FEE: 4-Use CAC Studio Rental Punch Card: $36.00 / $28.00 - Member price
12-Use CAC Studio Rental Punch Card: $84.00 / $60.00 - Member price

Open Ceramic Studio*

Every Wednesday, 5-8 pm

*PENDING NEW LOCATION

Open Ceramic Studio is a series of dedicated sessions for the community and AOTL Members to use the ceramic studio in the Creative Arts Center. Open Ceramic Studio is for artists to work individually on personal ceramic projects. Participants will need prior ceramics background, as no formal instruction will be given. Kristi Everts and other ceramic artists will be available during the Open Ceramic Studio hours, for questions and assistance if needed.​

Equipment: Pottery wheels, bats, project boards are available. Tools are available for purchase or artists may bring their own tools. Limited tools are also available for use.
  
Supplies: 25# of clay are available for purchase for $35 which includes the cost of clay, firing and glaze.  No outside clay can be used unless approved prior to use with documentation of type and cone. We bisque at cone 06 and glaze at cone 6.  

• Commercial glazes are available for use. No outside glazes can be used without approval prior to use with documentation of cone from original container.

Purchase a Punch Card for studio access
Choose the CAC Maker Studio Punch Card that best fits your needs and your schedule. 

• Only in the area for a short while? Just need a few days of work to finish a project? Choose the 4-Use option.

• Here for the season or year-round? Have a bigger project in mind? Choose the 12-Use option.

Each Punch Card gives you access to any of the Maker Studios at the CAC during hours of operation, subject to availability.

FEE: Free

Fergus Falls Writers Group

2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

This group shares and critiques their writing. Meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. This is a community-member-led group.

FEE: Free

Fiber Arts Group Meeting

Wednesdays at Art of the Lakes Gallery

Join fellow makers every Wednesday from 2–4pm at Art of the Lakes in Battle Lake. Whether you knit, crochet, weave, stitch, or simply enjoy creating in good company, all are welcome. Bring your project, meet new friends, and get inspired!

FEE: Free

Sew Unique

3rd Thursdays @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

All types of sewing projects are welcome. Bring your projects, cutting tools and sewing machine. Several irons and boards will be provided. Meets the third Thursday of each month. This is a community-member-led group.

FEE: Free

Sunday Socials @ AOTL Gallery

Starting January 4 — Sundays — 2-4pm

Sunday Socials are your chance to get out of the house, beat the winter blahs, and connect with others who love the arts. They're a casual drop-in time for anyone and everyone - members and non-members alike. Bring a project, or just join in the conversation. Sundays, 2-4pm in the Gallery.

FEE: Free to apply

Artist Resources & Relief: Minnesota

In response to ongoing community disruption and its impacts on artists and creative workers across Minnesota, this evolving resource list brings together emergency relief funds, creative business recovery support, calls for artist-led community projects, mutual aid networks, toolkits, and legal resources.

Compiled by Springboard for the Arts in collaboration with arts organizations and community partners statewide, these resources are intended to support artists through immediate challenges and longer-term healing, recovery, and connection. Offerings include emergency and small business relief, opportunities for community-based creative action, mutual aid and solidarity networks, training resources, and practical toolkits.

This list will continue to be updated as new resources become available.

FEE: Free— Registration required

Creative Power, Civic Purpose:
How Artists Strengthen Democracy

Six-Part Virtual Series | 2026

Creative Power, Civic Purpose is a six-part virtual series exploring how artists and culture bearers strengthen civic health, deepen democratic participation, and help renew the civic fabric of communities nationwide. Grounded in civic health frameworks and national conversations around democratic renewal, the series combines field-framing dialogue with practical learning for artists, cultural leaders, civic partners, funders, and community practitioners.

Across six sessions, speakers and facilitators examine the role of arts and culture in civic infrastructure, public understanding of systems, belonging and trust, artist–government collaboration, and funding creative civic work. Registration provides access to all sessions, including calendar holds, Zoom links, updates, and recordings.

Dates & Times (all sessions):
Thursdays, 12:00–1:30 PM (CT)

• Feb 26, 2026

• Mar 26, 2026

• May 28, 2026

• June 25, 2026

• Sept 24, 2026

• Oct 29, 2026

Format: Virtual
Registration: Single registration covers the full series; individual sessions also available

FEE: Free

Color Improvisations 3

Dates: March 28 – August 23, 2026
Location: William and Anna Jane Schlossman Gallery, Plains Art Museum

Color Improvisations 3 features 42 vibrant, large-scale quilts that explore the expressive possibilities of color in contemporary textile art. Curated by acclaimed artist Nancy Crow, the exhibition includes work by 38 artists from the United States, Canada, and New Zealand.

Each piece was created specifically for this exhibition, highlighting a wide range of artistic voices united by innovation, bold composition, and masterful craftsmanship. Visitors will experience dynamic color palettes and inventive approaches that push the boundaries of quilt-making as an art form.

Following its international tour in Germany and North American debut in Nebraska, the exhibition continues its tour across the continent through 2029.

Exhibition Tour:
Thursday, April 9, 6:00–6:45 PM (Free)
Join a curatorial team-led tour exploring contemporary quilt-making and the ideas behind the exhibition.

FEE: Vendor fee—$125

Call for Artist Vendors: Sauk Centre Festival of the Arts

Artists and makers are invited to apply as vendors for the Sauk Centre Festival of the Arts.

Application Deadline for Marketing Inclusion: August 15, 2026

Event Dates: Friday, August 29 – Saturday, August 30, 2026
Event Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (both days)

Selected vendors will receive approximately a 10’ x 10’ booth space (additional space available for purchase), along with promotion through festival social media and website. Coffee, donuts, water, and restroom access will be provided. This is a rain-or-shine event.

Vendors are required to provide their own tables, tents, and 40 lb. weights or sandbags, and must commit to both full days with no early teardown.

For questions, volunteer opportunities, or to sign up, contact Cathy at cathy@510artlab.com or cathy@510artlab.art

FEE: Free to attend.

On Exhibit in Three Locations Across Detroit Lakes

You can see the full collection in three locations through Labor Day weekend:

• Becker County Museum – 714 Summit Ave, Detroit Lakes – Originals and prints of acrylic, oil, and ink paintings

• Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park – 28499 Randolph Rd, Detroit Lakes  – Large-scale print reproductions along the Aspen Overlook Trail

• Washington Square Mall – 808 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes – Even more large-scale print reproductions

Free & Open to the Public

The exhibits will remain open during each venue’s operating hours through Labor Day Weekend 2026.
This exhibition is free and open to the public – thanks to Project 412 Wave Maker supporters.

Join us for the Artist Reception
on Saturday, May 2, 2026
from 5 to 7 pm

At the Becker County Museum

714 Summit Avenue in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

FEE: Free

Wiwahokichiyapi: They Promised Things to Each Other

April 25, 2026 – February 7, 2027 | Plains Art Museum, Fargo, ND

Treaties are living documents that continue to serve as legally binding agreements shaping the political relationship between Native Nations and the United States government. These agreements established land boundaries, resource rights, and reservations; they determine Tribal Nation citizenship and outline mutual obligations. The influence of treaties, and the policies surrounding them, has had a profound impact on traditional and contemporary Indigenous life, art, and ways of making and knowing.

By pairing treaties with historical and contemporary images and art objects, this exhibition explores how treaties continue to impact Native people and reverberate through Native creativity and expression.

