River Arts Alliance

Once Upon a Shore Weekend at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum
2025-09-20 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-19 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Friday, Sept 19, and Saturday, Sept 20
Minnesota Art Museum
800 Riverview Drive
Winona, Minnesota 55987
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) will host a two-day event around the exhibition Once Upon a Shore, celebrating the artists, authors, and illustrators of the exhibition.
On view now through January 4, 2026, Once Upon a Shore is curated by Heid E. Erdrich, and includes the work of Cole Redhorse Taylor, Tashia Hart, Jonathan Thunder, Courtney M. Leonard, and Minnesota’s Poet Laureate, Gwen Nell Westerman. The multidisciplinary artists of this exhibition are all members of Native Nations and who have strong relationships to bodies of water. Once Upon a Shore creates a meeting place where authors, illustrators, and artists gather to tell stories.
The weekend of programming begins on Friday evening with Shorelines and Storylines: An Artist Gathering from 6 to 9 p.m., presented in partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center and the Friends of the Winona Public Library. Guests will enjoy a panel conversation moderated by exhibition curator Heid E. Erdrich, featuring artists Tashia Hart, Cole Redhorse Taylor, and Gwen Nell Westerman. The evening will also include book signings, passed appetizers featuring recipes from Tashia Hart’s The Good Berry Cookbook, beverages available for purchase, and outdoor fireside connections. General admission tickets are $20, the MMAM member rate is $15, and there is also a “pay what you can” option.
On Saturday morning, visitors are invited to participate in the Once Upon a Shore: Gallery Walk and Talk from 10 to 11 a.m., where artists including Heid E. Erdrich, Cole Redhorse Taylor, Gwen Nell Westerman, and Jonathan Thunder will share insights about their work in an intimate guided conversation. Advance tickets are recommended, with tickets set at $12, or $10 for MMAM members. At 11 a.m., visitors will have the opportunity to purchase the books from Once Upon a Shore at a 10% discount, and have their books signed in the museum atrium.
The afternoon will also feature two additional programs. At 1 p.m. in the Oberton Education Room, curator and poet Heid E. Erdrich and artist Jonathan Thunder will present The Poem Films of Heid E. Erdrich and Jonathan Thunder, a series of collaborative poetry and animation projects created between 2011 and 2015. Admission to this program is included with regular gallery admissions, and no pre-registration is required. Also at 1 p.m., in the Once Upon a Shore gallery, Mdewakanton Dakota artist Cole Redhorse Taylor will host a Circle Chat, a casual and informal gathering to explore the visual language of ledger art and its ongoing role in contemporary Indigenous expression. Seated together in a circle, participants will hear directly from the artist about his creative process, his storytelling through image, and the evolution of his multimedia practice, including illustration. This program is also included with gallery admission and open to all.
“We are excited to welcome visitors for this immersive weekend that highlights the intersection of visual art, literature, and storytelling,” said Heather Casper, Curator of Engagement, Learning and Impact at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. “The Once Upon a Shore Weekend offers a unique opportunity to connect with artists and authors in meaningful ways, from f ireside discussions to film screenings and gallery talks.”
The Once Upon a Shore exhibition project is presented by the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. MMAM gratefully acknowledges support from our members, Friends of MMAM, our docents and volunteers, and sponsorship support from Wisconsin Public Radio.
About MMAM: The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a nonprofit art museum that creates meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water. Located in Winona, Minnesota at 800 Riverview Drive, the purpose-built museum is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and boasts six galleries, an educational and events space, and a destination retail shop on its seven-acre riverside campus. It is through this surprising diversity that MMAM is not only describing what marine art is, but pushing the boundaries of what marine art can be. MMAM’s literary arts exhibition program features some of today’s most inspiring and thought-provoking book projects, authors and illustrators that intersect with water and waterways.

Cellphone Photography with Peter Mutschler
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
September 20 | 10:00-12:00
Winona Arts Center
228 E 5th Street
Cost: $25

Winona Arts Center welcomes Peter Mutschler for an introduction to Cellphone Photography! Class will be held Saturday, September 20 from 10am to 12pm. Cost is $25. Students will learn the basic skills needed to improve their photographs using cell phone cameras. Instead of requiring the participants to bring a traditional camera we will be using the camera that comes with your phone. Pete Mutschler is a Certified Professional Photographer based in Winona, MN. To register contact Jen jsbenson50@gmail.com.

