River Arts Alliance

Sounds of the Season with Winona Brass Band
2023-12-10 14:00 (America/Chicago) | St. Cecilia Theatre, 1124 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Sunday | December 10 | 2 pm
St. Cecilia Hall | 1124 W Wabasha St.
facebook.com/winonabrassband
The Winona Brass Band is preparing for a holiday-themed concert to be held on Sunday, December 10th at 2:00 pm. The concert will take place in the lovely St. Cecilia Hall on the Cotter High School campus at 1124 West Wabasha Street, Winona. The concert is free, and all are welcome to attend. A free-will offering will be accepted at the door to offset expenses. Directed by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, the Winona Brass Band is celebrating their 30th year of entertaining area audiences. Learn more.

WCHS Holiday Family Festival & Snow Piles Photography Show Opening
2023-12-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Sunday | December 10 | 1-4 pm
Winona County History Center | 160 Johnson St.
winonahistory.org
The Winona County Historical Society’s Holiday Family Festival will be Sunday, December 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the History Center this year. The 2023 Holiday Family Festival offers many traditional Christmas crafts and a visit from Santa himself!
The History Center Art Gallery and Art of the Rural will also open Snow Piles of the Upper Mississippi on Sunday, December 10. Through documenting hundreds of snow piles in Winona during the last five years, Matthew Fluharty has created a playful and strangely illuminating look into how everyday life (and the landscape of Winona) is shaped through the work and creativity of its citizens. Learn more.

Hans Mayer Children’s Concert at WAC
2023-12-09 14:30 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
Come and enjoy a free concert featuring Hans Mayer’s family and children’s show on December 9 at the Winona Arts Center. Hans plays infectious, catchy, acoustic-based original music and people of all ages are immediately attracted to his playful personality and his true-to-family-life songs. His show will keep your family giggling, singing and jumping for joy long after the concert is over. Learn more.

Holiday Free Ink at WAC
2023-12-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
Holiday Free Ink will be held on December 9, 2023 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Winona Arts Center, 228 East 5th Street. Come and learn how to make holiday-themed monoprints on our press! You can create your own artwork using stencils and other materials while learning the monoprint process. The printing press will be set up with all of the materials you need to make a beautiful holiday card for family and friends. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please feel free to drop in anytime between 10 am and 2 pm, and plan to stay to catch the free Hans Mayer concert at 2:30 pm. Learn more.

A Radiant Girl Film at WAC
2023-12-08 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 Film Society is pleased to present the film A Radiant Girl on December 8 at the Winona Arts Center. Admission is $5 and doors open at 6:30 pm. This film by Sandrine Kiberlain is set in Paris in the summer of 1942. Irene is a 19-year-old aspiring actress without a care in the world. She does not realize time is running out as the Nazis grow closer to Paris. Legendary French actress Kiberlain makes her directorial debut with this allegorical coming-of-age drama set in Nazi-occupied France. Learn more.

Closing Reception Tree Planting Tribute
2023-12-08 16:00 - 17:00 | MN
Billboard on Mankato Ave. at Riverbend Rd.
A Meet the Artist closing reception for Billy X Curmano’s tree planting tribute will be held alongside the billboard on Mankato Avenue and Riverbend Road from 4 to 5 pm December 8th. The artist will be in attendance for that hour with cookies to share, but advises he won’t provide a beverage. Selfies and photos are encouraged. The 10’ X 21’, 8-seconds per minute tribute and Performance in Absentia will be visible through December 10th. It is located next to the Target parking lot and WNB Financial. Friday’s reception becomes the latest in his series of unauthorized performances. Billy X Curmano is a River Arts Alliance member artist.

Mary Singer Open Studio
2023-12-08 09:00 - 17:00 | MN
125 N Baker St.
River Arts Alliance member artist Mary Singer will have her art displayed at her studio from 9 am to 5 pm on December 8 and 9. Find her at 125 N Baker St., Winona.

MCA and Cotter Schools Present: A Holiday Celebration of the Arts
2023-12-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Page Theatre, 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Page Theatre | 700 Terrace Heights
cotterschools.org/mca
Gather your loved ones and join us for a heartwarming Holiday Celebration of the Arts. Set in the beautiful Page Theatre at Saint Mary’s University, this event will provide the perfect opportunity to kick off the holiday season in style! A family-friendly evening of live music, dance, and theatrical performances will ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Performances are December 7 and 8 at 6:30 pm and December 9 at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Learn more.