Wiwahokichiyapi: They Promised Things to Each Other provides an overview of treaties in the United States, with a focus on those connected to our region. The exhibition was developed in collaboration with the National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Plains Art Museum partnered with Lakȟóta Archeologist Tyrel Iron Eyes and the Giiwedinong Treaty Rights & Culture Museum team, including Logan Monroe, Don Wedll, and Winona LaDuke, whose research and expertise helped shape the exhibition. Students from Concordia College’s Digital Design class also contributed to the exhibition panel design.

This exhibition, and all exhibitions at Plains Art Museum, are free and open to the public.

FEE: Free & Open to the Public

Printmaking Art Table with Paul Johnson

April 25 – November 7, 2026 | Various Viking Library System Locations

Presented by Kaddatz Galleries in partnership with the Viking Library System, the Printmaking Art Table invites community members of all ages to explore the creative process of printmaking through a series of free drop-in workshops across the region.

Participants will design and carve their own personalized print using soft linoleum (adults) or create prints using impressed styrofoam techniques (youth). This fun and approachable activity introduces participants to reductive printmaking, inking a plate, registering prints, and experimenting with creative design in a welcoming community setting.

Workshops are led by artist and educator Paul Johnson, former Communication Art and Design instructor at Alexandria Technical & Community College. Johnson is the creator of Paul Johnson Design & Illustration, muralist for the Concordia Christmas Concert, and former corporate artist for Banner Health System in Fargo, North Dakota.

Workshop Schedule:

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Pelican Rapids Public Library, Pelican Rapids, MN

Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Douglas County Library, Alexandria, MN

Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wheaton Community Library, Wheaton, MN

Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 12:30 – 2:30 PM
Morris Public Library, Morris, MN

Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Perham Area Public Library, Perham, MN

Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Glenwood Public Library, Glenwood, MN

Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
New York Mills Public Library, New York Mills, MN

Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thorson Memorial Library, Elbow Lake, MN

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through the Lakes Region Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

FEE: Free

George Pfeifer 60th Anniversary Retrospective

May 22 - August 9, 2026 | On view in the Katherine Kilbourne Burgum and Gustavian Galleries
The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum

George Pfeifer: A 60th Anniversary Retrospective celebrates six decades of work by Fargo-born artist George Pfeifer, marking the 60th anniversary of his first solo exhibition at The Rourke Art Gallery in 1966, when he was just 19 years old.

The exhibition features 60 works spanning Pfeifer’s career, including early hard-edge color field paintings and screen prints influenced by gallery founder James O’Rourke, as well as later realist landscapes known for their vivid color and precision. Works are drawn from The Rourke’s Permanent Collection, Plains Art Museum, private collections, and include both historic and recent pieces.

Pfeifer has presented more than forty-five solo exhibitions across venues including The Rourke, Plains Art Museum, The Fargo Gallery, M State Fergus Falls, Jamestown Art Center, North Dakota State University, and others. His work is also held in numerous public and private collections nationwide.

The exhibition is presented in the Katherine Kilbourne Burgum and Gustavian Galleries, Archive & Reading Room, and 2nd Level Hall at The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, with support from Rich & Nancy Callender and Darren & Jane Leno.

Public Viewing Hours

3 to 7 p.m. on THU
1 to 5 p.m. on FRI, SAT, & SUN

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Artists: Fall Into Art Festival Art Competition

Application Deadline: Monday, September 7, 2026 | Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance, Morris, MN

The Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance (PRCA) is seeking artists to participate in the Fall Into Art Festival Art Competition on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Side Park in Morris, Minnesota.

This year’s competition theme is “Celebrating the Prairie,” and artists are invited to submit original three-dimensional artwork inspired by prairie landscapes, nature, flora and fauna, regional history, or culture. Eligible works may include sculpture, ceramics, fiber art, woodworking, metalwork, mosaics, mixed media, furniture, garden art, planters, bird baths, rain barrel art, and other creative three-dimensional forms.

All submitted works must be original, viewable in three dimensions, and have a minimum value of $100. Contest entries will be considered donations to the Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance and will be auctioned during a live auction following the competition, with proceeds supporting PRCA programming and community arts initiatives.

Cash prizes will be awarded through public voting during the festival:
• First Place — $300
• Second Place — $200
• Third Place — $100

Artists donating a contest piece will also receive a free vendor booth space during the festival to display or sell additional artwork.

The Fall Into Art Festival takes place from 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM and features live music, food trucks, art vendors, beverages, and free family-friendly art activities throughout the day.

To participate, artists should email prca@prairierenaissance.org by September 7 with their name, address, phone number, artwork value, and — if possible — a photo of the work. Artists should also indicate whether they would like a free vendor booth space.

For additional information, contact Diane Trew at 320-314-2262 or prca@prairierenaissance.org.

FEE: Suggested Donation $5–$10

Adult Art Club

1st & 3rd Tuesdays of Each Month | 5:00–7:00 PM

Connect with fellow creatives at Adult Art Club, a welcoming community gathering for adults ages 18 and older. Bring your own creative project—or start something new—and enjoy an evening of making art, sharing ideas, and building community in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Artists, makers, and hobbyists of all kinds are welcome, including those who knit, crochet, draw, paint, collage, journal, embroider, bead, write, mend, or work in any creative medium. Limited art supplies are available through the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, and participants are encouraged to contact the Center in advance if they are interested in working with a specific medium.

Co-sponsored by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center and Continental Divide Brew Pub. A limited food menu will be available during the event.

2026 Dates:

• June 2 & 16

• July 7 & 21

• August 4 & 18

• September 1 & 15

• October 6 & 20

• November 3 & 17

• December 1 & 15

Location:
Continental Divide Brew Pub
32 N Main Avenue
New York Mills, MN 56567

FEE: Free to apply

NOW OPEN: Nordic Folk Arts & Cultural Traditions in the Upper Midwest Competition

Application Deadline: September 15, 2026

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Nordic Folk Arts & Cultural Traditions in the Upper Midwest Competition. This annual program supports the preservation, practice, and public celebration of Nordic folk arts and cultural traditions throughout the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Fellowship Opportunities for Artists

Artist fellowships are designed to:

• Strengthen traditional artistic and cultural skills

• Support mentorships between master artists and apprentices

• Encourage the continuation of folk traditions across generations

• Increase public awareness of Nordic cultural heritage through visible and engaging projects

Grants for Public Programs & Community Projects

Nonprofit organizations may apply for support of:

• Community festivals and heritage celebrations

• Workshops, classes, and demonstrations

• Performances and cultural events

• Programs that preserve and share Nordic traditions with public audiences

Applicants for public program grants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations.

About the American-Scandinavian Foundation

Founded to promote cultural exchange between the United States and the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—the American-Scandinavian Foundation supports fellowships, grants, cultural programming, publishing, and educational opportunities throughout the United States and abroad.

Through this program, ASF continues its commitment to preserving Nordic cultural traditions while fostering connections between communities in the Upper Midwest and the Nordic world.

Deadline: September 15, 2026

For more information, contact Sally Yerkovich, Director of Educational Exchange & Special Projects, at grants@amscan.org or (212) 847-9714.

Fee: $350 per student ($35 per session)

Youth Summer Clay Course (10-Week Program)

Dates: June 4 – August 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Creation Shop

A small-group pottery experience where youth learn wheel throwing, sculpting, carving, and finishing techniques while creating their own artwork in a supportive environment.

