ArtReach Events Calendar

Two artists who share a mutual reverence for the beauty of nature will be exhibiting their work together at the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery. Through painting, both artists share a common desire to capture and convey the beauty of the natural world.

Carol Dittbenner visually explores art and life through her oil and acrylic paintings, seeking the challenges of exploring different mediums.

Angie Malin, a plein air oil painter, captures her reaction to the authenticity and peace she finds in nature.

Mexican-born Minneapolis artist Xavier Tavera documents the aesthetics of the borderland landscape. He reminds the viewer that, historically, artist-rendered landscapes were not meant to be contemplative. Rather, they were a statement of ownership. “Arid and rugged, the landscape is divided by a man‑made scar that snakes through the topography in fragmented sections from west to east along the continent.”

Valley Reads in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller and public libraries located between St. Croix Falls, WI and Hastings, MN. Valley Reads 2024 is supported by Hugh J. Andersen Foundation.

Adapted by Margaret Raether from the work of P.G. Wodehouse

The peaceful English countryside may never be the same after Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet, Jeeves, pay a visit. What starts as a plan to pair tongue-tied, amphibian-loving Augustus Fink-Nottle and fanciful, poetry-loving Madeline Basset quickly goes awry. Soon, Bertie is fending off Madeline’s amorous advances, reluctantly participating in an attempted burglary, and fleeing attacks from a homicidal French chef. With the stakes this high, the solution must lie with the one and only Jeeves!
April 12–28, 2024
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. | Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
John H. Potter Theater
$25–32 for adults | $16 for youth
Recommended for ages 13+

This epic 3 week 2000+ mile race is just about to start across the pond from May 4-26, and if you've ever been to Italy you would know that it's almost impossible not to bump into a vineyard every other kilometer.

Join us as we sip our way through the route so that when you are flipping it on the television, you can actually see the places you are tasting through in our class! It's looking like this year, we may find ourselves tasting some Liguria, Piedmont, Trentino-Alto Adige, Marche, Campania, and Tuscan wine... You will learn more about the history of the race, the regions they are panting their way through, and even possibly a couple stories from when I was fortunate enough to follow some of these legendary tours.

Mexican-born Minneapolis artist Xavier Tavera documents the aesthetics of the borderland landscape. He reminds the viewer that, historically, artist-rendered landscapes were not meant to be contemplative. Rather, they were a statement of ownership. “Arid and rugged, the landscape is divided by a man‑made scar that snakes through the topography in fragmented sections from west to east along the continent.”

Valley Reads in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller and public libraries located between St. Croix Falls, WI and Hastings, MN. Valley Reads 2024 is supported by Hugh J. Andersen Foundation.

In 2022, Minnesota artist Dougie Padilla’s great friend, Ojibwe artist Jim Denomie, passed away suddenly. Shortly thereafter, Dougie visited ArtReach’s exceptional show of Jim’s last work, “Sweet Dreams.” To face his grief, Dougie dove into an intense aesthetic and spiritual conversation with Jim and his art. Within six months, 60+ works of art had been born. This show is the best of those efforts.

Valley Reads in the St. Croix Valley is presented by ArtReach St. Croix in conjunction with core program partners including Valley Bookseller and public libraries located between St. Croix Falls, WI and Hastings, MN. Valley Reads 2024 is supported by Hugh J. Andersen Foundation.

If Nature is empowered by its will to be unburdened, Jessica intends her work to follow this example. Untamed beauty - the animal kingdom; trees; flora; earth; water; air - interpreted through vibrant acrylic paintings which are created with uninhibited freedom, the pieces she creates crafting her as much as she crafts them.

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to chat with your favorite mystery authors? This event for local mystery writers and their fans always includes lively discussion and a great time!  A cash bar is also available so come early to mingle.

Tickets are $10 and include a $5 shopping coupon for the night of the event. To purchase your ticket, please click on the red Buy Tickets button and follow the prompts.

Meet Nick Petrie in person!

Nick Petrie is the author of eight novels in the Peter Ash series, most recently The Price You Pay (February 2024). His debut, The Drifter, won both the ITW Thriller award and the Barry Award for Best First Novel, and was a finalist for the Edgar and the Hammett Awards. A husband and father, he lives in the Milwaukee area.