Max class size is 15

For more information about the Winona Arts Center, visit our website: https://winonaarts.org/
Winona Arts Center is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Commonweal Theatre Presents King Lear
2025-09-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-09-18 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-09-14 13:30 - 15:30, 2025-09-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N, Lanesboro, MN, United States
Preview Dates
Saturday, Sept 13 | 7:30-9:30 pm
Sunday, Sept 14 | 1:30-3:30 pm
Thurs-Fri, Sept 18, 19 | 7:30-9:30 pm
Full Run Dates Listed on RAA Event Page
Commonweal Theatre Company
208 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN
commonwealtheatre.org

Join the Commonweal Theatre Company for William Shakespeare’s legendary classic, King Lear. From one of the greatest writers of all time comes the ultimate family drama. As age overtakes Lear, he divides his kingdom amongst his daughters. Misjudging their loyalty, he finds himself stripped of all that defined him. Learn more.

WAC Fall Film series: Alam
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
Friday, September 19 | 7:00
The Winona Arts Center
228 E 5th Street
Cost: $5/door

The Winona Arts Center is pleased to begin our fall film series with Alam, a film from France, Tunisia,Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Friday, September 19 at 7:00. Cost is $5/door. Alam weaves together a tale of love, friendship,and freedom under the iconography of the flag. Tamer, a Palestinian teenager in Israel , leads a typical high school student’s life until the arrival of Maysaa. Drawn to her and her activism, he decides to join an operation to covertly raise the Palestinian flag and disrupt the celebrations planned for Israel’s Independence Day, a time for mourning for Palestinians
Directed by Firas Khoury
Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles
Our international film series is made possible by a grant from SEMAC (Southeastern MN Arts Council). For more information about WAC, please visit our website: winonaarts.org
Winona Arts Center is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Central Celebrates Bach in September
2025-09-19 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-13 19:00 - 21:00
Bach Society of MN performing in 2024
Noontime Organ Recitals Sept. 3, 10, and 17 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm
“Bach at Leipzig” Sept. 13 | 7:00 pm
“Vivaldi on Fire” Sept. 19 | 7:00 pm
Johann Sebastian Bach was a devout Lutheran composer, deeply rooted in the traditions and theology of the Lutheran church. He viewed his music, both sacred and secular, to glorify God and refresh the spirit, often signing his works with “S.D.G.” (Soli Deo Gloria), meaning “Glory to God Alone”.

To commemorate the 275th anniversary of Bach’s death, Central Lutheran Church of Winona is hosting a series of performances throughout September centered around “Papa Bach”. The festival will include free noontime organ recitals, a play about Bach, and the return of the Bach Society of Minnesota.
NOONTIME ORGAN RECITALS
Last year’s Hendrickson Organ Recital Series was a resounding success among our community. As part of the festival, three exceptional organists will perform works by “Papa” Bach, his children, and compositions dedicated to Bach. On Wed. Sept. 3, Matt Gender, Director of Worship Arts at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, will perform the first of three noontime recitals. Central welcomes back John Stender from First Presbyterian in Rochester on Sept. 10. John was one of the Hendrickson recitalists and performed in last year’s Messiah Sing-In. Rounding out the recitals on Sept. 17, will be Daniel Lewis – Director of Music at St. Martin’s Church in Winona. Dan also performed last year. The recitals take place from noon to 1 p.m. and are free and open to all.
BACH AT LEIPZIG
In his play “Bach at Leipzig,” author Itamar Moses envisions the competition for the organist position at Leipzig’s Thomaskirche, featuring six musicians vying for the role. Bach does not appear in this farce about a job opening for an organist that ultimately was awarded to Bach himself – Yes, it’s a comedy!
Several of Bach’s organ works are included in the performance. A. Eric Heukeshoven, Central’s Director of Worship, Music & Arts, will be the organist. “Bach at Leipzig” takes place on Sat. Sept. 13, 2025, at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for a “Pay What You Can” suggested price of $10 adults, $5 students and seniors.
BACH SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA
Concluding this remarkable celebration will be the return of the Bach Society of Minnesota. On Fri., Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. this outstanding chamber group will present “Vivaldi on Fire”. The concert features beguiling music by Antonio Vivaldi – the “Red Priest” – a mad genius of virtuosity, craziness, and boundless fun. How does Vivaldi fit into a Bach festival? Come to the concert and find out! General admission is $25, and students get in for only $5 – tickets available online and at the door. You won’t want to miss the festival finale! More info at: https://www.bachsocietymn.org/vivaldi-on-fire
For more information, please contact A. Eric Heukeshoven, Director of Worship, Music & Arts at 507-474-7144 or aeheukeshoven@centrallutheranchurch.org

