*Stories marked with an asterisk were written by experienced contributing editors, outside of NDCA.

Categories: Featured Stories

Cast of Wizard of Oz standing behind a young child with sensory needsAcross North Dakota, organizations used NDCA FY26 Accessibility Grants to deliver innovative arts programming and facility improvements that broke down barriers, fostered inclusion, and empowered people of all abilities to participate fully in creativity and community.
 
Edited by Rhea Beto

Categories: Featured Stories

a teaching artist is observing a Devil's Lake middle school student as she created art at a table with supplies all aroundMiddle school students in Devils Lake are just a short walk away from artistic exploration at the Lake Region Arts Center, where an after-school arts program has brought together students and community members to make art. 

By Contributing Editor Anna Paige

Categories: Featured Stories

dreamcatcher called "war shield" created by Native artist Roxanne LaducerNative artist Roxanne C. Henry Laducer, a 2025 Midwest Culture Bearers Award recipient, uses dreamcatcher-making and traditional teachings to preserve Ojibwe heritage, promote healing, and inspire future generations. (Photo: dreamcatcher titled War Shield by Roxanne Laducer.)

Edited by Rhea Beto

Categories: Featured Stories

quiltwork by Jane Gaffrey, showing a stoic small child looking down and left, wearing a blue hat and blue coat with a green grassy backgroundAfter a rare illness ended her medical career, West Fargo artist Jane Gaffrey turned to quilting as a path to healing—earning a 2025 Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities for work that honors memory, resilience, and hope. (Photo: close-up image of her quilt work titled Nanna's Daffodils.)

Edited by Rhea Beto

Categories: Featured Stories

Lollie Addair hugs her friend and Maryhill Manor resident Bonnie Daub, shown holding artwork   The Art for Life Program at Maryhill Manor boosts residents’ well-being through creative expression, social connection, and in 2025, it inspired a community-built wheelchair-accessible fishing dock.

By Troyd Geist and Rhea Beto