Calendar of Events

Lohtu Ceramics' studio

Amanda Kelly is currently accepting applications for private ceramic studio membership and plans to open her business in the same storefront on Main Street fall/winter 2023 with additional consignment and volunteer opportunities for studio members. "Lohtu" (low-too) is a Finnish word like the Nordic concept of hygge -- finding delight in life's simple pleasures; little things that bring comfort and healing to your soul. "I'm so excited to bring my art and passion for creativity to Main Street in my hometown," Amanda says. "My vision is to not only continue to expand my own body of work, but to instill a love of art and ceramics in others by providing a facility and programming to engage people from all backgrounds and art experience. I believe that at our very core, we were made to create."

Private studio membership offers the opportunity for serious hobbyists, small-scale producers, pottery instructors, and ceramic side-hustlers to have a unique shared workspace. Private studio membership includes unlimited 24/7 key card access to the studio, generous individual storage spaces, free recycled house clay, free bisque firings, shared tools, 3 Shimpo wheels, slab roller, extruder, pug mill and more! Limited use ‘Firing-Only’ memberships also are available. For more info, or to apply, contact Amanda at amanda@lohtuceramics.com or text/call 218-252-3005. See her work at www.lohtuceramics.store.

Being a Nurse at Abu Ghraib

Deanna Germain will be the speaker at the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program September 5 on being a nurse at Abu Ghraib. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at a new location, The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Area Arts Community

Artist and retired educator Dawn Rossbach will talk about the area arts community for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program September 12. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Creating Landscapes Using Alcohol Inks

A workshop, "Creating Landscapes Using Alcohol Inks" with Carole Euerle, will be offered Saturday, September 16 from 10 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. at the Armory Arts and Events Center Artist Studio. Cost for the workshop is $40 plus a materials fee of $25. Participants will be landscape painting using alcohol inks. No prior painting experience necessary. This workshop is available in collaboration with the Bagley Area Arts Collaborative.

Magic of the Snowy Owl

On September 19, Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning diverts from its in-person programming to show a PBS documentary on "Magic of the Snowy Owl," with footage of the unique creatures as they breed and attempt to raise their young in the harsh Arctic environment. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

StART Leap Concert with The Upper Mississippians

The Armory Arts and Events Center (AA&EC) is excited to be participating in Art Leap for the first time this year! To kick off the Art Leap weekend, come to AA&EC’s StART Leap Concert Friday, September 22 starting at 5:30 p.m. and listen to the Big Band music of The Upper Mississippians! Cost is $10 at the door to hear these wonderful musicians.

For Art Leap Saturday and Sunday, September 23 and 24, there will be a pop-up exhibition and market on the AA&EC main floor organized by the Animikii Print Club, a collective of indigenous artists based in Mahnomen. Exhibiting artists: Joseph J. Allen, photography, Courtney Bunker, prints and jewelry, Kent Estey, paintings and prints, Nedahness Greene, photography, and Emily Klarer, screen-printing. The Gallery at the Armory will also be open for the weekend and hosts artworks in a variety of media, including sculptures, photography, oils and watercolors.

Art Leap 2023

Art Leap, an "open studio event" featuring artists and guest artists, will offer 30 sites and feature nearly 100 artists at studios and other locations in Hubbard, Becker and Wadena counties September 23 and 24. Sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Hop from studio to studio, learn process, appreciate skill and support the artists. Let fall's natural beauty inspire you as it does the artists as you pass lakes and travel country roads.

See what's new at studios and sites you've visited in the past and find new places that will be part of this year's event. Heartland Arts sponsors Art Leap with funding provided, in part, by Itasca-Mantrap's Operation Round Up, Park Rapids Downtown Business Association and West Acres Cares. This activity is also funded by a Region 2 Arts Council Grant through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund passed by Minnesota voters on Nov. 4, 2008.

Download the EVENT GUIDE for Art Leap 2023.

