Event Link: https://www.minnesota.edu/fine-arts-events

FEE: FREE and open to the public.

Jan. 16-May 11, Mary Jo Wentz, "The Fusion of Fiber and Nature," Waage Gallery

There is a joint artist reception on February 20 from 2-4 p.m. at M State-Fergus Falls.

Wending Through Watercolor Batik by Ruth Hanson | Charles Beck Gallery

The Fusion of Fiber and Nature by Mary Jo Wentz | Waage Gallery.

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/2025-winter-spring-concert-series/
FEE: Go to link to see ticket prices.

2025 Winter/Spring Concert Series

Live Music in Rural MN
Unique Listening Room Space
Concerts Open to ALL!

The Cultural Center is pleased to present our 2025 Winter/Spring Concert Series!

Join us for a variety of music styles in our unique listening-room-style space. Not only will you enjoy the talented musicians and excellent acoustics, but you’ll also love being surrounded by unique visual art in our historic Gallery.

We look forward to bringing original live music to the residents and visitors to rural West-Central Minnesota. All are welcome to join us for these one-of-a-kind performing arts experiences!

2025 Winter/Spring Concert Series Schedule:

• Saturday, February 1 – Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos @ New York Mills City Hall Ballroom 8PM

• Friday, February 28 – Dawson Redenius Septet

• Saturday, March 15 – “Caleigh” Irish Concert

• Friday, March 28 – Jesse Anderson Band

• Tuesday, April 22 – Dylan Doyle Concert 

• Thursday, May 29 – Sofia Talvik Concert

Get these dates on your calendar now! Artist information is below, with more details to come soon. 

We would like to thank the Lake Region Arts Council for supporting this Concert Series. We are grateful for all they do to support the arts in our region.

All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Cultural Center’s gallery space (unless noted otherwise).  Doors open at 7:00 p.m.  General admission seating is first come, first served.  Light refreshments and a cash bar are available at most concerts.

EVENT LINK: https://www.kulcher.org/2025-winter-spring-concert-series/

FEE: We look forward to seeing you at the Cultural Center for live music in 2025!

More information will be added including ticket prices and links to more artist details. For now, please SAVE THE DATES and join us at these unique original music events right here in rural Minnesota. Questions? Call us at 218-385-3339. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Cultural Center’s gallery space (unless noted otherwise).  Doors open at 7:00 p.m.  General admission seating is first come, first served.  Light refreshments and a cash bar are available at most concerts.

JOIN US FOR LIVE MUSIC AT THE CULTURAL CENTER IN 2025!

2025 Winter/Spring Concert Series Schedule

• Saturday, February 1 – Deuces Wild @ NYM City Hall

• Friday, February 28 – Dawson Redenius Septet

• Saturday, March 15 – “Caleigh” Irish Concert

• Friday, March 28 – Jesse Anderson Band

• Tuesday, April 22 – Dylan Doyle Band

• Thursday, May 29 – Sofia Talvik

ALL are welcome! No tickets required. RSVP requested!

Event Link: https://ffpubliclibrary.org/event/artistry-at-the-library/2025-05-03/

FEE: FREE and Open to the Public

Artistry at the Library

Every 1st and third Saturday 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm

An open-studio club where artists of all skill levels can get together and create art. This community-member-led group is for adults. Some materials provided. Meets the 1st and 3rd Saturdays each month.

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/cac.html

FEE: Free to apply

Glendalough: Nature's Gem
June 6-July 9, 2025
Creative Arts Center
Public Reception, Friday,  June 13
Artists whose work has been inspired by the natural spaces and elements found throughout Glendalough State Park, are invited to submit up to three pieces for exhibiting in the Creative Arts Center, June 6-July 9. A public reception will be held Friday, June 13.

Nestled amidst prairie and hardwood forest, Glendalough is a welcoming respite for people of all ages. Once a private retreat and game farm, Glendalough is now home to abundant populations of deer, raccoon, otter, fox, and a variety of prairie, wetland, and hardwood forest species of birds and plants. Trails for walking and biking meander along lakes, through rich woods and blooming prairies. We’re excited for people to experience this gem through the eyes of our local artists.
​
•    Registration Deadline: Mon., May 26, midnight.
•    Dropoff Date: Fri/Sat, May 30/31,  10 - 1 pm
•    Pick-up Date: Thurs., July 10, 10 - 4 pm

Requirements and Eligibility: Please download and review this pdf before registering
​GlendaloughCall4Art.pdf

Event Link: https://www.kulcher.org

FEE: FREE open to the public to attend.

Please join us at the Artist’s Reception for Natural Dialogues: a collaborative project by photographer Jon Solinger, May 2, 4-6 pm. There will be a talk by Jon Solinger and some of the participants at 5:00 pm.
Natural Dialogues will be on display at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center from April
26 – May 24. In this exhibit, visual art and writing reveal the why behind the intentional relationships nine local residents enjoy with the natural world. This event is free and open to the public.

Project participants include:
Cheryl Bannes
Anna Lee
Lou Ann Muhm
Ron Roller
Kent Scheer
Naomi Ramona Schliesman
Candace Stock
Mike Tauber
Dax Wiersma

Jon Solinger is a fiscal year 2024 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Event Link: https://artofthelakes.wildapricot.org/store

FEE: Check link for all the fees and supplies options.

Open Ceramic Studio

 Wednesdays

May 14 - Aug. 27  5-8 pm

Every Wednesday, May 14-August 27, 5-8 pm
Purchase a Punch Card for studio access

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.