Two session options:
• Ages 12–16: Thursdays, June 4 – August 20
• Ages 6–11: Tuesdays, June 9 – August 18

Participants will explore clay techniques and Minnesota-inspired projects with local artist Blayze Buseth. Classes are limited to 8 students to allow for personalized instruction and creative exploration.

10 workshop sessions. All materials included. Snacks are welcome.

FEE: $25

Call for Artists & Vendors: Pickletoberfest Outdoor Market

Event Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026 Location: Main Avenue, New York Mills, MN

Artists, makers, bakers, and creative businesses are invited to participate in the Outdoor Market at the 3rd Annual NYM Pickletoberfest — a free community celebration hosted by Continental Divide Brew Pub and NYM Cultural Center. Vendor booths are $25 each, first-come, first-served.

To register, call 218-385-3339 or email info@kulcher.org.

FEE: $12 Adults | $11 Seniors | $10 College Students | $8 Youth 5-17 & Children under 5 are Free.
HCSCC members get in free | Admission is also free every Tuesday night 5-8pm.

Rocks and Hard Places:
Emigration through the Lens of Knud Knudsen

June 12 - September 27, 2026
Hjemkomst Center

The exhibit provides viewers with 30 stunning framed black and white photographs taken between 1870 and 1900 that capture the toil and challenging topography that drove so many people to emigrate, many to Minnesota. In addition to Knudsen’s photographs, exhibit panels explore and contextualize the political, economic, and family pressures that led to above-average emigration from the region.

These immigrant stories from the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries give us a more nuanced understanding of our immigrant neighbors today and the pressures that lead them to leave their homelands.

This traveling exhibit is organized by Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, with support from Lars and Martha Alsaker on behalf of Dan Alsaker and his sister Pam (Alsaker) Hemingway; Alsaker Corporation, and the Hanson Family Foundation.

This exhibit is supported in part by The Arts Partnership with support from the Cities of Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo; the Alex Stern Family Foundation, and the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation.

FEE: Free

Summer Storytelling at Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park

Fridays at Noon | Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park, Detroit Lakes, MN

Bring your lunch and enjoy an hour of stories surrounded by the beauty of Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park. This free summer storytelling series features local storytellers sharing stories, poetry, humor, and other entertaining readings in a relaxed outdoor setting.

The first gathering will take place on Friday, June 12, featuring storytellers Amy Erickson, Mark Hagen, Lori O'Dea, and Amy Stearns. Each session throughout the summer will feature different voices and stories, offering something for all ages and interests.

2026 Storytelling Dates:
• June 12
• June 26
• July 10
• July 24
• August 14
• August 28

Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch, lawn chair, or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of stories, laughter, imagination, and connection in the gardens.

Location: Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1646 Randolph Road, Detroit Lakes, MN

These free community events are generously sponsored by Bluebird Books.

FEE: $15 per person | $75 Season Pass (10 dances)

Lakeside Dance Club

June 14, 2026 – April 18, 2027 | Lakeside Ballroom, Glenwood, MN

Enjoy an afternoon of dancing, live music, and community at the Lakeside Dance Club. Held monthly from June through April (with no dance in December), each event begins with a free, beginner-friendly ballroom dance lesson followed by a social dance featuring live music.

Whether you're new to ballroom dancing or an experienced dancer, Lakeside Dance Club offers a welcoming environment to learn new steps, meet fellow dancers, and enjoy an afternoon on one of Minnesota's most historic dance floors.

Schedule for Each Dance:
• 2:00 PM – Free Ballroom Dance Lesson
• 3:00–6:00 PM – Social Dance with Live Music

Location: Lakeside Ballroom, 180 South Lakeshore Drive, Glenwood, MN 56334

Admission:
• $15 per person per dance
• $75 Season Pass (includes admission to all 10 dances)

Information:
(218) 851-2116
lakesideballroom.org

Lakeside Dance Club hosts dances once each month from June through April, providing opportunities for dancers of all skill levels to enjoy live music, social connection, and ballroom dancing in a beautiful lakeside setting.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Lake Region Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

FEE: Preview: $15 Members / $30 Non-Members | Anniversary Dinner: $50 plus tax, tip & beverages | Luncheon: $45

The 67th Midwestern: The Pursuit of Happiness

Exhibition on View: June 18–September 6, 2026 | The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, Moorhead, MN

The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum presents the 67th Midwestern, The Pursuit of Happiness, one of the region's longest-running and most respected juried exhibitions of contemporary art. Featuring work by artists from across the Midwest, the exhibition explores interpretations of happiness, fulfillment, and the human experience through a wide range of artistic media and perspectives. The exhibition will remain on view through September 6, 2026.

Thursday, June 18, 2026

The 67th Midwestern Preview
The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum

• Doors Open: 5:00 PM

• Celebration in the M. Dorian Clemedtson Sculpture Court with music by The Cropdusters: 5:30–6:30 PM

• Awards Ceremony: 6:30 PM

Admission:
$15 Members | $30 Non-Members

Tickets available for pre-purchase at the museum and at the door.

The 66th Anniversary Dinner
Rustica Eatery & Tavern

• Social Hour: 7:00 PM

• Dinner Served: 7:30 PM

Limited seating. Reservations required.

Cost: $50 per person plus tax, tip, and beverages, paid at Rustica Eatery & Tavern.

Friday, June 19, 2026

The Midwestern Luncheon (at The Rourke Tavern)
The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum

• Social Hour: 11:00 AM

• Luncheon Served: 11:30 AM

Very limited seating. Reservations required.

Cost: $45 per person, prepaid through the reservation form.

For reservations and additional information, contact The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum.

FEE: $125 (K–4 sessions) | $150 (5–8 sessions) | Scholarships available

Summer Arts Academy 2026

Dates: June 22–26 & July 27–31, 2026
Location: Kaddatz Galleries (and Creation Shop)

Kaddatz Galleries presents Summer Arts Academy 2026, offering two weeks of creative, hands-on art experiences for youth entering grades K–4 and 5–8. Classes are led by experienced teaching artists and explore a variety of mediums including mixed media, painting, pottery, and sculpture. All supplies are included.

Session 1: June 22–26

Grades K–4 (10:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Mixed Media Puppets & Painting (Jona Brown)
Students will create imaginative puppets and props using everyday materials, along with painted backdrops that bring their creations to life.

Grades 5–8 (1:00–4:00 PM)
Inspired by Minnesota: Pottery & Sculpture Adventure (Blayze Buseth)
A hands-on clay workshop exploring Minnesota’s landscapes and artistic traditions through techniques such as pinch, coil, slab, carving, and sculptural building.

Session 2: July 27–31

Grades K–4 (10:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Inspired by Minnesota: Pottery & Sculpture Adventure (Blayze Buseth)
Young artists will explore storytelling through clay while learning foundational pottery and sculpture techniques.

Grades 5–8 (1:00–4:00 PM)
Mixed Media Explorations (Naomi RaMona Schliesman)
Students will experiment with a wide range of materials and processes including painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, and sculpture while building creative confidence and skills.

Cost:
$125 (K–4 sessions) | $150 (5–8 sessions)

Scholarships:
Partial and full scholarships are available based on need.