Eric Heukeshoven is a member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Masterworks Series: Vivaldi on Fire
2025-09-19 19:00
Friday, Sept 19 | 7 PM
Central Lutheran Church
Masterworks Series: Vivaldi on Fire: September 19-20
Antonio Vivaldi, nicknamed the “Red Priest” for his red hair and ordination, was a virtuoso composer whose music exuded a spirited, almost madcap brilliance. His works radiated follia—a playful, irresistible energy that thrilled audiences of his time. Known not only for his musical genius but also for his colorful personal life, Vivaldi’s romantic escapades and occasional scandals were the talk of his era. Mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski brings his music to life with seductive power, delivering sacred and operatic arias with captivating intensity.

Organization’s 94th Season Lineup Includes Concerts Centered Around the Baroque Works of J.S. Bach and His Contemporaries, New ABC Chamber Works Series, Artistic Collaborations, the Minnesota Bach Festival, a Community Sing-along, Family Productions, and More
SAINT PAUL, Minn. (August 1, 2025) – The Bach Society of Minnesota launches its 2025–2026 season, and its 94th year, with Vivaldi on Fire, the first concert in the Masterworks series, taking place September 19–20 in Shoreview and Winona. This vibrant season features four Masterworks concerts, the debut of the ABC (All of Bach’s Chamber works) series with four performances, and other additional offerings featuring artistic collaborations that explore a range of genres. Audiences can also look forward to the Minnesota Bach Festival, Scene and Heard family concerts, Mobile Mini-Concerts, and more. This season also celebrates a milestone: the 10th anniversary of Matthias Maute as Artistic Director.
“Experience a season where Bach’s intricate chamber works, the soaring Christmas Oratorio, the radiant Candlelight at the Cathedral, and Vivaldi’s fiery Four Seasons awaken something deep within — moments of discovery that invite you to listen, feel, and be fully present,” said Matthias Maute, Artistic Director, Bach Society of Minnesota. “Join us as we explore Baroque brilliance and unexpected musical journeys that connect us across centuries. Warning: Side effects may include spontaneous humming and an uncontrollable urge to dance like it’s 1725!”
Season subscriptions are now on sale, with two options. A full season subscription is $216 and includes a single ticket to every Masterworks and ABC series concert. A Masterworks subscription is $136 and includes a ticket to each of the series’ four concerts. For details and to purchase, visit 2025-26 Season Subscription. Individual concert tickets go on sale August 1.
Central Lutheran Church and staff member Eric Heukeshoven are members of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Salsa in the Street 2025!
2025-09-19 18:00 - 23:00
Friday, Sept 19 | 6 – 11:00 PM
Third Street at the corner of Center Street
(in front of Blooming Grounds)
Come on down to Third Street for Salsa In The Street 2025!
Are you ready for the last Street Dance of the Summer!?! Mark your calendars, Winona, because this one’s going to be HOT.
Downtown Third Street will be twisting and vibing to the sounds of LIVE Latin music at the much-anticipated fall dance “Salsa In The Street!”
On Friday, September 19 from 6-11 pm, the community is invited to a free dance party thrown by River City Ballroom Dancers/Breitlow Ballroom. April Dahl will teach a beginning Salsa lesson from 6-7 pm, Salsa del Soul will provide LIVE Latin music from 7-9 pm. Late-night Latin dancing in the street will continue on from 9-11 pm with DJ Max Ortiz from Rochester.
Salsa del Soul is a Twin Cities-based, nine-piece orchestra that performs various styles of dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean. They represent some of the finest talents in the Twin Cities Latin music scene with styles including Son, Son Montuno, Plena, Cha-cha-cha, Bachata, Merengue, Timba, and, of course, Salsa!
This incredible event will be on Third Street at the corner of Center Street (in front of Blooming Grounds).
ALL ARE WELCOME at this party…Come fill our street with music and dancing for the final event of the season!
P.S. Stop by just Peter’s Biergarten at 5:30 pm (just before the Salsa Lesson) to attend Project Fine’s Citizenship Celebration. Take part in a recognition of naturalized citizens, enjoy cultural performances, and celebrate Winona’s diversity with other community members!
Thank You Sponsors!

