We are pleased to announce the exhibit of PLRAC/McKnight Emerging Artist Grantees from the last two years. This exhibit will highlight the eighteen Emerging Artist Grantees from 2009 and 2010 funded by Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council. The exhibit will take place at the Arts Center of Saint Peter January 21 to February 20, 2011 and will represent the media of the artists including visual art, literature and music. The Regional Arts Council has a 19-year history of funding Individual Artists with grants with funding provided by the McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis. PLRAC began Individual Artist Grants in 1992 and five artists were awarded $500 project grants. The program has developed over the years and the amount and number of grants has increased based on funding from the McKnight Foundation.
The Opening Reception for this McKnight Artists Exhibition was Saturday, January 22, 2-5 p.m. The reception featured literary readings and music by artist grantees. “We are pleased to partner with the Arts Center of Saint Peter,“ noted Brenda Flintrop, PLRAC Executive Director. “The Arts Center has two levels of galleries and can comfortably accommodate over 40 pieces of artwork. They also have a baby grand piano so our musicians can perform in the lower level during the reception.”
Emerging Artist grantees from 2009 that will be featured in the exhibit are: Jana Bouma, Madison Lake- poetry; Marianne Carlson, Mankato-painting; Kathryn Cullen, Mankato–poetry; Nancy Eischen, Comfrey- harp; Liz Madsen, Mankato-monoprint; Antje Meisner, Mankato-photography; Joel Moline, St. Peter–wood engraving; Denise Neushwander-Frink, Mankato–playwright; and Nicole Volk, Waterville-batik. Emerging Artist grantees from 2010 that will be featured in the exhibit are: Lisa Bierer, Mankato–acrylic painting; Barbara Bjelland, St. Peter–painting; Gina Hunt, Mankato–mixed media; Phillip Just, Mankato– ceramics; Margie Larson, Mankato–acrylic; Allison Roberts, Mankato–fibers; Michelle Roche, Mankato- music; Bryce Stenzel, St. Clair-playwright; and Autumn Zander, Janesville-music.