River Arts Alliance

Minnesota State Arts Board & Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council Grant Application Workshop
2025-01-18 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN, 55060
In Person | Owatonna Arts Center | 435 Garden View Ln. | Owatonna, MN
bit.ly/MSABworkshop
Do you use the arts to connect with your community? Are you part of a group that organizes arts activities? Are you looking for more support?
Come learn about how to prepare a grant application for community-embedded arts activities. Grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council support arts activities that engage the community, like a summer concert series or poetry writing workshop.
In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of applying for a grant, including:

How to prepare an application;
What reviewers look for; and
Tips from previous Arts Board grantees.

Attendees can also choose to reserve one-on-one time with Arts Board or SEMAC staff after the workshop. The session is free and open to the public. To learn more and register, visit bit.ly/MSABworkshop or call (651) 539-2651.

Live Music at Old Main: Chad Cagle
2025-01-17 19:00 | Old Main Cultural Center, 20869 S College Ave., Galesville, WI, 54630, United States
Old Main Cultural Center | 20869 College Ave. | Galesville, WI
oldmaingalesville.com
Old Main Cultural Center in Galesville presents live music on Friday, January 17, with Chad Cagle performing contemporary, country, and original songs on guitar. The performance will be at 7 pm on the first floor. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for school age, and free for those under 5 years of age. Old Main is located at 20869 College Ave., Galesville, WI.

Opening Reception - Petals and Patterns: A Visual Symphony – Works by Richard Copeland
2025-01-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W 2nd St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Blue Heron Coffeehouse | 162 W 2nd St.
blueheroncoffeehouse.com
A new art show, Petals and Patterns: A Visual Symphony – Works by Richard Copeland, will run from January 17 through March 31 at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse. The featured works include acrylic paintings and photography. An opening reception, free and open to the public, will be held on Friday, January 17 from 5-7 pm. Good cheer, wonderful neighbors, and refreshments will be available.
Richard Copeland is a member of the River Arts Alliance. He says, “From my teen years forward, creativity through art has been my ‘go to’ tool for finding calmness and balance. This holds true in these times as well. I have explored many mediums of expression. Stained glass, jewelry, beadwork, photography, pottery, straw bale construction, knife making, digital art and now painting. One continuing thread with every medium has been my interest in Mandalas and Sacred Geometry. I thoroughly enjoy seeing the transition and progress from one medium to the next.”

Tales from the Barnyard Auditions
2025-01-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Bluffview Montessori School, 1321 Gilmore Ave, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Bluffview Montessori School | 1321 Gilmore Ave.
linktr.ee/sugarloaftheatre
Sugarloaf Theatre is proud to announce auditions for the annual theatre for young audiences play, Tales from the Barnyard on Jan. 13th. Tales from the Barnyard is an original play written and directed by Sugarloaf Theatre Executive Director, Seamus Schwaba. The story follows larger-than-life farm animals with big personalities as they go on unique adventures around the barnyard. All auditions, rehearsals, and performances will be held at Bluffview Montessori School. Learn more.

John Paulson Jazz Trio To Perform in Lake City
2025-01-11 19:00 - 21:30 | Lake City Arts Center, 105 W Center St., Lake City, MN, 55041
Lake City Arts Center | 105 W Center St. | Lake City, MN
paulsonjazz.com
The Lake City Area Arts organization plans to heat up your winter with some great jazz by the John Paulson Jazz Trio January 11th at 7:00 pm. The concert will take place at the beautiful Lake City Arts Center, 105 W Center Street, and it is open to the public. The group will be playing well known jazz standards and originals. There is a $15 suggested donation to cover expenses. Learn more.

Patina Concert at WAC
2025-01-11 19:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
patinatheband.com
winonaarts.org
The Winona Arts Center is pleased to have our local Irish band, Patina, kick off our winter/spring music series. They will be performing Saturday, January 11 at 7:00 with the coffeehouse and gallery opening at 6:00. Enjoy award winning and classically trained violinist Kara Mae as she delights you with original songwriting and enchants you with her beautiful voice. Sue Lee Ringwelski, a songwriter in her own right, collaborates with Kara Mae and adds lead guitar to the harmonies. Rounding out the group, Greg Peterson plays a Brendan White bodhrán, whistles, the accordion and a backing guitar. The three musicians mix their musical harmonies in a playful way that will take you to Ireland on a January night in Minnesota! Tickets are $10 in advance, available at Music Mart (115 E 3rd Street) and on Eventbrite, or $15 at the door. Learn more.

