Minot Arts Podcast: a MAP to the Arts in Small Town America

Join us for a conversation with the Executive Director of the Minot Symphony Orchestra, Ellen Fenner. Ellen discusses how her desire to make a little extra money to buy a cello for her daughter led her to her dream job- serving our community by bringing high-caliber programming to the Magic City. We talk about the creative opportunities that small budgets provide, the responsibility that Minot has to provide arts experiences for our rural neighbors, and what she's excited to share with audiences through this year's Symphony season!

In the season one finale of the Minot Arts Podcast, Justin and Chandell sit down to answer the questions that they’ve been asking podcast guests all season. They walk us through their personal arts backgrounds, reflect on the role that perspective plays in creating, sharing, and interpreting art, and chat about what’s coming up this fall for the Minot Area Council of the Arts. 

Local photographer and artist, Aaron Michels, sits down with Justin and Chandell to discuss how he got started in art and photography, the challenges of being a photographer in the digital age, and the importance of not selling yourself short.

Minot artist and Artists on Main Street grant recipient, Mackenzie Ploof, joins Justin and Chandell to talk about her affinity towards creation as a foundation to her personal storytelling, the collaborative atmosphere of Minot’s art community, and shares some info about her upcoming Troll Stroll project in Downtown Minot and her solo exhibit at the Taube Museum of Art.

Local musician, Erik M. Anderson, joins Justin and Chandell to discuss his musical influences, the fluidity between musical genres, and how he enjoys allowing his work to transcend the expected. Erik discusses his experience of bringing his Electric Cello Concerto to ND students as a MACA ARP grantee, and gives his advice to young musicians.

Local sing-songwriting Chloe Marie joins Justin and Chandell to discuss the origins of her passion and her pursuit of music. She talks about how a shift in her educational path made her a better artist, and gives us a sneak peak at some new, upcoming work.

High school teacher and Artistic Director of MSU Summer Theatre, Chad Gifford, joins Justin and Chandell to talk about the theatre's deep roots in Minot and its legacy of providing a uniquely comprehensive experience for its cast and crew. He discusses the importance of Arts exposure in education for students of all ages, and gives us the scoop on what we can look forward to in the upcoming summer season of performances. 

Local artist Katie Dotson joins Justin and Chandell for a fun chat about her background in the arts, the ironic nature of memes as a response to societal stressors, the inclusive atmosphere of Minot’s arts community, and generously gives shout outs to many of her Minot favorites! Listeners can find Katie’s art at www.KDdesigns.art , on Instagram @kdmakesart, or on Main Street in Downtown Minot on July 13th at Arts in the City: Thursdays Downtown.

Artist and Director of the Northwest Arts Center, Greg Vettel, joins Justin and Chandell to discuss the arts as a process of “Making Something Mean Something”, the reflective nature of art and the creator’s environment, our relationship with technology in our understanding and expression of place and community, the impact of the arts on rural reinvestment trends, the history of the Northwest Arts Center, and it’s pivotal role in stewarding Minot State University’s art collection and bringing art and artists from across the globe to Minot.

Local Artist and Executive Director of the Minot chapter of Together With Veterans, Randy McDonald, joins Justin and Chandell to discuss the therapeutic benefits of creative activity, his history with using art to “come out of the hole” of mental illness, and how he is working to help others reestablish connection with themselves and their communities through the arts.