The Heartland Arts board meets at noon at the Armory Arts and Events Center office. Meetings are the second Monday of the month, unless posted otherwise.
(Event dates are subject to change - please check organizers’ websites)
2024
February
1st-29th - SnowTime to READ challenge at the Park Rapids Area Librarymore info...
SnowTime to READ challenge
What if there was something you could do that would magically make winter seem a little shorter? Snowtime to Read is the library's annual reading program for adults (18 and older) filled with fun activities and prizes. Register in person to pick up your book log and get a prize just for signing up. After reading 5 books, you can select a book to keep! Those who complete 10 books before February 29 can choose between a mug or stainless tumbler, as well as another book to keep, and will enter the drawing for additional prizes including the Grand Prize basket valued at over $100! Not only will you reap the rewards of reading, but you’ll also collect additional prizes! What a warm and wonderful way to occupy the frigid winter months.
1st-29th - Shannon Lucas Westrum art basketry at the Gallery @ the Armorymore info...
Shannon Lucas Westrum art basketry
Featured artist in the Gallery @ the Armory through March 1 will be Shannon Lucas Westrum. Currently she is exploring the fusion of modern and traditional techniques with locally sourced materials as they apply to art basketry. "It’s not unusual for a family excursion to include my teenagers beach combing for driftwood and interesting rocks, or into the forest to collect grasses, tree barks, antlers and rushes,"" she says. "I’m moved to create unique sculptural shapes that flow with and emphasize the natural elements I’ve used as my focal points."" These materials are combined with primary materials of round reed (rattan) or willow to create both sculptural pieces and those with practical uses.
3rd - Heartland Concert Association: Yu and Imore info...
Heartland Concert Association: Yu and I
Heartland Concert Association will present Yu & I, violin and guitar duo, at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 3, at the Park Rapids Area High School Auditorium. Yu & I will take the audience on a journey of folk music, not only from their homelands of Korea and Germany, but from other composers from around the world. YuEun Kim and Ines Thomé met in 2013 when they both had just moved to the U.S., YuEun from Korea and Ines from Germany, serendipitously finding themselves as housemates in an old Victorian building in Los Angeles. Both studying at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music, they immediately connected through their love of chamber music and good Korean food. Classically trained in guitar and violin, Yu & I will captivate audiences with the highest level of artistry. If you don’t have a season ticket, individual concert tickets may be purchased at the door for $25 (or if accompanied by a member $15).
10th - 2nd Saturday STEM activity at the Park Rapids Area Library
13th - Pick up day for adult Take & Make Kits at the Park Rapids Area Librarymore info...
Pick up day for adult Take & Make Kits
Feeling crafty? Try the library's Take and Make kits for adults! Pick yours up the second Monday of each month through March. Pick up a Valentine's Day themed kit starting February 13. Stop in and pick one up while supplies last!
15th - Open Mic Night at the Armory Arts & Events Centermore info...
Open Mic Night
Open Mic Night will be February 15 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. Performances are from 7 to 9 p.m. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 or email jkjenaas@parkrapidsarmory.org to sign up for a time slot.
15th - Matinee with Marian at Park Theatermore info...
Matinee with Marian
Nemeth Art Center is hosting Marian Bull as an artist-in-residence and she will be featured in a matinee from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, February 15 at Park Theater. Marian is a writer, editor and ceramicist living in Brooklyn, NY. She writes a weekly cooking newsletter called MESS HALL, and is at work on her first book about the stage magic company she grew up in, which is part memoir and part oral history project.
17th - Lydia Rose Live in Concert at the Armory Arts and Events Centermore info...
Lydia Rose Live in Concert
Emerging singer-songwriter Lydia Rose will showcase her talent in the country music genre in a concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, February 17 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. The concert will include a never before seen performance of all her originals and a few of her favorite covers.
24th - Unincorporated Rated - Artist Reception and Photo Documentary Exhibitmore info...
Unincorporated Rated - Artist Reception and Photo Documentary Exhibit
Join Laura Grisamore for the Project Unincorporated MN reception and photo documentary exhibit showcasing photos and stories from 33 unincorporated towns in Northern Minnesota. She will give an artist talk from 1:30 to 2 p.m. and the exhibit will be open from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, February 24 in Studio 3 on the second floor at the Armory Arts and Events Center. The exhibit will be comprised of 117 photos from 8"x8"s to 40"x20". This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
27th - Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: Bam'idizowigamig Creator's Placemore info...
