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: $150

5-Day Pottery Workshop with Mimi Seykora

September 8, 10, 15, 17 & 22, 2026 | 1:00–4:00 PM

Join Mimi Seykora for a five-day pottery workshop at the Henning Landmark Center featuring underglazes and white stoneware clay.

Participants will receive hands-on instruction while creating multiple artworks over the course of five sessions. The registration fee includes all materials, kiln firing, and instruction.

Workshop Dates:
Tuesday, September 8
Thursday, September 10
Tuesday, September 15
Thursday, September 17
Tuesday, September 22

Time: 1:00–4:00 PM each session
Location: Henning Landmark Station Building, Henning, MN
Registration Fee: $150
RSVP: 218-548-5760

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Lake Region Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.