FEE: $135/$145 Member/Non-Member
$125/$135 Member/Non-Member Early Bird (By June 12)
Clay and model costs are included in the class registration fee

Figure Clay Class

with Mary Williams

June 26, 9-4 and July 31, 9-4 (two sessions)
​Mary Williams' Studio, Clitherall

In this two-part class, we will first make a clay figure from a model on Friday, June 26, 2026. Mary will then fire your figure and on Friday, July 31, we will paint & finish it. Both parts of this class will meet at Mary's studio on Stewart Lake near Clitherall. Ages 16+

FEE: Free

Threads of Offering | Thương Hoài Trần

June 27, 2026 – January 24, 2027 | The Ruth and Seymour Landfield Atrium & Xcel Energy Gallery at Plains Art Museum, Fargo, ND

Threads of Offering presents the work of interdisciplinary Vietnamese American artist Thương Hoài Trần, whose creative practice explores identity, family history, displacement, memory, and diasporic connection through processes of weaving and unweaving.

Bringing together two major bodies of work — Ông Bà and Made in Vietnam — the exhibition examines the emotional and cultural complexities of immigration, generational disconnect, and labor. In Ông Bà, Vietnamese for “grandparents,” Hoài Trần creates monumental woven portraits honoring their family members. Each strand of yarn is hand dyed before being woven into large-scale portraits and partially unraveled, symbolizing fragmented memories, unspoken histories, and complicated familial relationships. Standing between seven and eight feet tall, the works evoke the presence of ancestors towering over viewers in the Ruth and Seymour Landfield Atrium.

Displayed in the Xcel Energy Gallery, Made in Vietnam features garments labeled “Made in Vietnam” that the artist collected, altered, and investigated through various material interventions. One featured work documents Hoài Trần painstakingly disassembling garments thread by thread over more than 24 hours, condensed into a one-minute video critiquing the hidden labor and exploitation embedded within fast fashion production. The work also functions as a self-portrait reflecting on diasporic identity and cultural inheritance.

Born in Tây Ninh, Vietnam and raised in Emporia, Kansas, Thương Hoài Trần holds degrees from Emporia State University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Their work has been exhibited nationally at institutions including the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, The Center for Craft, and the Studios at MASS MoCA.

Gallery admission is free every day of the week.

Generous support is provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program; the North Dakota Council on the Arts; the Arts Partnership; the McKnight Foundation; The FUNd at Plains Art Museum; Giving Hearts Day donors; Spring Gala sponsors; and Plains Art Museum members.

FEE: Free to Apply

2027 Full Color Printmaking Fellowship

Application Deadline: August 12, 2026 | Highpoint Center for Printmaking, Minneapolis, MN

Highpoint Center for Printmaking is accepting applications for its 2027 Full Color Printmaking Fellowship, a year-long professional development program supporting Minnesota artists from BIPOC communities with prior printmaking experience.

The fellowship provides 12 months of access to Highpoint's cooperative print shop, free adult printmaking classes and workshops, up to 10 hours of individual technical instruction, mentorship, professional development opportunities, exhibition opportunities, and a $500 unrestricted stipend. Fellows also receive discounted cooperative print shop membership following completion of the program.

Eligible applicants must be Minnesota residents who identify as members of BIPOC communities and have demonstrable experience in one or more printmaking techniques, including lithography, intaglio, relief, monotype, or screenprinting.

An online information session will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 7:30 PM for prospective applicants.

Important Dates:

• Online Information Session: Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 7:30 PM

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, August 12, 2026

• Fellowship Begins: Thursday, October 1, 2026

• Fellowship Ends: September 30, 2027

Location:
Highpoint Center for Printmaking
912 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408

FEE: Museum Admission

Americana: Objects that Reflect Us

July 4, 2026–January 3, 2027

Explore 250 years of American history through the stories told by everyday objects in Americana: Objects that Reflect Us. This exhibition examines how Americans have understood their nation, communities, and identities through themes of democracy, conflict, opportunity, belonging, and culture.

Featuring artifacts that reflect the evolving American experience, the exhibition invites visitors to consider how ordinary people have helped shape the nation's history and culture over the past two and a half centuries.

This exhibition was made possible through a donation from Stenerson Lumber of Moorhead and the generous support of museum members.

Location:
Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County
Hjemkomst Center
202 1st Avenue North
Moorhead, MN 56560

FEE: Free

Kirk Williams: Solo Exhibition – Original Pastels

July 1–September 11, 2026 | WholeHeart Collective, Fergus Falls, MN

WholeHeart Collective presents a special solo exhibition celebrating the life and work of Kirk Williams, one of Fergus Falls' most beloved artists. The exhibition features an exceptional collection of original pastels, drawings, and prints, including many original pastel works that have rarely—if ever—been exhibited publicly.

Curated by Naomi RaMona Schliesman in collaboration with Hattie Tysver, Kirk Williams' stepdaughter, the exhibition highlights the breadth of Williams' artistic vision through works that celebrate beauty, imagination, nature, and storytelling. Original artwork will also be available for purchase.

Join the community for a Public Reception on Wednesday, July 8, from 5:30–7:00 PM, featuring refreshments, music by Kirk Williams, and an opportunity to celebrate the artist's enduring legacy through stories, memories, and his remarkable body of work.

Whether you're familiar with Kirk Williams' art or discovering it for the first time, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the work of an artist whose creativity continues to inspire the Fergus Falls community.

Location:
WholeHeart Collective
210 W Cavour Avenue
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

FEE: Free

Victoria McWane-Creek and Jared Internet Exhibition

July 1–31, 2026 | Evansville Arts Center, Evansville, MN

Evansville Arts Coalition presents a month-long exhibition featuring the work of Victoria McWane-Creek and Jared Internet.

Victoria McWane-Creek is a spoken word artist and wordcraft practitioner whose work is rooted in lineage, spirituality, and deep reflection. Through intentional language and storytelling, her practice explores memory, healing, and human connection.

Jared Internet is a photographic artist whose work combines photography, collage, and digital manipulation to create evocative visual compositions that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination.

Together, their work offers visitors a thoughtful exploration of identity, narrative, and contemporary artistic expression.

Location:
Evansville Arts Center
111 Main Street
Evansville, MN 56326

Information:
(218) 948-2787

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Entries: MN Films at the Fair

Submission Deadline: July 27, 2026 | Screenings at the Minnesota State Fair

Square Lake Film & Music is accepting submissions for the inaugural MN Films at the Fair, a new outdoor film showcase featuring Minnesota-made short films and animations during the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.

Selected films will be screened after sunset on a large outdoor screen near the Pet Pavilion and Machinery Hill on August 28–29 and September 4–6, 2026, reaching audiences at Minnesota's largest annual event. Participating filmmakers will also have opportunities for post-screening Q&A sessions and media exposure through on-site outlets including WCCO, KARE 11, and Minnesota Public Radio.

The festival is seeking Minnesota-made short films and animations of 15 seconds to 15 minutes in length from all genres. There are no submission fees.

Important Dates:

• Regular Submission Deadline: July 6, 2026

• Final Submission Deadline: July 27, 2026

• Screening Selections Announced: Early August 2026

• Screenings: August 28–29 & September 4–6, 2026

Questions:
squarelakefestival@gmail.com

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Public Art – Interactive Movable Sculpture

Proposal Deadline: Friday, September 4, 2026 | 10:00 AM

The City of Moorhead is seeking proposals from artists to create an inspirational, movable public art installation that can be displayed at various locations throughout the city. Artists are encouraged to incorporate interactive elements that invite community participation and create engaging public experiences.

