Calendar of Events

Exhibits by John Fleischer and Rosemary Holliday Hall

The Nemeth Art Center 2026 season has begun with a year of ambitious exhibitions, artist residencies and public programming that continues the commitment to presenting contemporary art. On view through July 18 are works by John Fleischer and Rosemary Holliday Hall. Fleischer is an Ohio-born, Minnesota-based artist whose work in drawing, sculpture, sound and performance explores threshold states, resistance patterns and opportunities for contact. John holds an MFA from the University of Minnesota and is a recipient of the Minnesota State Arts Board's Artist Initiative Grant. He has presented projects at venues such as the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art (Grand Rapids, MI), Kunstverein Graftschaft Bentheim (Neuenhaus, Germany), Foreign & Domestic (New York City), Rochester Art Center (Rochester, MN) and Hair + Nails (Minneapolis. Holliday Hall is a visual artist from Los Angeles, who merges material and sound-based inquiry to uncover overlooked patterns within the natural world. Her work draws out the beauty of hidden structures and chance processes, engaging them across multiple scales simultaneously.

Parking Lot Party

Celebrate summer at the Park Rapids Area Library east side parking lot with crafts, snacks, games and activities from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, July 1. Kids are invited to design their own button, play a gnome beanbag game, plant a tomato, and try rainbow paper spinners, a happy movement cube, giant bubble wand and more.

Bemidji Brass

The Bemidji Brass Quintet will entertain for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 2 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Members are Kyle Riess, trumpet; Alyssa Konecne, trombone; Steve Radley, bass trombone; Eve Sumsky, horn and Craig Swartz, trumpet. The quintet enjoys performing a diverse selection of music including sacred, musical theater and cinema, contemporary, jazz, and standard brass quintet repertoire. The Bemidji Brass Quintet is one of a very few ensemble groups in this area to consistently provide free musical performances for the community. No admission, A free will offering will be taken for the musicians.

The Front Fenders

The Front Fenders is a classic rock group from Fargo. The Front Fenders began in January 1996 as more of a 50s and 60s group. The band has continued to evolve and now represents all decades since. One thing has remained the same: the band makes a party! They will play at 2nd Street Stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 2 in Downtown Park Rapids. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

Creative Watercolor Workshop

Visiting artist Rosemary Holliday Hall will lead a Creature Watercolor Workshop for ages 14-adults from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 2 in the main gallery at Nemeth Art Center. All materials will be provided. Fee is $10. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Pre-Fireworks Concert

Our wonderful Park Rapids Area Community Band will play familiar marches and show tunes, and will honor our military branches with an Armed Forces Salute in a Pre-Fireworks Concert at 7:30 p.m. July 4th in Heartland Park.

Memory Lab Days

Memory Lab Days are back. Here’s a chance to convert your cherished documents and photographs to digital files at the Park Rapids Area Library using a large format scanner. You can even digitize slides and negatives making the images easy to share with family and friends. Hours July, 6, 8 and 9 will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reserve your 45-minute session by calling 218-732-4966.

Emily Kjenaas, Mezzo-Soprano

Mezzo-Soprano Emily Kjenaas will perform at the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 9 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Originally from Park Rapids, Emily is a 10th grade English teacher, speech coach and assistant drama director in Wahpeton, ND. She has received 10 years of private voice lessons, 4 of those under Dr. Ana Miller at the University of Minnesota, Morris. Emily loves musical theatre and greatly appreciates every opportunity to perform in her hometown. There will be a free will offering taken for the musician.

Absolute Grüv

Coming off their blockbuster inaugural performance at 2nd Street Stage, Absolute Grüv is ready to come back for Year 2! For over two decades, The Grüv has captivated audiences nationwide with their distinctive fusion of classic soul and modern improvisational rock. Growing up on the shores of Belle Taine, their songwriting is honest and deeply rooted in Minnesota pride. They will play at 2nd Street Stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 9 in Downtown Park Rapids. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

Birch Bark Ornament Workshop

Guest artist Bruce Engebretson will lead a Birch Bark Ornament Workshop for ages 14-adults from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, July 10 in the main gallery at Nemeth Art Center. All materials will be provided. Fee is $10. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

2nd Saturday STEM

The Park Rapids Area Library STEM program at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11 will be Lego Adventures. Build with Legos and take your creation with you. This event is open to all ages, but participants 8 years old and younger need to be accompanied by an older participant or adult. The activity will be held in the large meeting room downstairs.

Camp Houdini

Camp Houdini will entertain all ages with historical storytelling through physical theater and sleight-of-hand magic in a show at 3 p.m. Monday, July 13 at the Park Rapids Area Library. This is a Legacy funded program brought by the Kitchigami Regional Library System.

The Hoot Owls

Performing for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 16 at Calvary Lutheran Church will be The Hoot Owls with Dick Max, string bass and vocals, and Dave Karem, guitar and vocals. The duo performs an eclectic mix of roots, Americana and bluegrass music on traditional stringed instruments. They cover many styles of folk music including cowboy songs, bluegrass music and traditional gospel. There is no admission. A free will offering will be taken for the musicians.

