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.
Join us in reading Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson- find FREE Read & Release copies at ArtReach or receive 15% off a copy at Valley Bookseller or Chapter2Books! Discover a variety of events happening during the month of April- book discussions, art exhibitions, film screenings, writing workshops, an author talk with Kevin Wilson, and more!
Art Exhibition: Mental Health, finding creative solace
ArtReach St. Croix 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.
EXHIBITION OPENING APRIL 3 / 6-8PM / ArtReach St. Croix’s Royal Credit Union Foundation Gallery,
224 N. 4th Street, Stillwater, MN 55082
ON VIEW at 2 locations:
APRIL 3-MAY 10 / ArtReach St. Croix
Wed-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 12-4pm
April 3-May 11 / Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 Pine Street West, Stillwater MN
Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm; Sat & Sun, 10am-4:30pm
An Evening with Kevin Wilson: Author Talk with Q&A
Join us at Trinity Church on Thursday, April 24, 2025 for an exciting event where you can meet the talented author Kevin Wilson. Get ready to dive into the world of literature as Kevin shares insights into his writing process, inspirations, and more. After the talk there will be a Q & A session. Don’t miss this unique chance to connect with the author in person! This event is FREE, but registration is required and donations are requested. Register at the link below or call 651-439-1465.
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. 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 library branches across the lower St. Croix Valley.
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Trinity Church, Stillwater
Art on Tour: Reveal the Art of Cover Design
This interactive display will give you insight into choices and decisions that are made when designing book covers. 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.
March 17-23 | Stillwater Public Library
March 24-29 | Bayport Public Library
March 31-April 5 | River Falls Public Library
April 7-13 | Pleasant Hills Library
April 14-19 | Somerset Public Library
April 21-26 | Wilberg Memorial Public Library of Osceola
April 28-May 3 | St. Croix Falls Public Library
May 5-11 | UWRF Chalmer Davee Library
Valborg: An Event at Franconia Sculpture Park
Short for Valborgsmassoafton, the last of April, this Swedish tradition welcomes spring and a brighter future. Gather around a bonfire to document what you want to leave behind (we’ll provide the paper) and let it go up in flames!
Date: April 30
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: 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.