Events
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.
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 to attend
FFour Points of Light
April 28 - May 23, 2026
Free to see, open to all!
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is pleased to present Four Points of Light, a group exhibition featuring art by Calvin deRuyter, Lyssa Lovejoy, Jackie Henning, and Stephen Henning.
On view from Tuesday, April 28 through Saturday, May 23, 2026, this exhibition presents a diverse range of artistic approaches spanning painting and mixed media.
All are welcome to join us for a Closing Reception + Artists Talks on Saturday, May 23, from 1-2 PM. Free to attend, and open to all!
Four Points of Light is a group exhibition born from a spirit of collaboration among four neighboring artists who chose to work collectively to expand visibility and deepen community engagement. What began as a series of coordinated studio events has evolved into a unified exhibition centered on the theme of light, explored as both subject and metaphor.
“Sometimes the best opportunities come from simply looking around and realizing who you can build something meaningful with,” said Stephen Henning. “This exhibition is a reflection of that shared effort and creative trust.”
While each artist brings a distinct voice and perspective, the collection is united by a shared interest in light as a means of expressing energy, atmosphere, and human connection.
“Though our styles differ, we discovered a common thread in how we each respond to light,” said Lyssa Lovejoy. “It became a natural foundation for this exhibition.”
FEE: Free to attend Gallery
Charles Beck Gallery
Eddie Hamilton
Restless Horizons
May 12 - June 20, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 14 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Free and open to the public
Kaddatz Galleries is pleased to present Restless Horizons, a solo exhibition of new oil paintings by Shoreview, Minnesota artist Eddie Hamilton. The exhibition opens May 12 and remains on view through June 20, 2026, with an opening reception on Thursday, May 14, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The reception is free and open to the public.
Restless Horizons charts Hamilton’s ongoing exploration of the natural world—from the lakes and forests of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters and northern state parks to the sweeping grasslands of the American Prairie and the mountain streams of Montana. Working in a gestural, impressionistic manner informed by Post-Impressionist masters such as Gauguin and Sérusier as well as contemporary painters Keith Haring and David Hockney, Hamilton layers bold, saturated color against passages of luminous light to evoke the simultaneous fragility and exuberance he finds in wild places.
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | West Otter Tail County Fairgrounds, Fergus Falls, MN
Join Junk Love for their Spring Show at the West Otter Tail County Fairgrounds featuring a day of shopping, local makers, food, and community.
The event will include a variety of crafters and vendors offering handmade goods, vintage finds, home décor, gifts, artisan products, and more. Food trucks will also be on site throughout the day.
This family-friendly spring market is free and open to the public.
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM & 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Monday, June 1, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM
A Center for the Arts, Fergus Falls, MN
A Center for the Arts invites community members to audition for Little Women: The Broadway Musical. Auditions will be held using an open audition format, and participants are encouraged to stay for as much of their selected audition time as possible.
Those auditioning should prepare a 16–32 measure cut of a song that best showcases their voice and bring sheet music for the accompanist provided on site. Auditionees will also be asked to complete a vocal range check and read short selections from the script.
Additional materials, including detailed audition notes from the director, a fillable audition form, a show synopsis, and a full character list, are available through the event registration page and linked comments. If the audition form cannot be submitted digitally, participants may email it to info@fergusarts.org or print and bring it to auditions.
Register for an audition time here:
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?class=acfta
Live Music. Breathtaking dance. Pure Irish Charm.
From stars of Off-Broadway and London's West End, Lord of the Dance and Riverdance comes the internationally acclaimed 'A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation' , a celebration of Irish culture like no other.
Every note, every step, and every beat is performed live - from jawdropping tap battles to reimagined favorites like Danny Boyand Tell Me Ma. It's a night of craic, laughter, and sheer talent that's been delighting audiences across the USA and beyond.
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.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Behind the Kirkbride, Fergus Falls, MN
Kick off summer at KIDCHELLA, a family-friendly festival filled with music, movement, creativity, and community fun for all ages.
This lively afternoon event features live performances, interactive entertainment, food, playful activities, and hands-on fun throughout the museum grounds. Families are encouraged to bring camp chairs, sunscreen, and dancing shoes for an afternoon celebrating play and summer joy.
Featured entertainment includes performances by local artists and groups, including the Fergus Falls School of Dance, Thad’s Amazing Magic comedy magic show, and a high-energy interactive concert experience with The Dollipops. Guests can also enjoy treats from The Cotton Candy Co. and food from Don Pablo’s Food Truck, with options for both kids and adults.
Additional activities throughout the afternoon include a hula hoop contest, playful games, and a Candyland-themed walk experience.
Event Schedule:
1:00 PM – Festival Begins
1:15 – 2:15 PM – Local Performances & Activities
2:30 – 3:10 PM – Thad’s Amazing Magic
3:15 – 4:00 PM – Local Performances & Activities
4:00 – 4:45 PM – The Dollipops
5:00 PM – Event Ends
Thanks to generous support from the Inga M. Johnson Fund through West Central Initiative, admission to this event is free. Free will donations are welcomed and appreciated in support of Otter Cove Children’s Museum.
FEE: Sliding Scale Fee $30-$45
Father's Day LEGO Sculpture and Card Workshop
Ages 5-10
Celebrate the special dad or father figure in your life with creativity and color!
Using a wooden base, bright LEGO shapes, and lots of imagination, each child will build a one-of-a-kind gift that dads and grandpas will cherish for years to come!
