Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council Announces Grants

    October 30th, 2023

    Professional Mid-Career Artist Grantees:

    We are excited to introduce our Professional Mid-Career Artist Grantees! The grants were awarded at the PLRAC Board Meeting on October 19th.

    Gregory Euclide, St. Peter

    Gregory will create new ceramic work to exhibit in the region. Funds will be used to purchase a slab roller, clay, and to install an electrical connection for a kiln at his home. Check out Gregory’s work!

    David Hamlow, Good Thunder

    David will complete two collage projects. The first project is working with students at Northside Elementary in St. James to create a floor or ground-based collage. The second project is a personal collage that would combine elements from his Joshua Tree Residency and other patterned collage projects. Funds will be used to purchase a projector, website updates, hire a videographer, and for creative time. Check out David’s work!

    Sarah Houle, Mankato

    Sarah will compose an original work for solo double bell euphonium and concert band and perform the piece with three community bands. Funds will be used to print the scores, transportation, artist fees, and for creative time. Check out Sarah’s work!

    Benji Inniger, Mankato

    Benji will compose and produce a score for the production of “Antigone” at Bethany Lutheran College and produce a recorded soundtrack of the work. Funds will be used for artist fees, studio rental, and for creative time. Check out Benji’s work!

    Charlie Leftridge, St. Peter

    Charlie will write and perform a set of new songs highlighting his exploration of electronic elements. The songs will feature his original poetry highlighting the complexities of the queer experience in greater Minnesota. Funds will be used for artist fees, microphone rental, publicity, and for creative time. Check out Charlie’s work!

    Josh Madson, Mankato

    Josh will create a series of large-scale photography work consisting of at least 25 artists in the greater Mankato area actuating their crafts. Funds will be used to print the photographs, publicity, and for creative time. Check out Josh’s work!

    Liz Miller, Good Thunder

    Liz will have a solo exhibition of her new installation work at Smith College’s Oresman Gallery in Northampton, Massachusetts. Funds will be used for transportation costs and to have the exhibition professionally photographed. Check out Liz’s work!

    Tristan Richards, Mankato

    Tristan will complete writing a poetry collection centering around recovery from burnout. She will also attend a writing retreat to gather feedback. Funds will be used for registration fees, manuscript editing, and for creative time. Check out Tristan’s work!

    Pegeen Rozeske, New Ulm

    Pegeen will create two leather sculptures and a pair of tooled leather boots to exhibit at the Arts Center of St. Peter with other members of the Mankato Makerspace. Funds will be used to purchase supplies and for creative time. Check out Pegeen’s work!

    Gregory Wilkins, Mankato

    Gregory will create new mixed media work to exhibit at multiple galleries. Funds will be used to purchase supplies and for studio rent. Check out Gregory’s work!

    Artist Career Development Grant

    PLRAC has another artist grant available this fiscal year! The Artist Career Development is for $1,500 and has an application deadline of March 1, 2024.

    Small Arts Project Grantees:

    Betsy-Tacy Society, $2,500

    They will host their Victorian Christmas events at the Betsy Tacy houses in Mankato on December 2nd and 9th. The events will feature costumed actors and live performers. Funds will be used for artist fees and publicity. More information!

    Blue Earth Review, MN State Univ., Mankato, $4,000

    They will sponsor a writing contest for Minnesota BIPOC writers. Categories will be fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Funds will be used for cash awards and publicity. More information!

    Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Community Education, $1,820

    They will sponsor Storybook Theatre to work with students in grades 2-12 to present their own theater production of “Rapunzel”, November 6-12, 2023. Funds will be used for artist fees. More information!

    Mankato Area Messiah Chorus, $2,500

    They will establish a new Mankato area chorus anchored by a core of professional singers. Their first performance of Handel’s “Messiah” will be December 16-17, 2023 with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra. Funds will be used to pay chorus members and an accompanist.

    Minnesota River Bend Brass Choir, $2,500

    They will present 4-8 holiday concerts during November and December, 2023 in local churches. Funds will be used for artist fees.

    Small Arts Project and School Arts Project Grants

    Both the Small Arts Project Grant and the School Arts Project Grant have monthly deadlines, the 1st of each month.