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2007 Northwest Minnesota Artists of the Year

Robin and Lorrie Foster, Red Lake Falls

Robin and Lorrie Foster were chosen as artists of the year to honor their achievements in the advancement and use of local clay in pottery over the last decade.  Several artists from the group, Clayworks, have nominated the Foster’s for this honor.  In their nomination letter they write,  “Robin and Lorrie have pursued a journey in the study of clay together since 1995.  The artists of Red Lake Falls have witnessed the colorful expansion of glazes that Lorrie and Robin have perfected.  Through the many community education classes they have taught, others have experienced their special research-oriented approach to ceramics.  For example, Robin and Lorrie have given three Raku workshops every summer for the last 10 years.  Every summer, they seem to have a new technique for glazing, a new tip to share, or a trial and error project of some sort.  They approach the art form with the eyes of youngsters and the knowledge of masters.”

Robin an engineer and award winning artist is quoted as saying, “Our work - the scientific and the artistic together - pays homage to the traditions of using simple tools - and firing with dead fall.” 

“From the very beginning in 1995, Robin and Lorrie Foster have worked tirelessly to develop the clays found in Red Lake and Pennington counties.  This has produced value-added products that have been marketed to the world on the web.  Many tests have been pulled out of the test kiln, had slight variations made and tested again, meaning adjusting settings and watching results into the wee hours of morning.  The words of wisdom they speak are positive and show their can-do spirit, but they have tasted the bitterness of kiln failures and disasters remarking, “It’s just dirt”.  The joint venture that Robin and Lorrie Foster have started has carved a narrow but accurate path for future potters to follow.  It is to both of these artists, that we owe the debt of thanks.  They should know that the people of our region are expecting great raku sculptures, functional pottery, and vibrant crystalline glazes from them in the future.”    

Nominated by Barbara Seeger, Ann Piersol, Marjorie Schafer, and Theodore Schindler.

2007 Northwest Minnesota Arts Advocate of the Year

Lee Hoekstra formerly of Kennedy

Lee Hoekstra was chosen for his outstanding service as advocate for the arts in the region. Lee’s qualifications include three decades of volunteer efforts with the 42nd Street Song and Dance Company of Kennedy and the Stephen Arts Council.   Lee was also very involved in the theatre efforts and programs at Kittson County Central Schools where he taught for thirty years.  Debi Jensen writes in her nomination letter that “Lee has given legendary service and support to the arts.  Whether he is on or off stage, his passion for the arts is evident by his countless volunteer hours.  He sees a need and fills it.”  Debi continues to write, “Although he retired from teaching this past year and moved away from our area, I know his commitment remains as he plans to return for numerous events.  If we need his expertise, we will call him and there is no question that he will respond.  His “consider it done” attitude has never failed us.” 

Renee Ryden, from Kittson County Schools writes these glowing comments, “Lee has been a life-long supporter of the arts.  He is a singer and actor in his own right, but is also a great mentor and role model for our youth.  Lee volunteered in both our school and community drama organizations - creating sets, monitoring sound and lights, and just being our all around “go to” person if we have an obstacle to conquer.  He encourages kids to get involved in drama, and has helped our students “discover” talents and interests they didn’t know they had before joining the cast and crew.”

“Lee has been a tireless supporter of the performing arts in northwest Minnesota for many years,” writes Bruce Jensen, Superintendent of Kittson County Schools.  “Lee’s technical skill working with sound and lights is amazing.  Lee is also gifted when it comes to creating and assembling backdrops and sets.  Everything from pounding nails to painting, to wiring electrical components is not a problem for Lee.  I am sure much of his work and talent has been taken for granted as he just continues to show up and do what needs to be done.”  

Tom Silewski writes of Lee, “I cannot think of a more deserving person for “Arts Advocate” then LeRoy Hoekstra.  I have known Lee for 24 years and during those years I have learned the “tricks of the trade” when it comes to community theatre from him.  He is a very dedicated person when it comes to volunteering for school, church, and community theatre.  Not only is he handy with off-stage projects, he has great stage presence and a great voice!”

There is no doubt that Lee is truly a leader and very deserving of this award. 

“Leaders are like eagles.  They don’t flock; you find them one at a time.”

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