The City is looking for proposals that:

• Encourage public interaction through creative or kinetic elements

• Promote creativity and youth engagement

• Are safe and accessible for all ages

• Are durable enough for outdoor display in Minnesota's changing weather

• Inspire people to gather and connect

Examples of interactive elements may include kinetic sculptures, tactile components, or digital features that encourage exploration and play.

Proposals will be reviewed by the City's Artist Review Team (A.R.T.), with recommendations advancing to the Art and Culture Commission and ultimately the Moorhead City Council for final approval.

Application Deadline:
Friday, September 4, 2026
10:00 AM

FEE: $10 per class (early bird, register by May 15) | $15 per class after May 15

Youth Art Camp (Grades 2–5)

Art of the Lakes – Battle Lake, MN

Kids can get creative this summer with a series of fun, hands-on art classes at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake. Choose from a variety of individual classes designed for grades 2–3 and 4–5. All materials are included.

Dates: July 7 – July 30, 2026
Location: First Lutheran Church, Battle Lake, MN

Registration: https://www.artofthelakes.org/youth-classes.html

Cost:
$10 per class (early bird, register by May 15)
$15 per class after May 15

Grades 2–3 (1:00 – 3:00 p.m.):
July 7: Mosaic Coasters
July 16: Acrylic Painting
July 23: Zentangle
July 28: Hiking Sticks

Grades 4–5 (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.):
July 7: Mosaic Coasters
July 9: Slow Stitching
July 14: Photography
July 16: Acrylic Painting
July 23: Zentangle
July 28: Hiking Sticks
July 30: Skateboard Painting

Contact:
📞 218-864-8606
📍 108 Lake Ave S, Battle Lake, MN

FEE: Free

Made in Mills: The Lund Legacy + Fish Decoys by the Beighley Family

July 7–August 1, 2026

Explore the history, craftsmanship, and innovation behind one of Minnesota's most recognizable brands in Made in Mills: The Lund Legacy, a summer exhibition at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center.

The exhibition traces the story of Lund Boats, from its origins in New York Mills to its lasting impact on recreational boating, through vintage catalogs, original hand-rendered advertising artwork, historic watercraft, and educational displays. Also featured is a remarkable collection of hand-painted fish decoys created by six generations of the Beighley family, highlighting the artistry and tradition of darkhouse spearfishing.

The gallery is free and open to the public during regular gallery hours.

Gallery Hours:

• Tuesday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Wednesday–Thursday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM

• Friday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Saturday: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Location:
New York Mills Regional Cultural Center
24 North Main Avenue
New York Mills, MN 56567

FEE: Free

Kaddatz Galleries Summer Exhibitions

Beck Invitational | Charles Beck Gallery
Mary Guttormson Erickson: 40 Acres for 40 Years | Studio K

July 7–August 15, 2026 | Kaddatz Galleries, Fergus Falls, MN

Kaddatz Galleries presents two compelling exhibitions celebrating the work of regional artists and the artistic legacy of west central Minnesota.

In the Charles Beck Gallery, the inaugural Beck Invitational brings together a group of regional artists in honor of the enduring legacy of Charles Beck, one of the region's most influential artists. This biennial exhibition celebrates Beck's lasting impact while showcasing contemporary work inspired by the creativity, craftsmanship, and spirit of the area.

In the Studio K Gallery, Mary Guttormson Erickson: 40 Acres for 40 Years highlights four decades of artistic exploration inspired by the landscape, rhythms, and enduring beauty of the artist's forty-acre homestead. Through richly layered paintings, Erickson reflects on the deep connection between place, nature, and the passage of time.

An Opening Reception for both exhibitions will be held on Thursday, July 16, from 5:00–7:00 PM, offering visitors an opportunity to meet the artists and celebrate the opening of these summer exhibitions.

Location:
Kaddatz Galleries
111 West Lincoln Avenue
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Reception:
Thursday, July 16, 2026
5:00–7:00 PM

Exhibitions are sponsored by The Charles & Joyce Beck Family. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Artists: 2027 Minnesota Artist-in-Residence Program at Cellar Press

Application Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 3:00 PM CST

The Grand Center for Arts & Culture in New Ulm is accepting applications for its 2027 Minnesota Artist-in-Residence Program at Cellar Press. The residency offers Minnesota artists the opportunity to spend two to three weeks working in the Cellar Press studios, utilizing letterpress, printmaking, and bookbinding facilities to create new work or expand their artistic practice.

Up to eight artists will be selected, with priority given to early-career artists, though artists at all career stages are encouraged to apply.

Residency Benefits Include:

• Two- to three-week residency

• Free lodging at The Grand Apartment

• $300 weekly stipend

• Materials stipend

• All-hours access to the Cellar Press studios

• Grand Center membership

• Technical support and equipment training

• Participation in the annual Artist Residency Exhibition

• Artist profiles in GCAC print and online publications

Residents are expected to create new work, spend significant time in the studios, and develop a community engagement project in the New Ulm area, such as a workshop, demonstration, public art activity, or educational program.

Applicants must be Minnesota residents with experience in printmaking, letterpress, book arts, or a related artistic practice. Application materials include a résumé, artist statement, project proposal, community engagement proposal, availability, and a digital portfolio of six to eight images.

Applications are open through Friday, August 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM CST. Selected artists will be notified by late November 2026, with residencies beginning as early as January 2027.

Questions:
cellarpress@thegrandnewulm.org

FEE: Booth Fee Required

Call for Artist Vendors – Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival

Registration Deadline: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Artists are invited to apply for booth space at the 2026 Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival, taking place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at Red Door Art Gallery and Heritage Square in downtown Wahpeton.

The festival welcomes artists working in a variety of media to exhibit and sell their work during this annual celebration of the arts. Booths are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and artist demonstrations are strongly encouraged. Each artist will receive a 12' × 12' booth space and should provide their own tent, tables, display equipment, and other booth furnishings. Booths must remain open for the duration of the festival.

Booth Options:

• Preferred Booth (inside Heritage Square): $50

• Participating Booth (outside Heritage Square): $25

Participating artists may also display up to 10 additional original works priced at $25 or less in the festival's $25 & Under Art Booth at no additional charge. Artwork in this shared sales area will be displayed by Red Door Art Gallery staff.

Festival Date:
Saturday, September 12, 2026
10:00 AM–2:00 PM

Location:
Red Door Art Gallery & Heritage Square
418 Dakota Avenue
Wahpeton, ND 58075

Registration fees are due by August 1, 2026, and are refundable before September 1, 2026. For registration information, contact Red Door Art Gallery.

FEE: Free

The Naturalist

July 10–30, 2026 | Art Project 605, Detroit Lakes, MN

Art Project 605 presents The Naturalist, a group exhibition that positions the contemporary artist as naturalist—an attentive observer, witness, and defender of the natural world. Through painting, photography, sculpture, and woodworking, the exhibition explores the interconnected relationships among wildlife, landscape, and human culture.

Featuring work by Sara Jones, Eliza Klarer, Robert Larson, Pamela Sherlock, and Talon Stammen, The Naturalistexamines nature not only as subject matter, but as a source of inquiry, memory, reverence, and celebration. Together, the artists invite viewers to consider their own relationship to the environments that shape and sustain us.