Winona Community Chorale To Begin Spring Season Rehearsals
2025-01-09 18:30 - 20:30 | First Congregational Church, 161 W Broadway St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
First Congregational Church | 161 W Broadway
facebook.com/WinonaCommunityChorale

The Winona Community Chorale will start rehearsals for its spring concert season on Thursday, January 9 at 6:30 pm. New members are welcome to join the choir at this time. Auditions are not required; new members should have the ability to read music, but previous choral experience is not required. Rehearsals will be at First Congregational Church (161 W Broadway, Winona) from 6:30-8:30 pm every Thursday from January 9 through May 15. The 2025 spring concerts will be May 16 at 7:00 pm and May 17 at 2:00 pm, at Wesley Methodist Church. Learn more.

SEMAC Individual Artist Grant Writing Workshop
2025-01-09 18:00 - 20:00
Interested, curious, excited to learn more about applying for one of Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council’s Individual Artist Grants? SEMAC is offering a free workshop on how to apply for our upcoming grant opportunity open to both emerging and advancing Individual Artists and Culture Bearers due on January 28th. This step-by-step workshop will be held on Thursday, January 9th, from 6 – 8 pm CST via Zoom, facilitated by SEMAC staff. This session will be recorded to be shared with attendees, as well as with anyone who is unable to attend. If you have any questions, please reach out to Sharon Mansur, SEMAC Outreach and Accessibility Manager, at sharon@semac.org. Register to attend here. For more information about SEMAC’s Individual Artist Grants, see here.

Auditions: Annual Original One-Acts
2025-01-09 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-01-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, 1164 W 10th St., Winona, MN, United States
Valencia Arts Center | 1164 W Howard St.
theatredumiss.org
Calling all performers! Auditions for Theatre du Mississippi’s Annual Original One-Acts are just around the corner. This unique showcase of short plays offers flexible schedules and a welcoming environment for everyone, from first-time performers to experienced thespians. Auditions are Wednesday, January 8, & Thursday, January 9, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Location: Valencia Arts Center, Academy Theatre, 1164 W Howard St., Winona, MN. Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant venue. Performances are evenings: February 28, March 1, 7, & 8 and matinees: March 2 & 9. No preparation needed—audition sides will be provided. Learn more about roles and scripts here.

Launch of Daryl Lanz’s First Book of Short Stories
2025-01-07 19:00 | Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W 2nd St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Blue Heron Coffeehouse | 162 W 2nd St.
On Tuesday, January 7th at 7 pm Daryl Lanz will read from his first book, Hitchhiking from Fort Lewis & Other Stories, at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 102 W 2nd St. The reading will be followed by an Open Mic–please bring a piece to share, that will raise our spirits.
Daryl Lanz was born and raised in Winona. Since 2012, he has owned the used bookstore, Chapter 2 Books in downtown Winona, where he can be found at least six days a week, along with his store cat Guildenstern. The stories in Hitchhiking from Fort Lewis & Other Stories were written over a span of 30+ years. He continues to write in whatever spare time he can find and is trying to decide which of his half-dozen unfinished novels he should be working on. Learn more.

Amanda Blue Sings Songs of the Holidays
2024-12-22 16:00 | First Congregational Church, 161 W Broadway St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
First Congregational Church | 161 W Broadway St.
Raised in Winona, Amanda has returned to town as a professional Opera singer having performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and throughout the capitals of Central Europe. She will perform an hour-long program of holiday songs accompanied by Nancy Edstrom Bachler on piano. Her program will end with a fun sing-along of Christmas favorites. Admission is free with your freewill donation to the Winona Food Shelf. A reception will follow the performance. Learn more.

“A Child’s Christmas in Wales” Reading
2024-12-21 14:00 | Curiosi-Tea House, 901 W 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Curiosi-Tea House | 901 W 5th St.
Hear Hywel ‘Taff’ Roberts read the classic holiday prose of Dylan Thomas! Sing Christmas carols and holiday songs with us after the reading! This event is free for all to attend. Freewill donations will go towards the 2025 Sandbar Storytelling Festival. Learn more.

Holiday Carol Singing at WAC
2024-12-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
The Winona Arts Center is hosting a Holiday Carol Singing in the gallery on Friday, December 20 from 7:00-9:00 pm. Song sheets will be provided as well as hot chocolate and treats. Bring any small rhythm instruments if you wish. This event is free and open to all who want to join us! Learn more.

Final Hendrickson Organ Recital December 18
2024-12-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 259 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Central Lutheran Church | 259 W Wabasha St.
sites.google.com/centrallutheranchurch.org/hendrickson-30th
Central Lutheran’s year-long celebration of their magnificent Hendrickson Pipe Organ will conclude triumphantly on December 18 from noon to 1 pm. Scott Turkington will perform works by Bach, Bossi, Franck, Boëllmann, Rowley, Saint-Martine, and Vierne. The recital is free and open to all. Donations collected from a freewill offering will support the instrument’s upcoming renovation. Scott Turkington will be familiar to all who have attended Central’s Messiah Sing-In the past two years. As an organ recitalist, he has played innumerable U.S. recitals, having made his New York debut at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and in Washington, D.C., at the Washington National Cathedral. Turkington currently serves as organist and choirmaster for the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse. Learn more.

