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Jonathan Rutter Wins February MoorHeart!
Congratulations to Jonathan Rutter! On February 10, 2025, the Moorhead City Council presented him with the MoorHeart award.
Jonathan Rutter is committed to preserving and promoting the arts in Moorhead and fostering a strong, inclusive community through his leadership at The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum! Jonathan encourages everyone in Moorhead to appreciate and engage with the arts, celebrating the creativity and history that build up our community. Jonathan’s nomination includes the following statement:
“Jonathan's passion and dedication to preserving and promoting the arts have significantly impacted our region. As the Executive Director and Curator at The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, Jonathan tirelessly ensures that the arts in Moorhead are celebrated and preserved. His leadership has been instrumental in continuing the legacy of the Midwestern Art Invitational, which has become one of the longest consecutively running invitationals in the country.
One notable example of Jonathan's dedication is his involvement in the restoration of the mural created by Cyrus Running in 1966. This mural, which had suffered water damage and was stored away for over a decade, is now being meticulously restored under Jonathan's leadership. His efforts to preserve this significant piece of our local art history highlight his unwavering commitment to the arts and his appreciation for the work of those who came before him. Jonathan is not only a fantastic artist and educator himself, but also a builder of community. He actively collaborates with universities, marginalized groups, and youth, making sure that all perspectives are given space and representation in our community. He was instrumental in The Rourke going admission free so that everyone has an opportunity to engage with art in Moorhead.”
For all Jonathan does for Moorhead – and especially for his dedication to public art initiatives and ensuring the arts are accessible to everyone - the selection committee chose Jonathan to receive the MoorHeart Award. Jonathan is a great example of the MoorHeart spirit. Congratulations to Jonathan Rutter for his dedication to the arts and for being an inspiring leader and advocate in Moorhead!
The MoorHeart award is an opportunity to recognize individuals who go above and beyond to demonstrate community within our City by their actions and service. A team of volunteers from city boards and commissions selects award recipients. The MoorHeart award is commemorated with a piece of art commissioned from local artist Dennis Krull especially for this purpose.
Information on nominating individuals/organizations for the MoorHeart award can be found at cityofmoorhead.com. (Search for MoorHeart Award.) Contributions large and small are worthy of nomination!