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/clay-studio.html

FEE: $60/person / $48/person

Wednesday: June 4, July 2, or August 6
​6:30-9 pm
​Creative Arts Center

$60/person / $48/person
Early Bird offer ends 2 weeks before class date

For a unique and creative date night in Battle Lake, MN, consider a "Clay Date" where you and your partner or friend/s can learn to throw pottery on a wheel or engage in a hands-on clay sculpting experience. Fee includes clay, firing and glazing. No experience needed. Bring your favorite drink and a positive vibe for a memorable night! Work will be finished with your choice of glaze and ready for you to pick up in approximately 2 weeks. 18+

Things you need to know:
This is messy work, so wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty. We have aprons and towels available for use. Short nails are best for beginners working with clay on the wheel. We have nail clippers if you need to chop your claws. 

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/youth-classes.html

FEE: 4 classes for $50 - One class for $25

​June 11: Explore mindful art with marker and watercolor
June 16: Impress friends with folded shapes made from money
June 18: Learn how to clean and cook a fish from the lake
June 25: Create a blanket using only your arms

Event Link: https://www.kaddatzgalleries.org/summerartsacademy2025.html

FEE: See Class Fees in post descriptions

Unleash Your Child's Creativity This Summer!

 We're excited to announce our 2025 Summer Arts Academy, featuring two sessions of engaging, hands-on art classes for students going into grades K-4 + 5-8. Our carefully designed programs blend creative exploration with skill-building in a supportive environment led by accomplished local artists.

 SESSION 1: June 23-27, 2025

 Fluids & Fibers with Amanda Callahan

 Going into Grades K-4 | 10:00am-12:00pm | $125 | Kaddatz Galleries Classroom

 Young artists will begin by exploring the unpredictable nature of fluid mediums like acrylic paint, watercolor, and inks. As the week progresses, they'll transition to structured creations using felt, foam, fibers, and fabric to craft unique 2D and 3D artworks. This dynamic class perfectly balances spontaneity with intentional creation!

Register Now

A Brief History of Clay – Brought to Life with Blayze Buseth

 Going into Grades 5-8 | 1:00-4:00pm | $150 | Creation Shop

 This exciting workshop takes students on a journey through clay's transformative role in human history. Over five days, participants will travel through time, learning prehistoric pinch pots, Neolithic coil-building, Mesopotamian slab techniques, wheel-throwing, and modern clay innovations. Each session blends hands-on technique with reflection on how clay has shaped civilizations and what it teaches us about creativity and community.

 Register Now

SESSION 2: July 28 - August 1, 2025

A Brief History of Clay – Brought to Life with Blayze Buseth

 Going into Grades K-4 | 10:00am-12:00pm | $125 | Creation Shop

 The popular clay workshop returns for our younger artists! This hands-on experience explores clay's important role throughout human history—from ancient survival tools to modern self-expression. Students will learn prehistoric pinch pots, Neolithic coil-building, Mesopotamian slab techniques, and more, while reflecting on clay's impact on civilizations and our creative potential.

 Register Now

Explore Creativity with Artist Naomi RaMona Schliesman

 Going into Grades 5-8 | 1:00-4:00pm | $150 | Kaddatz Galleries Classroom

 Join interdisciplinary artist Naomi RaMona Schliesman from Fergus Falls for an engaging art class experience! Students will explore 2D and 3D design elements, develop technical skills, and experiment with various materials while learning creative problem-solving. The class covers techniques in acrylic & watercolor painting, clay relief, printmaking, colored pencils, and mixed media, while providing insights into art movements through creating Surrealist self-portraits, abstract paintings, watercolors, and sculptures.

 No prior experience needed—just a willingness to explore and create! Students should wear clothes that can get messy and may bring a drink and snack if desired. Lemonade and a small treat will be provided.

 Register Now

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/youth-classes.html

FEE: 7 classes for $75.

​July 7 : Create pages of doodles for coloring
July 9: Explore the magic of words
July 21: Use alcohol ink to create a beautiful ceramic tile
July 22: Make a composition using twigs you paint
July 23: Learn how to make healthy food you and your friends will want to eat!
​July 28: Design your own baseball cap with embroidery stitching
July 30: Create your self-portrait using acetate, paper, and paint

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/youth-classes.html

FEE: 6 classes for $50.
​July 8 : Explore the magic of words
July 21: Use q-tips and paint to create a painting just like George Seurat
July 22: Draw and paint a sea turtle with oil pastels and watercolor
July 28: Put on your party hat and learn how to make fancy sandwiches and fruit cups. Fun for both boys and girls
​July 29: Expand your drawing skills into the world of 3D
July 30: Learn about the history and culture of the piñata and make one to take home!

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/studio-tour.html

FEE: FREE to do the tour and Artwork for sale!

Do the Tour!
25th Anniversary
​July 18-20, 2025    Fri & Sat: 10-5, Sun 10-3

Art of the Lakes is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its annual Studio Tour, and we invite you to be part of the fun!

The Studio Tour is a scenic, drive-yourself art crawl through beautiful countryside with hills, lakes, prairie and small towns.

Many of the studios are tucked away on rural roads scattered throughout Otter Tail and Douglas counties in West-Central Minnesota. Bright yellow signs and a map help guide you to each studio.

For your added enjoyment, many artists provide demonstrations and other events during the tour. Please note that not all studios are open on Sunday.

Artists in this region abound, and are among the most creative anywhere. Art of the Lakes is delighted to feature their talents in this up-close, immersive travel and collecting experience!

One of the largest rural art crawls
​             in the Midwest!

Look for these signs!