Bam'idizowigamig Creator's Place
Jean Kruft will give the audience an inside look at an inspiring creative enterprise involving beautiful Ojibwe art being produced in Pine Point. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free, handicapped accessible and there is plenty of parking.
March
2nd - Celtic Weaving Class at the Armory Arts & Events Centermore info...
Celtic Weaving Class
A Celtic Weaving Class with Shannon Lucas Westrum will be offered in the Armory Arts and Events Center Art Studio from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Cost will be $40. Maximum class size will be 15 with a minimum of eight participants. Sign up by calling 218-237-3722.
3rd - Open Artist Studio at the Armory Arts & Events Centermore info...
Open Artist Studio
A new Open Artist Studio at the Armory provides a supervised space to come in and experiment or bring a project of your own to work on. Fee for use of the art studio from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. is $5. Dates the art studio will be open in March are Sundays, March 3, 10 and 17. Watch the AA&EC website for dates the art studio will be open throughout the year.
5th - Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: Northwoods Wildlife Rescuemore info...
Northwoods Wildlife Rescue
Julie Dickie will share photos and heart-warming stories of dedicated volunteers bringing injured animals back to their natural habitat. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free, handicapped accessible and there is plenty of parking.
5th - "Time and Place: Tallgrass Prairie Story" exhibit opens at the Gallery @ The Armorymore info...
"Time and Place: Tallgrass Prairie Story" exhibit
Starting March 5, the new featured artist at the Gallery @ The Armory will be Cindy Kolling's "Time and Place: Tallgrass Prairie Story," a 12 part series. The drawings and paintings start with Cindy's field sketches, photographs, references to actual plants at varying seasons and conditions, and other components. They are a composite of influencing personal experiences, and guidance from knowledgeable prairie enthusiasts, referencing many books, articles and presentations and a lot of help, advice and patience from friends, family and colleagues.
9th - 2nd Saturday STEM at the Park Rapids Area Librarymore info...
2nd Saturday STEM
Learn how to set up a cardboard loom and begin your weaving at the 2nd Saturday STEM event on circular weaving from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 9 at the Park Rapids Area Library. Not enough time to complete your project? No worries, take the materials home with you and work on it at your leisure. This event is free and open to the public. Participants 8-years and younger should be accompanied by an older sibling, friend or parent.
11th - 2nd Street Stage button design contest deadlinemore info...
2nd Street Stage button design contest deadline
The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association (PRDBA) is sponsoring a 2nd Street Stage button design contest with a $250 cash prize to the winner. Please draw your design within a 4-inch circle. Designs must include “2024,” “2nd St Stage” and “Park Rapids, MN.” They may be full color or black and white with color accents. Designs may be submitted on paper to the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association, P.O. Box 142, Park Rapids, MN 56470 or digitally as a pdf or jpg emailed to luann47@gmail.com. Submissions must be received by noon Monday, March 11.
12th - Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: The Night Before Gettysburgmore info...
The Night Before Gettysburg
Chuck Johnson's one-man play eloquently and movingly dramatizes the intense thought process of Abraham Lincoln at a crucial time in American history. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free, handicapped accessible and there is plenty of parking.
14th - Spring Craft Swap at the Park Rapids Area Librarymore info...
Spring Craft Swap
The Craft Swap is back again from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14 at the Park Rapids Area Library. Bring your extra craft and art supplies into the library at the beginning of the week to get your early entry ticket! You do not need to donate something to participate after 12:30 p.m. in the no-cost exchange. Come be inspired to try something new!
19th - Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: Park Rapids Competitive Speech Studentsmore info...
Park Rapids Competitive Speech Students
Talented local high school students demonstrate their competition entries in categories such as Original Oratory, Storytelling and Prose Interpretation with up to 10 minutes each. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free, handicapped accessible and there is plenty of parking.
21st - Open Mic Night at the Armory Arts & Events Centermore info...
Open Mic Night
Open Mic Night will be March 21 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. Performances are from 7 to 9 p.m. Come to appreciate the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 to sign up for a time slot.
21st-23rd - Northern Light Opera Company auditionsmore info...
Northern Light Opera Company auditions
The Northern Light Opera Company (NLOC) will be presenting “Chicago” for 2024’s Summer Production. “Chicago” is the second longest-running show on Broadway and won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2002. Set in 1920s Chicago and based on real crimes that made sensational headlines, audiences will be introduced to a taste of “speak-easy” life around the time when WWI was ending.