Lowery Returns to First Tuesday Laureate Series with New Book
2023-12-05 19:00 | Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W 2nd St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Blue Heron Coffeehouse | 162 W 2nd St.
Longtime area writer and teacher Scott Lowery returns to the Laureate Writers Series, Tuesday, December 5, 7:00 pm, at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse in Winona. The event is free and open to the public, followed by an open mic and book signing. Lowery’s brand-new chapbook, Mutual Life, examines everyday life during tumultuous times. Naomi Cohn calls these poems “fierce, funny, tender and ultimately hopeful”. Lowery’s work has been awarded the Julia Darling Memorial Poetry Prize, and appears in numerous journals and anthologies. He and his wife Connie Blackburn moved to Milwaukee in 2019 to be near their young grandchildren. Learn more.

Opening Reception - Audacity: Exhibit by Nancy XiáoRong Valentine at WAC
2023-12-03 13:00 - 16:00 | 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 pleased to host the exhibit Audacity, featuring the works of artist Nancy XiáoRong Valentine, from 12/3/23 through 1/14/24 with an opening reception on December 3, 2023 from 1 pm to 4 pm. Nancy XiáoRong Valentine (she/her) is a Chinese American artist living and making a life in rural Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Valentine views her artistry as a channel to deepen her cultural connections to and between her Chinese heritage and Midwestern roots. Her creative process begins and ends with intention, resulting in conceptually complex visual stories woven with nuance and symbolism. Her expressive stylized brushwork is inspired by Chinese calligraphy and, when paired with Valentine’s performative prose, is meant to evoke empathy. Learn more.

Holiday Dance
2023-12-02 19:00 - 22:30 | Winona Athletic Club, 773 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Athletic Club | 773 E 5th St.
rivercitydancers.org
Celebrate the season with us by dancing to classic (and new) Holiday music! Ring in the Holiday Spirit with us and dance under the twinkling lights. The Foxtrot & Single Swing dance lesson will be from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. The dance starts at 8:00 and goes until 10:30 pm. Cost is $15 for general admission, $10 for students, and includes the optional dance lesson. Learn more.

Root River Jam Concert at WAC
2023-12-02 19:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
The Root River Jam will be in concert on December 2, 2023 at 7 pm at the Winona Arts Center. The coffeehouse opens at 6 pm. Root River Jam is an Americana Roots band based in southeastern Minnesota. They are promoting the release of their new double album “Love is Unity”. Listeners instantly connect with expressive melodies, improv, and interaction, recalling the “Jams” of the past and renewing the dreams of the future! Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available at Hardt’s Music until December 1 at 4 pm or through Eventbrite. Learn more.

Messiah Sing-In Returns December 2
2023-12-02 19:00 | Central Lutheran Church, 259 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Central Lutheran Church | 259 W Wabasha St.
After a three-year hiatus, Winona’s annual Messiah Sing-In made its jubilant return to Central Lutheran Church last year. On December 2nd, the 29th edition of this treasured tradition, led by founding conductor Dr. Harry A. Mechell, will once again herald in the holiday season. The performance by BellaMusica, orchestra, and soloists will feature area musicians as well as the renowned North Star Boys’ Choir. And 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 everyone. Proceeds collected from a suggested $10 donation will be given to support the Winona Community Warming Center. For the first time, this year’s performance will be livestreamed via an event on Central Lutheran’s Facebook page. Learn more.

Oil Painting Class with Barb Halvorson at WAC
2023-12-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
Please join us for an oil painting class with Barb Halvorson on December 2 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Winona Arts Center. Learn to paint a winter scene just in time for Christmas. An easy way to glaze will be demonstrated along with oil painting techniques. Beginners to experienced painters are welcome and no drawing experience is required. If you have brushes, please bring them, but supplies will be furnished. Fee is $40 for WAC members and $45 for non-members. To register, contact Jen Benson at jsbenson50@gmail.com. Learn more.

RAA’s Souper-Duper Pie Walk: A Celebration & Fundraiser Event
2023-12-01 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
5:30-6:30 Meal Served | 6:30 Pie Auction | 7-8 Program & Social Time
New this year, River Arts Alliance is holding a special celebration and fundraiser event: our Souper-Duper Pie Walk. This fun evening will include a soup supper, a pie auction, and a program honoring our first “Champions of the Arts.” 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. Register here. The meal will include a choice of several homemade soups, bread, butter, coffee, and apple cider. Bid on a pie in the pie auction to enjoy for dessert with your table or to take home for later! To donate a pie for the auction, please sign up here. Learn more.

