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Arts Center of Saint Peter
315 S. Minnesota Ave.
507.931.3630
Tues.–Sun. 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
Thurs. 1 p.m.–8 p.m.
Gallery is free and open to the public.
When the 1998 tornado swept through St. Peter, it destroyed
the historic school building that was home to the former Arts
and Heritage Council. The group reorganized into the Arts
Center of Saint Peter, now located on the city’s main street
and within walking distance from many of the quaint shops
that give St. Peter its small-town, friendly feel.
That same feeling can be found at the Arts Center of Saint
Peter. A spacious and open gallery on the building’s main
floor features work by local and nationally renowned artists.
The Gallery Shop also showcases work by area artists, offering
a selection of items to purchase as gifts or as a personal treat.
Travel down to the Lower Level Gallery, and you’ll find a cozy
setting for art exhibits, musical performances and readings.
Another popular attraction is the Clay Center, which hosts
classes for the new and accomplished sculptor.
The Arts Center of Saint Peter’s multifaceted offerings make it
a great place to view art, watch a performance, or even take in
an art class.
For a full calendar of events and more information, visit artscentersp.org or email info@artscentersp.org.
Paradise Center for the Arts
321 Central Ave.
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507.332.7372
Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Gallery is free and open to the public.
In January 1929, fire destroyed the Grand Opera House in downtown Faribault. But like the mythical
Phoenix bird, something new has been created from the ashes of the past: the
Paradise Theatre – one of Southeastern
Minnesota’s hidden treasures.
Home to Paradise Center for the Arts,
the theatre features a fancy outdoor
marquee reminiscent of the early
movie theaters. Inside the building
is a multi-purpose arts center that
boasts an “atmospheric” theatre, one of
the few remaining in the nation. The
theater’s design is inspired by the styles
of Spanish Mediterranean villages and creates the effect of being in
a Moorish courtyard. It’s designed to divert the audience away from
the everyday as well as set the show for on-stage and-on screen.
The theatre is used for movies, music and performing arts. The Paradise also includes an art gallery and gift shop featuring local artists and their works. In addition, the Paradise hosts art classes and special events.
Stop by the Paradise Center for the Arts, and take in one or all of its
artistic opportunities.
For a full calendar of events and more information, visit paradisecenterforthearts.org or email info@paradisecenterforthearts.org.
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Owatonna Arts Center
435 Garden View Lane
507.451.0533
Tues.-Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Gallery is free and open
to the public.
In 1974, volunteers helped to transform the empty rooms of
the historic State School into what is now the Owatonna Arts
Center. Located at the rear of the school’s main building, just
off of Hwy. 35, the Center is set in a unique environment for
both artists and art aficionados.
Exhibits of local and regional artists are displayed in the gallery. Workshop opportunities including ceramics, painting, drawing, glass
blowing, Raku and weaving take place in a Renaissance-style studio.
Add in the once-great dining hall with its enormous, yet elegant
stained glass towers, and you’ve got a place where creativity and
heritage meet.
Visit the Owatonna Arts Center to not only view the work of area artists, but to also see firsthand the transformation of a State School
to a refined arts center.
For a full calendar of events and more information, visit
oacarts.org or email info@oacarts.org.
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Twin Rivers Center for the Arts
523 S. Second St.
507.387.1008
Mon.–Wed., Fri. 12 p.m.–4 p.m.
Thurs. 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
Gallery is free and open to the public.
Located in the heart of Mankato’s growing downtown
Arts & Historic District is the
Twin Rivers Center for the Arts, one of the newer arts centers in
the region. It’s housed in a former church building that has been
refurbished and renamed the Emy Frentz Arts Guild. Archways
and tall peaks dominate the building’s exterior, whereas natural
colors and soft lighting enhance its interior, blending historical
architecture with modern design.
The Center, which is Greater Mankato’s arts and culture
information hub, features a welcoming gallery space and eight artist
studios. Each studio has a window that allows visitors to watch
artists working on their crafts. The aspect of an artist sharing his or
her creative process brings a unique personal experience for guests.
Visitors can also purchase tickets for local arts and culture events. Drop by the Twin Rivers Center for the Arts to see the latest exhibit,
or purchase tickets for the next event you plan on attending.
For a full calendar of events and more information, visit twinriversarts.org or email info@twinriversarts.org.
Waseca Art Center
410 State St.
507.835.1701
Tues.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Gallery is free and open to the public.
It may be hard to believe that the small, nondescript building just a few blocks from the city’s downtown district is home to the Waseca Art Center. But don’t let looks fool you. Within this building’s walls is an artistic venue that should not be missed.
The Waseca Art Center, a program of the Waseca Arts Council, Inc., features both permanent artworks and special exhibits by
local and regional artists. It also has a gift shop that provides
artists another way to showcase their work. One popular item
is the art card, a mini form of artwork that is easy to share.
An intriguing program of the Waseca Art Center is an art appreciation series the staff has developed with local districts
to raise awareness and promote the arts to children.
Make sure to add the Waseca Art Center to your list of places
to visit if you’re in the area. The Art Center is often hosted by
volunteers, so be sure to call ahead to confirm hours.
For a full calendar of events and more information, visit wasecaartscouncil.org.