Holiday Jazz Jam Supports Winona Immigration Network
2024-12-15 14:30 - 17:30 | Two Fathoms Brewing, 65 E Front St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Two Fathoms Brewing | 65 E Front St.
H3OJazz.com
H3O Jazz Trio’s 7th annual holiday Jazz Jam takes place Sunday, December 15 from 2:30 – 5:30 pm in the warmth of Two Fathoms Brewing Company’s cozy taproom. In addition to all your favorite holiday hits, the December Jazz Jam will support the Winona Immigration Network. And if that’s not enough, H3O will also announce their next recording project!
The Winona Immigration Network was founded by members from Central Lutheran, Faith Lutheran, Cedar Valley Lutheran, St. Paul’s ELCA/UCC in Lewiston and other community members. Since 2021, WIN has assisted 4 families from Colombia and Nicaragua resettle in Winona. During the December Jazz Jam, members of WIN will have baked goods for sale to enjoy while listening to the great music, or to take home to enjoy for the holidays. All bake sale proceeds will be added to the total donations raised at the event.
H3O Jazz Trio and Two Fathoms Brewing (formerly Island City) have helped support local nonprofits with nearly $55,000 in total donations thanks to the generosity of Jazz Jam patrons! Learn more.

Johnson Street Underground Holiday Concert at WAC
2024-12-14 19:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
The Winona Arts Center is very excited to welcome back Johnson Street Underground for their annual holiday show on Saturday, December 14 at 7:00 pm. The coffeehouse and gallery open at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door and are available at Music Mart and Eventbrite until Saturday, December 14 at 4:00 pm. Johnson Street Underground is Winona’s premiere TTBB acapella group. JSU performs in and around Winona covering a wide variety of songs and styles, including songs by Green Day, Dolly Parton, the Beatles, and Adele. Members of the group are Matt Schultz, tenor; Seth Flatten, lyric tenor; Charlie Opatz, baritone; and John Chernega, second bass. Learn more.

Christmas Joy! Performance by the Winona Brass Band
2024-12-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 259 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Central Lutheran Church | 259 W Wabasha St.
facebook.com/winonabrassband
On December 14th at 11:00 am the Winona Brass Band, directed by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, will perform a concert featuring familiar Christmas carols. The audience will be invited to participate in a carol sing-a-long as part of the concert, families are encouraged to attend. This concert is being held in collaboration with the annual church Holiday Bake and Craft Sale which begins at 9 am. Come for the sale, stay for the concert! A soup and sandwich luncheon is available after the performance. Learn more.

Opening Reception - How the Light Dances: Oil Paintings by Colleen Cosgrove
2024-12-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W 2nd St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Blue Heron Coffeehouse | 162 W 2nd St.
blueheroncoffeehouse.com
A new exhibition at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse features oil paintings by Minnesota artist Colleen Cosgrove. Learn more about the artist at her website, colleencosgrove.com. The show will run from November 22 through January 6. An opening reception will be held on Friday, December 13, from 5 to 7 pm. The reception is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be provided.

Application Deadline - Bluff Country Studio Art Tour 2025
2024-12-10
Bluff Country Studio Art Tour in SE Minnesota is accepting applications for artists and galleries to participate in the 2025 event taking place April 25-27. Studio artists in Winona, Fillmore and Houston counties are encouraged to apply. A limited number of hosted locations are also available to artists outside the geographic area and those who have studios not suitable to a tour situation. Application deadline is December 10th. Learn more and apply here. River Arts Alliance serves as fiscal sponsor of the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour.

Patina at Elmaro
2024-12-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Elmaro Vineyard, N14756 Delaney Rd., Trempealeau, WI, 54661, United States
Elmaro Vineyard | N14756 Delaney Rd. | Trempealeau, WI
patinatheband.com
Come out to Elmaro Vineyard on December 8th to hear Patina play some traditional and contemporary Celtic, easy listening, folk, and original tunes. You can listen to Irish music while you enjoy a glass of Elmaro wine. Sláinte! Learn more.

Messiah Sing-in Celebrates 30 Years December 7
2024-12-07 19:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 259 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Central Lutheran Church | 259 W Wabasha St.
Apart from a three-year break due to the pandemic, Winona’s Messiah Sing-in has thrilled audiences since 1991. On Saturday, December 7 at 7 pm, this treasured tradition, led by founding director Dr. Harry A. Mechell, will once again herald in the holiday season. The performance will feature singers from Bella Musica, orchestra, and soloists. Members of the audience will once again lift their voices to favorite choruses from Part One of Handel’s magnificent oratorio, Messiah. To enable all to attend, the event will be free and open to all. Proceeds collected from a suggested $10 donation will be given to support the Winona Community Warming Center. Learn more.