Location:
Art Project 605
605 Washington Avenue
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

Information:
(917) 971-7712

FEE: Free

LRAC Guest Juror Exhibition – Anne Meyer

July 13 – September 15, 2026 | Lake Region Arts Council, Fergus Falls, MN

Lake Region Arts Council is pleased to present the 2026 Guest Juror Exhibition featuring the work of multidisciplinary artist Anne Meyer of St. Joseph, Minnesota.

Meyer's practice bridges studio work, public art, and community engagement. A graduate of the University of Minnesota–Morris with a B.A. in Studio Art, she completed an apprenticeship at Saint John’s Pottery under master ceramicist Richard Bresnahan. Her career has included public murals, outdoor sculpture commissions, artist residencies, educational programming, and collaborative community-based projects throughout Minnesota and beyond.

As Guest Juror for the 2026 LRAC Guest Juror Exhibition, Meyer brings a thoughtful and inclusive perspective rooted in artistic excellence, mentorship, and the transformative power of community-centered art.

Closing Reception & Guest Juror Talk:
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Reception: 5:00–6:30 PM
Guest Juror Talk: 5:30 PM

Location:
Lake Region Arts Council
133 South Mill Street
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

FEE: Free to Apply

Lanesboro Arts BIPOC Artist Residency Program

Application Deadline: Monday, August 10, 2026
11:59 PM

Lanesboro Arts invites Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) artists living in Minnesota to apply for its 2026–2027 BIPOC Artist Residency Program. Open to practicing artists of all career stages and disciplines, this flexible residency offers time, space, and support to nurture creative practice in the scenic community of Lanesboro.

Residencies take place between September 2026 and April 2027 and may be one or two weeks in length. Artists receive a $1,250 weekly stipend to help cover food and living expenses, along with up to $500 for art supplies if pursuing a creative project during the residency. Artists may also choose to participate in a cohort residency, sharing the residency period with another BIPOC artist while maintaining separate living accommodations.

The residency is designed to support artists without requiring a finished project or exhibition. Instead, participants are asked to complete one community share-back activity, such as a workshop, school visit, informal gathering, or blog post, developed in collaboration with Lanesboro Arts staff.

Artists are selected through a lottery process, with selections announced after August 14. If residency spaces remain available, applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until all residencies are filled.

FEE: Free to Apply

2026 Midwest Culture Bearers Award

Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
12:00 PM (Noon) CT

Arts Midwest is now accepting applications for the 2026 Midwest Culture Bearers Award, recognizing individuals who carry forward the traditional arts, cultural practices, stories, and teachings that strengthen their communities.

This year's program will award 18 culture bearers with $5,000 unrestricted awards to support their cultural practice. In addition to the award, recipients will participate in professional development and capacity-building opportunities and will be featured in an Arts Midwest story highlighting their work.

Eligible applicants are individuals who have practiced a folk art or traditional cultural practice for at least 10 years and are committed to sharing their knowledge with others. Applicants must reside within the Arts Midwest region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, as well as the Native Nations and communities that share this geography.

Awards will be announced in October 2026

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Artists:
Exhibition Proposals – Carnegie Art Center

Application Deadline: October 25, 2026

The Carnegie Art Center in Mankato is accepting exhibition proposals from Minnesota-based individual artists and collaborative artist groups working in all visual art media.

Open to both emerging and established artists, the Carnegie Art Center welcomes proposals for exhibitions in its three galleries within the historic Carnegie building, as well as satellite exhibition spaces throughout the Mankato community.

As part of its mission to support living, working artists, the Carnegie Art Center is especially interested in proposals from artists representing a broad range of ethnicities, cultural perspectives, and underrepresented communities.

Exhibition proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Carnegie Art Center Gallery Committee, with exhibition schedules typically finalized each November. Selected artists will be contacted directly to discuss exhibition opportunities.

FEE: Free

Creative Community Coffee Club at Springboard for the Arts

Third Friday of Every Month
10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Connect with fellow creatives during Creative Community Coffee Club at Springboard for the Arts in downtown Fergus Falls. Held on the third Friday of each month, this informal gathering offers a welcoming space for artists, makers, writers, and creative entrepreneurs to work alongside one another, share ideas, and build community.

Bring your laptop, busy work, sketchbook, craft project—or simply stop by for conversation. Coffee, light refreshments, and good company are provided.

No registration is required.

Location:
Springboard for the Arts
201 West Lincoln Avenue
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Coffee & Light Refreshments:
Provided by Stumbeanos Coffee Roasters

FEE: Free

Wetland Sound Sessions – Call for Local Songwriters

July 18 & August 29, 2026 | Downtown Fergus Falls, MN

Calling all local songwriters! Sign up for the inaugural Wetland Sound Sessions and record an original song in a brand-new music studio in downtown Fergus Falls.

Participants will receive a free one-hour recording session and a digital audio file of their original song. Whether you're an experienced songwriter or recording for the first time, this is an opportunity to capture your music in a professional studio setting.

Recording sessions are available on:

• Saturday, July 18, 2026

• Saturday, August 29, 2026

Advance registration is required. Reserve a one-hour time slot using the registration link or contact the organizers with questions.

Information:
sunroomlab@gmail.com

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Lake Region Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

FEE: N/A

LRAC Fall Project Grant for Organizations—Applications Open

Application Deadline: Thursday, August 27, 2026

The Lake Region Arts Council Fall Project Grant is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions within LRAC's nine-county service region.

Organizations may apply for up to $4,500 to support a wide range of arts activities, including performances, productions, exhibitions, touring artists, school artist residencies, and other community-based arts projects. A 20% cash or in-kind match is required.

Applicants are encouraged to review the grant guidelines and begin preparing their applications well in advance of the deadline.

More Information:
https://lrac4.org/organizational-grants

FEE: See Program Fees page here

Shrek the Musical Kids! Youth Theatre Program

Shine Onstage in the
Trollwood Children’s Theatre Production of
Shrek the Musical Kids!

Trollwood Children’s Theatre offers 5th and 6th grade students a summer opportunity to be onstage performers, experience theatre, and gain confidence. This four-week, theatre program involves students in the creation and public presentation of a full-fledged children’s musical where students are the cast and crew.  This year’s selection is the family favorite Shrek the Musical Kids!  Theatre and elementary education professionals guide the students through this exciting creative process.

Grades:  5th & 6th (all grades refer to 2025-2026 school year)

Dates: July 20 – August 11, Monday – Friday

Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Location:  Discovery Middle School, 1717 40th Ave S, Fargo

Auditions:  Auditions will be held the first day of class for role assignment only.

Performances: August 11th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Discovery Middle School

Fee: See Program Fees page here

FEE: Free to Apply

Call for Artists: Self-Portraiture – Reflections of the Self

Applications Open: July 20 – August 17, 2026 | Lake Region Arts Council

Lake Region Arts Council invites visual artists from its nine-county region to submit work for Self-Portraiture: Reflections of the Self, a regional exhibition celebrating the many ways artists see, interpret, and express themselves.

This exhibition welcomes self-portraits in all visual mediums, embracing realistic, abstract, symbolic, conceptual, and imaginative interpretations of identity. Artists are encouraged to explore themes of memory, culture, place, emotion, lived experience, alter-egos, mythology, and the stories that shape who they are.

Eligible artwork includes:

• 2D artwork (painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, digital art, etc.)