Reception - Betsy Midthun Exhibition at Pump House
2023-12-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Pump House Regional Arts Center, 119 King St., La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
Pump House Regional Arts Center | 119 King St. | La Crosse, WI
www.thepumphouse.org
An exhibition of pastel paintings featuring area landscapes by RAA member Betsy Midthun is on view through January 6 at Pump House Regional Arts Center, La Crosse. A “meet the artist” reception will be held on Friday, December 1, from 5 to 7 pm. As an artist who has meandered through her artistic pursuits, Betsy enjoys the challenge of starting a painting on a flat, blank surface and through the addition of a meandering element, moving the viewer into an interesting and tranquil two dimensional space. Using pastel as her medium, her goal is to push colors in the landscape to a higher intensity while still capturing the appropriate range of values. Learn more.

Amanda Blue in Recital
2023-11-29 19:00 | Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, 1160 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels | 1160 W Wabasha St.
Cotter Schools invites you to a recital by Amanda Blue, soprano and River Arts Alliance member, with Mary Ellen Haupert, pianist. The recital will take place at 7 pm on Wednesday, November 29th, in the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels at 1160 W Wabasha St., Winona.

Winds of Winona at Old Main
2023-11-19 15:00 | Old Main Cultural Center, 20869 S College Ave., Galesville, WI, 54630, United States
Old Main Cultural Center | 20869 College Ave. | Galesville, WI
facebook.com/OldMainGalesville
“Winds of Winona” will blow into Galesville’s venue at the Old Main Cultural Center on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 3 pm, at 20869 College Ave. Ryan Ballanger, Chris Buswell, Ruth and Frank Bures will play a varied clarinet concert of classical and lighter music. Their music always delights the crowd. The program will be on the first floor of the building, a space just right for chamber music. Admission is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for high school students and younger. Come sit upwind from the Winds for a refreshing set of pieces. Old Main Cultural Center and Ruth and Frank Bures are members of River Arts Alliance.

H3O Supports HCO at November Jazz Jam
2023-11-19 14:30 - 17:30 | Island City Brewing Company, 65 E Front St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Island City Brewing Company | 65 E Front St.
H3OJazz.com
On November 19th, come join your friends for an afternoon of jazz at Island City Brewing Company in support of Home & Community Options (HCO). The fundamental goals of HCO are to provide quality services that maximize the independence of those we serve, to support individuals as they live happy and productive lives close to family and friends, and to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities within the local community. For many summers, HCO produced amazing musical theater productions which included community members with disabilities in the cast. HCO just announced that their celebrated tradition will return in the summer of 2024 with the hit musical “Annie”!
H3O Jazz Trio and Island City Brewing have helped support local nonprofits with over $40,000 in total donations thanks to the generosity of Jazz Jam patrons! The October Jazz Jam contributed over $1,000 to the WSU Children’s Center. Learn more.

23rd Annual Winona Art Walk & Tour
2023-11-17 10:00 - 17:00 | MN
The 23rd Annual Winona Art Walk & Tour is taking place at various artists’ studios and additional locations in Winona on Friday, November 17, and Saturday, November 18. Hours are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. More information, including a tour map and an online gallery book with images from each participant, is available at winonaartwalk.org. Local art for sale by participating artists includes paintings, photography, pottery, wood, glass, jewelry, and more. The Winona Art Walk & Tour is a project of River Arts Alliance.

John Paulson Big Band Veterans Day Fundraising Concert
2023-11-11 19:00 | Wellington’s Pub & Grill, 1429 W Service Dr., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Wellington’s Pub & Grill | 1429 W Service Dr.
paulsonjazz.com
Winona, MN musician, composer, and educator John Paulson has big plans for his big band this year. On November 11 at 7:00 pm, he will lead his 19-piece big band in a special Veterans Day fund raising concert at Wellington’s Pub & Grill. All of the contributions from this performance and his “Jazz for Vets” Gofundme site (https://gofund.me/18b9376e) will go to the MACV organization in order to assist homeless Veterans in SE Minnesota. Learn more.

Daniel Bennett Group Concert at WAC
2023-11-11 19:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
The Daniel Bennett Group will be in concert on November 11, 2023 at 7 pm at the Winona Arts Center, 228 East 5th Street. New York saxophonist Daniel Bennett has been hailed as one of the most original and unpredictable musical voices of his generation. The Boston Globe described Bennett’s music as “a mix of Jazz, Folk and Minimalism.” Daniel Bennett is joined by master percussionist Koko Bermejo on drums and keyboard. Rounding out the trio is acclaimed six-string bassist Kevin Hailey. Coffeehouse and gallery open at 6 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and are available until 11/10/23 at Hardt’s Music or through Eventbrite. Learn more.

