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, Pres.
Elizabeth Stromme, V Pres
Rita Loibl, Sec.
Susan Olson
Eileen Dezotell
Susan Bergquist
Sally Simonson
Josh Hagen
Michelle Lynch


STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS
Justine Simonson, Lakota
High School
Mason Beier, Dakota Prairie
High School

Thank You - Phase 3 Completed
(Watch for a new photograph after the snow melts.)

We would like to thank each and every one of you that made Phase 3 of our Auditorium Renovation Project possible.  We now have a
wonderful lighting and heating system, an attractive ceiling, bathrooms, food prep room and an area for an office.  The public had a
chance to enjoy the renovations during our Sounfest 2010 held on January 17th.  The building was packed and the bands actually got to
perform on stage!  It was such a fun event and proud moment for the NCAC Board members and City residents that we were all able to
overlook the fact that we are still in need of interior painting, resurfaced floor and work on our stage and dressing rooms.  That will all
come in time.  At the present, we have to concentrate our donated funds on some unexpected cost due to unforeseen problems that
occur with most renovation projects.  We were able to cover the majority of the cost with the funds from USDA Community Facility Grant,
donations from Otter Tail Power Company, North Dakota Telephone Company and from your generous donations.  The additional needed
funds totaled a little over $10,000.  We obtained a $5000 loan from the Farmers and Merchants State Bank and will take the remainder
from our Special Revenue Fund that we set up in 2005 to meet unexpected costs of our programs. It is our intentions to replace those
funds through your donations and fundraisers. Our office will be financed through a donation from Marti Maraden of Stratford, Ontario in
the amount of $4000.  Marti and her siblings spend as much time as possible on their farm south of Pekin that was homesteaded by their
grandfather, Ole Fredrikson.   

Your continued donations to our Building Fund would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Brenda Bjorlie, Executive Director     
* 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

The 2010
Winter Art
Auction
page
is now
online!
CLICK HERE!
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
Dakota Prairie and Larimore High Schools Participate in 2009 NCAC Dinner Theatre
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!
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!
2009 NCAC Annual Rummage Sale

NCAC Events 2010

Art For Life
January – June        McVille Care Center



Winter Art Auction
March 7          Community Center
Dakota Prairie
Larimore
(Click photos to enlarge)
Soundfest 2010 Featured 5 Bands - Huge Success!

Soundfest 2010 can be likened to a gourmet’s five-course meal.  Any fastidious devotee to good music
and dancing wasl not disappointed during the afternoon and early evening of musical sounds featuring
bands from eastern North Dakota.  The festive event, presented by the Nelson County Arts Council and
sponsored by the Nelson County Farmers Union, was on Sunday, January 17 in the Pekin City
Auditorium and started at 2:00 p.m. and closed with the final note at 8:00 p.m.
While the music fed your soul, your palate was satisfied with pulled pork sandwiches, brats and all the
trimmings, beer and non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of popcorn.  The cost of admission, $15 adults,
$8 students and children six and under free,and included food, drinks and music.
Bands
Old Tyme Kings   
   AnOther Side              
Merrill Peipkorn and Loy Larson           
The Diers           
North River Ramblers
For the first time, a small dance area was available!
Student Art Show
April 11 – April 14       Auditorium

Pork Dinner
April 11        Community Center

Rummage Sale
May 15 – May 16         Community Center

Pekin Days Art Show
June 23 – June 27         Auditorium

Fine Arts Youth Camp
August 2 – August 7        
Stump Lake Park