Watlow
Bay State Milling
Peter’s Biergarten
Blooming Grounds
Miya Japanese Bistro
Nate & Ally’s

Theatre du Mississippi: Manic Impressive
2025-09-18 19:00 - 21:00 | No Name Bar, 252 E 3rd St., Winona, MN, 55987
Thursday, September 18 | 7:00 PM
No Name Bar
252 E 3rd St, Winona, MN 55987
No Name Bar proudly welcomes New York Comedian Tristan Miller’s solo comedy show “Manic Impressive.” Manic Impressive is a hilarious and poignant look at living with Bipolar Disorder.
This show is 21+ with valid ID
Comedian Tristan Miller offers up rapid-fire observations about mental health, identity, as well as a grab bag of absurd characters, as they share their experience living with Bipolar Disorder.
Content Warning: Suicide, depression, and nonsense.
Tris Miller is an award winning actor, writer, and comedian who has been featured in The Midwinter Madness and Laughing Devil Festivals, along with The Minnesota and Kansas City Fringe Festivals. Tris uses their sardonic wit and goofy midwestern sensibilities to lighten many heavier topics, such as mental health, religion, identity, and American politics. Tris also deploys a grab bag of characters and impressions to keep the audience on their toes and in stitches. Tristan has toured Manic Impressive around the continental US and Aotearoa, New Zealand and is excited to bring the show back to their home state of Minnesota.

REVIEWS
“Surreal, Brilliant, and Highly Relatable” – TheatreReview
“To be brief, Tristan Miller’s stand-up show Manic Impressive was… both. An entertaining, informative and quite circuitous tour through a brain that can make their life challenging sometimes – 5 stars” – Matthew A. Everett
“Captivating and Charming in equal measure” – Art MurMurs
“Miller’s humour is unique” – The Otago Daily Times
“(Tristan) wields a razor wit.” – The Pioneer Press
INDUSTRY PRAISE
Comedian Myq Kaplan says, “(Tristan) is funny, sweet, creative, and thoughtful on the issue of mental health…”
Comedian Gary Gulman says “Tristan is ahead of most comedians their age”
https://www.facebook.com/share/1GcTwcwCjC/
Theatre du Mississippi is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

RAA September Schmooze at Peter's Biergarten
2025-09-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Peter’s Biergarten, 54 E 3rd St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
September 18 | 5-7 PM
Peter’s Biergarten
Join us for a chance to meet and mingle and chat with other area artists.
Come and hear Aaron Young provide an update on “The ARC, home of the historic Masonic Theatre.” ARC stands for Arts, Recreation, and Culture. The second and third floors of the building will be managed by the Great River Shakespeare Festival as a cultural art center.
This event is open to the public, free to members and non-members alike.

Oil Painting Class with Casey Wicka
2025-09-18 10:00 - 12:00
Sept 2,9, 16,23, 30 | 10:00am -12:00
Winona Arts Center
$25 per class/$30 non members

Join us at the Winona Arts Center in a NEW weekly series exploring oil painting techniques & materials, hosted by artist Casey Wicka. Classes are held Tuesday mornings 10am to noon from September 2 through November 18 with each class having a different theme. All supplies will be provided. Classes will use zero paint thinners, turpentines, and/or mineral spirits. The class is for Adults age 18 and over. No experience necessary! $25 per class for members, $30 for non-members. Reserve your spot by Monday of each week’s class. Register with Jen at jsbenson50@gmail.com.

Winona Arts Center is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Kitchen Lithography with Preston Lawing
2025-09-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
September 10,17,24 | 5:30-7:30
Winona Arts Center
228 E. 5th St, Winona, MN

Cost: $150 for all 3 classes

Preston Lawing, an award winning professor and collaborative printmaker, continues his Printmaking workshops at the Winona Arts Center with a workshop, “Exploring Kitchen Lithography: Technique and Expression”, on Wednesdays / September 10, 17, 24 / 5:30 – 7:30. This three week workshop will introduce participants to the exciting technique of lithographic printing, using household materials…and NO PRESS! Participants do not need to have strong drawing skills, but a willingness to explore different choices for this simple & elegant process. The workshops are open to students over 18, and are suitable for students of any level. Cost is $150 for all 3 classes. Register today with Jen at jsbenson50@gmail.co
Winona Arts Center is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

