River Arts Alliance

Theatre du Mississippi Presents Baby I’ll Turn the Sky Green for You
2024-05-19 14:00, 2024-05-18 19:00, 2024-05-17 19:00, 2024-05-12 14:00, 2024-05-11 19:00, 2024-05-10 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, 1164 W 10th St., Winona, MN, United States
Valencia Arts Center | 1164 W Howard St.
theatredumiss.org
Theatre du Mississippi presents a production of the play Baby I’ll Turn the Sky Green for You by Taylor Sklenar, directed by Rae Peter.
Part One: In a ravaged 2051, a nurse tries desperately to keep her father on life support, despite her nihilistic sister’s desire to pull the plug. As the sisters quarrel, questions of their father’s past emerge, pushing their relationship to its breaking point.
Part Two: In 2019, the cast has transformed to play the older generation, and the decisions and secrets of the past come to life. An intriguing look at the responsibility that we have to other generations and the personal costs of action and inaction.
Tickets are $15 pre-sale or $20 at the door. Learn more.

Winona Community Chorale Concert “The Paths We Travel”
2024-05-18 14:00, 2024-05-17 19:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 259 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Central Lutheran Church | 259 W Wabasha St.
facebook.com/WinonaCommunityChorale
The Winona Community Chorale presents a spring concert entitled “The Paths We Travel” on Friday, May 17 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 pm. Performances are at Central Lutheran Church, 259 W Wabasha St., Winona. Admission is by free-will offering.
The Winona Community Chorale is a mixed choral ensemble performing music from a wide variety of styles, genres and time periods. Now in its third concert season, the group is directed by Kurt Speltz. The original watercolor painting by Faye Schoen pictured above will be sold by silent auction during the concerts with proceeds going to support the choir and its vision. Learn more.

Somsen Hall Centenary Celebration Open House
2024-05-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Winona State University, 175 W Mark St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Somsen Hall | Winona State University | 8th & Johnson Streets
The Winona Heritage Preservation Commission is partnering with Winona State University to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Somsen Hall with a free public open house on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Self-guided tours of the interior will be offered throughout the event. Guided tours of the exterior and grounds will take place at 10:30, 11:30, and 1:00. A noon program in the Harriet Johnson Auditorium will feature a talk by Distinguished Alumnus Dr. Scott Hannon on the history of the Winona Normal School, the first public teachers college west of the Mississippi River. Learn more.

Dan Mondloch – Expressions in Watercolor Workshop
2024-05-16 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-15 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-14 09:00 - 16:00 | Mississippi Mornings Art Studio, 40341 Lamoille Dr., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Mississippi Mornings Art Studio | 40341 Lamoille Dr.
A watercolor workshop with Dan Mondloch, brought to you by the La Crosse Society of Arts & Crafts, will take place May 14-16 at Mississippi Mornings Art Studio. Dan Mondloch is an award winning third-generation painter who received a BFA in painting and drawing from St. Cloud State University. Gain a foundation of the visual language of watercolor with an emphasis on simplifying subjects through large value shapes. Students will enjoy one full demo each day as well as paint one strategic follow-along activity designed to speed up your understanding and abilities. Contact Penny Stroening of the LCSAC to register; email: penelopestroening@gmail.com. Learn more.

Rochester Area Handbells at Central Lutheran
2024-05-12 15:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 259 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Central Lutheran Church | 259 W Wabasha St.
The Rochester Area Handbells are returning to Winona for a free and fun afternoon of music for the whole family at 3 pm on Sunday, May 12, at Central Lutheran Church. The recently formed Glorioso – Bells of Winona will also make a special guest appearance. Vintage Pops will feature music by Scott Joplin, Katy Perry, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, ABBA, Irving Berlin, Green Day, and much more. Learn more.

Art is for Everyone at MMAM’s Spring Seasonal Saturday
2024-05-11 10:00 - 17:00 | Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Minnesota Marine Art Museum | 800 Riverview Dr.
mmam.org
On Saturday, May 11, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) will hold its Spring Seasonal Saturday event focused on the theme Scenic Splendor, inspired by the exhibition Re/Framing The View: Nineteenth-century American Landscapes, on view now at MMAM through August 4, 2024. On loan from the New Bedford Whaling Museum (New Bedford, Massachusetts), Re/Framing The View takes a layered approach to looking at landscape painting and artists from the 1800s. Seasonal Saturdays strive to reduce intimidation and increase comfortable access to the arts for everyone by offering fun-filled, inviting days, with $1 admission, free transportation, and 30-minute guided tours. The event will include a live oil painting demonstration, live music, and more. Learn more.

