BEMIDJI — The thriving art scene of Bemidji didn't just magically happen. It took vision and hard work from a community of artists.
The Bemidji Area Arts Endowment, a fund that's part of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, is hoping to build on that with the Art Legacy Celebration event 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Loft in downtown Bemidji.
A committee of people receives grant requests throughout the year and awards money from the endowment to local art nonprofits, which then give the money out to fund various projects in the spring.
The Art Legacy Celebration is a fundraiser, a showcase of what's going on in the Bemidji art scene and a chance to credit the people who built its legacy.
There is an online auction going on now, featuring artists from the community, including Marley Kaul, Joan Wilson, Marlon Davidson and Don Knudson. The auction ends at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
Artist Cate Belleveau has produced performances for throughout the celebration, which will include dancers, singers, and musicians, as well as a sculpting demonstration.
Belleveau is also behind a memorial video to memorialize the community members lost in the last decade who helped make the Bemidji art scene what it is today. It's a way to honor their legacy.
The Bemidji Area Arts Endowment is also accepting donated artwork from personal collections. Sometimes people collect art with personal value because it was a local artist or friend who created it, and it wouldn't seem right to sell it at something like a garage sale. The endowment will help find a proper home for the art.
Tickets for the event are available on the Northwest Minnesota Foundation's website. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Listen to the full conversation with Bemidji Area Arts Endowment board members Lisa Bruns and Marsh Muirhead by clicking above.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
