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 & 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: $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: $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: 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: $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.