ND Governor's Awards for the Arts

Bismarck State College Theatre’s journey traces back to the inception of the institution. Edith Ramstad, who is widely recognized and Bismarck State College’s first professor, started BSC Theatre 85 years ago in the college’s first year of existence. From there, BSC Theatre has grown and seen many talented individuals guide the program, including the one and only Jane Gray Stewart whose boundless energy and civic engagement created a special bond between BSC Theatre and the local community. BSC Theatre came into its own when Dan Rogers was hired. BSC Theatre’s educational mission grew, and it has committed itself to create theatre artists of the highest standard. BSC Theatre has become a home for many arts minded individuals who have been committed to student success well after graduation.

BSC Theatre has become an early adopter of technological change and has seen a lot of innovation in how it produces and will continue to produce its work. BSC Theatre produced the first full production of a theatrical work written by AI at the collegiate level.

BSC Theatre’s mission is not just to engage its students but also the community. BSC Theatre has been instrumental in the founding of many local arts organizations, including Dakota Stage, who started their performances on the BSC campus, as well as Capitol Shakespeare with whom BSC has been a partner for the entirety of Capitol Shakespeare’s existence.

BSC Theatre has been recognized by the Kennedy Center – American College Theatre Festival Region V numerous times, in areas such as direction, design, stage management and ensemble acting. BSC Theatre has been invited to perform at the American College Theatre Festival for its landmark presentation of The Laramie Project. Most recently, BSC Theatre was recognized for achievement in Ensemble performance for its production of Jekyll and Hyde. The Faculty at BSC Theatre have received many awards over the year including several Faculty awards for Excellence at BSC, Several Golden Apple awards in the Bismarck Community, and Silver Awards and Distinguished Service Citations from BSC.

Most importantly, BSC Theatre is finally moving into a space of its own. BSC has invested heavily into the future of the BSC Theatre program and has included acting space and technical support space as well as a live event venue inside the brand-new Advanced Technology Center where BSC theatre will be able to bring cutting edge technology and new educational programming to the arts community. BSC Theatre’s blending of art with technology, student with community, and formal education with hands-on learning will continue to move the program forward in the years to come.

BSC Theatre Facebook Page

Arts for Vets is a group of US Veterans, Active-Duty Personnel, family, and community members who produce award winning programs, classes, art, and music for the entire community. Their mission: To Build Creative Connections, Opportunities, and Experiences with our Military Family and the Communities and Country we have the honor to serve.

*The following information was written by Davíd Moreno; Dakota Student, September 11, 2024.

"Arts for Vets, a thriving hub of creativity, brings together veterans, artists, and the wider community under the leadership of Kimberly Forness Wilson. The organization has evolved from a small non-profit gallery into a space for artistic expression and healing.

Arts for Vets was founded in 2015 by several veterans and their family members: Cathy Peterson, Doris Lebby, Janet Nelson, Tim Vanyou, John Hanson, and Kimberly Forness Wilson [Executive Director]. The original gallery, Art Nest, was founded by two local artists [who] struggled due to the demands of running the non-profit while working full-time jobs. When Kim took over, she reimagined the space as a resource for both veterans and the community, offering various programs centered around creativity and healing.

'We wanted this space to be a place where veterans and the community could come together through art,' Wilson said. 'Art has the power to heal, and we wanted to offer veterans that creative outlet.'

Arts for Vets offers a wide range of programs, including painting, metalworking, and business development workshops, all tailored to veterans and their families. Local Navy Veteran Randi Goodoien teaches metalworking classes and flame painting classes. His involvement is part of a larger effort by the organization to engage veterans in the arts, providing both a creative outlet and a way to connect with others who have shared similar experiences.

Though the organization’s mission is centered on veterans, many of the artists emphasize that Arts for Vets is open to everyone. Senta Grzadzielewski, an artist and board member who also serves in the Space Force at Cavalier, shared 'there’s a misconception that this is only for veterans, but we want the entire community to use the space. It’s a place for anyone interested in art, whether you’re a student, a seasoned artist, or just curious.'