• 3D and sculptural works

• Mixed media and multimedia artwork

• Installation proposals (space permitting)

Artists may submit up to three original works, and artist statements are encouraged, particularly for conceptual or symbolic pieces.

Eligibility: Open to artists age 18 and older residing within LRAC's nine-county region.

Important Dates:

• Applications Open: July 20, 2026

• Submission Deadline: August 17, 2026

• Artist Notification: August 28, 2026

• Exhibition Dates: September 28 – December 17, 2026

Reception & Artist Talks:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Reception: 5:00–6:30 PM
Artist Talks: 5:30 PM

We look forward to seeing the many ways artists reflect, reveal, and reimagine themselves through art.

FEE: Free to Apply

Fall Project Grant for Organizations

Application Opens: July 20, 2026 | Deadline: August 27, 2026 | Lake Region Arts Council

The Fall Project Grant provides up to $4,500 to support arts programming by nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and educational institutions within LRAC's nine-county region.

Funding may be used for a variety of arts activities, including productions, exhibitions, touring artists, artist residencies, workshops, and other projects that engage communities through the arts.

A 20% cash or in-kind match is required.

Application Opens: July 20, 2026

Deadline: August 27, 2026

FEE: Free | Application Required

New York Mills Arts Retreat Residency

Applications Accepted Year-Round
Deadlines: October 1 (January–June Residencies) | April 1 (July–December Residencies)

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center invites artists of all disciplines to apply for its Arts Retreat Residency Program, offering dedicated time and space for creative development, research, and reflection in rural Minnesota.

Residencies are available to artists working in visual, literary, performance, audio, and interdisciplinary arts. Lasting two to six weeks, each residency provides free housing in a private one-bedroom bungalow, studio space at the Cultural Center, and wireless internet, allowing artists to focus on their creative practice in a quiet, supportive environment. Artists are responsible for their own transportation and meals.

As part of the residency, participants develop a community outreach project—such as a workshop, reading, performance, or other public program—that connects their creative practice with the New York Mills community.

Artists are selected based on artistic merit, dedication to their craft, commitment to creative growth, and interest in community engagement through the arts.

Application Deadlines:

• October 1 – January through June residencies

• April 1 – July through December residencies

Applications are accepted year-round.

FEE: $5 | Registration Required

Clay Fish Dish Workshop

Tuesday, July 21 & Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 3:00 PM–4:30 PM
Henning Landmark Center Station Building, Henning, MN

Young artists in grades 1–6 are invited to create their own clay fish dish in this fun two-part workshop led by artist and educator McKenna Osmondson.

During the first session, participants will design and build a unique fish-shaped dish using clay. In the second session, students will return to paint and personalize their finished creations.

Workshop Highlights:
• Day One: Create and build your clay fish dish
• Day Two: Paint and decorate your finished piece
• Explore creativity through hands-on clay construction and painting
• Take home a one-of-a-kind functional artwork

Registration & Information:
Henning Landmark Center
(218) 548-5760

Limited spaces are available. If participants are unable to attend both dates, accommodations may be available. Contact the Landmark Center for details. Extra pieces can be prepared for painting at a later date, or projects may be sent home for completion.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from Lake Region Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

FEE: Free | Application Required

2026/27 MCAD–Jerome Foundation Fellowships for Early Career Artists

Application Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026 | 12:00 PM (CT)

The MCAD–Jerome Foundation Fellowships for Early Career Artists are now accepting applications from Minnesota artists with 2–10 years of creative practice beyond school or college exhibition opportunities.

The fellowship supports artists at a pivotal stage in their careers through professional development, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities. Applicants can access two pre-recorded information sessions and schedule one-on-one meetings for personalized feedback on work samples, artist statements, résumés, and other application materials.

To help ensure equitable participation, mileage and lodging are provided for Greater Minnesota artists attending fellowship meetings, curator studio visits, and exhibition installation.

FEE: Free | Application Required

LRAC Artist Cohort Program Applications Open

July 23–August 20, 2026 | Application Deadline: August 20 at 5:00 PM (CT)

The Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) is accepting applications for its FY27 Artist Cohort Program, a 10-month professional development experience designed to help artists build sustainable, thriving creative careers.

Open to artists at any stage of their career living within LRAC's nine-county region, the program offers personalized one-on-one career coaching, participation in Springboard for the Arts' Work of Art professional development workshop series, peer networking through Talking Circles, professional photography, a promotional video, and individualized assistance with artist statements, biographies, and résumés.

The program concludes with a group exhibition at the LRAC Main Gallery, along with additional exhibition and networking opportunities throughout the year. Participants are also eligible to receive a participation-based stipend of up to $1,000.

Artists working in all creative disciplines—including visual arts, music, theater, dance, literary arts, film, craft, and more—are encouraged to apply.

FEE: $375 | Registration Required

Summer Jazz Band Camp – FM Kicks Band, Session 3

Monday, July 27 – Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 9:00 – 11:45 AM | MSUM Roland Dille Center for the Arts, Moorhead, MN

Play jazz? This is for you. Never played jazz? This is for you.

All concert band wind instruments (including flute, clarinet, Euphonium, etc.) and drum set, piano, bass, and guitar, are accepted.

Each week builds on the last – registration for all three weeks is recommended.

The Kicks Band of Fargo Moorhead is pleased to announce open registration for musicians of all ages with two or more years of band experience. All wind instruments are accepted, including flute, clarinet, euphonium, etc. Space is limited for drums, piano, bass, and guitar; register early to secure a spot.

You will be performing in a jazz band/combo with others at a similar playing level, attending jazz history/listening/ear training sessions, studying jazz improvisation, and participating in a jazz combo or big band.

No prior jazz experience is required.

This activity is funded in part through an operating support grant from the Lake Region Arts Council through a Minnesota State legislative appropriation.

FEE: Registration Required

Dream Builders Summer Art Camp

July 27–30, 2026 | 1:00–4:00 PM | Ages 8+

Young artists are invited to dream big and create boldly during Dream Builders, a four-day summer art camp at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center.

Campers will explore art, design, and construction through hands-on projects using drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, collage, and other creative techniques. Participants will also receive real-world inspiration from guest designer Sarah Carlson of Thiesen Design, making this camp an exciting opportunity to combine imagination with design thinking.

Dream Builders is part of the Cultural Center's inaugural Summer Art Camp Series, offering themed creative experiences for young makers in a fun and supportive studio environment.

Location:
New York Mills Regional Cultural Center
24 North Main Avenue
New York Mills, MN 56567

FEE: Ticketed Event—please see website for full details

Aladdin Kids

Andria Theatre, 618 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN

July 29 & 30 @ 7pm, 31 @ 5pm & 7pm, Aug.1 @ 12pm & 2pm

When the street urchin, Aladdin, vies for the attention of the beautiful princess, Jasmine, he uses a genie’s magic power to become a prince in order to marry her.  Iago, Jafar, the Genie, and more are here in Disney’s Aladdin KIDS, a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem and the power of love. Specific to Disney’s Aladdin KIDS are the Djinn, a group of unique stage magicians who execute the magical moments of the show.

🎟 Tickets available at: https://andriatheatre.org/show/aladdin-kids/
📞 320-762-8300

Student Theatre Project / Summer Show

FEE: Adults $7 | Students $5

Missoula Children's Theatre Presents: Aladdin

Friday, July 31–Saturday, August 1, 2026 | Historic Holmes Theatre, Detroit Lakes, MN

Enjoy a magical adventure as local youth take the stage in Missoula Children's Theatre's production of Aladdin.

