Creative Spirit of the North
Presented by Northern Lakes Arts Association
Rooted in Ely. Inspiring the North.
The Creative Spirit of the North Award celebrates one emerging visual artist each year whose creativity, generosity, and craft strengthen the cultural life of Ely and the surrounding region. This program honors artists who are ready to step into their next chapter—and need a lift to get there.
Applications Close November 28th, 2025
What the Recipient Receives
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$500 stipend to support creative growth
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Yearlong studio residency at The Meadows in Ely, MN
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Three-month solo exhibition at the Ely Area Community Hub (October–December 2026)
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Mentorship and marketing support from NLAA throughout the year
What the Artist Contributes
The selected artist will:
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Design NLAA’s 2027 merchandise suite, including postcards, tote bags, and promotional artwork
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Lead a community workshop series through the Northern Lakes Arts Academy that shares their craft
Workshop format options:
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Twelve monthly sessions, or
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Several multi-day weekend intensives
Goal: Participants grow creatively alongside the artist throughout the year.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to visual artists only.
Applicants or nominees must:
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Live within 30 miles of Ely, Minnesota (or the nominated artist must)
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Be 18 years or older
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Work primarily in a visual medium such as painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, fiber, digital, or mixed media
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Be able to teach and engage with community participants throughout the year
Who We Mean by “Emerging Visual Artist”
For NLAA, emerging means an artist who:
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Has a consistent body of work and an active creative practice
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Is recognized locally or regionally but not yet widely established
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Is at a turning point—ready to take the next professional step, expand audience reach, or deepen community impact
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Would benefit from visibility, mentorship, and a platform to lift their career to the next level
This program is not for beginners or hobbyists, but for artists actively building their careers.
Apply Here:
Meet Rachael Pace:
Our 2025 Creative Spirit of the North
“The wilderness taught me resilience—and gave me a story to tell,” says artist Rachael Pace. From desert expeditions to the shores of the Boundary Waters, her journey is a testament to creativity’s power to connect us to nature—and each other. Named this year’s Creative Spirit of the North, Pace’s work and story are nothing short of inspiring.
Read more about how wilderness shaped her art—and how she’s shaping her community.
Uplift Emerging Artists and Strengthen the Arts in Our Region
We invite you to invest the Creative Spirit of the North award, a prestigious initiative that celebrates and empowers the rising visual artists of our community. This award is more than just recognition; it’s a transformative opportunity that provides an emerging artist with a year-long studio residency, financial support, and the chance to share their work with a wider audience. It’s an investment in the future of our local arts scene and the cultural vibrancy of Ely, MN. Your donation plays a crucial role in making this vision a reality.
Join us in this meaningful journey. By donating, you are helping to uplift talented artists, enrich our community, and create a lasting impact on the arts in our region. Click the button below to contribute and be part of this transformative experience. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of artists and the cultural landscape we all cherish.
Thank you for your unwavering support!