Stoneware Casserole Dish

Make a stoneware 9-inch square casserole dish in a class from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16. Crystal glazes make a stunning dish. You will have an option to choose from several projects at each class. All the pottery, glazes and general supplies are included in the fee. After the class, the projects return with instructor Karen Moyer, Leaf River Pottery, to be fired. Seven to 10 days later the project, individually bagged, are returned to Community Ed. You will be notified by email when they have arrived and you can pick them up. Children are welcome to attend with an adult. Fee is $60. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Tommy Bentz Band

Based in Wisconsin, the Tommy Bentz Band plays soul, funk, blues and rock. They played at 2nd Street Stage in 2024 and will return to perform from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 16 in Downtown Park Rapids. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

Plant a Seed and Read

This program for all ages will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 20 at the Park Rapids Area Library. It will be presented by Pint Size Polkas.

Wood Block Print Making Workshop

Guest artist Heidi Allen will lead a Wood Block Print Making Workshop for ages 14-adults from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 23 in the main gallery at Nemeth Art Center. All materials will be provided. Fee is $25. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

North Wind Clarinets

North Wind Clarinets will entertain for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 23 at Calvary Lutheran Church. They play a variety of music from classical to classic rock and jazz with a variety of clarinets, including the high Eb, down to low basses. Performers are Deane Johnson, Beth Hahn, Vickie Magnuson, Peg Rickert and Sarah Sundeen. A free will offering will be accepted for the musicians.

Useful Jenkins

Useful Jenkins is a contemporary acoustic band with a bluegrass foundation, and they use their grass-roots to readily tap into other genres such as folk, funk, rock and hip hop. The band is made up of two acoustic guitars (lead and rhythm), violin, cello, bass and mandolin. Four-part vocal harmonies accompany the wall of stringed instruments, leaving listeners with a strong, clean and unique sound. They will play at 2nd Street Stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 23 in Downtown Park Rapids. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

Movie Discussion

A discussion about The Odyssey is planned at 8 p.m. Friday, July 24 at The Lamphouse (after The Odyssey's 5 p.m. screening ends). Whether you're able to see the movie that day, or you've caught it already in the week prior, you are invited to attend an Odyssey movie discussion. The Lamphouse is located adjacent to Park Theater.

Nemeth Art Center: Artist Reception

Nemeth Art Center will present "The Crystal Chandeliers Light Up the Paintings on Your Walls," July 23-September 27. Curated by Aaron Spangler the exhibit will feature Matt Bollinger, Samantha Joy Groff, Frank Spidale, Jewelya Coffee and Pete Driessen. An artist reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 25. For images and information about these fascinating artists, go to https://www.nemethartcenter.org/upcoming.

Drawing Workshop

Guest artist Samantha Joy Groff will lead a Drawing Workshop for ages 14-adults from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays, July 30 at Nemeth Art Center. All materials will be provided. Fee is $10. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Mae Simpson Music

Mae Simpson has been shaking up the Minneapolis music scene since 2018, growing a base of loyal fans across the Midwest. Led by her powerful vocals, the six-piece band brings audiences to their feet. As a singer songwriter, Mae weaves elements of funk, soul, pop, rock and country into her sound. Her broad and soulful voice and deep well of creative energy are complemented by the musicianship and passion of the band. They will play at 2nd Street Stage from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30 in Downtown Park Rapids. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

Bob Madeson and Sarah Carlson

The Noon Hour Concert Thursday, July 30 will feature Bob Madeson on Euphonium and Sarah Carlson on Piano performing from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church. A free will offering will be accepted for the musicians.

Cabaret

Welcome to Northern Light Opera Company’s production of Kander & Ebb's classic musical, Cabaret. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. July 31, August 1, 5, 6 and 7 and at 3 p.m. August 2 and 8. Whether you are joining us in special cafe tables or in general admission seating, you will be drawn into the decadent world of the Weimar Cabaret in this immersive in-the-round production, which features music, dancing and a live full orchestra. Be dazzled by Sally Bowles and the Kit Kat Club, and witness the freewheeling world of 1930s Berlin change as darker forces rise to power. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are on sale now. Go to www.northernlightopera.org.

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Cabaret

Welcome to Northern Light Opera Company’s production of Kander & Ebb's classic musical, Cabaret. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. August 1, 5, 6 and 7 and at 3 p.m. August 2 and 8. Whether you are joining us in special cafe tables or in general admission seating, you will be drawn into the decadent world of the Weimar Cabaret in this immersive in-the-round production, which features music, dancing and a live full orchestra. Be dazzled by Sally Bowles and the Kit Kat Club, and witness the freewheeling world of 1930s Berlin change as darker forces rise to power. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are on sale now. Go to www.northernlightopera.org.

Paper Making Workshop

C.R.E.A.T.E. will sponsor a Paper Making Workshop with Jill Odegaard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. August 4 at the bus garage (on 4th Street West). All are invited to participate and be creative.

