprofit arts organizations. These funds are also available to assist arts groups in establishing 501(c)(3) status. Funding for this grant program is provided through an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the state’s general fund, and the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund created by the Voters of Minnesota.

The following organizations were awarded:
1. Buffalo Community Theater, $7,096, to support a board team building workshop, Intimacy director training and for lighting and sound equipment.
2. Great River Educational Arts Theatre, $10,000, to facilitate strategic planning for board of directors and staff.
3. Lyricality, $10,000, for development and communications advising and D-E-I Think Tank collaboration among local artists to identify Central Minnesota cultures and groups with limited or narrow access to arts & culture engagement opportunities.
4. Melrose Area Arts Council, $8,500, to assist with filing for nonprofit status and to develop the organization’s website for promoting projects and events.
5. Paramount Center for the Arts, $10,000, for the implementation of their Strategic Plan Initiatives that include organizations with partnership goals to enhance the presence of the arts across the community.
6. SOAR Regional Arts, $10,000, to purchase a wireless microphone system in order to mitigate rising rental costs and to increase organizational sustainability through staff time with a grant research and grant writing consultant.
7. St. Cloud Municipal Band, $4,790, for the purchase of stackable folding performance chairs, chair carts and music stand carts for performances at outdoor concerts.
8. Youth Chorale of Central MN, $10,000, for the development of a branding and marketing plan including website updates that accurately reflect current programming, new ensembles and staff members.

The Central Minnesota Arts Board supports collaborative and innovative arts opportunities through partnerships and financial investments in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties as 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.

Teaching Artist Grants Awarded to Area Artists


At the November 10, 2022 meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded $4,000 in Teaching Artist Grants to local artists to conduct arts learning activities in community settings.

The following teaching artists were awarded:
1. Dan Mondloch, $2,000, for a 4-day residency focused on watercolor techniques and landscape painting with grades Pre-k through 5th grade at St. Joseph Catholic School in St. Joseph, MN.
2. Carol Moore, $2,000, for a weeklong residency with k-6th grade students teaching watercolor techniques, styles and an introduction to famous master painters at St. Mary’s School in Melrose, MN.

The Teaching Artist Grant is available to artists who complete the CMAB Teaching Artist Roster Program and are listed on CMAB’s Teaching Artist Roster. The goal of the program is to support local artists in sharing their knowledge, skills, and process with learners throughout the region by increasing the opportunities for artist residences.

Funding for the TAG program is provided by the McKnight Foundation.

CMAB Awards Public Art Grants


At the October 13, 2022, meeting, the Central MN Arts Board (CMAB) awarded a total of $22,444 in Public Art Grants. The CMAB Public Art program provides funds for the completion of well-planned works of public art that are accessible to the public and supported by the community. An organization must provide a minimum of 25% in matching funds. Public Art Grants are provided through Minnesota’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

The following were awarded:
1.  Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture, $15,825, to commission a permanent sculpture, “Trumpeter” by artist Willicey Tynes that pays tribute to the successful reintroduction of the Trumpeter Swan for the Delano Sculpture Park located between Highway 12 and the Crow River in Delano, MN.
2.  Friends of the Buffalo Library, $6,619, for a stained-glass panel that will be illuminated at night designed by artist Mary Ellen Gutknecht with the library’s message of ‘A Love of Reading’ for permanent installation next to the West entrance of the Buffalo Library in Buffalo, MN.

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.