Saturday, June 6, 2026
1:00pm - 3:00pm
All materials provided, just bring your love for Dad!
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, July 12, 6pm
Joyann Parker's (you saw her in The Music of Patsy Cline!) "Classic Ladies of Country" is a captivating musical journey that pays homage to the timeless and iconic female voices that have shaped the country music genre. With her powerful and versatile vocals, Parker masterfully channels the spirit and emotion of legendary artists such as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton, among others.
The small details of your life hold the beginnings of the universe.
In this two-day generative writing workshop, participants will transform personal memory into metaphor and story using a “Where I’m From” poem template as a starting point for crafting poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction.
Through literary examples, guided writing prompts, and conversation, writers of all backgrounds and experience levels are invited to develop drafts of their own origin stories in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Sunday, July 19, 6pm
Take a musical and visual road trip back to the 80's, when bands rocked your world and kicked some butt on stage, too! Performing the biggest hits from MOTLEY CRUE, DEF LEPPARD, POISON, BON JOVI, and AEROSMITH, The HYPE! Present five epic concerts packed into an electrifying, high energy, 80's Glamtastic, Bombastic Rock Show!
Sunday, July 26, 6pm
Steve Fossen and Michael Derosier, bassist and drummer for the band Heart during the 1970s and early 1980s, are now touring as Heart By Heart. “Our mission is to perform the classic Heart music as faithfully as we can”, Fossen says. Fossen and Derosier are the powerful driving engine behind Heart’s iconic hits like “Barracuda”, “Straight On”, “Crazy On You”, “Magic Man”, “Even It Up”, “Kick It Out”, and more. The two were inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of the original Heart lineup in 2013. Featuring vocalist Somar Macek, Heart By Heart presents a powerful, dynamic show that includes all the favorite Heart hits as well as deep album cuts that fans will love.
Sunday, August 2 6pm
“Wild Angels – The Women of Rock, Pop & Country” features 3 of Minnesota’s most beloved singers – Pamela McNeill, Minnesota Music Hall of Fame recipient Mary Jane Alm and Aimée Lee performing hits by some of the greatest Female Divas the music world has ever known. Hear songs by Adele, Madonna, Janis Joplin, Heart, The Dixie Chicks, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Cher, Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, TLC, Pat Benatar, Pink, Tina Turner, Miranda Lambert and many, many others. A phenomenal 7 piece A-list band, “The Handsome Devils” bring these powerful songs to life and will have you on your feet cheering! See promo video below!
Lisa Stauffer received her Master’s in Design (University Of Minnesota, Minneapolis) and studied Illustration at Parson’s School of Design (NYC). She continues her education by taking workshops from nationally recognized painters whose work inspires her. She has worked and taught in a wide variety of media, now primarily painting in soft pastel with a special focus on painting en plein air to indulge her fascination with light and color in Minnesota’s beautiful north shore landscape.
Lisa was just awarded Eminent Pastelist by the International Association Of Pastel Societies, she earned Master Circle status in 2009. She was awarded the H.K. Holbein Award at the Pastel Society Of America Show at the National Arts Club in New York City, September 2010 and the Pastel Painters Of Cape Cod Award in 2012. Each of these years her painting was one of those chosen by the Director of the Butler Institute Of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio, to travel to the exhibit American Pastels in the museum. Lisa was juried into the Pastel Society Of America and awarded Signature status in 2012, she was awarded Master status in 2025. Her work has been featured in articles in PleinAir Magazine, Pastel Journal, Stephen Doherty's book, The Art Of Plein Air Painting, and in two PBS specials on painting.
Artist’s Statement:
I am fascinated by the interplay of light and color that I see in the beauty surrounding me and I work to capture the mood of those special moments in my paintings. I choose to paint with soft pastel for the incredible richness and intensity of the color possibilities and textures I can create with them. I am primarily an outdoor painter and pastel’s direct application allows for the immediacy demanded in plein air work. I often use a watercolor underpainting as a setup for the pastel layers in my work, which adds the interplay of transparent and opaque mediums to the visual quality of the final piece. I can be found painting all around town and far beyond.
Sunday, August 16, 6pm
Back by popular demand, Matt Vee & the Killer Vees celebrate the music of Neil Diamond. With songs like "Cracklin' Rosie," "Song Sung Blue," and "Sweet Caroline,” Neil Diamond sold over 100 million records worldwide with music that became the soundtrack to one generation after another with hits spanning five decades. As a Tin Pan Alley songwriter in the mid-60s, he penned songs recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Deep Purple and, of course, the Monkee’s classic, “I’m A Believer.”
Sunday, August 23, 6pm
FOREVER SIMON & GARFUNKEL celebrates the bestselling duo in rock’n’roll history, featuring the epic hits “The Sound Of Silence”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “Mrs. Robinson”, “I Am A Rock”, “The Boxer”, “Homeward Bound”, “Cecilia”, “Hazy Shade Of Winter”, “Feeling Groovy”, “Me & Julio”, “Kodachrome”, and many more! With humor, soaring energy, storytelling, and laser precise harmonies, award-winning entertainers Sean Altman (Rockapella founder, Carmen Sandiego theme songwriter) & Jack Skuller (Songwriters Hall Of Fame’s Buddy Holly Prize) lead the audience on a concert journey from the group’s early success as a folk act to their global dominance as hit-makers.
