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

FEE: NO FEE

The Friends of the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center are excited to again sponsor a prairie-themed photography contest! Thank you to all who participated in the previous years.

Nature photography is one of the many enriching activities available on our public lands. Photography is inexpensive, fun, and easy to do. In celebration of the plentiful opportunities to find and capture the beauty of the prairie, the contest is open to all amateur photographers.

Photos will be grouped into one of four categories: Prairie Wildlife, Prairie Plant Life, Prairie Scenic Views and Recreation, and Prairie Pollinators and Other Invertebrates. Individual photographers will be able to submit up to 5 prairie-themed photos taken on public lands in 2024/2025. The contest will accept submissions from September 14, 2024 through September 12, 2025. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a large metal print of their photo after it is displayed at the PWLC for one year! Other prizes will be available too, including gift certificates, award certificates, and more.

Please stay tuned for more announcements and visit our Facebook page for more information. We are anxious to see all the beautiful photographs captured on our region’s prairies!
Please visit our webpage for our entry form and contest rules, https://www.prairiewetlands.org/  Questions may be called in to our Friends phone line at (218) 998-4488 or email

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.henninglandmark.org

Landmark is open Tuesday & Thursday 1-4pm, Saturday 10-2pm, or any time by appointment. Our second floor retreat center has 5 bedrooms and 2 baths with space for 10 overnight guests. Our facility is available for public or private meetings, receptions, reunions, workshops or retreats.

Please call 218-548-5760 for more info.

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.kulcher.org/art-in-your-park-summer-2025/

FEE: FREE for kids K-6th grades - donations always appreciated.

Art in Your Park Summer 2025

Art for kids in the great outdoors
Join us in your parks this summer!
Dates & locations vary, see below

The Cultural Center’s ‘Art in Your Park’ program returns to YOUR parks in New York Mills, Henning, Perham, and Wadena this summer! Join us in the great outdoors for a variety of fun art projects for kids.

Art in Your Park is designed for children in grades K-6.  Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.  There is no cost to participate and all are welcome!

This program is free to attend & open to all; donations are gratefully accepted to help us continue to offer these community programs to all.

Please check our website and/or follow us on Facebook for the most updated schedule and any weather-related announcements.  Call the Cultural Center at (218) 385-3339 for more information or email Cheryl Bannes, cheryl@kulcher.orgor Lindsay Kennedy, lindsay@kulcher.org, if you have questions or would like to donate or volunteer to assist with this program.

Art in Your Park 2025:

This summer, workshops will focus on art basics. Art in Your Park will take place on the dates & times noted below:

• Wednesday, May 21, 4-6pm: NYM Sculpture Park during Celebrating Cultures(4-7pm)

• Friday, May 28, 12-2pm: NYM Lund Park – CANCELED

• Friday, June 6, 1-3pm: Wadena Library

• Tuesday, June 17, 1-3pm: Henning Landmark Center

• Wednesday, June 18, 12-2pm: NYM Lund Park

• Friday, June 20, 1-3pm: Perham Library Tent at Turtle Fest on Main Street, Perham

• Wednesday, June 25, 12-2pm: NYM Smith Park

• Tuesday, July 1, 1-3pm: Wadena BN Park (Library back-up)

• Wednesday, July 2, 12-2pm: NYM Lund Park

• Tuesday, July 8, 1-3pm: Perham Library

• Friday, July 11, 12-2pm: NYM Fish House Festival @ Cultural Center

• Wednesday, July 16, 12-2pm: NYM Southside Park/Hidden Trails

• Thursday, July 17, 1-3pm: Henning Landmark Center

• Wednesday, July 23, 12-2pm: NYM Central Park

• Wednesday, August 6, 12-2pm: NYM Cultural Center

Children interested in participating are welcome to simply stop by and join in the fun!  If you would like to receive Art in Your Park updates via email, please contact info@kulcher.org and we will add you to our participant list.

Art in Your Park (AIYP) is free for kids, but not without cost. These art activities are available thanks to the generous support of our donors, members, and grant-making organizations. This year, a grant from Lake Region Arts Council is helping to support Art in Your Park, and other summer programs. Thanks, LRAC! Donations are always needed to keep Art in Your Park free and available to all. Thank you! Please join us in YOUR parks this summer!

