Mission Statement
The mission of the Nelson County Arts Council is to ensure the
presentation and preservation of the arts throughout Nelson County
by presenting programs and events that will enlighten, instruct and
entertain our citizens.
History Briefs

EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR

Brenda Bjorlie




BOARD OF
DIRECTORS

Debra Hensrud, President
Elizabeth Stromme, V.Pres
Rita Loibl, Sec.
Sue Olson
Missy Silvernagel
Stanley Schrupp
Sally Simonson
Susan Bergquist
Mike Donahue
Jill Donahue

STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS
Lara Vasicek, Lakota High School
Mason Beier, Dakota Prairie
Grant For Auditorium Renovations Received!
Sen. Kent Conrad, Sen. Byron Dorgan and Rep. Earl Pomeroy have
announced that the City of Pekin has been awarded a federal grant in the
amount of $106,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural
Development program.   The funds will be used for the installation of a
heating system, lighting, and an addition for restrooms.  This grant will help
the NCAC, which leases the building from the city, complete Phase 3 of a four
year building renovation project.  The building will then be able to be used
for year-round activities such as performing arts in the winter months.
The NCAC is currently starting a capital fundraising campaign to raise the
required match cost of $38,000.  These funds must be in place before the
grant amount can be obtained.  For more information please contact Brenda
Bjorlie at 701-296-4515 or email bebjorlie@stellarnet.com
* Pekin Days Art Show committee was formed in 1994
* After repeated successful art exhibits during the annual Pekin Days celebration and a
growing interest from all Nelson County residents, the committee applied for and received a
501c3 non-profit status under the name of Nelson County Arts Council in 1999
* The ten member Board of Directors is composed of residents representing communities
throughout Nelson County
* Today the NCAC produces the largest judged art show and sales in North Dakota,
displaying artists' work from ND, SD, MN, WY, CO, MT and Canada; a Student Art Show
representing high school students' artwork from Dakota Prairie, Lakota, Larimore, Warwick
and Ft Totten schools; the Stump Lake Fine Arts Youth Camp offering both visual and
performing art classes; an annual Art Auction; and adult art workshops.
NELSON COUNTY
ARTS COUNCIL
PO Box 66    
Pekin  ND  58361           
701-296-4515
bebjorlie@stellarnet.com
Supported in part by a grant from
the North Dakota Council on the
Arts, which receives funding from
the state legislature and the
National Endowment for the Arts
Donations and Memorials may be
given to various
Nelson County Arts Council funds
including:

Building Fund       
Memorial Sculpture           
General Operating   
Youth Programs

NCAC Memberships:  
$15 Per Person
$25 Couple

2008  UPCOMING EVENTS



May 17-18 - Spring Rummage Sale
City Auditorium

June 25-29 - Pekin Days Art Show
City Auditorium

June 28-29 - Art-In-The-Park

August 4-9 - Stump Lake
Fine Arts Youth Camp
NCAC Sponsors the North Dakota Museum Of Art Traveling Exhibit
ARTISTS SELF PORTRAITS
(Click photos to Enlarge)
Monte Breckheimer is a self-taught artist from rural
Pekin ND. He took up painting a few years ago and
quickly became a regional celebrity for his portraits
of local life, including himself.  His work included in
the Artists Self Portrait Exhibit was entered in the
NCAC juried Pekin Days Art Show, where it caught
the eye of juror Laurel Reuter.  When she came to
curate the Self Portrait show, she immediately
thought of the "artist who painted himself without his
teeth," as being one of the most vital and engaging
works about the subject.  
Dakota Prairie and Lakota High Schools Participate in NCAC Dinner Theatre
Dakota Prairie and Lakota High School students performed one-act plays at the Pekin Community Center as part
of the 4th Annual Nelson County Arts Council Dinner Theatre.  
The Lakota students performed the comedy, "Oh Baby!".  Cast members were:  Ian Johnson, Rachael Pistek,
Kathy Rodriquez, Justine Simonson, Brooke Franzen and Teri Hamel.  The director was Christian Skogen.
The Dakota Prairie students performed "A Buffalo in Sheep's Clothing."  Cast members included:  Meghan
Ensrud, Lydia Kinneberg, Tim Hoffarth, David Locken, Rachel Schindele, Ashley Hoffarth, Mandy Whitman, Joy
Lehman, Carrie Anderson, Molly Edlund, Nathan Kinneberg and Laiah Olson.  The director was Jared Schlenker.
Photos by Mike Donahue
Oil Painting Workshop
Tam Goodman of rural
Towner, ND was the instructor
for the Oil Painting Workshop
held at the Pekin Community
Center in January.  Tam has
been painting for over 20
years.  Everyone had a great
time at this workshop!
The Memorial Sculpture, by artist Barry Getz, was created with materials from the
old siding on the City Auditorium.  Brass plates noting contributions to the
Auditorium Renovation Project in the amount of $300 or more are placed randomly
among the “brick” impressions.  Memorials or contributions may be sent to NCAC,
Building Fund, PO Box 66, Pekin ND 58361.
                 ……………………………………………………………..

From The Director’s Desk ..............
This time last year we were "holding our heads" wondering how we would
ever find the funds to complete Phase 3 of our City Auditorium Renovation
Project, the heating system, new lighting system and BATHROOMS.  Our
answer came when we were awarded a $106,400 through the USDA
community Facility Grant program.  With the Grant came the task of raising
$38,000 in matching funds before we could continue with the project.  As of
this date we are $6000 away from reaching that goal and the day we can
move forward with the project.

It has been extremely rewarding watching the funds grow through the
support from such a diverse range of individuals that have so generously
donated amounts from $5 to $1000's. Their donations speak of a committed
belief that arts can make a difference in our community and the
surrounding area, and through these monetary gifts we have been given
hope that we can complete this phase of the renovation by the end of the
year.  

The NCAC feels honored and duty bound to fulfill the task entrusted to us
by so many people and we feel a partnership has been created through the
shared vision of what the successful completion of this project will mean to
this area.  The renovated auditorium will not only benefit local and county
wide residents it can be utilized as a companion to our present Community
Center to play a major role as an economic tool that will bring visitors to
Pekin and encourage small business ventures.

A recent study provides compelling new evidence that the nonprofit arts
and culture are a significant industry in the State of North Dakota - one that
generates $101.76 million in annual economic activity.   When our
supporters donate to our building fund or general operating fund, they are
not just investing in an arts organization, but also to the future of our
community.    

We thank everyone who has taken part in this project. Your donation of
funds or time is the most important factor in the success of the renovation.
We have a goal to reach so please remember that your contributing gift is
tax-deductible and will enrich our lives and the lives of family and friends
in the future.    
Mosiac Workshop
Sue Olson was the instructor for a
Mosaic workshop at the Pekin
Community Center in February.
Sue is standing by some of her own
projects.  Everyone had a great time at
this workshop and made some
stunning mosaic pieces!