Summer is right around the corner at Art’s House Gallery as we welcome our featured artists' show, Awakening to the gallery. Featured artists Hannah Freeman, Kathy Reinartz, and Kara Wellman each offer a unique meditative dialogue that opens the viewer to the magnetic power of wonder and connection found in nature. Explore Hannah’s rich botanical paintings, Kathy’s bold colorful ceramics, and Kara’s plant and animal-inspired natural stone and sterling silver jewelry in the gallery, from Thursday, May 2, 2024, to Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Art’s House Gallery & Gift Boutique offers unique local art and gifts year-round, and this lovely Featured Artists Show show will be open through Mother’s Day and graduation weekend for all your special gift-giving shopping.

Bring your squad and join us for drink and axe specials while you shop with your gals.

Back by popular demand, Martin Zellar and his band return to Stillwater to pay tribute to the iconic music of legendary performer, Neil Diamond.

Performing some of the most popular songs ever, including hits like "Forever in Blue Jeans," "Cherry, Cherry," "Sweet Caroline," "America," "Song Sung Blue," "I Am I Said," and "Cracklin' Rosie."

Though he rose to prominence in the 80's as lead singer/songwriter for the Gear Daddies, Zellar began performing his Neil tribute in the 90's, which is still wildly popular to this day.

A talent-rich band joins him for this hit-studded evening, including Ali Gray, Patrik Tanner, Scott Wenum, Nick Ciola, and JJ Benson.

“...writers from Dylan to Springsteen, often tell us far more about the human condition by concentrating on life’s everyday moments. That’s the strength of Martin Zellar...” - Robert Hillburn, Los Angeles Times.

Join St. Croix Ballet’s cast of over 70 dancers presenting the timeless classic, Sleeping Beauty. A treat for both the young and young-at-heart, Sleeping Beauty brings magical fairies, an evil sorceress, and enchanting dancing, all set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

Friday, May 3rd at 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 4th at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Sunday, May 5th at 2:00 pm

2024 Sleeping Beauty Performances will be held at the Stillwater Area High School Auditorium at 5701 Stillwater Boulevard North Stillwater MN 55082

Everyone’s favorite gumshoe is back with another thrilling adventure! Old Granny Possum is entertaining us with her slightly irregular version of “Snow White and Just the Two Very Tall Dwarves” when she’s kidnapped by Bluebeard and his band of scurvy pirates! Thank goodness Nick Tickle has been hired to get her back. Can he outwit the kidnappers and save her or is she gone for good?
May 3–19, 2024
Fridays at 7:00 p.m. | Saturdays at 1:00 & 4:00 p.m. | Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Black Box Theater
$20 for adults | $15 for youth
Recommended for ages 4+

Spring Migration offers an exciting opportunity to witness the wonders of avian migration amidst the serene beauty of Browns Creek Park.

Led by seasoned birder George Vania, this event invites nature enthusiasts of all levels to explore the diverse habitats around the pond, through the wooded areas, and across the open fields, in search of the vibrant array of migratory birds passing through.

ONLY 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE! 

Whether you\'re a seasoned birdwatcher or new to the hobby, this event caters to all levels of birding ability. Bring along your binoculars and come prepared to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the spring migration phenomenon.

Don\'t forget to dress appropriately for the weather and meet at the park\'s designated parking lot to embark on this captivating journey into the world of birds during their seasonal migration.

Join us as we marvel at the beauty of nature\'s winged travelers and deepen our appreciation for the natural world around us.

Hosted by Bird City Stillwater of Sustainable Stillwater MN. Contact Allison McGinnis if you have questions - [email protected]

Opening Day celebrates Gammelgården Museum of Scandia’s focus in its 52nd year: Pasttimes and Games of Early Immigrants.

In addition, visitors of all ages can experience what life was like for immigrants and early settlers by packing a steamer trunk for America just like Swedish immigrants would have done in the 1800s, make homemade butter, weave on large looms, “milk” a cow, haul water with a yoke, shuck corn, lift real straw- and hay bales, and write on slates as children did in one-room schoolhouses.

People of all ages can do make-and-take activities as well as go on a Spring scavenger hunt.

Many artists and crafters will have their work available for sale; andsome will be demonstrating their craft.

