Saurdiff is awarded Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is pleased to announce “Of the Year” award winners, the Northwest Minnesota Art Exhibit Reception and the Arts Expo. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. “Of the Year” award winners were nominated by area residents. 

This year’s recipients are Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla, Scott Pream of Thief River Falls and Jim Kent of Crookston.

These “Of the Year” awards and the NW Art Exhibit awards will be presented at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Exhibit Reception on Saturday, April 28, in Thief River Falls at the Ralph Engelstad Arena at 2:30pm. Doors open at 9:30am to view the 99 pieces of high quality regional artwork on display in the REA lobby and to vote for people’s choice. At 2pm enjoy a snack and music entertainment. The program will begin promptly at 2:30 with the main focus being the recognition and celebration of artists and the arts in Northwest Minnesota. Everyone is welcome to this free event.

In addition, there will be an Arts Expo starting with a VSA presentation by Executive Director Craig Dunn at 11:00 am in the Dakota Room. This is for artists with disabilities, as well as Arts Leaders or other organizations trying to provide access to people with disabilities. Round table presentations by representatives from numerous arts organizations will be held from noon to 2pm in the Imperial Room. Organizations represented include Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Springboard for the Arts, the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Jerome Foundation, the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council, the Playwrights’ Center, Minnesota Music Coalition, Northern Clay Center, MN Assn of Songwriters, MN Theater Alliance, MN Fringe Festival, Nemeth Art Center, Women’s Art Institute, North Dakota Museum of Art, MN Arts Online, Explore MN Tourism, and the Teaching Artist Roster Program.

Of the Year Award Winners include:

Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla will be awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award

Mrs. Saurdiff is an art teacher in the Goodridge/Grygla School District. She is passionate about the visual arts, an accomplished artist who works primarily in ceramics and encourages art exploration in her community. Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines.

Scott Pream of Thief River Falls will be awarded the Northwest Artist of the Year Award 

Mr. Pream is an extraordinary actor who also works behind the scenes to help others shine. Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500.

Jim Kent of Crookston will receive the Northwest Star Award

Mr. Kent is a musician and previously a school teacher in the Crookston School District. He is active in the Crookston arts community through the community theater, Civic Music League, Pirate Fine Arts Boosters, Community Oratorios and his church. This award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive the Northwest Star Award once, as a lifetime achievement award.