Driftless Dance Film Tour at WAC
2024-12-07 19:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
The Winona Arts Center is excited to be a part of Sydney Swanson’s dance film project, the Driftless Dance Film Tour. She has produced eight dance films by seven Minnesota-based dance artists. The artists are: Brianna Johnson, Erin Drummond, Erinn Liebhard, Leila Awadallah, Sarah Abdel-Jelil, Sharon Mansur, and Sydney Swanson. Each film features a unique approach to creating dance films and will leave you curious and inspired. The event is 75 minutes of film and 20-30 minutes of Q & A. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 16 and under. Learn more.

A Holiday Celebration of the Arts
2024-12-07 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-12-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Page Theatre, 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Page Theatre | 700 Terrace Heights
cotterschools.org/mca
This year’s Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts holiday show is a festive celebration of dance, music, and theatre, featuring the talents of local students from across the community. Performers of all ages will take the stage to bring holiday magic to life, showcasing their hard work and passion for the arts. Learn more.

Holiday Free Ink
2024-12-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
All Ages 10 am – 1 pm | Adults Only 1:30-4 pm
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
The Winona Arts Center is hosting our Holiday Free Ink on December 7, 2024. Join in the fun and create holiday-themed monoprints using our etching press! You will be making cards that you can take home to family and friends. No experience necessary – instruction and materials included. Family and friends are welcome between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm and adults only (18 and older) from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more.

RAA’s 2nd Annual Souper-Duper Pie Walk: A Celebration & Fundraiser Event
2024-12-06 17:30 - 20:00 | Sobieski Park Lodge, 965 E 7th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Sobieski Park Lodge | 965 E 7th St.
Register Here
River Arts Alliance’s special celebration and fundraiser event, our Souper-Duper Pie Walk, is returning for a second year! This fun evening will include a soup supper, a pie auction, and the recognition of our second group of “Champions of the Arts” (to be announced soon). Please join us at Sobieski Park Lodge to share a meal and support and celebrate RAA’s work. Learn more.
Tickets are $20 with pre-registration or $25 at the door without pre-registration. All payments can be made at the door with cash or check; registration is encouraged to help us plan for attendance numbers.
How You Can Help
Sign up here to donate a pie for the pie auction! Home-baked or purchased pies are both welcome; we greatly appreciate any contribution that works for your budget, available time, and baking skills. New this year, you can also enter your homemade pie in our “Most Creative Pie” contest!
If you can’t attend the Souper-Duper Pie Walk but would like to support RAA’s work, monetary donations are always welcome on our website here or by sending a check to River Arts Alliance, PO Box 992, Winona, MN 55987. Thank you!
If you would like to volunteer to help with set-up, clean-up, or during the event, please contact Johanna at admin@riverartsalliance.org.

Water Music: Chamber Concerts at the MMAM – Classical Christmas
2024-12-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Minnesota Marine Art Museum | 800 Riverview Dr.
winonasymphony.org
Join the Winona Symphony Orchestra at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum for a joyous and festive holiday concert on Thursday, December 5th at 7 pm. Featuring the Winona State University Vocal Chamber Ensemble, this concert will showcase Christmas and Winter-themed artwork to celebrate the magic of the season. Learn more.

Dry Point Etching Workshop at WAC
2024-12-04 17:30 - 19:30 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
The Winona Arts Center is thrilled to have Preston Lawing teach a 3-day workshop on Dry Point Etching. The classes will be held on Wednesdays, November 13, 20, and December 4 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Preston Lawing is an award winning professor and collaborative printmaker who has worked and exhibited with numerous artists and printers for over forty years. He will introduce participants to the technique of drypoint etching, covering both the practical aspects of creating prints and the historical context of the medium. The cost is $150 for 3 classes. Registration is required. Learn more.

Laureate Writers Series Features Book Launch of Naomi Cohn’s Memoir
2024-12-03 19:00 | Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W 2nd St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Blue Heron Coffeehouse | 162 W 2nd St.
On Tuesday, December 3rd the Laureate Writers Series will feature a Book Launch of poet, memoirist, and teacher Naomi Cohn’s new memoir The Braille Encyclopedia: Brief Essays on Altered Sight. The event will take place at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse at 7 pm followed by a book signing and an open mic. The event is free and open to the public. If you are visually impaired you will find Cohn’s work particularly compelling and unlike any other you will encounter. The Braille Encyclopedia: Brief Essays on Altered Sight examines vision loss and relearning to read and write as an adult. Cohn is a writer and teaching artist. Her past includes a childhood among Chicago academics; involvement in a guerrilla feminist art collective; and work as an encyclopedia copy editor, community organizer, grant writer, fundraising consultant, and therapist. Learn more.