Event Link: https://www.artofthelakes.org/prairie-lakes-plein-air-2025.html

FEE: Go to link for various fees

The Prairie Lakes Plein Air art series is a festival of art education, exhibition, and competition open to professional and non-professional artists of all skill levels. Enjoy your summer painting in the idyllic setting of Otter Tail County, situated in West-Central Minnesota lakes country. Delve into the pristine landscape of gently rolling hills and fertile farmland amongst clear blue lakes and streams for an inspirational painting experience. Attend Plein Air demos & workshops (artists to be announced soon). 

Artists and collectors will enjoy many activities including the Opening Reception, Plein Air Competition, Workshops & Demonstrations, and Quick Paint competition. The concluding Collectors' Preview and Award Ceremony will showcase a variety of Plein Air motifs and styles of artwork.

Schedule of Events
Opening Day for Artists June 21, 2025 10 am - 12 pm
Artists meet at the Creative Arts Center, 112 Main St W, Battle Lake, MN​

• Pick up your welcome packets. 

• Mark Windahl will present on plein air concepts and history. 

• Shanna Cramer will cover some of what to expect with PLPA 25.

• Bring your questions! 

We'll paint out following the presentations. Bring your supplies and paint along! 

Plein Air Competition June 21- August 28, 2025
Throughout the summer, artists will be painting Plein Air in and around our Battle Lake community and Otter Tail County. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe as the artists seek to represent the shifting light, extraordinary colors and textures of our varied rural landscape. We ask that participants and observers do not block entrances/traffic ways to businesses. Free to the public; artists must register.

ARTIST REGISTRATION

Demonstrations/Workshops
To explore a variety of en Plein Air styles and techniques, artists and community members will have the opportunity to attend a range of art classes and artist talks with our featured artists.

CLASSES

Classes and Workshops will be announced soon

​Weekend Festivities August 29 & 30, 2025
Our Prairie Lakes Plein Air art series will be capped off with a full weekend of enjoyable events all happening in or near Battle Lake.

Collector's Preview Reception and Award Ceremony 
​Friday evening, 6-8 pm, August 29, 2025 TICKETED
The Collector's Preview and Award Ceremony will be an art-lovers' social event and a rare opportunity to view artworks from prominent plein air painters from around the Midwest. This exhibition of works by the competition participants will be held in the Art of the Lakes Gallery in Battle Lake. Grand Prize winners will be announced in a special award ceremony by oil and pastel painter and this year's judge, Cheryl LeClair-Sommer. Come and be inspired! 
Tickets purchased in advance: $8 AOTL members, $10 non-members 
Tickets purchased at the door: $20

TICKETS

Tickets will be available soon

Quick Paint Saturday, 9:30 - 11:30 am, August 30, 2025
Participating artists will be found painting throughout Battle Lake within earshot of the CAC. Vote for your favorite from 12pm to 2:45 pm. People's Choice and Artists' Choice awards are announced at 3 pm. 

Plein Air Demonstration with Cheryl LeClair-Sommer
Saturday, 1 - 3 pm, August 30, 2025
To inspire those who want to know more about Plein Air painting, join judge Cheryl LeClair-Sommer in or near the CAC as she provides a demonstration and shares tips and answers your questions. 

Quick Paint Awards Saturday, 3 pm, August 30, 2025
Our Prairie Lakes en Plein Air festival concludes at the CAC where Quick Paint Awards will be presented and competition paintings will be on display. 

Competition Exhibition August 30 - September 27, 2025
The Art of the Lakes Gallery will be open for the general public to view paintings from this event and make purchases.

Competition Judge
Cheryl LeClair-Sommer

Competition Class
$1000 - Best in Show
$500 - 2nd Place Award
$250 - 3rd Place Award
$150 - People's Choice Award
$50 - 3 Honorable Mentions

Quick Paint (Must be painted at the August 30 event)
$75 - People's Choice
$75 - Artists' Choice

Open Class
​Recognition Award and Judge's Feedback

About Our Judge
Cheryl LeClair-Sommer is a Minnesota based representational painter working mainly in oils, featuring works that highlight the natural world. Her main focus, painting landscapes directly outside, originates from her spiritual connection to the land and reverence for nature's raw beauty. Studio paintings feature the natural world as observed through the human imprint. 

