ArtReach Events Calendar

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.

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 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

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 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.

(Must be 21+ to participate)
Join our pastry chef for a hands-on sourdough bread making class, paired with a fun drink mixing session! You’ll learn every step of the sourdough process, from mixing your starter to shaping and baking your loaf.

While learning the craft of your bread, our team will guide you through mixing delicious drinks to pair with your freshly baked sourdough. At the end of the class, take home a starter, a lam, your own loaf of bread, and newfound cocktail skills.

Studio show featuring the oil paintings of Mary Jo Van Dell and portrait artist John Kaul. Mary Jo's work's for this show are primarily landscapes. She is known to capture the landscapes intangibles and personalities, which she considers to be portraits of nature. John's fascination with history and art has led to this distinct series of paintings, portraying famous artists coupled with their quotes.

Other artwork in the studio includes glass by Alan Honn, wood folk art by Don Gahr and sculptural textile artist Laura Albertson.

Located above the iconic and Historic General Store in Marine On St Croix.

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.

Soma yoga is a very gentle and slow-paced practice to decrease tension in chronically tight areas, focusing on alignment and stability when finding our classic asanas (yoga poses). This is a great practice to “reset” our bodies for improved mobility, stability and function.

Learn a series of gentle somatic movements to relieve tension in chronically tight areas and find your best classic asana variation for a practice that is generous and kind to your body.

Please note this class will meet the following Saturdays:
Jan/Feb Series:  Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 2025

Drop ins welcome.  Cost will be $12 per session payable before class.

Students are asked to bring:

mat
strap
pillow or bath towel
Water bottle encouraged!

Skill Level
Beginner, or those wanting to include a gentle reset practice for their bodies

Age Requirement
Students ages 18 and older are welcome to attend this class.

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $60 for the January and February sessions.

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance a teacher’s need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible!

Our instructor will guide you step-by-step as you create your own masterpiece.

📅 April 12, 2025
⏰ 6:30 - 9:00 PM
📍 WHAT Art School, St. Croix Falls
💲 $55 (Includes all materials + first drink free!)

What to Expect:
-Step-by-step painting instruction
-Your choice of beer, wine, or a non-alcoholic drink (first one’s on us!)
-A fun and relaxed atmosphere—perfect for a date night or night out with friends!

Seats are limited—reserve yours today! https://whatartschool.com/classes/p/paint-and-sip

Schedule:

7pm - Doors Open & Adoptable Puppies

8:30pm - Drag Show

IMPORTANT INFO:

Tickets: $10/person general admission, non-reserved seating

Reserved FRONT ROW table: $75/4 person table

*Tickets available for pre-purchase through April 11th and available at the door, pending availability*

Event is 18+

Full bar available for purchase. Live DJ!

Cast to be announced!

Venue is handicapped accessible with street and lot parking on Main and 2nd Street.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Event is 18+

It is not too late to start a garden! April is the perfect time to begin starting seeds for an abundant harvest. Starting your own seeds can be confusing and stressful if you’ve never done it before, but it is so rewarding!

In this class, Gabriella will share tips that reduce the stress and unknowns beginners face. We will cover sustainable seed companies, lighting and greenhouse options, transplanting, preventing dampening off, and general tips for healthy seedlings.

In Seed Starting and Beyond, students will learn about soil building, tips for no-till gardening, and creating edible landscapes that are beautiful and abundant.

Gabriella began starting her own seeds nearly 10 years ago and has come so far (and made many mistakes!). She has found methods of seed starting, organizing, planting, and soil building that have improved her garden and success.

In this class, each student will plan their very own planting calendar tailored to their seeds and garden needs. Students will learn how to read seed packet instructions, do research on frost dates and seed starting timing, mix up their own seed starting mix, make plant pots from newspapers, and plant a tray of their own seeds to take home.

Your instructor will provide the following:

A variety of seed to plant in class
Planting tray
Pot maker tools to take home
A 0.5 gallon mister sprayer to bring home
Newspaper
Seed catalogs and books to look through
Hand out with all class information and local and sustainable seed and garden resources

Students are asked to bring:

Blank 2025 wall calendar
Sharpie marker
Sandwich-size Ziploc bags (at least 10)
Roll of blue painter’s tape
Optional but recommended: seeds you want to plant at home throughout the sowing season, clothes that can get a bit dirty, or an apron if desired.
As your class is scheduled over a lunch hour, we highly recommend you bring a lunch or click HERE to learn about local eating opportunities.

Skill level
Beginners-Intermediate students are welcome. We will be covering basics and beyond!

Age Requirement

Students ages 16 and older are welcome to attend this class. Ages 16-17 can attend with parent permission by email to [email protected].  Students between the ages of 10 and 16 may attend, but the student must attend with a parent or guardian. For Youth discount please email [email protected].

Location Details
Marine Mills Folk School
550 Pine St., Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota 55047

Cost Details
Tuition: $75, and $55 for Youth
Materials Fee: $40
Total Cost: $115, and $95 for Youth

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel the class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance a teacher’s need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible!

Theme: Winter is Coming

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

Location: Carpenter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus - 279 South Cove Road, Hudson, WI 54016

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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

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.

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.

Dr. Christine Wilder is the Midwest Regional Medical Director for the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation providing support and oversight to sites in Center City, St Paul, Plymouth, Chaska, Maple Grove, and Hudson. They are board certified in General and Addiction Psychiatry and have been providing substance use disorder treatment for over 15 years. They have worked as medical director for addiction programs at the VA, in the community, and in academics. Dr Wilder is committed to improving direct patient outcomes through the development and implementation of evidence-based medical services.

Dr. Wilder received their medical degree and a master's degree in Health Evaluation Sciences at University of Virginia, Charlottesville. They completed their psychiatric internship at University of California, Davis, and a psychiatric residency as well as a National Research Services Award post-doctoral fellowship in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Systems at Duke University. Their Addiction Psychiatry fellowship was completed at University of Cincinnati, where they eventually became Associate Professor and Addiction Sciences Division Director in the Department of Psychiatry.

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.’

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!