Arts for Vets now hosts 13 resident artists, each contributing a unique style and perspective. 'All the artists’ work in different mediums, acrylic, mixed media, photography, there’s something for everyone here,' one resident artist said about the diversity of the space.

For veterans, Arts for Vets has become a vital resource. Beyond art classes, the organization provides business advice and mental health resources, aimed at helping veterans and other community members to find resources and a sense of community. Wilson, whose father and other family members served in the military, understands the unique challenges veterans face. 'We’re not just about art,' she said. 'We want to provide veterans and community members at large with the tools they need to succeed, whether through art or other support services.'

The organization served over 1,500 people [in 2023] and Wilson hopes to expand its reach further. 'We want to be a space where people from all walks of life feel welcome,' she said. 'Whether you’re here for an art class or just to browse an exhibit, we want everyone to feel like they belong.'

Becca Cruger, another resident artist, encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities the center offers. 'If you’re a student artist, come on down to the Grand Forks Art Center,' Cruger said. She also mentioned various groups like Artist Underground, where visual artists collaborate on projects and exchange ideas, and the River Folks Watercolor Society. 'If you’re an artist, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.'

In addition to regular classes and workshops, Arts for Vets hosts several major exhibits throughout the year at their three locations. One of the [their major] events in October is the Creative Forces Show, in collaboration with UND Art Collections at Colombia Hall, which features work by veteran artists from across the region. Following that, the organization hosts its annual Native American Art Show in November, highlighting Native veterans and artists from across North Dakota at their main gallery at 215 N 3rd Street, Grand Forks, ND. 

As the organization continues to grow, Wilson’s vision for Arts for Vets remains focused on its core mission, creating a space where veterans and the community can come together to share, learn, and create. 'It’s about more than just the art on the walls,' Wilson said. 'It’s about building connections and giving people a place to belong and thrive in creative community.'

Whether it’s for students, members of the community, or veterans themselves, Arts for Vets offers a welcoming space for anyone interested in the arts."

Arts for Vets Facebook Page

The Minot Symphony Orchestra (MSO), a university and community orchestra, is a unique blend of student, community, and professional musicians. The MSO has been an integral part of the arts culture in Minot for nearly a century. The MSO will celebrate their 100th season in 2025-2026.

The longevity of the Minot Symphony is largely due to a long-standing partnership with Minot State University (MSU). Since its inception in 1925, the music director has been employed by Minot State University and students can enroll in symphony (and receive class credit towards their BS in Music Education or Music Performance). Studying and performing alongside their professors fosters the development of skilled musicians who are ready for teaching or performing upon graduation. MSU professors of music and community members from all backgrounds round out the 70+ member orchestra that performs 6 concerts annually.

The mission of the Minot Symphony Orchestra is to provide opportunities for musicians and patrons through the performance of diverse orchestra repertoire. The symphony performs a wide variety of programming from Beethoven, Strauss, and Tchaikovsky to Copland, Gershwin, and (John) Williams. Through each season, the Minot Symphony provides the opportunity for a North Dakota high school student and an MSU college student to be a featured soloist. Past community groups include the MSU Choir, Minot Public Schools Choirs, Minot Chamber Chorale, Magi Drumline, and Celebration Ringers Handbell Choir. In 2017, the MSO launched an annual Young Composer competition, encouraging composers under the age of 35 to submit original work to be premiered by the Minot Symphony.

The symphony hosts an annual Young People’s Concert for area 4th and 5th graders to attend a free educational concert once per season. Schools within a 2-hour radius of Minot join the annual Young People's Concerts, with over 1,700 students attending. 

In 2024, the Minot Symphony began partnering with Carnegie Hall to bring a world class educational program to Minot, the first in the state. Through Carnegie Hall's Link Up program, the symphony collaborates with area schools to work with their music teachers who in turn teach their students how to play recorder and sing along with the symphony's Young People's Concerts. Last year, the students enjoyed playing their recorders and singing along with the symphony during the performance. It was an experience they will never forget! The symphony will present their second Link Up program in February 2025. 

