R2AC Awards Individual Artist Grants

Region 2 Arts Council (R2AC) recently awarded $8,534 through the Individual Artist Grant Program to individual artists in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Mahnomen, and Lake of the Woods Counties. The purpose of this grant is to stimulate new artistic endeavors in the region by providing project assistance to regional artists who are seriously committed to their work and to the advancement of their artistic careers. The Individual Artist Grant Program is supported by a grant from the McKnight Foundation.

Tandy Bowman of Bemidji was awarded $944 to attend the HealthRhythms Adolescent Protocol Training in Valencia California to expand her knowledge as a trained group drumming facilitator.

Jonathan Billing of Bemidji was awarded $1,000 to purchase tools and equipment for creation of art for a solo show at the MacRostie Art Center in April 2012.

Gayle Highberg of Bagley was awarded $1,000 to complete 12-weeks of instruction in acrylics and mixed media with local painter Terry Honstead.

Marion Caroline Reil of Bemidji was awarded $590 to purchase a mat cutter and display system for 2012 classes and art shows.

Susan Carol Hauser of Puposky was awarded $1,000 to travel to Chicago to attend the Associated Writing Programs Annual Conference and to meet with publishers.

Jacque Tinsley of Bemidji was awarded $1,000 to purchase a new harp that is lighter to transport for upcoming gigs with her ensemble “Timeless Traditions.”

Joseph Stephen Holt and Roy L. Hershberger of Bemidji were each awarded $1,000 to record and produce a 12 song CD of their band “Acoustic Smoke.”

Margaret Burger of Bemidji was awarded $1000 to mentor in puppetry with Sandra Spieler, artistic director of In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater, culminating in a community performance.