Cabaret

Welcome to Northern Light Opera Company’s production of Kander & Ebb's classic musical, Cabaret. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. August 5, 6 and 7 and at 3 p.m. August 8. Whether you are joining us in special cafe tables or in general admission seating, you will be drawn into the decadent world of the Weimar Cabaret in this immersive in-the-round production, which features music, dancing and a live full orchestra. Be dazzled by Sally Bowles and the Kit Kat Club, and witness the freewheeling world of 1930s Berlin change as darker forces rise to power. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Tickets are on sale now. Go to www.northernlightopera.org.

Hannah Lewis

Soprano Hannah Lewis will perform for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, August 6 at Calvary Lutheran Church. She will sing classical art songs, an aria and some musical theater numbers. A free will offering.

Color Woodcut with Stencils Printing Workshop

Guest artist Heidi Allen will lead a Color Woodcut with Stencils Printing Workshop for ages 14-adults from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, August 6, 13 and 20 at Nemeth Art Center small gallery. All materials will be provided. Fee is $45 for all three sessions. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Still Life Drawing Workshop

Local artist Liz Quaday will lead a Color Woodcut with Stencils Printing Workshop for ages 14-adults from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays, August 6, 13, 20 and 27 in the Nemeth Art Center Gallery. All materials will be provided. Fee is $450 for all four sessions. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Joyann Parker Band

Hear Joyann Parker, an American roots and soul singer-songwriter, at the 2nd Street Stage Concert Thursday, August 6. The concert will start after Water Wars, approximately 7 p.m. Parker's powerhouse vocals and emotionally rich, genre-blending sound have made her one of the most compelling independent artists in today’s modern roots landscape. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

2nd Saturday STEM

The Park Rapids Area Library STEM program at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 8 will be a STEM Challenge. How many STEM activities can you complete? This event is open to all ages, but participants 8 years old and younger need to be accompanied by an older participant or adult. The activity will be held in the large meeting room downstairs.

Wyatt Parthun

Tenor Soloist Wyatt Parthun will perform for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, August 13 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Parthun grew up in Lake George and has participated in music since he was seven-years-old. He started studying music seriously at 14, taking piano and voice lessons. Since that time, he participated in High School Choir and Theater and graduated from Bemidji State University in May 2026 with a degree in Piano and Voice. A free will offering will be accepted.

Stoneware Spoon Rest

Make a stoneware spoon rest in a class from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 13. This 8-inch handled spoon rest keeps the mess off the stove and counter. All the pottery, glazes and general supplies are included in the fee. After the class, the projects return with instructor Karen Moyer, Leaf River Pottery, to be fired. Seven to 10 days later the projects, individually bagged, are returned to Community Ed. You will be notified by email when they have arrived and you can pick them up. Children are welcome to attend with an adult. Fee is $34. Register with Community Education by calling 218-237-6600 or at www.parkrapidscomed.com.

Saltydog

Saltydog is a funk jam improvisational exploration that takes the audience and band on a journey through their playfully crafted, folk driven tunes. The band spawned on the banks of Duluth’s ice covered stones by brothers Jacob and Owen Mahon. Hear them at the 2nd Street Stage Concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 13. Arrive at 5 for the social hour and remember to bring your own chair.

DIY Teddy Bear Workshop

Stuff and color your own teddy bear during a workshop at the Park Rapids Area Library from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 19. This was one of most popular events last summer! Space is limited so sign up early.

Sarah Hamrin

Performing for the Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, August 20 at Calvary Lutheran Church will be Sarah Hamrin on Viola. She grew up in the Bemidji area and started musical study at the age of four. She earned a BM from Baylor University in 2020, where she studied with faculty on violin, viola and piano. Sarah has performed in a variety of ensembles and currently plays with the Bemidji Symphony and Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestras. She is also a pianist at Hubbard United Methodist Church. A free will offering will be accepted.

Matthew Lorenz

The Noon Hour Concert from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Thursday, August 27, at Calvary Lutheran Church will feature pianist Matthew Lorenz, a Chicago-based musician who is gaining prominence in the Midwest. Lorenz began his piano studies at age nine in Fargo and went on to earn a Master’s degree at the Chicago College of Performing Arts. He is known for his "powerful" playing style, which balances a broad musical perspective with heartfelt sensitivity and attention to detail. His repertoire spans composers ranging from Bach and Chopin to Rachmaninoff and Liszt. He will play a program of Chopin this summer which will include two Ballades, two Nocturnes and a Grande Valse Brilliant. The concerts are free of charge. A free will offering will be accepted.

End of Season Show

An End of Workshop Season Show is planned from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, August 28 at Nemeth Art Center. Children, youth and adult works will be featured.

Remembering David R. Konshok

David W. Konshok will remember David R. Konshok, Park Rapids businessman and aviation hero, for the Hubbard County Historical Society program from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, August 31 at the Northwoods Bank Community Room. These programs are free and the public is invited to attend.