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/clay-studio.html

FEE: See available options

Ceramics Studio
has expanded hours beginning July 1.

Any member with prior experience / training in the CAC Ceramics Studio (classes count) can now gain use of its space whenever the gallery is open. This is workspace for artists capable in working independently. Here's how it works:

1. Purchase a Punch Card online.

2. Purchase clay online at least 1 day prior to your use. Your bag of clay will be labeled with your name and available on the studio shelf when you arrive.

3. Check in at the Gallery desk and the gallery sitter will punch your card and ask you to leave your Driver's License in a sealed envelope in exchange for the key to the CAC door. 

4. Follow the rules and guidelines posted in the studio. Expectations are that all the tools and your workspace will be clean before you leave. Be sure to lock the door and return the key before the gallery closes.

Summer Gallery Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 10-5, Fri-Sat 10-8, Sun 10-3 pm 

CAC Open Studio Hours: Wednesday 5-8 pm

Important: All AOTL members MUST check in at the gallery before they use the Ceramic Studio.

Adults ages 18+ only.

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.henninglandmark.org/workshops

FEE: $20 includes all the supplies.

Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/16j2gDJfkj/

FEE: FREE and Open to the Public

Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 Guest Juror Exhibition, juried by esteemed artist and cultural organizer Nancy Ariza. The exhibition will be on view at the LRAC Main Gallery from July 14 through September 16, 2025, with a closing reception on Tuesday, September 16, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. This event is free and open to the public.

This annual exhibition is a highlight of LRAC’s gallery season, showcasing the creative breadth and talent of regional artists. Each year, a guest juror is invited to review submissions from artists working in all disciplines. For the 2025 exhibition, Ariza selected 28 works from a competitive pool of 102 entries, resulting in a vibrant and compelling mixed media show that includes two-dimensional and three-dimensional work, as well as bold explorations of color, texture, and form.

Naomi RaMona Schliesman, LRAC Gallery Curator, shares:

“The Guest Juror Exhibition is always very popular with regional artists, and we receive over 100 submissions each year. Every Guest Juror brings their own talent, aesthetic, and professional eye when jurying the work. It transforms our gallery space and creates a buzz with our visitors. We invite established artists to select the very best from our regional talent, and it’s consistently one of the strongest mixed media exhibitions we present.”

About the Guest Juror – Nancy Ariza

Nancy Ariza is a printmaker, educator, and arts and cultural organizer with over a decade of experience designing and leading arts programming in museums and nonprofit organizations across Minnesota. In 2024, she founded Amilado Press, a collaborative print studio based in Richfield, MN, focused on publishing, artist residencies, and arts education.

In addition to her work at Amilado Press, Ariza serves on the Leadership Council of Serpentina Arts, supporting Latinx artists across Minnesota, and is a board member of the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center. She holds an MA in Education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, specializing in culturally responsive teaching, and earned a BA in Art History and a BFA in Printmaking from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Exhibiting Artists:

Katie Muzquiz (Detroit Lakes, MN), Thom Tammaro (Moorhead, MN), Marie Merten (Alexandria, MN), Mary Erickson (Menahga, MN), Loretta Cantieri (Moorhead, MN), Kim Baird (Moorhead, MN), Tricia Coulson (Rochert, MN), Annette DuBord (Moorhead, MN), Laura VonBank (Moorhead, MN), Linda Beilke (Detroit Lakes, MN), Alyssa Christoffers (Moorhead, MN), John Shaw (Battle Lake, MN), Carmen Bruhn (Detroit Lakes, MN), Lrez (Perham, MN), John Beaudine (Moorhead, MN), Nancy X. Valentine (Battle Lake, MN), Katy J. Olson (Underwood, MN), Dennis Krull (Moorhead, MN), Torri Hanna (Fergus Falls, MN), and Maggie Peterson (Detroit Lakes, MN).

Gallery Hours:
Monday – Thursday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Closed Friday – Sunday
Please call or email in advance to ensure the gallery is open on the day of your visit.
Contact: 1-800-262-2787 or 218-739-5780 | Email: LRAC4@LRACgrants.org

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

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

FEE: $70./$75. Member/Non-Member
 $65./$70. Member/Non-Member Early Bird (by July 10)

Ceramic Birdhouse Wind Chimes with Brad Wegscheid
July 24 & 31, 5-8 pm

​Sculpt and build a ceramic bird house style wind chime. Every garden needs one! No previous skills needed or use skills you already have to make more elaborate projects. Cost covers firing and all materials. Ages adults and youth 16+.