This lively adaptation blends beloved tales from One Thousand and One Nights into a humorous family-friendly production. Join Aladdin as he searches for a magic lamp, encounters genies, a powerful sultan, and a colorful cast of unforgettable characters—including talking palm trees and wandering penguins—while discovering that true character is more powerful than any wish.

Performance Times:

• Friday, July 31 – 6:00 PM

• Saturday, August 1 – 10:30 AM

Admission:

• Adults: $7

• Students: $5

Location:
Historic Holmes Theatre
806 Summit Avenue
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501

FEE: Free

Clear as Mud | Annie Lee-Zimerle and Brian Zimerle

August 1 – November 29, 2026 | Starion Bank Gallery at Plains Art Museum, Fargo, ND

Clear as Mud brings together the work of Annie Lee-Zimerle and Brian Zimerle, two artists whose practices explore memory, materiality, and the quiet complexities of everyday life while reconsidering the promises and contradictions of the American Dream.

Drawing from backgrounds in printmaking, book arts, painting, drawing, and ceramics, the artists create works that reflect on domesticity, cultural mundanity, memory, and transformation. Annie Lee-Zimerle’s narrative-driven pieces examine her experiences growing up between South Korea and the American Midwest, while Brian Zimerle’s sculptural ceramics investigate the fragility of meaning through replicated objects shaped by history and material change. Together, their work invites viewers to consider what is preserved, altered, or lost over time, offering a layered meditation on belonging, cultural inheritance, and collective identity.

Annie Lee-Zimerle received her BFA and MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is held in numerous public and private collections. Brian Zimerle holds an MFA in Ceramics from Cranbrook Academy of Art and has exhibited nationally while collaborating with archaeologists and institutions on historically informed ceramic recreations.

Gallery admission is free every day of the week.

Generous support is provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program; the North Dakota Council on the Arts; the Arts Partnership; the McKnight Foundation; The FUNd at Plains Art Museum; Giving Hearts Day donors; Spring Gala sponsors; and Plains Art Museum members.

FEE: Free

Rural Art Juried Exhibition

August 4–September 26, 2026

The Red Door Art Gallery presents the 2026 Rural Art Juried Exhibition, a regional exhibition celebrating the beauty, history, and culture of rural and agricultural life. Featuring work by artists from across the region, the exhibition showcases a wide variety of media, including painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture, wood carving, pottery, and fiber art inspired by rural landscapes, farms, wildlife, agriculture, and country living.

This year's exhibition is juried by Kent Estey, with awards recognizing outstanding artistic achievement, including Best of Show, category awards, Merit Award, and Viewer's Choice.

Visitors are invited to attend the Artists' Reception & Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 10, from 5:00–7:00 PM, where they can meet participating artists, view the exhibition, and celebrate this year's award recipients.

Location:
Red Door Art Gallery & Museum
418 Dakota Avenue
Wahpeton, ND 58075

More Information:
(701) 591-1010
director@reddoorgallerywahpeton.com
www.reddoorgallerywahpeton.com

FEE: Adults & Seniors $12 | Students $8

Brenda Bly: Teen Detective – The Musical

August 6–9, 2026

Join the talented young performers of FMCT for Brenda Bly: Teen Detective – The Musical, a lively mystery set in 1958 filled with rock and roll, school drama, and a determined teenage detective.

As opening night of the school musical Rocket Girl approaches, disaster strikes when the lead actress is knocked unconscious. With time running out, Brenda Bly must solve the mystery, catch the culprit, and save the show before the curtain rises.

Performances feature two student casts:

• Grades 3–5: August 6 & 7 at 7:30 PM

• Grades 6–9: August 8 at 7:30 PM and August 9 at 5:30 PM

Reserved seating is available.

Location:
Hjemkomst Center
202 1st Avenue North
Moorhead, MN 56560

FEE: $50 per child | $100 family maximum | Teens and adults participate free

Scholarships available

2026 Kalevala Puppet Pageant Community Workshops

Dates: August 10–20, 2026
Location: The Barn, New York Mills Sculpture Park (with select rehearsals and performances at other locations)

Youth, teens, adults, and families are invited to participate in the 17th Annual Kalevala Puppet Pageant, an annual community theater experience based on stories from the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala.

Led by Creative Director Anne Sawyer, this immersive program gives participants the opportunity to explore acting, puppet and prop building, costume design, storytelling, and optional stilt walking while preparing for two public performances later in August.

Participants will take part in a series of workshops beginning Monday, August 10, 2026, with daily sessions, optional evening workshops, rehearsals, and performance preparation.

Who Can Participate

• Ages 5 and up

• Children under age 7 must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling

• Teens and adults are welcome

Cost

• $50 per child

• $100 family maximum

• Teens and adults participate free

• Scholarships available

Volunteers and community helpers are also welcome.

To register or learn more, contact info@kulcher.org or call 218-385-3339.

FEE: $20 Adults | $12 Students

Little Women - the Musical

Thursday, August 13  7:30pm

Friday, August 14   7:30pm

Saturday, August 15   2:00pm

Based on Louisa May Alcott's American classic, this Civil War story of love and family stands the test of time.

An AC4TA Community Theatre production!

FEE: Friday- Free will donation | Saturday- $5 adult gate donation; children under 16 free

2026 Kalevala Puppet Pageant Performances

Dates: Friday, August 21 & Saturday, August 22, 2026
Location: New York Mills VFW / Finn Creek Open Air Museum

The 17th Annual Kalevala Puppet Pageant returns this August with two public performances celebrating community theater, Finnish heritage, and large-scale puppet performance.

Created and narrated by Anne Sawyer and performed by youth and community members from the New York Mills region, this original street theater production is inspired by stories from the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala.

Performance Schedule

• Friday, August 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM
  New York Mills VFW Post 3289
  Presented during the NYM Corn Feed
  Free to attend

• Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM
  Finn Creek Open Air Museum
  Presented during Finn Creek Festival
  $5 adult gate donation; children under 16 free

Free will donations will be accepted at both performances to help support this community arts experience.

For more information, contact info@kulcher.org or call 218-385-3339.

FEE: Free

Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival

Thursday, September 10 – Saturday, September 12, 2026
Red Door Art Gallery & Heritage Square | Wahpeton, ND

Celebrate three days of art, artists, and community during the Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival, presented by Red Door Art Gallery. The festival features the Rural Art Juried Exhibition, artist demonstrations, educational programs, local artists, food vendors, entertainment, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

Festival Schedule

Thursday, September 10

• 5:00–7:00 PM – Rural Art Juried Exhibition Reception & Awards

• Meet participating artists and celebrate the opening of the exhibition, juried by Kent Estey.

Friday, September 11

• 2:00–4:40 PM – Ellen Diederich Painting Demonstration

• 5:30 PM – ART21 Screening Society presents Human Nature

Saturday, September 12

• 10:00 AM–2:00 PM – Wahpeton Fine Arts Festival

• Artist booths in the gallery and Heritage Square

• Artist demonstrations

• Art classes

• Food vendors

• Entertainment

• $25 & Under Art Booth, featuring affordable original artwork by participating artists.

Location:
Red Door Art Gallery & Museum
418 Dakota Avenue
Wahpeton, ND 58075

More Information:
www.reddoorgallerywahpeton.com