Join us for a creative cold plunge into writing great songs! Our veteran instructors will help you say what you want to say, and guide you to a deeper understanding of what makes a great song. Draw inspiration from the rocky shores of Lake Superior and unlock your creativity!

April 24–27, 2025

Join us for a creative cold plunge into writing great songs! Our veteran instructors will help you say what you want to say, and guide you to a deeper understanding of what makes a great song. Draw inspiration from the rocky shores of Lake Superior and unlock your creativity!

April 24–27, 2025

Join us for a creative cold plunge into writing great songs! Our veteran instructors will help you say what you want to say, and guide you to a deeper understanding of what makes a great song. Draw inspiration from the rocky shores of Lake Superior and unlock your creativity!

April 24–27, 2025

EcoFest is back for our fourth year! Attendees have the opportunity to connect with local organizations, get involved, and learn more about making a difference. Explore interactive booths, meet different organizations, and engage in meaningful conversations at EcoFest. Come celebrate a day full of learning and connecting with others for a healthier community and planet.

Free and open to the public! No registration required.

You’ll also find BellSkimmer Studios, an ARAC Artist Equity Grant recipient, presenting their photography, poetry, and storytelling that celebrate the natural world.

Each one of us is made up of a million moments. Our everyday stories use those moments to tell a story. Join this free workshop to gain skills to craft your story. Participants will learn how to find, shape, and tell stories by discussing and discovering the five main elements of storytelling. By the end of our time together, participants will have an opportunity to share a story. This workshop is open to people from all walks of life.

Join us for a creative cold plunge into writing great songs! Our veteran instructors will help you say what you want to say, and guide you to a deeper understanding of what makes a great song. Draw inspiration from the rocky shores of Lake Superior and unlock your creativity!

April 24–27, 2025

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

Creative Writing: Writer’s Block
May 7, 2025
6-8 p.m.
Are the ideas in your head not making it onto the page? Beginners and experienced writers are most welcome to this session of prompts and blockbusters to help launch your writing. We’ll go over the writing process like sculptors – gathering our clay (words) and building it into forms (stories).

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

Join YWCA Duluth and many of the artists involved at the Gender Joy Art Show Opening Reception!

May 9, 2025

5–8 PM

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

Join us on two inspiring evenings to celebrate three amazing artists/arts advocates. The 2025 Arrowhead Arts Awards recipients are Karen Savage-Blue, Joan Farnam, and Giizh Agaton Howes. These three individuals embody the passionate, determined, and influential spirit of the Arrowhead Arts Awards, let's celebrate all they've accomplished!

Friday, May 9, 2025 (honoring Karen Savage-Blue and Giizh Agaton Howes)
5:30–7:30 PM
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
2101 14th St, Cloquet, MN 55720

Note: This year, we will have two award ceremonies to celebrate our award recipients in their communities fully. The other ceremony date is 5/30/2025 in Grand Marais, MN.

2025 Award Recipients:

George Morrison Artist Award: Karen Savage-Blue

This award recognizes an individual artist whose body of work has made a significant contribution to the arts over an extended period of time, reflecting the legacy of George Morrison.

Maddie Simons Arts Advocate Award: Joan Farnam

This award recognizes an arts administrator, arts educator, volunteer for a nonprofit arts organization, or artist whose involvement in a project or program has substantially contributed to the arts in the Arrowhead Region.

Award for Transformational Art: Giizh (Sarah) Agaton Howes

This award recognizes the efforts of an artist to transform their community through their work.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

While invasive species can bring beauty and color to fringe, wild spaces, invasive species are species that are not native to Minnesota and cause economic, social, or environmental harm, or harm to human health.. This series aims to familiarize people of local invasive plant species in their backyard through linocut images and then encourages them to rip them out.

While invasive species can bring beauty and color to fringe, wild spaces, invasive species are species that are not native to Minnesota and cause economic, social, or environmental harm, or harm to human health. This new art series aims to familiarize people of local invasive plant species in their backyard through linocut images and then encourages them to rip them out.

Join Monica on May 16th from 4-6 pm for an Opening Reception at Hartley Nature Center. Monica’s exhibit runs from May 16–October 19, 2025.

Funding for this project comes from an Individual Artist Project Grant.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

ARAC business meetings and orientation are scheduled on the third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. All business meetings take place over Zoom and are conducted in the spirit of the Open Meeting Law. Prior to each board meeting, board members receive important materials related to decisions and discussions for the meeting which can include financials, staff reports, panel funding recommendations, and any other items that require Board action.

All board meeting dates are open to the public unless otherwise stated. Meetings are held electronically.
To receive login information please email info@aracouncil.org

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

ARAC’s office will be closed May 26, 2025 in observance of Memorial Day.

Please email info@aracouncil.org with any questions while we’re away.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

Join us on two inspiring evenings to celebrate three amazing artists/arts advocates. The 2025 Arrowhead Arts Awards recipients are Karen Savage-Blue, Joan Farnam, and Giizh Agaton Howes. These three individuals embody the passionate, determined, and influential spirit of the Arrowhead Arts Awards, let's celebrate all they've accomplished!