CENTRAL’S BACH CELEBRATION GRAND FINALE
2025-09-17 12:00 - 13:00 | St. Martin’s Church, Winona
Sept 17 | Noon – 1 PM
St. Martins’s Church
328 E Broadway St, Winona, MN 55987
Free organ recitals, a hilarious play, can it get any better. Yes!
For its final week, Central Lutheran’s Bach celebration will feature the third free organ recital and the annual return an amazing chamber orchestra. Daniel Lewis, Director of Music at St. Martin’s Church in Winona, will present the third and final free organ recital from noon to 1 pm.

Selections on the program will include a wide array of Bach’s finest compositions:

Trio Sonata No. 1 in Eb Major, BWV 525
Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland, BWV 661 (Leipzig Chorale)
Vom Himmel Hoch (Orgelbüchlein)
In Dir ist Freude (Orgelbüchlein)
O Lamme Gottes (Orgelbüchlein)
Valet will ich dir geben, BWV 736
Christ Lag in Todesbanden (Orgelbüchlein)
Komm Gott Schöpfer, BWV 667 (Leipzig Chorale)
Prelude and Fugue in Eb Major, BWV 552 “St. Anne”

Concluding this remarkable celebration will be the return of the Bach Society of Minnesota.
On Fri., Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. this outstanding chamber group will present “Vivaldi on Fire”. The
concert features beguiling music by Antonio Vivaldi – the “Red Priest” – a mad genius of
virtuosity, craziness, and boundless fun. How does Vivaldi fit into a Bach festival? Come to
the concert and find out! General admission is $25, and students get in for only $5 – tickets
available online and at the door. You won’t want to miss the festival finale!
More info at:
https://www.bachsocietymn.org/vivaldi-on-fire
A complete schedule of Central’s Bach celebration is available at:
https://www.centrallutheranchurch.org/upcoming-events/
For more information, please contact A. Eric Heukeshoven, Director of Worship, Music &
Arts at 507-474-7144 or aeheukeshoven@centrallutheranchurch.org

MMAM Volunteer Information Session
2025-09-17 10:15 - 11:00 | Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
September 17 | 10:15 – 11 AM
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) in Winona, MN, will host a volunteer information session. in the museum’s Oberton Education Room. The informal session will provide prospective volunteers with an overview of volunteer opportunities while enjoying complimentary coffee and Bloedow’s doughnuts in a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
The volunteer information session is free and open to all interested community members. Registration is requested and can be completed online or at the museum’s front desk, where attendees can also request their favorite doughnut variety from the beloved local bakery. The session is designed to introduce potential volunteers to the diverse ways they can contribute to MMAM’s mission while connecting with other community members who share a passion for art and service.
MMAM volunteers serve in essential roles throughout the museum, from greeting visitors in the galleries to assisting with specialized programs like Toddler Tuesday. These dedicated community members truly are the lifeblood of MMAM, helping to create meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water. For more information about the volunteer information session or to register, please visit mmam.org/volunteer or call 507-474-6626.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a nonprofit art museum located in Winona, Minnesota, on the banks of the Mississippi River. With the mission to create meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water, and the vision to spark wonder and create a more compassionate and connected world for all, MMAM boasts six galleries, an educational and events space, and a destination retail shop on its seven-acre riverside campus. It is through this surprising diversity that MMAM is not only describing what marine art is, but pushing the boundaries of what marine art can be.!M

