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://www.artsidc.org

Event Link:  Project412mn.org/Charley-Harper.

FEE: FREE to attend the exhibition.

A vibrant new art exhibition featuring the work of iconic American artist Charley Harper has arrived in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota thanks to a unique international collaboration with the Muséum de Toulouse in France in partnership with the Charley Harper Art Studio. 

 

Muséum de Toulouse —the second largest museum in France—contacted Project 412 after learning about its recent work bringing artist Thomas Dambo and the world’s largest permanent troll exhibition to the area. Impressed by the organization's commitment to engaging the community through art and nature, the Muséum de Toulouse offered Detroit Lakes the first stop on the international tour of their “Colors & Shapes – Nature as Seen by Charley Harper” exhibit.

 

The indoor-outdoor exhibit features over 50 reproductions of Charley Harper’s art throughout Detroit Lakes in three locations: 

Zone 1: Who Was Charley Harper?  / See 12 Works of Art at Ortenstone Gardens & Sculpture Park (28499 Randolph Rd)

 Zone 2: Charley Harper’s Unique Vision of Nature / See 27 Works of Art at the Becker County Museum (714 Summit Ave)

Zone 3: Charley Harper, Artist & Activist / See 13 Works of Art at the Washington Square Mall (808 Washington Ave)

 

The exhibits will remain open during each venue’s operating hours through September 15. This exhibition is free and open to the public - thanks to Project 412 Wave Makers.

 

“We’re thrilled to bring this visually striking display to Detroit Lakes and to continue showcasing internationally renowned art in our community,” said Amy Stearns, Executive Director for Project 412. “Charley Harper’s distinctive style and joyful celebration of nature align beautifully with our mission and our community’s creative spirit.”

 

For more information about the exhibition visit Project412mn.org/Charley-Harper.

Event Link: Click here to register all 5 classes

Click here to register for individual classes

FEE: Individual classes $35 each, book all 5 for $165

Gouache Painting: Whimsical Charley Harper Animals

Sat Jun 7th 1:00pm - Sat Aug 9th 2:00pm

Gouache Painting: Whimsical Charley Harper Animals

Learn step by step how to paint different whimsical and adorable creatures designed by the graphic artist Charley Harper. Local artist Anna Lassonde will walk you through how to paint each creature in gouache! Gouache is a fun medium very similar to watercolors, but very bright and graphic to try and emulate Charley Harper’s fun graphic style of art. There are 5 different classes through the summer, come to one or pay for all 5 and save some money!

All materials provided, Ages 13+, all classes are final sale

Make sure to go see the Colors and Shapes: Nature According to Charley Harper exhibition at the Becker County Museum, the Washington Square Mall, and Ortonstone Gardens brought to you by Project 412. These fun and colorful art pieces have a little something for everyone.

Click here to register all 5 classes

Click here to register for individual classes

Individual classes $35 each, book all 5 for $165

June 7th 1-2pm- Cardinal

June 25th 6-7pm- Songbirds

July 9th 6-7pm- Fox

July 23rd 6-7pm- Owl

August 9th 11am-12pm- Loons

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

FEE: Tickets required for Opening Reception for June 18th and other museums day free to public.

Wednesday 18 June 2025

The 66th Midwestern Preview
at The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum
Tickets | Members $15, Non-Members $30
TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-PURCHASE AT THE MUSEUM and AT DOORS

Preview | Doors Open 5 p.m.

Celebration in the
M. Dorian Clemedtson Sculpture Court
with music from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Awards Ceremony 6:30 p.m.

The 65th Anniversary Dinner
at Rustica Eatery & Tavern
Limited Seating: Reservations Required
​Social 7 p.m.
Dinner Served 7:30 p.m.

$57.50 per person plus beverages
paid at Rustica Eatery & Tavern

DINNER MENU & RESERVATION FORM

Thursday 19 June 2025

The Midwestern Luncheon with Emily Dickinson
at The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum
Very Limited Seating: Reservations Required
Social Hour 11 a.m.
Luncheon Served 11:30 a.m.

$47.50 per person pre-paid within Reservation Form

LUNCHEON MENU & RESERVATION FORM

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!