Also, on Saturday, May 6th, costumed members of the Living History Society of Minnesota will demonstrate popular nineteenth-century games for adults and children. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a nineteenth-century game with members of the Society.

Starting on Sunday, tickets for tours of the historic buildings are $10 per person ($9 Admission/Tour for Military), and are held at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Gammelgården Members, ASI Current Members, and Children under 12 are free. Reservations are not required.

Fun spring event – 3rd Annual!  We are the ORIGINAL promoter for quality craft shows at Stillwater High School.  Well over 100 unique and talented crafters and vendors, mouth watering food truck, coffee truck, Kettle Corn – what a way to kick off spring!  Make sure to add this event to your calendar – Saturday, May 4, 2024 – open from 10am – 4pm.  Signing up vendors now for this fun event, contact us!

https://www.facebook.com/events/685204687075426

(While supplies last!) Tour the workshop space and check out our sample projects. Shop our retail boutique featuring home decor gifts and accessories.

The event is free to attend, but attendees must register on our website. Be one of the first 50 people to arrive and receive a free swag bag!

Join us for tours every Friday through Sunday this summer! Guests are welcome from 11am-4pm! We offer guided and self-guided options as well as living history tours as well.

Immerse yourself in local history here at the Octagon House Museum! Enjoy 1800's Civil War era furnishings, decor, and fascinating collection pieces on display. Learn about the Moffat-Hughes family, the octagon architectural style, and many facets of Hudson history.

Continue your visit inside our History Alcove, filled with 19th century artifacts, domestic arts, carpenter, blacksmith, and general store tableaux.  Explore our History Shoppe full of local and regional books, vintage gifts, and a story all of its own.

Plan extra time for a meander through our expansive and beautifully maintained gardens!

See the old, in a new way. Visit us today!

Join us for a weekend of celebration and beauty in the orchard as we kick off spring with our annual Rosé Days event at Thor's Hard Cider! Our apple trees will be in full bloom, creating a stunning and unforgettable sight.

Sip on our internationally awarded Arctic Rosé cider, a beautiful blend of flavors from the orchard and vineyard. Our Marquette wine grape and Dalgo Crab apple duo is chefs kiss and perfect for sipping all day long.

On Friday, we'll have our Arctic Rosé on tap and some exciting trivia from 6-8 pm.

Saturday is all about live music and cider specials, special musical guest from 2-5 pm.

Mark your calendars now, and get ready for a weekend of fun and the stunning sight of our apple trees in full bloom!

Join us at Mad Capper for an unforgettable Kentucky Derby celebration! Wear your best Derby attire and enjoy a FREE drink on us! Plus, get ready for thrilling raffles on the race and 50/50 draws. Best of all, your support goes beyond the track - we’re proud to partner with Youth Advantage to make a difference in our community. Don’t miss out on the excitement - saddle up and join us at Mad Capper!

It also is a great class for those who have crocheted many years ago and need a little encouragement to get back into it.

First, you learn about the best hooks and yarn and then you work on a simple square pattern of single crochet stitches that you can be made into a dishcloth, hot pad, or cup cozy. Cara helps students troubleshoot any issues and learn to make those perfect edges. Once the basic stitch is understood, students may move on to other stitches and projects.

Materials that are supplied: 

Cotton blend yarn
Crochet hook
Stitch markers
Printed pattern

Age Requirement:

Students ages 10 and older may attend this class. Ages 10-15 must register with another registered adult.

About the Artist:

​Hello! I’m Cara. I started my career as a features writer for newspapers and magazines, but eventually realized I wanted to expand my work into my lifelong passion for crafting. I have always been inspired by my crafty and thrifty grandmother, Mary Marie Mason, who taught me how important it was to take time out to make something with your hands. Now I design patterns, teach classes, and sell my handmade items.

In my knitting and crochet classes, my goal is to build confidence in beginners by starting with chunky knit projects you can finish in one class. Once you’ve mastered that project, you can move on to smaller and smaller needles and yarn. I love the moments when it clicks for students.

More fun facts: I grew up in Kansas, then lived in Des Moines, IA, Boulder, CO, and the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to Saint Paul, MN with my husband, Mike. We have two great kids, Harper and Max.