SSF final Business and Immigrant Story for 2025: Project Fine
2025-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Tuesday, Sept 16 | 7 PM
Wanek Room, Winona County History Center
160 Johnson St, Winona
Learn more about Project FINE
during the final Business & Immigrant Story
For the fourth consecutive year, the Sandbar Storytelling Festival is continuing their series of Business & Immigrant (B&I) Stories, featuring local businesses and organizations of Winona. In partnership with the Winona County Historical Society, the 2025 lineup concludes with the story of Project FINE (Focus on Integrating Newcomers through Education) on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Project FINE has been serving refugees and immigrants in Winona County and the surrounding area since 1990. Hear the personal and inspirational stories of immigrants who have chosen to call Winona home.
Previous B&I presentations have included: Blue Heron Coffeehouse, Farmers Market, and Bay State Milling.
Refreshments will be served. Admission is free but the opportunity for a freewill offering will be available. Reservations are encouraged but not necessary at ssf25.eventive.org/schedule.
The Sandbar Storytelling Festival will feature a full week of nationally recognized storytellers at venues throughout Winona. Get your tickets now for events Oct. 7-13, 2025.
For more information about the festival, visit sandbarstorytellingfestival.org
Sandbar Storytelling Festival is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Sandbar Storytelling Festival: Business & Immigrant Stories
2025-09-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Free Admission | Freewill Offering
Winona History Center | 160 Johnson St
For the fourth consecutive year, the Sandbar Storytelling Festival, in partnership with the Winona County Historical Society, is continuing their series of Business & Immigrant (B&I) Stories, featuring local businesses and organizations of Winona. Learn more.

Drawing Class with Michelle Cochrane
2025-09-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
Tuesday, September 16
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Cost $25

Join us at the Winona Arts center for a Drawing Workshop with Michelle Cochran on September 16 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. We will work on drawing 3-dimensional shapes from life using graphite pencils and erasers in a relaxed environment. Cost is $25*. No experience necessary and individual help is available.
*If you attended one of the other classes, bring your supplies. To register and to purchase supplies, contact Jen jsbenson50@gmail.com.
Winona Arts Center is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Virtual Book Launch Party
2025-09-15 18:30 - 21:00
Sept 15 | 6:30 – 9:00
https://www.facebook.com/events/1467385281268145/?active_tab=discussion
Join Terri Karsten on Facebook to celebrate the release of her new book. A Necessary Death is a cozy, historical mystery set in a Pennsylvania tavern in 1763. The story follows an impoverished widow and a surly constable who must work together to figure out what happened to the dead man in the tavern privy. With Penelope Corbitt in the kitchen, the tavern will never be the same! Visit http://www.terrikarsten.com to learn more about the author.
Join the discussion or just stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy.

Minnesconsin: Dick Lano’s photography of the Winona area in the 1970s
2025-09-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
September 14, 2025 | 1:00 -3:00 PM
Winona County History Center
160 Johnson St, Winona MN
The Winona County History Center will be opening a new exhibit in the Collection Corridor Gallery. Minnesconsin: Dick Lano’s photography of the
Winona area in the 1970s will open with a reception on Sunday, September 14, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Minnesconsin is a state of mind that spans a river like a bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. Richard (Dick) Lano operated a photography studio and took many images of the area and its community members. This new exhibit highlights his portraits, nature, landscapes, Winona sites, photojournalism, and more.
Dick was born and raised in Winona, as was his wife Betsy (Burleigh) Lano. In the 1970s they moved their family across the river to Bluff Siding. There he and his family built a home and he operated a photography studio at the entrance to the valley near Wisconsin State Highway 35. Dick picked up photography as a youth and began documenting his trips to the Boundary Waters and out West, his hometown, his friends, and the “Minnesconsin” region. This exhibit offers a retrospective of Dick’s work mostly from the 1970s. It affords us insight into the evolution of his artistic vision from amateur to professional.
The opening reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Short remarks will be made at 2:00 p.m. by community curators of the exhibit.

Learn more and plan your visit at winonahistory.org or call 507-454-2723

CENTRAL’S BACH CELEBRATION CONTINUES
2025-09-13 19:00 - 21:00
Following the inaugural recital on Sept. 3, Central Lutheran’s celebration of J.S. Bach
continues with two events on Sept.10 and 13.
On Wednesday September 10, John Stender, Director of Music & Organist at First Presbyterian Church of Rochester will be featured on a free organ recital from noon to 1 pm. Selections on the program will include:

Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 53 J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
Praeludium, Fugue, and Postludium in g minor. Georg Böhm (1661-1733)
Ciacona in e minor, BuxWV 160. Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
Trio Sonata in e minor, BWV 528 Bach

II. Andante

Andante (with Variations) in D Major, MWV W32 Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847)
Chorale Prelude “Wir Glauben all an einen Gott,” BWV 680 (Clavierübung-III) Bach
Chorale Prelude “Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott,” BuxWV 199. Buxtehude
Chorale Prelude “O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß,” BWV 622. (Orgelbüchlein) Bach
Fantasia and Fugue in g minor, BWV 542 Bach