Apollo: Why We Went to the Moon

David Jones will cover Apollo: Why We Went tto the Moon for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program September 26. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Drawing from Nature

Chris Tolman will lead a workshop, "Drawing from Nature" from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 30 at the Armory Arts and Events Center Artist Studio. Cost for this workshop is $40 with a materials fee of $20. Draw along with Chris as she guides you through the process of layering colored pencils to create a realistic Blue Jay with depth and vibrancy. No prior painting experience necessary. This workshop is available in collaboration with the Bagley Area Arts Collaborative.

Organize and Declutter Your Home

The Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program October 3 will be Organize and Declutter Your Home by Jessica Pitman. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Sculpture Trail People’s Choice Award

The Park Rapids Arts and Culture Advisory Commission will give a People's Choice Award to the sculptor who wins the popular vote again this year. The 13 sculptures that are part of this year's Park Rapids Sculpture Trail are on the ballot available at the Park Rapids Area Library, Park Rapids Chamber Visitor Center and City Hall. Cast your ballot at the library by Friday, Oct. 6 or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PRsculpturetrail.

Author Visit for Kids

Minnesota children's author and outdoor enthusiast Kevin Lovegreen will be at the Park Rapids Area Library Saturday, October 7 for a special book talk for kids. Kevin finds great joy inspiring kids to read, write and enjoy the outdoors. Young readers follow Lucky Luke on amazing hunting and fishing adventures in his award-winning book series, Lucky Luke's Hunting Adventures. Lovegreen uses his unique outdoor theme to entertain kids while teaching and inspiring them to write their own stories. This event will be paid for with funds from the Legacy Amendment.

Take and Make Kits

Pick up your Take and Make Kit with macrame feathers starting October 10 at the Park Rapids Area Library. Take and Make Kits are free of charge and distributed on a first-come first-served basis.

The Road to Morocco

Ernie Rall from Bemidji will speak on The Road to Morocco for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program October 10. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Minnesota State Band 125th Anniversary Concert

The Minnesota State Band's fall tour celebrating the organization's 125-year history will include a free concert in Park Rapids at 7 p.m. Thursday, October 12 at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium. In 1963, the band was reformed as a state employee band with an all-volunteer membership, playing at official State of Minnesota events and in the community. The Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council and Park Rapids Community Education are sponsoring the event which will include an afternoon program for Century Middle School and Area High School band students.

Songs and Stories from Hubbard County History

Brian Miller will entertain with Songs and Stories from Hubbard County History for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning audience October 17. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Fall Craft Swap

The Craft Swap is back by popular demand! Donations will be accepted October16-18 for the Fall Craft Swap which will be held Thursday, October 19. What better motivation to clean your craft closets and start dreaming up your next projects?

The Opioid Crisis

Michele Thieman, MD, and Kathy Nevins, NP, will talk about the Opioid Crisis for the Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning program October 24. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at The Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free and handicapped accessible. Refreshments and treats provided.

Driftwood Basket Workshop

On Saturday, October 28 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. the Armory Arts and Events Center will host a "Driftwood Basket Workshop." Join artist Shannon Lucas Westrum in creating your own unique driftwood basket. Weavers will be given a choice of round reed and flat rattan, with the opportunity to add accents of dyed reed or local grasses. The instructor will supply all weaving materials, clip, shears, water tubs and rags. Students may bring their own towels, spray bottles or aprons (in case of snags) if they wish. Shannon is a fiscal year 2023 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

Take and Make Kits

Pick up your Take and Make Kit with beautiful Cut and Fold Bookmarks starting November 17 at the Park Rapids Area Library. Take and Make Kits are free of charge and distributed on a first-come first-served basis.

Community Ed trip to New York City

Travel on a coach bus to New York City November 29 through December 7 to see the Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway and the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. To register or for more information, call 218-237-6600.

Community Ed trip to the Concordia Christmas Concert

Attend the Concordia Christmas Concert on a Community Ed trip Saturday, December 2. To register or for more information, call 218-237-6600.

Bemidji Brass Quintet

The Bemidji Brass Quintet will give a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 14 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Members are Kyle Riess, trumpet; Alyssa Konecne, trombone; Jeff Johnson, bass and trombone; Eve Sumsky, horn; Scott Guidry, trumpet.