The Minot Symphony not only inspires young people through engaging participatory programming, but they are also bringing programming to Northwest North Dakota through live film experiences. The MSO has brought 3 short live film experiences to Minot since 2023. In May 2025, the Minot Symphony Orchestra will present a screening of Walt Disney Animation Studio’s feature “The Lion King” with Hans Zimmer’s Oscar®-winning musical score performed live to the film. This will be the first full-length feature film with live music experience in the history of the state.

In October 2024, the Minot Symphony Orchestra was named the Alliance of Nonprofits' Nonprofit Organization of the Year. In January 2025, the Minot Symphony announced a collaboration effort with the City of Minot to create an anthem for Minot as a tribute to the people, stories, and shared experiences that make Minot the “Magic City.” A contest will be held to collect poems from the community or anyone with a deep connection to Minot. Once the top entry is selected, MSU’s Dr. Emerson Eads will set the text to music, and the Minot Symphony and area choirs will premier the new Minot Anthem in March 2026 during the Symphony’s Centennial season.

Minot Symphony Orchestra

The Minot Symphony Association, Inc., has provided volunteer and financial support to help the Minot Symphony Orchestra achieve its mission since 1965.

Dr. Tami Jollie-Trottier is a clinical psychologist and the founder and CEO of Indigenized Behavioral Healing™, a groundbreaking clinic that merges Western psychological practices with Traditional Indigenous Healing. An enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI), she is known by her Anishinaabe names, Misko Nudin Ikwe (Red Wind Woman) and Biboonii Baaskaabi gwaniid (Winter Bloom).

Dr. Jollie-Trottier’s work draws deeply from her healing journey. Over a decade ago, a medical trauma left her feeling disconnected from herself and her community. This transformative experience inspired her to blend Western therapeutic approaches with the sacred teachings of her Anishinaabe Wisdom Keepers, leading to the development of Turtle Medicine™—a unique framework for self-healing rooted in creativity, culture, and holistic well-being. She created GenerationArt™, a program designed to mobilize tribal communities by strengthening Anishinaabe cultural identity, resilience, and leadership through expressive art training, workshops, and clinical practice. Through GenerationArt™, she provides a platform for creativity and cultural revitalization to inspire healing and empowerment within Indigenous communities.

In addition, she produces and hosts PsychologistSay™, a podcast dedicated to engaging listeners in meaningful conversations about mental health, providing education, and fostering connection from an Indigenous point of view.
Dr. Jollie-Trottier, a passionate Indigenous entrepreneur, has built IBH Clinic into a sustainable and impactful enterprise, creating opportunities for Native professionals, fostering economic growth within her community, and developing skills to provide culturally creative care to our community.  As a celebrated artist, Dr. Jollie-Trottier channels her resilience journey into visual art, writing, and storytelling, reflecting Indigenous culture's depth and beauty. Her vibrant works honor Indigenous peoples' resilience, strength, and spirituality, blending traditional motifs with contemporary elements to share stories of healing, identity, and triumph. 

Through exhibitions, workshops, and community initiatives, Dr. Jollie-Trottier inspires others to embrace artistic expression to reclaim their voices and heal from trauma. Her vision has helped countless individuals reconnect with their cultural identities, spirituality, and strength through creative expression. 

Alongside her entrepreneurial and creative work, Dr. Jollie-Trottier is an adjunct associate professor in the psychology department at her alma mater, the University of North Dakota, where she mentors the next generation of mental health professionals.

Dr. Jollie-Trottier’s contributions have been widely recognized. She is a Bush Foundation Alum (’18), a Culture of Health Leader (’20), and the recipient of the Minot State University Young Achievement Award (’15) and The Waters-Amplifying Sovereignty (’21) for her significant contributions to Indigenous creative healing and leadership. Dr. Jollie-Trottier identifies her most significant life accomplishments include being a wife and mother of three.
 