Friday, May 30, 2025 (honoring Joan Farnam)
5:30–7:30 PM
Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery
115 W Wisconsin St, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Note: This year, we will have two award ceremonies to celebrate our award recipients in their communities fully. The other ceremony date is 5/9/2025 in Cloquet, MN.

2025 Award Recipients:

George Morrison Artist Award: Karen Savage-Blue

This award recognizes an individual artist whose body of work has made a significant contribution to the arts over an extended period of time, reflecting the legacy of George Morrison.

Maddie Simons Arts Advocate Award: Joan Farnam

This award recognizes an arts administrator, arts educator, volunteer for a nonprofit arts organization, or artist whose involvement in a project or program has substantially contributed to the arts in the Arrowhead Region.

Award for Transformational Art: Giizh (Sarah) Agaton Howes

This award recognizes the efforts of an artist to transform their community through their work.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

Today, June 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline for the Small Grant for Individuals!

Small Grant for Individuals

This grant provides funding up to $1,000 to any adult artists, in any arts discipline at any stage of their career. You are limited to receiving 1 small grant per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30, 2025). We have funding for 14 small grants per quarter in the remainder of fiscal year 2025.

This grant is intended to offer funding outside the timeframe of the 2 main rounds we offer. 

This grant offers funding for costs associated with the exhibition, performance, or production of creative work, purchase of materials or equipment to create works of art, overcome a barrier to long term success, reach a new community or market, educational opportunities in the arts (excluding academic credit), and other opportunities to enhance your artistic development, such as working with a mentor artist, attending a conference, taking part in an artist residency program, or marketing yourself or your work. 

Earliest Project Start Date: July 1, 2025

Bring your friends, have some coffee, peruse, and enjoy the artistic magnificence of scientists.

Join us upstairs at the Loch for a unique art exhibit from 9 am - 2pm and mid-day open mic. From prints to embroidery, art crafted by a group of biologists from across the country will be on display and available for sale.

*12:30 pm - 2 pm: Poetry Open Mic hosted by Jesscribe the Vibe - Bring some poetry to read!

Brought to you by Tori Kaufman and funded by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council through an Artist Equity Grant.

Biologists interested in submitting artwork can direct message Tori Kaufman. Artists may also visit with folks from the North Shore Artist League and learn about opportunities to collaborate with other artists and show their work!

Join the Ely Folk School for our 10th birthday party! Potlucks are a great way to celebrate our community, so bring something to share (though it is not required for participation.) Please bring whatever you feel energized about making (or purchasing) and we'll supply the cake. We'll have a short video to share about what the School has accomplished over the last decade, and some testimonials from volunteers, staff, and community members (past and present) about our programming.

Creative Writing Pride Edition: Writing Your Coming Out Story Time
June 14, 2025
6-8 p.m.
Like the coming-of-age story, the coming out story is about the journey from who we once were to who we’ve now become. Through examples and writing prompts, we’ll outline our own coming out stories and identify significant events that have shaped our journeys.

Good Harbor Hill Players is a community-based, nonprofit puppet theatre company in Grand Marais, Minnesota. We put on the Summer Solstice Puppet Pageant and the Winter Solstice Shadow Puppet Pageant.

What: Performance

Where: North House Folk School Main Plaza

When: Saturday June 21, 8pm

Creative Writing: Funny Stuff
July 9, 2025
6-8 p.m.
A frequent criticism of “serious” literature is that it is often humorless, with a narrow emotional range that begins with ennui and ends in despair. If you want to write with a broad emotional range, this session is for you. We'll read story excerpts that ably mix comedy with heartbreak, and absurdity with terror, as we work towards convincingly adding humor to our own writing.

Creative Writing: Point of View
September 10, 2025
6-8 p.m.
Point of view (POV) is often a question of camera angle (Wide shots or close-ups?) and access (How many characters’ thoughts can we and should we present to the reader?). You'll also want to consider reliability, objectivity, distance, and audience. We'll review the different types of POVs and their variations, and exercises will let you experiment with different forms to learn which one is the best POV for your novel or short story.

Creative Writing: Personal Essay
September 10, 2025
6-8 p.m.
The personal essay shares with readers an interesting, thought-provoking, entertaining, and/or funny experience you’ve had. We’ll identify essay topics by making lists (e.g., hobbies, interests, passions, jobs, places you’ve lived or visited, turning points in your life, and issues you care about). Once you’ve identified your topic, we’ll look at structures to frame your personal essay.

Creative Writing: Personal Essay
November 12, 2025
6-8 p.m.
We'll examine different models for plotting your novel, including the three-act structure, the five part structure, and the “W” method. Come prepared for user-friendly and low-pressure exercises on each model. You will leave this session with a basic outline for your novel idea.

Creative Writing: Novel Subplots
November 19, 2025
6-8 p.m.
A novel’s subplot is a smaller story that runs parallel to the main story. Subplots can raise the stakes, add complexity, explore your novel’s theme from different angles, and create obstacles to resolving the main plot. We’ll look at examples of successful subplots from famous works, and try our hands at outlining subplots thematically linked to our novels’ main plots.