$5 Firefly Fri-YAY!

We’re incredibly fortunate to have the Firefly Center right here in our community, nurturing the arts, creativity, and wellbeing for the residents of Fosston and beyond. Let’s keep the energy going—ready to help us light the way?

For less than your Friday coffee, YOU can make a difference!

Text SWEETNESS to 53-555 or visit https://givebutter.com/five-dollar-fridays to donate today.

Fireflies & Flowers

The "Fireflies and Flowers" Festival of Tables, held at the Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing on April 20th, was a resounding success. The program included a curated selection of spring-themed showcases featuring Faded Rae, Rosemary's Garden, Theo Rose on Main, and Lorrien's Creations. The event also featured numerous raffle and door prizes, generously donated by businesses and individuals.

Participation and support for events like these enable Firefly to maintain a welcoming environment that fosters connections, reduces the stigma associated with mental health care, and offers access to a diverse range of programs and events dedicated to the wellbeing of all.

Call for Artists: Railroad Themed Mural Project

Overview

We invite artists to participate in an open call for a mural project that will pay homage to the history of the railroad in our community. The mural will adorn the south exterior brick wall of our building at 102 S. Kaiser Avenue in Fosston. The wall is 14’ 6” tall and 106’ wide.

Project Theme

The theme for this mural is "Tracks Through Time: A Legacy of Community and Connection." We are looking for imaginative interpretations that delve into the history, innovation, and the connections that were fostered between people and their communities by the railroads. The mural should be vibrant and unique–a real “you have to see this” piece!

Eligibility

• Open to individual artists and artist collectives of all backgrounds and artistic styles.

• Applicants must have experience in creating large-scale outdoor murals or artworks.

• A portfolio that showcases the ability to execute a detailed and engaging piece that engages a wide audience.

Submission Requirements

• A comprehensive proposal of the mural concept, incorporating a sketch or digital rendering of the proposed artwork, highlighting the mural theme.

• A narrative describing the inspiration, historical elements, and intended impact of the mural on the community.

• Details about the materials and techniques to be employed.

• A project timeline from initiation to completion.

• A budget proposal covering artist fees, materials, scaffolding, and any other project expenses.

• A brief artist biography and statement, explaining your connection or interest in railroad history.

• A portfolio of prior works, especially those that demonstrate experience with historical or large-scale public art projects.

Selection Process

A panel including community leaders, local historians, art professionals, and members of our organization will review submissions. Proposals will be evaluated based on artistic merit, adherence to the theme, feasibility, and the potential impact on the community.

Award

The selected artist(s) will receive:

• A commission fee commensurate with the scale and complexity of the project.

• Full coverage of material costs and necessary equipment rentals.

• Promotional support through our organization's channels, local media, and community events to highlight the artist(s) and the mural.

Deadline for Submissions

Submissions must be received by April 30, 2024. Please note that submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.

How to Apply

Submit your proposal and supporting materials to heidi@fireflycenter.org. For further inquiries or more information about the project, please reach out to Heidi Danos at the above email, or call (818) 325-5053.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the communal northwest Minnesota landscape by showcasing the history of the railroad and how it contributed to community connections through art. We eagerly anticipate your proposal!

Mural wall

Grant Award From Minneapolis Foundation

A $250,000 gift from the Margaret A. Cargill Fund of the Minneapolis  Foundation was received in November 2023, made possible with the support of the Northwest Minnesota  Foundation. 

The Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing is a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. NMF is a public charitable nonprofit community foundation serving 12 northwestern Minnesota counties with a  mission to invest resources, facilitate collaboration, and promote philanthropy to make the region a better  place to live and work. Learn more at www.nwmf.org. 

Please reach out with any questions to hello@fireflycenter.org, or contact one of our board members directly.  

“Breaking Down Barriers” Highlights

The event was a smashing success! Thank you to all those who attended and literally broke through barriers.

Updates: Lease & Bid Specs

Lease

As of July 1st, the Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing entered into a 5 year lease agreement at 102 S. Kaiser Ave in Fosston, MN.

Bid Specs

We look forward to building out the space to create a warm, welcoming environment. Bid specs will be available soon. If you are interested in submitting, please contact us at hello@fireflycenter.org.

Grant Award From Otto Bremer Trust

The Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing has been awarded $200,000 by the Otto Bremer Trust in St. Paul. The Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing will boost rural access to critically needed mental health services in an unbiased, creative, and welcoming environment that fosters community, inclusion, and equality.

The Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing, a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, is a mixed-use center that will provide mental health services, art therapy, space for creatives and community groups, and offer three residential units in response to a rural housing shortage. The grant funding from the OBT will be used to assist in the physical buildout and renovation of the Center.

An integral part of the project is the Center’s partnership with Alluma. Alluma is committed to partnering with the Firefly Center to expand access to mental health services in Fosston and east Polk County. This partnership utilizes a new model for mental health service delivery that combines the arts with mental wellbeing to create a more inclusive and destigmatized environment for all those seeking care and boosting rural access to critically needed mental health services in a creative and comprehensive environment.

The Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing will be a 501c3 nonprofit corporation. The 12-member board of directors includes volunteers who represent, in part, the following: the arts, mental health services, financial, housing, and those who have had lived experience with regard to mental health.

The Center will continue to seek grant funding for this important community project. Funding from individuals, businesses or corporate donors is also welcomed. Local funding will provide the Center with support to meet and expand the services in the community.

Grant Award From The Blandin Foundation

The Firefly Center for Art and Wellbeing has been awarded $110,000 by the Blandin Foundation.

The Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing will boost rural access to critically needed mental health services in an unbiased, creative and welcoming environment that fosters community, inclusion, and equality.

The Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing, a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, is a mixed-use center that will provide mental health services, art therapy, space for creatives and community groups, and offer three residential units in response to a rural housing shortage.

An integral part of the project is the Center’s partnership with Alluma. Alluma is committed to partnering with the Firefly Center to expand access to mental health services in Fosston and east Polk County. This partnership utilizes a new model for mental health service delivery that combines the arts with mental wellbeing to create a more inclusive and destigmatized environment for all those seeking care.

In 2020, the Fosston Arts & Culture Commission formally recognized the need for mental health service delivery in rural communities within rural Minnesota. The commission then worked in collaboration with ArtSpace to conduct a feasibility and sustainability study, from which the commission identified a prospective center location and developed a business plan, which included a capital budget summary, operations, and projected cash flow.

The Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing will be a 501c3 nonprofit corporation and a project fund has been established with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. The 11-member board of directors will include volunteers who represent the following: the arts, mental health services, financial, housing, and those who have had lived experience with regard to mental health.

In addition to Alluma, the Firefly Center has commitments of support from the Fosston Arts & Culture Commission Board; Pine to Prairie Folk School; Fosston Community Library & Arts Association; Carlin Family Funeral Service; Todd Selk, Superintendent at Fosston School District 601; Essentia Health; The Old School Artist Retreat Center; Fosston Police Department; area business owners, and City of Fosston leaders.

NMF believes Northwest Minnesota offers boundless opportunities. Our strength is connecting people, places, and possibilities.