Winona Arts Center: RAA Member of the Month
After seven women spent the summer of 1956 painting together at the Lake Park Lodge, they formed the Winona Art Group. These women planted the seed that was to grow into the Winona Arts Center, which became a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 1964. The Center’s historic 1864 structure, built when Abraham Lincoln was President, was the only non-school facility in the area devoted to the arts. The name was later changed to The Winona Arts Center to signify the inclusion of all art forms.
WAC is committed to increasing community awareness of the arts by featuring work of visual artists, providing space for performances, readings, films and encouraging participation in workshops, demonstrations, and classes, for children and adults in our community.
For the benefit of both art enthusiasts and artists, the upper level of the building contains the Frances Prentiss Lucas Gallery, performance stage, and screening area. The Arts Center’s lower level houses a studio for classes including the RiverBed Press print studio, and its administrative office.
The Winona Arts Center serves as a cultural hub for exhibits, performances, and educational opportunities.
Upcoming events include a folk music concert by Wildflower on Nov. 3, a monthly song circle on the third Thursday of each month, which is open to the public, and international and independent films on Fridays Oct 19, Nov 2, and Nov 16.
Classes offered at the Arts Center have included Watercolors by Diane Crane, printmaking by Mary Coughlan, and Kite Making by Beverly Myers.
The Arts Center also hosts a number of free events such as art exhibit receptions, Free Ink on Oct 27, the Winona Art Walk on Nov 17, and the Holiday Sale and entertainment on Dec 1.
Use of the RiverBed Press studio for various types of printmaking can be made by appointment and a use and supplies fee.
Visit the Winona Arts Center’s Facebook page as well at the River Arts Alliance Weekly Update for new and additional events, information, and times.