ArtReach Events Calendar

Paintings by Lindstrom resident Rachel Coyne are described by a shockingly short artist statement: “her work focuses on women and taboo emotions – particularly anger.”

This group exhibition encourages artists and viewers to consider the emotions, stigma, struggles and healing that surround mental health and how individuals impacted personally or tangentially find solace and strength. Visit both locations to see work contributed by area artists.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller, Hazelden Betty Ford, Franconia Sculpture Park, Stillwater Public Library and other libraries located between St. Croix Falls, WI and Hastings, MN.

A House Unbuilt is presenting The Water Where We Live, a unique collaborative exhibition between 13 regional artists and the Brown’s Creek Watershed District from January 24 - April 18, 2024.

The exhibition is a collaborative project organized by Victoria Bradford Styrbicki and the Brown’s Creek Watershed District, with a reception, co-hosted by Megan Miller Fine Art. The reception on March 6 from 4-7pm will feature an arts/conservation dialogue as well as guest speaker Angie Hong, highlighting her new book Exploring the St. Croix River Valley: Adventures on and off the Water. The exhibition will be open for viewing Mondays through Fridays from 10am - 3pm or by appointment at A House Unbuilt’s Art & Water Space (321 Main Street S (second floor), Stillwater, MN 55082).

The Water Where We Live is part of A House Unbuilt’s ongoing water stewardship initiative. Through the work of watershed districts, conservation management, citizen advocacy, and creativity we can raise awareness about the public’s role in maintaining clean water and how we pursue that at higher levels of municipal and state government. To that end, The Water Where We Live will amplify the hidden stories living in our watershed as well as the ways we can protect the water that flows there.

Opening January 24, 2025, A House Unbuilt’s Art & Water Space in Downtown Stillwater will host a unique exhibition featuring a selection of 13 works on paper that have been created in response to stories and descriptions of the unique organisms living in the watershed. Additionally, the Art & Water Space will host a “water bar,” featuring a tasting of regional drinking water sources, as an activity to spur awareness of our impacts on our waterways.

A 2023 Supreme Court decision revoked the Clean Water Act’s power to protect approximately two-thirds of the nation’s wetlands and millions of miles of rain-fed streams. Many states don’t have their own legal protections for these waters. In states with strong laws, polluting industries are taking action to weaken them. According to a March 2024 GALLUP poll, pollution of drinking water tops environmental worries in the US. The National Wildlife Federation suggests our best approach as advocates of waterways is to advance a message of clean drinking water, which will simultaneously amplify the other concerns that people are apparently less worried about, such as pollution of water bodies, contamination of soil and water by toxic waste, climate change, air pollution, loss of rainforests, and extinction of plants and animals. Through this immersive installation and project collaboration, we can have an impact on clean water in our community, raising awareness and changing behavior.

“The Brown’s Creek Watershed District is excited to partner with the local artists to celebrate the community of unique creatures that call this watershed home, “ said Karen Kill, BCWD Administrator. “The Water Where We Live will give people a new perspective, helping to raise awareness about the issues that impact the watershed and how we can support the health and resilience of our waterways.”

The advocacy action of The Water Where We Live is complemented by a Congressional advocacy action, related to Conservation programs in the 2025 Farm Bill.

A House Unbuilt and its Art & Water Space 

A House Unbuilt works at the intersection of arts, policy and engagement along the Mississippi River Watershed. As a collaborative organization, we work with others to move people into action around the issues of art, water, and ecology through creativity. Learn more about A House Unbuilt at www.ahouseunbuilt.com. The Water Where We Live is made possible by the generous support of the Brown’s Creek Watershed District. For more information visit www.ahouseunbuilt.com/watershed. 

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This group exhibition encourages artists and viewers to consider the emotions, stigma, struggles and healing that surround mental health and how individuals impacted personally or tangentially find solace and strength. Visit both locations to see work contributed by area artists.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller, Hazelden Betty Ford, Franconia Sculpture Park, Stillwater Public Library and other libraries located between St. Croix Falls, WI and Hastings, MN.

Join us April 3 through May 16 at Art’s House Gallery in River Falls, Wisconsin to see fantastic wearable art and visible mending by regional artists.