Event Link: https://www.kulcher.org/2025-kalevala-puppet-pageant/
FEE: $5/adult gate donation (children under 16 free) to get into Finn Creek Festival. Freewill donations will be collected at both performances to help cover the costs of this enriching community experience.

2025 Kalevala Puppet Pageant

16th Annual Community Theater for All Ages
Workshops begin Mon, Aug 4, 2025!
TWO Public Performances:
Friday 8/15/25 @ NYM Corn Feed
Saturday 8/16/25 @ Finn Creek Fest

The Puppet Pageant is an original large-scale street theater play based on stories from the Finnish national epic poem, the Kalevala, written and narrated by Creative Director Anne Sawyer, and performed by youth and community members from the New York Mills region.

This annual community theater program brings people together to learn a wide variety of artistic skills including acting and stilt-walking, plus learn about Finnish culture and heritage, and make connections with fellow community members and artists.

Daily workshops for participants begin on Monday, August 4, 2025; details below.  In 2025, there will be two public performances of the Kalevala Puppet Pageant:

• Friday, August 15 @ 7pm @ NYM VFW Post 3289 during NYM Civic & Commerce Corn Feed

• Saturday, August 16 @ 12pm @ Finn Creek Open Air Museum during Finn Creek Festival

Performances are open to all! Friday’s performance at VFW is free to attend. For the Saturday performance, there is a $5/adult gate donation (children under 16 free) to get into Finn Creek Festival. Freewill donations will be collected at both performances to help cover the costs of this enriching community experience.

Be Part of the Show!

Adults and youth ages 5 & up (children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling) are invited to participate. There are two weeks of workshops beginning August 4, 2025, leading up to the culminating performances on Friday & Saturday, August 15 & 16, 2025.

Dance, music, acting, costume design, performance skills, and stilt walking are all taught by Anne Sawyer, Creative Director, along with Assistant Director Lisa Winter of Wadena, and Tara Fahey of Minneapolis.

During the two weeks of workshops, participants will create and build puppets and props of all sizes in addition to learning the story and performance of the narrated play. Stilt walking will be included again this year as an added element to the performance (optional for youth ages 8 & older and adult participants).

The cost to participate in these two weeks of workshops and two performances is $50/child with a $100 max per family. Scholarships are available; no one will be turned away based on inability to pay. Parent volunteerism is always appreciated! Teens and adults participate for FREE! Grants, donors, and sponsorship support make this possible.

Click below to register (and pay) online, or complete the registration link below and stop by the Cultural Center to pay in person if you prefer. If meeting the family max ($100) or for scholarship participants, complete the form online and stop by to pay. Open House: Wednesdays & Thursdays 10am-7pm, Fridays 10am-5pm, Saturdays 10am-3pm. Contact us to make other arrangements or with questions at 218-385-3339 or info@kulcher.org.

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

FEE: $35/$40 Member/Non-Member
$30/$35 Early Bird Member/Non-Member (by July 25) 

Slow Stitching: The Relaxing World of Hand Sewing with Kim Graff
August 8 & 15, 10-12 noon

Yearning for a break from the fast-paced, digital world we live in? In a world where everything seems to be rushing by, there's a charming and therapeutic escape waiting for you in the form of slow stitching. 

Why Slow Stitching?
1.    Mindful Relaxation: Slow stitching is a form of mindfulness. When you're engaged in this gentle activity, your mind calms down, and you become fully immersed in the present moment. It's like a mini vacation for your brain!
2.    Creativity Unleashed: With slow stitching, you have the freedom to let your creativity flow. You can design your projects, choose fabrics, and experiment with different stitches to create unique and personalized items.
3.    Connection to Tradition: Slow stitching has a rich history. It connects you to generations of crafters who used hand sewing to mend, embellish, and create. It's a beautiful way to carry forward a timeless tradition.
4.    Sustainability: In a world of fast fashion and disposable goods, slow stitching promotes sustainability. By repairing and upcycling textiles, you can reduce waste and contribute to an eco-friendlier lifestyle.

Attendees should bring fabric scraps of interest, sewing needles & scissors.