Opening Reception - Art Show by Angie Malin at Blue Heron Coffeehouse
2024-05-10 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 at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse will feature original oil paintings by Angie Malin. This show will run from May 10 through Sunday, June 16, 2024, with an opening reception for the artist on Friday, May 10, from 5-7 pm. The reception is free and open to the public, with light refreshments provided.
The artist says, “I have lived in the Midwest my entire life which has given me an appreciation for the changing landscape from season to season. Plein Air painting, painting outdoors from life, is my preferred way to paint.” Learn more.

“Art and Technology” Workshop for Artists
2024-05-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane, Owatonna, MN, 55060
A free workshop focused on art and technology will be offered Thursday, May 9, from 6-8 pm at the Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane in Owatonna, MN, and online via Zoom. Learn more and register here. This event is part of a series of artist development workshops organized by the Northfield Arts Guild and sponsored by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council.

Laureate Writers Series Celebrates New Book Chiaroscuro
2024-05-07 19:00 | Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W 2nd St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Blue Heron Coffeehouse | 162 W 2nd St.
The Laureate Writers Series reading at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 pm will celebrate the release of the new book Chiaroscuro. The event is free and open to the public. The book features selected poems by Peter W. Denzer with lino prints by Maria Denzer, Delia Bell, the Denzer family, and friends. It has been published by Shipwreckt Books Publishing Company of Winona as part of the Up On Big Rock Poetry Series. Learn more.

Classical Norway Concert at Old Main
2024-05-05 15:00 - 16:30 | Old Main Cultural Center, 20869 S College Ave., Galesville, WI, 54630, United States
Old Main Cultural Center | 20869 College Ave. | Galesville, WI
oldmaingalesville.com
The Fagernes Sons of Norway will help the Old Main Cultural Center in Galesville present a “Classical Norway” concert Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 pm to remember the music program offered by Gale College, operated by the Norwegian Lutheran Church from 1901 to 1938. The Fagernes Sons of Norway Singers will sing a framework of folk songs for the classical program that Dr. Pamela Kelly, pianist, and Alyssa Gaines, flutist, will bring to the event. A reception will follow that includes Rommegrot, Norwegian baked treats, and open-faced sandwiches. The event will help raise funds to support the musical program the “Gale Star” committee at Old Main continues to offer and to remember the Norwegian heritage of Gale College. Learn more.

Winona Brass Band Season Finale
2024-05-05 15:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 259 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Central Lutheran Church | 259 W Wabasha St.
facebook.com/winonabrassband
The Winona Brass Band will conclude their 30th Anniversary Season with a celebratory concert at Central Lutheran Church on Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 pm. The Brass Band and Central Lutheran’s Hendrickson Pipe Organ are each celebrating 30 years of great music. To honor these two anniversaries, the performance will highlight music for brass band and organ. The concert is free and open to all. Donations will be accepted in support of the Winona Brass Band’s next decade. A reception will follow immediately after the concert in the adjacent Grace Hall. Learn more.

Patina at Kinstone
2024-05-05 12:00 - 15:00 | Kinstone, S3439 Cole Bluff Lane, Fountain City, WI, 54629, United States
Kinstone | S3439 Cole Bluff Lane | Fountain City, WI
patinatheband.com
Come enjoy Patina at Kinstone on May 5 beginning at noon and playing until 3:00 pm. Patina is a four member Celtic band. Kara Mae Prosen plays fiddle and sings vocals, Connie Dretske plays bass, whistle, flute, and sings vocals. Sue Lee Ringwelski plays guitar, banjo, and sings vocals. Greg Peterson plays bodhran, whistles, accordion and guitar.

A Visit From Will Dilg at WAC
2024-05-04 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 proud to host the World Premier of A Visit From Will Dilg, a new movie created by local riverlorian, Steven Marking. Cost is $10 and the creator and actor in the film will be available for Q & A after the screening. Marking plays Will Dilg in an inspiring, one-man movie. Will Dilg and his wife spent their summers on a houseboat in Winona, Minnesota. After suffering from the drowning death of his son in the early 1920’s, Dilg rose from the depths of depression to lead an extraordinary national crusade to form the Izaak Walton League, then with the support of the Women’s Clubs of America they saved a 261 mile stretch of Mississippi River backwaters from drainage for agriculture. We now know this stretch of river as the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, and this year marks the Centennial of that event. Learn more.