This year, Art's House is partnering with EarthFest at UW-River Falls April 26th and select pieces will be included in the EarthFest Trashion Show at 1pm in the Eagle's Nest at UWRF. This exciting free event reminds us to recycle, reuse, and repurpose. Join us!

Art's House Gallery Meet the Artists Reception: Thursday, April 10, 2025 6-8pm

EarthFest Trashion Show: Saturday, April 26, 2025 1pm located at the Eagle's Nest in the Student Union at UWRF.

EVENT CANCELLED: Hazelden Betty Ford is a national leader, with a national reach, based in our backyard. Hear from Dr. Christine Wilder about restoring hope, healing, and health to those affected by substance use and their families.

This event is sponsored by Hazelden Betty Ford.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller, Hazelden Betty Ford, Franconia Sculpture Park, Stillwater Public Library and other libraries located between St. Croix Falls, WI and Hastings, MN.

Theme: Earth Day Hooray!

Space is limited and reservations are required, please call CNC at 651-437-4359.

Location: Carpenter Nature Center Minnesota Campus, 12805 St. Croix Trail South, Hastings MN 55033

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Program Fee: $6 per child or $4 per child for ‘Friends of CNC.’

Join us at the Gasthaus on Aschermittwochen (Ash Wednesday, March 5th) and every Friday during Lent thru and including Karfreitag (Good Friday, April 18th). Our Lenten fish special is three healthy pieces of Kabeljau (cod) served alongside Kartoffelbrei (mashed potatoes) and Krautsalat (coleslaw) all for just $24.

Wilson’s provocative and bizarre story about a family of performance artists was adapted into a movie of the same name. The Family Fang, was Jason Bateman's 2nd directorial feature starring Bateman, Nicole Kidman and Christopher Walken. Popcorn will be served!

Get ready for a night of twists, turns, and tantalizing mystery! The Murder Mystery Co. by Scott Cramton welcomes you to a thrilling mystery experience where every clue brings you closer to the truth (or deeper into suspicion). Mingle with intriguing suspects, uncover shocking secrets, and savor a mouthwatering three-course meal. But watch out! You could end up as the cold-blooded killer! Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of suspense and laughter. Grab your tickets now!

Participate in a new mystery every month! From the glitz of 1930s Hollywood in “Best Laid Plans” to the roaring 1920s with “Death of a Gangster”, each event offers unforgettable thrills. Boogie at a 1950s sock hop, solve a 90s crime in “Good Riddance”, or celebrate the season with “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year”. Whether it's a billionaire’s masquerade, a 1980s bash, or a chilling wedding-themed whodunit, there’s a unique mystery waiting for you. Mark your calendar and join the fun. Each month brings a fresh adventure!

As the Sheriff sleeps, break out of your cell, raid the courthouse for a hefty stash of cash, and vanish into the night across the Mississippi River. The clock is ticking, the stakes are high, and the law is hot on your tail.

Grab your friends and stop on by!

Date: March 22nd, March 29th, April 5th, April 19th, May 2nd

Time: 7:30pm (doors), 8pm (music) + 11pm (event ends)

Location: Loft 214 (214 Main Street South, Stillwater, MN 55082)

DJs Lyzardo will tee you up for your moment of rock stardom!

Admission:

General Admission & All Ages- FREE! Please RSVP!

Please note that limited seating is available. Enjoy wine and tap specials all night! Event is all ages. Full bar available for purchase. Ask our bartender about fun mocktail & cocktails! Outside food permitted.
*Cheer on, join from the audience, get a taste of the spotlight as you sing your heart out!*

Registration:

Sign up for your chance to perform your favorite song and arrive early!

Questions? Email [email protected]

Enjoy our delicious Easter Buffet with your family. We will be closing after the brunch buffet so we workers of the Gasthaus can spend time with our families after we serve you and yours.

Reservations are required.

Join us for a memorable Easter celebration filled with great food and joyful moments! Our menu offers a diverse selection of dishes for $50 per person, and kids' for 12 and under at $18 per person.

