NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is a regional month-long program that features multi-disciplinary art events focused on themes found in the selected book.
Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ – We Are All Related – this is how Diane Wilson, like many Dakota, opens conversation voicing the important value of reciprocity. We are honored to be co-creating NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley with Diane and Franconia Sculpture Park. In April 2026, ArtReach and our regional library partners will connect people to the magic of place through multi-disciplinary programs around Wilson’s novel The Seed Keeper – a river story. As it says in the book, “The river was the pulse of our people, flowing through generations.” As a resident of Scandia, Diane Wilson believes this Big Read will be, “the one with heart,” as it connects to her home community.
2026 Programming
*more info coming soon*
Previous years NEA Big Read
2025
NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley is a regional month-long program that features multi-disciplinary art events focused on themes found in the selected book. During the month of April 2025, ArtReach will work with area libraries and other multi-disciplinary partners to present NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley. This month of programs will revolve around Kevin Wilson’s unpredictable novel Nothing to See Here where the children are literally fiery. It challenges us to reconsider neurodiversity, self-control and caregiving.
2024 Programming Included
Art Exhibition: Mental Health, finding creative solace
An Evening with Kevin Wilson: Author Talk with Q&A
Art on Tour: Reveal the Art of Cover Design
Valborg: An Event at Franconia Sculpture Park
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.