Special Immersive Presentation: Bach in the Galleries
2024-05-04 18:30 | Minnesota Marine Art Museum, 800 Riverview Dr., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Minnesota Marine Art Museum | 800 Riverview Dr.
winonasymphony.org
Winona Symphony Orchestra and Minnesota Marine Art Museum present “Bach in the Galleries,” a special event in the “Water Music” series. Join us for an immersive experience of the complete Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin of J.S. Bach performed by WSO Artistic Director Erik Rohde in a tour encompassing all six galleries of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. This progressive concert will move through each gallery as each Bach work is presented in a different museum space. Learn more.

Mother’s Day Free Ink Event
2024-05-04 10:00 - 16:30 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Families & Children 10 am – 1 pm | Adults Only 1:30-4:30 pm
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
All are welcome to attend our Free Ink event to make one of a kind Mother’s Day monoprints for Mom, family and friends. This is a great opportunity to get instruction on printing on the press and to make some cards. All stencils and other materials are provided and No Experience Is Necessary! Please note that we have divided up the day for families and children in the morning until 1:00 and then for adults who want a bit of a quieter experience in the afternoon. Learn more.
Volunteers are needed to help with various roles at the Free Ink event. Volunteers can work shifts of two hours or stay for the entire event. Please contact winonaartscenter@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering.

Sonnet Contest Celebrates National Poetry Month and Ted Haaland’s Legacy
2024-04-30 18:30 - 21:00 | Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W 2nd St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Blue Heron Coffeehouse | 162 W 2nd St.
sonnetcontest.org
The Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest invites you to celebrate the opening of this year’s contest and National Poetry Month on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 6:30 – 9 pm at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Live music by Flutistry will accompany social time starting at 6:30 pm. At 7 pm, we will celebrate the life and legacy of the contest’s benefactor and former director, Ted Haaland, who passed away on February 17th.
Ted spent the years following the death of his beloved Maria writing poetry every day. Under his leadership, a small, local contest spread around the world, with the 2023 event receiving 700 sonnets from poets in 43 US states and 16 other countries. Ted’s friends and admirers are invited to say a few words and/or share a poem in his honor at this event. Friends are also invited to attend a memorial service for Ted on Friday, May 3rd at 10 am at Hoff Funeral Home in Winona. Learn more.

Bluff Country Studio Art Tour 2024
2024-04-28 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-04-26 10:00 - 17:00 | WI
Various Locations in Southeastern MN
bluffcountrystudioarttour.org
The 2024 Bluff Country Studio Art Tour will take place Friday, April 26, through Sunday, April 28. River Arts Alliance serves as fiscal sponsor of this event, and several RAA member artists are participating in the tour. Learn more and see a map of locations at bluffcountrystudioarttour.org.

The Swamp Poppas Concert at WAC
2024-04-27 19:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
The Swamp Poppas, a Minneapolis premier Louisiana Swamp band, will perform a concert at 7 pm on April 27 at Winona Arts Center. This is our last concert of the spring season. We have a liquor license and will be serving wine, beer, and some Cajun treats. Let the Good Times Roll!
Doors open at 6 pm for coffeehouse and gallery viewing. Cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets are available at Music Mart (formerly Hardt’s Music) or online at Eventbrite. Swamp Pop is a mix of Louisiana Cajun, Zydeco, blues, rock, and country; the influences over the years are many and the mix gives you a rockin’ good time. Learn more.

Theatre du Mississippi Murder Mystery Fundraiser
2024-04-26 19:00 | No Name Bar, 252 E 3rd St., Winona, MN, 55987
No Name Bar | 252 E 3rd St.
theatredumiss.org
It’s 1940 and a crime has been committed! Can you solve the case? Join us for a thrilling night of mystery and suspense at the No Name Bar! Put on your detective hat and try to solve the case while enjoying drinks and mingling with fellow sleuths. Who knows, you might even be the one to crack the case! Don’t miss out on this exciting in-person event – it’s sure to be a night to remember.
Doors at 6:30 pm, show at 7 pm. 21+. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales support Theatre du Mississippi. Learn more.

Unwind Friday with H3O Jazz
2024-04-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Blooming Grounds Coffee House, 50 E 3rd St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Blooming Grounds Coffee House | 50 E 3rd St.
H3OJazz.com
Unwind Friday with H3O Jazz Trio returns to Blooming Grounds Coffee House on Friday, April 26 from 6 – 8 pm. Unwind Friday offers mellow jazz to end the week, meet with friends, and enjoy the comfortable atmosphere at Blooming Grounds. Enjoy a full menu of delicious offerings, beer and wine, coffee drinks, and amazing desserts … all with no cover charge! Unwind Friday with H3O is scheduled on the last Friday of the month throughout the year. Learn more.
