Submitted Photo A collage shows the guest artists, musicians and performers who will be a part of the 18th annual NOTSTOCK event at Minot State University from Sept. 18-20.

Minot State University’s signature arts event, NOTSTOCK, returns for its 18th year Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 18-20.

The MSU campus will come alive with a vibrant mix of guest artists, musicians, performers and hands-on activities that invite the community to dive into the creative process. All events are free and open to the public.

“This year’s NOTSTOCK is packed with creative energy,” said Laurie Geller, vice president for academic affairs and NOTSTOCK co-organizer, in a news release. “From music and printmaking to ceramics, writing, storytelling and theatre, our guest artists bring incredible talent and passion to every corner of campus. We’re excited for the community to engage with their work, learn from their process and be inspired by their creativity.”

Singer, rapper and writer Dessa will be appearing live on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Aleshire Theater in Hartnett Hall. Dessa has performed at Lollapalooza and Glostonbury, collaborated with the Minnesota Orchestra and contributed to the #1 album “The Hamilton Mixtape.” She also will host workshops and visit with students during her visit.

Tennessee-based Laura Baisden of Camp Nevernice and Michigan-based Stephanie Ellis of FIeld Sparrow Studio will be printing live in Hartnett Hall from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 18-19 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 20. Their work will also be on display and available for purchase. Baisden and Ellis will each give a presentation about their work in Aleshire Theater, with Ellis at noon Thursday and Baisden at noon Friday.

Celebrate the work of Ellis, Baisden, and ceramic artist Yve Holtzclaw at the NOTSTOCK exhibit reception on Friday, Sept. 19, from 7-9 p.m. at the Northwest Arts Center. Enjoy refreshments, live music and hear from the artists.

Minot State’s own artist-in-residence, Blaire Engel,will provide ceramic demonstrations while helping visitors work with clay. She will present her work at 11 a.m. Sept. 18, in Aleshire Theater.

Unleash your inner performer with “Improv, Movement and Laughter” workshops at 10 a.m. on Sept. 18-19 in Aleshire Theater.

Step into a world of imagination with STORYSTOCK, featuring writers, historians and storytellers sharing real-life and creative tales. The event will take place on the second floor of Hartnett Hall at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sept. 18-19, and again at 11 a.m. on Sept. 20.

Bring a T-shirt, hoodie, tote bag and personalize it with screen-printed designs created by guest artists. Affordable artwork also will be available for purchase, so visitors can take a piece of NOTSTOCK home with them.

“Saturday is community day at NOTSTOCK,” Geller said. “It’s the perfect way for friends and family to spend time getting creative. Print a shirt, sculpt some clay, hear live music from ‘The Chokecherries,’ meet the artists, check out their work and leave with some art in hand – and maybe on your hands.”