Auditions will be held at the Armory Arts & Events Center the weekend of March 21-23. NLOC’s stage director and choreographer will be in Park Rapids from New York City and Minneapolis to conduct the auditions. Singers, actors and dancers of all ages will have a chance to try out for a role and again connect with friends from past productions. There will also be an opportunity to audition via ZOOM. NLOC’s website - northernlightopera.org - will have more information. Production dates will be July 23, 27, 28, 31 and August 1, 2 and 3.
22nd - Special story time with a firefightermore info...
Special story time with a firefighter
Learn all about firefighters and the jobs they do to keep us safe and what you can do to help! This special story time with firefighter Crystal Krautkremer will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 22.
26th - Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: Hiking the Appalachian Trailmore info...
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Local adventurer and hiker Ella Lundstrom will take us on a virtual expedition with pictures and stories of her recent 2,200-mile trek. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free, handicapped accessible and there is plenty of parking.
April
2nd - Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: Breaking the Code: A True Story by a Hells Angels President and the Cop who Pursued Himmore info...
Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: Breaking the Code: A True Story by a Hells Angels President and the Cop who Pursued Him
Chris Omodt, veteran police officer, and Hells Angels founder Pat Matter discuss the investigation into the Hells Angels. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free, handicapped accessible and there is plenty of parking.
6th - Side by Side Drawing Class at the Armory Arts & Events Centermore info...
Side by Side Drawing Class
Artist Dawn Rossbach will lead a drawing class with beginning and experienced drawers working side by side to take on the challenge of trying new methods. Beginners will benefit from learning the fundamentals of how to draw with instructor oversight, and experienced participants will be able to explore experimental drawing. The class will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (including break times) Saturday, April 6 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. Note: Only beverages in lidded containers are allowed in the studio. There are areas to enjoy snacks or lunch outside the studio space as no food will be allowed.
9th - Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: Even More Frauds and Scams to Watch Formore info...
Even More Frauds and Scams to Watch For
Marty Fleishhacker of the Minnesota Department of Commerce returns by popular request to update the audience on what scammers are up to lately. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free, handicapped accessible and there is plenty of parking.
16th - Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning: "Power and Light"more info...
"Power and Light"
Will Weaver will discuss his gripping new novel that tells the story of a Norwegian immigrant family in North Dakota confronting a powerful enemy. HCLL programs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Event Room, 1104 Park Ave. So. Sessions are free, handicapped accessible and there is plenty of parking.
18th - Open Mic Nightmore info...
Open Mic Night
Open Mic Night starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. Come to enjoy our talented community members or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 to sign up for a time slot.
20th - Superstars of STEM at The Event Roommore info...
Superstars of STEM
All are welcome at a Superstars of STEM event from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Veronica Pinnick, NASA engineer, and there will be an interactive panel discussion. Panelists will answer questions about their careers and offer advice and encouragement to young people who are interested in working in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields someday. The event will begin with hands-on STEM activities and demonstrations and will include a designated area where young children and their families can enjoy STEM fun for little ones! Attendees, who are 18 years and younger, will receive a swag bag and be eligible for door prizes. We think everyone will be inspired and empowered by our team of Superstars, and we hope those who are interested in a STEM career will find the confidence to explore that possibility. As with all library events, there is no charge to attend.
22nd - Earth Day Celebration at The Tin Ceiling Gallerymore info...
Earth Day Celebration
The public is invited to an Earth Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, April 22 at the Tin Ceiling Gallery for the opening of the Hubbard County DAC's newest exhibit, Circuit City: A recycled art show. This exhibit will feature the amazing work made by talented DAC artists at The Depot. Join us for a day filled with creativity, art talks, inspiration and a celebration of our planet. We can't wait to see you there!
28th - Heartland Concert: "Feels Like Home"more info...
"Feels Like Home"
Tina Scariano will complete the Heartland Concert Association’s 2023-24 season with her show, "Feels Like Home," at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 28 at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium. Tickets are available at the door or attend this concert for free if you purchase a new membership for the 2024-25 season.
"Feels Like Home" is a '70s folk rock show celebrating the queens of rock like Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell and more! Tina Scariano creates a nostalgic look back on the songs and stories through her rich, smooth tone.
To see the 2024-25 concert lineup, go to https://heartlandconcertassociation.org/concerts-2024-25.html. The season starts Sept. 30. Membership packets may be picked up at Beagle and Wolf Books in Park Rapids, Northwoods Grocery and Cafe in Nevis or Thrifty White Drug in Walker. Ticket holders also may attend reciprocity concerts in Wadena.
May
2nd - Nemeth Art Center opens with E.V. Day and Emma Beatrez exhibitsmore info...