Saturday September 13, the hilarious play “Bach at Leipzig” will take place at 7 pm.
In his play “Bach at Leipzig,” author Itamar Moses envisions the competition for the organist position at Leipzig’s Thomaskirche, featuring six musicians vying for the role. Bach does not appear in this farce about a job opening for an organist that ultimately was awarded to Bach himself – Yes, it’s a comedy!
Several of Bach’s organ works are included in the performance. A. Eric Heukeshoven, Central’s Director of Worship, Music & Arts, will be the organist.
Tickets will be available at the door for a “Pay What You Can” suggested price of $10 adults, $5 students and seniors. A complete schedule of Central’s Bach celebration is available at: https://www.centrallutheranchurch.org/upcoming-events/
For more information, please contact A. Eric Heukeshoven, Director of Worship, Music &
Arts at 507-474-7144 or aeheukeshoven@centrallutheranchurch.org

Eric Heukeshoven is a member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.
Photo caption: Bach Society of MN performing in 2024

Bach at Leipzig
2025-09-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 259 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Saturday, Sept 13 | 7 pm
Cost: PWYC/Suggested Donation
$10 Adults | $5 Students & Seniors
Central Lutheran Church | 259 W Wabasha St.
Itamar Moses’s smart, intricate farce explores the conflicts between art, vocation, politics, and religion. The play will be performed as a semi-staged reading at Central Lutheran Church, with live music from its Hendrickson Pipe Organ. Learn more.

Mighty River Art Studio Tour
2025-09-13 10:00 - 2025-09-14 16:00 | Greater La Crosse Area
Saturday/Sunday Sept 13-14| 10 AM – 4 PM
Greater La Crosse Area
The Mighty River Art Studio Art Tour is a self -guided studio tour taking place in the Greater La Crosse Area. Explore the work of twenty artists in fifteen studios from Stoddard, through La Crosse and up to Galesville. Take the tour to see some mighty art!
For more information visit https://www.mightyriverartstudiotour.com

Opposable Thumbs Concert: Winona Arts Center
2025-09-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E. 5th St., Winona
Friday, September 12 | 7:00-9:00
The Winona Arts Center
228 E 5th Street, Winona
Cost: $15/advance $20/door

The Winona Arts Center is pleased to welcome back to our stage, the legendary Opposable Thumbs on Friday, September 12 at 7:00. The doors open for coffeehouse at 6:00. Cost of the tickets are $15/advance at Eventbrite (plus fees) or as Music Mart (115 E 34d Street) for $15. Music Mart now accepts cash, check or credit card with no fees. Door price is $20 but with their popularity it is doubtful that there will be tickets available at the door. Get yer tickets while ya can! For more information visit our website: winonaarts.org

Opposable Thumbs is a four-piece string band that performs originals and progressive string band music. This band first performed in the 90’s. After about 20 years, they started meeting weekly, reviving past repertoire, and adding some new material. Members Wayne Beezley; mandolin and octave mandolin, Rick Sampson; banjo, guitar and mandolin, Betsy Neil on fiddle and Rich Casey is back in the group on bass.
Contact: debiniebuhr@gmail.com
Winona Arts Center is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.

Theatre du Mississippi Presents Virtual Playwriting Workshop: Autobiographical Writing
2025-09-12 11:00 - 13:00
Virtual Workshop
June 20, July 18, Aug 15, Sept 12, Oct 10
Cost: Sliding Scale One-Time Payment of $15-75
theatredumiss.org
Discover the power of personal storytelling through the art of autobiographical writing with playwright Kelsey Rain. In this hands-on workshop, playwrights and actors will craft a rough draft of a monologue or script inspired by a significant event from their own lives or the lives of their family members. Learn more.

Riverside Improvisation for Fun
2025-09-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Peter’s Biergarten, 54 E 3rd St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Thursday, Sept. 11 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Peter’s Biergarten
54 E 3rd St, Winona, MN 55987
Join Theatre du Mississippi for a night of improv and laughs!
Hosts Tristan Miller and Rae Peter will guide you through an array of games and challenges. Whether you want to get up and play or sit back and watch the hilarity ensue, Riverside Improvisation for Fun (RIFF) will have you saying yes, and more!
Participation is voluntary!
Cold Drinks Available for Purchase
Grab some food from a downtown restaurant and join us for the fun!
Free and open to the public.
Theatre du Mississippi is an organizational member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/.