The menu features:

Starters & Sides: Fruit platter, crudité, Caesar salad, house salad, cheese platter, biscuits with sausage gravy, shells & cheese, and au gratin potatoes.
Proteins: Grilled salmon, shaved prime rib, ham, smoked salmon, shrimp cocktail, bacon, sausage, and chicken breast.
Eggs: Eggs Benedict, mini quiche, ham & cheese omelet, and cheese & chive scrambled eggs.
Sweets: Blueberry lemon bread pudding, French toast, assorted pastries, petit fours, cannoli’s, and caramel rolls.

Learn about the choices that are made when designing cover art for books including Kevin Wilson’s Nothing to See Here, this year’s NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley selection. For one week at each location, this touring exhibition will feature an interactive element for readers of all ages. Reveal 5 alternative book covers by making rubbings of artworks by St. Croix Valley artists including: Jennifer Anderson, Mimi Exon, Diana Hatchitt, Peter Jadoonath and Carrie Katzenmeyer.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller, Hazelden Betty Ford, Franconia Sculpture Park, Stillwater Public Library and other libraries located between St. Croix Falls, WI and Hastings, MN.

Dive into Jonathan Haidt’s groundbreaking exploration of the youth mental health crisis in this engaging 3-part group study hosted by Stillwater Community Ed. Together, we’ll unpack societal shifts, including smartphones and social media, and we’ll explore practical strategies for fostering resilience.

Dive into Jonathan Haidt’s groundbreaking exploration of the youth mental health crisis in this engaging 3-part group study hosted by Stillwater Community Ed. Together, we’ll unpack societal shifts, including smartphones and social media, and we’ll explore practical strategies for fostering resilience.

Let's talk about Kevin Wilson's "ability to craft an everyday family drama and inject it with one odd element that turns the story on its head." In Nothing to See Here, the children burst into flames when they are agitated. Join a book discussion and spark conversations about neurodiversity, self-control, caring for each other and finding community.

Join our 8-week Beginning Wheel-Throwing Ceramics class at WHAT Art School to explore the art of creating functional and artistic pottery. Perfect for beginners, this course offers hands-on experience with wheel-throwing techniques, including centering, shaping, trimming, and glazing. Each week, you'll receive personalized instruction and practice creating unique pieces. Whether you're looking to develop new skills or simply explore your creative side, this class provides a supportive environment for growth and artistic expression.

What You’ll Learn:
How to center clay and create basic forms like bowls and mugs.Trimming, surface decoration, and glazing techniques to finish your pieces. The full process of creating functional and artistic pottery!

Class Details: April 9 - May 28 Time: Wednesdays, 6:30–9:30 PM Price: $475 (25 lbs of clay included, additional clay available for purchase) Ages: 16+ (Max class size)
No experience required! You’ll get hands-on practice and personalized instruction in a supportive, creative environment.

Limited spots, so reserve yours now at the link below!
https://whatartschool.com/classes/p/beginner-ceramics-class

Kevin Wilson is the author of five novels including this year's NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley selection, Nothing to See Here , a New York Times bestseller. Wilson will talk about his inspiration, writing process, and his own anxiety and unpredictability. He lives in Tennessee, with his wife, the poet Leigh Anne Couch, and his two sons. Wilson is an Associate Professor in the English & Creative Writing Department at the University of the South. During his trip to the St. Croix Valley, Wilson will treat us to stories behind Nothing to See Here and may even tease his forthcoming novel Run for the Hills (May 2025).

An Evening with Kevin Wilson is presented by ArtReach St. Croix with support from Valley Bookseller and libraries across the lower St. Croix Valley.

Lobby opens at 6pm and doors open at 6:15pm.

Limit 6 tickets per reservation. Donations will be requested.

An ASL interpreter will be available at this event.

NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller, Hazelden Betty Ford, Franconia Sculpture Park, Stillwater Public Library and libraries located in St. Croix Valley communities between St. Croix Falls, WI and Hastings, MN.

NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Let's talk about Kevin Wilson's "ability to craft an everyday family drama and inject it with one odd element that turns the story on its head." In Nothing to See Here, the children burst into flames when they are agitated. Join a book discussion and spark conversations about neurodiversity, self-control, caring for each other and finding community.