Nemeth Art Center opens
When the Nemeth Art Center opens Thursday, May 2 featured artists will be E.V. Day and Emma Beatrez. Day is a New York-based artist whose work explores themes of sexuality and humor while employing gravity-defying suspension techniques. By manipulating iconic imagery from popular culture, she re-animates the recognizable into new forms that illuminate contradictions in gender roles and stretch the confines of social stereotypes. Recently awarded the prestigious Rome Prize for Visual Arts by the American Academy in Rome, Day worked for a year in the Eternal City where she continued a 20-year practice of creating sculptures that interact with, and respond to renowned architectural spaces.
Emma Beatrez, New Prague, MN, is an interdisciplinary artist based in Minneapolis. They graduated from Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2020 with an MFA in Interdisciplinary Visual Studies and received their BFA with an emphasis in painting at North Dakota State University in 2018. Beatrez is the co-founder/curator at Night Club gallery in St. Paul alongside artist Lee Noble and represented by Hair + Nails gallery in Minneapolis.
Hours this season will be 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
4th - Paper Quilling Workshop at the Armory Arts & Events Center
3rd & 5th - Park Rapids Classic Chorale Concertsmore info...
Park Rapids Classic Chorale Concerts
Spring is almost here, and that means the Park Rapids Classic Chorale is in rehearsal for its annual spring concerts Friday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 5 at 3 p.m. Numbers included in the concerts will range from favorite spirituals like "Ain’t Got Time to Die," "Down in the River to Pray" and "Rock-a-My-Soul," to other familiar hymns like "Be Still," "Finlandia" and "Beautiful Savior," all under the direction of Dr. Melanie Hanson. Please note the change in venue: Both free concerts will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. We hope to see you all there, and invite you to join us for refreshments after the concert
8th - Veteran Memorials of Minnesota at the Park Rapids Area Librarymore info...
Veteran Memorials of Minnesota
Experience a tour of some of Minnesota's best Veteran Memorials through photographer Jay Grammonds' stunning work and insights in a program from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 8 at the Park Rapids Area Library. Jay grew up in Central Minnesota, in a small town that really piqued his interest and passion for Veterans through its Memorial Day services, Poppy sales and a veteran history going back to the Civil War. He loves to travel the state and is excited to share this passion with you to encourage you to get out there and explore on your own.
9th - Friends of the Library Spring Book Salemore info...
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale
Find thousands of books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles at the Friends of the Library’s Spring Book Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 9. Free will donations are accepted but no change is available so please pay by cash or with a check. The Friends will provide one free blue tote to hold all your treasures.
12th - Park Rapids Area Community Band Concert at the Area High School Auditoriummore info...
Park Rapids Area Community Band Spring Concert
The Park Rapids Area Community Band will give a Spring Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12 at the Area High School Auditorium. Director is Adam Tervola-Hultberg; Dr. Russell Pesola is associate director. The Park Rapids Area Community Band has been rehearsing and performing for local and regional audiences since 1991. In the years since, the band has grown to be a polished ensemble of woodwind, brass and percussion musicians from the surrounding area including such communities as Park Rapids, Bemidji, Bagley, Menahga, Detroit Lakes and others. Many participants are area band directors, music teachers and freelance instrumentalists. The band has been rehearsing Saturdays since February for the program which includes a Suite of Old American Dances, Highlights from Les Miserables, Alleluia! Laudamus Te, The Klaxon, Hymn to the Fallen, Goin' Home, Overture in C, marches and several patriotic numbers. There is no admission charge but free will donations are invited. Summer Concerts are planned at 7 p.m. Friday, June 28 at Menahga, 7 p.m. Sunday, June 30 at Itasca State Park and 7:30 p.m. July 4th at Heartland Park. For more information, go to pracb.com.
15th - Skally Line Band at the Park Rapids Area Librarymore info...
Skally Line Band
The Skally Line Band brings the old stories of Minnesota to life with energy and passion! They will perform at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 at the Park Rapids Area Library. The Skally Line steams its way around the curves and bends of early American music like stringband blues, Appalachian ballads, fiddle tunes, early country and bluegrass, and Tin Pan Alley music. Along the way, they’ll tell you forgotten stories about old Minnesota, play original music rooted in that history, and have a rip-roaring good time!
16th - Open Mic Nightmore info...
Open Mic Night
Open Mic Night starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 16 at the Armory Arts and Events Center. Come to enjoy our talented community members or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 to sign up for a time slot.
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