Indigenized Behavioral Healing

Ijjo John Stephen, executive director of the non-profit Nyeri Ma’di Cultural Group, came to North Dakota in 1994-95 with the earliest wave of Ma’di and other refugees from South Sudan. Since then, successive waves have followed with 300 or so Ma’di living in the Fargo-Moorhead area. They are connected to much larger settlements in Minnesota, Iowa, Texas, and New York. The Fargo-Moorhead area has over 10 ethnic groups from South Sudan.  

In 1995, Stephen helped to establish the Achikadidi Adungu Band and was introduced to NDCA Folklorist Troyd Geist by Berry Nelson, the Former Director of Lutheran Social Services. With the help of NDCA, the group made more instruments and trained many artists. Achikadidi held many performances in Fargo, Steel, Jamestown, and Bismarck. They also held performances in other states including Minnesota, Iowa, Tennessee, and Nebraska.

Along with performing cultural dances, the Nyeri Ma’di Cultural Group educates the community in financial literacy, handling stress, and empowering the youth. Nyeri organized a cultural show in 2023 at the Delta Hotel in Fargo. Subject experts like Albert Mona, an auditor, conducted a session in financial literacy which was positively received by the audience. One speaker conducted a session about stress management which was critical for community members who have experienced wars.

Ijjo John Stephen is a graduate of North Dakota State University in Electrical Engineering. He works for Motor Coach Industries as an Engineer. He is also a US Army Officer assigned with the 34th Infantry Division as the Information Assurance Officer.

D. Joyce Kitson, Hunkpapha Lakhota/Hidatsa, was given her Lakhota name in a traditional ceremony held on the Standing Rock reservation in North/South Dakota. She was honorably named after her great grandmother Pehinsawin/Pȟehíŋ Šá Wiŋ, because she carries on her grandmother's traditional work with beads, quills, and hides.

Her Northern Plains artwork is a combination of Lakhota/Hidatsa designs and colors from the 1800-1900s. Using her custom handmade tools, she tans her own hides and combines symbolic designs sewn with beads and porcupine/bird quills using thread and animal sinew.

She learned from and studied with several elders, including her own grandmother Alice Vaulters, and has continued to share that knowledge with apprentices over the years. She has worked throughout the past tópa decades building up networks and community connections. She has extensive experience with both studying and creating arts of the Lakhota and Hidatsa.  

D. Joyce Kitson (Red Hair Woman)

Marie Snavely is an artist who, for decades, has made the Arts a central focus of her professional and personal life. With a BA in Art and a BS in English from Dickinson State College, Snavely took on a teaching job in the rural and remote North Dakota town of Rhame, North Dakota, in 1973. For 33 years she taught Art, English, and German and ran the school Library. She taught community Art classes with the help of North Dakota Council on the Arts' Community Arts Access grants and had students from ages 6 to 90. 

In 1987, she started teaching Art in the Bowman school while getting her Masters in Art Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, during the summers. After she retired from K-12 in 2006, she began teaching at Dickinson State University where she was awarded the Innovative Faculty of the Year award. After retiring in 2018, Snavely took on painting full time. 

Snavely has turned to the arts to help her get through difficult times. At the age of 74, she bicycled 1500 miles through tree lined paths and made a series of paintings based on loss and recovery in times of great sadness. In 2022, she completed a Residency at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park sponsored by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department and North Dakota Council on the Arts. Three weeks before the residency, Snavely completed an 80-foot mural on the exterior of the Bowman Regional Public Library through an Artists on Main grant with the North Dakota Department of Commerce and the Bowman County Economic Development Corporation Artists. Three weeks after the residency, Snavely completed a 140-foot mural on the exterior of the Brosz Engineering building in Bowman. She believes the Arts are important in the lives of North Dakotans. 

Her work is in private and public collections across the United States. Her latest exhibit is called Reaching for Heaven, on display at the Badlands Art Gallery at Klinefelter Hall in Dickinson, ND.