Sarah Kieffer Book Event at the Blue Heron
2023-11-11 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
Join us to welcome Sarah Kieffer back to Winona to celebrate the publication of her new book, 100 Morning Treats. Sarah was the first employee when the Blue Heron Coffeehouse opened 25 years ago and has gone on to become a successful blogger and cookbook author. Books will be for sale and the event will include a Q & A, book signing, and treat samples.

Nine Tile Pottery Class at WAC
2023-11-11 12:00 - 15:00 | Winona Arts Center, 228 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Arts Center | 228 E 5th St.
winonaarts.org
Please join Richard Spiller, renowned potter, on November 11 from noon to 3 pm for a nine tile pottery class at the Winona Arts Center. Students will be given nine 4-inch tiles on a board. They will draw on each tile and then apply colored slips and clear glaze. Students can bring their own design or trace designs that are provided. Tiles will be fired at Spiller’s studio and returned at a later date. Learn more.

Opening Reception - Print Dubs: Screen Print Series by Peet Fetsch at the Blue Heron
2023-11-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Blue Heron Coffeehouse, 162 W 2nd St, Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Blue Heron Coffeehouse | 162 W 2nd St.
Facebook Event Page
Print Dubs, an exhibition featuring a screen print series by RAA member Peet Fetsch of Tally Mark Press, opens November 10 at the Blue Heron Coffeehouse. The show will run through January 8. An opening reception will be held on Friday, November 10, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The reception is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be provided. Peet says, “Print Dubs is an attempt to visualize my interest in collaged or dub music, my love for layered abstract art, and my obsession with vinyl records. This screen print series is a collection of collages, or Print Dubs, made up of my personal drawings, found textures, found images, and hand brushed grooves representing 12 inch and 7 inch records.” Learn more.

Water Music: Chamber Concerts at the MMAM – The Big Catch
2023-11-09 19:00 - 20:15 | 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 an exciting concert, “The Big Catch.” It will feature Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet, “Four on the Floor” by Libby Larsen and a Quintet by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich to the backdrop of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum’s Art for Fish/Art for Humans exhibit by American artist Kristian Brevik. Learn more.

Fall Three-Week Theatre Class
2023-11-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Bluff Country Co-op, 121 W 2nd St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Bluff Country Co-op Community Room | 121 W 2nd St.
linktr.ee/sugarloaftheatre
For children ages 6-11, Sugarloaf Theatre offers Three-Week Theatre. It’s a three-week-long theatre class where students learn a variety of improv games, tongue twisters, and acting tips! Friends and family are invited to a short showcase on the last day of class in which students show off some of what they have learned. This session runs Mondays, Nov. 6, 13, & 20 in the Community Room at the Bluff Country Co-op, 4-5 pm. Learn more.

Winona Brass Band Season Begins
2023-11-05 16:00 | St. Cecilia Theatre, 1124 W Wabasha St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
St. Cecilia Theatre | 1124 W Wabasha St.
facebook.com/winonabrassband
The Winona Brass Band is excited to kick off its 2023-2024 season featuring music from the first decade of their 30 years together as an ensemble. The free concert will be held in the beautiful St. Cecilia Theatre at 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 5th. The concert will feature selections celebrating the British musical tradition. Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, the ensemble’s founding director, returns to the podium this year. All performances are free, but donations are gladly accepted. Learn more.

Casino Royale Dance Night
2023-11-04 19:00 - 22:30 | Winona Athletic Club, 773 E 5th St., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Winona Athletic Club | 773 E 5th St.
rivercitydancers.org
Join River City Dancers for a night of elegance and intrigue, where you can dance like James Bond in a high-stakes world of glamour at our Casino Royale Dance Night. The Tango & Rumba dance lesson will be from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. The dance starts at 8:00 and goes until 10:30 pm. Cost of admission (general: $15; students: $10) includes the optional dance lesson. Learn more.

Walnut Ink Workshop with Kathie Wheeler
2023-11-04 09:00 - 16:00 | Mississippi Mornings Art Studio, 40341 Lamoille Dr., Winona, MN, 55987, United States
Mississippi Mornings Art Studio | 40341 Lamoille Dr.
Join Kathie Wheeler, an award winning landscape and portrait artist, for a fun, creative day making and learning to use walnut ink. In this workshop the morning will be spent making the ink and learning pen and ink techniques that will be used in the afternoon to sketch and draw with the ink. Supplies are included in the workshop fee and each student will leave with a small jar of ink, pen and nibs, a brush and watercolor pad. The workshop fee is $125. Contact Linda Klabo at Mississippi Mornings Art Studio, linda@mississippimornings.com, to register. Learn more.
