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Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council February News & Events

Lanesboro Arts' Art in the Park under white canopy tents. On the left, there's a jewelry display with necklace busts and various accessories. On the right, there's a pottery or ceramics booth with brown and earthen-colored vessels, bowls, and pottery pieces displayed on black-clothed tables. Several people are browsing the pottery booth, including adults and children, while a vendor appears to be showing them items. The setup includes wooden crates and displays for the merchandise

Shoppers browse art vendors at Lanesboro Arts' Art in the Park. Photo credit SEMAC staff.

SEMAC 2025 Spring Organizational Grant Cycle Opens March 1

All non-profit organizations across our 11-county region are encouraged to apply for grants from SEMAC to support arts programming planned for fall and winter 2025-2026. This includes arts organizations, non-arts organizations, local government and tribal entities, and schools (K-12 as well as colleges and universities). The application opens March 1 with a March 30 submission deadline. Based on feedback from SEMAC's recent Needs Assessment Survey, this is now a one-step application process -- a Letter of Intent is no longer required.

Available Grants:

Legacy Grants: Up to $10,000 or $5,000

Small Towns/Rural Areas Grants: Up to $5,000

Programming Grants: Up to $5,000

Apply online at SEMAC's grant portal. Questions? Call (507) 281-4848 or email staff@semac.org for assistance.

SEMAC Presents: Organizational Grant Writing Workshop

Wednesday, February 26 | 6-8p

via Zoom

Join us for a comprehensive workshop on our Spring 2025 grant opportunities for Organizations. Our step-by-step workshop will be held on February 26, from 6-8p via Zoom. All participants will receive a recording of the session, which will also be available to those unable to attend live.

Capstone Events to Warm Your February

Explore the many opportunities to support SEMAC-funded capstone events happening this month:

A promotional image for the musical 'Waitress' featuring several homemade pies on a rustic wooden table with a blue and white checkered tablecloth. The title 'WAITRESS' appears in pink neon-style lettering over the central pie. Fresh raspberries are scattered around the pies and shown in a small bowl. The pies appear to be fruit-filled with lattice and wavy pastry tops.

Regional Premiere of Waitress

February 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 | 7p

February 9, 16, 23 | 2p

Rochester Civic Theatre

Rochester, MN

Waitress is the hit musical comedy-drama that follows the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert

pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage.

*ASL interpreted performance + audio descriptions will be held on February 13.

A piñata in the shape of a bumble bee made with black and yellow tissue paper fringe. The bee has black legs, a black body with yellow stripes, a small pale window or opening on its side, and a rope hanging loop. It is photographed against a plain white background.

Andrew Mazariegos-Ovalle Conservar es Celebrar

Friday, February 7 | 6-8p

Northfield Arts Guild

Northfield, MN

Artist Andrew Mazariegos-Ovalle showcases piñata art reimagined - where sacred creatures like Guatemala's Quetzal bird, Chile's Moscardón bee, and Puerto Rico's Coquí frog transform traditional celebration into a powerful statement on preservation. These delicate works challenge us to protect, not destroy, the endangered beings that carry our cultural heritage. Andrew exhibits as one of many artists in the Carleton College & St. Olaf College Emerging Artists Group Showcase.

ABBA tribute band performing on stage, with band members wearing characteristic 1970s-style shimmering, metallic outfits with geometric patterns. The stage features blue lighting and red stage monitors. Two female singers are in the foreground wearing matching silver and striped jumpsuits, while a bassist in a sparkly jacket and keyboardist in silvery attire are visible in the background. A drum kit with 'ABBA SOLUT' visible on the bass drum is on stage. The performance setup includes stage monitors and microphone stands

ABBAsolutely Fab in Kasson

Saturday, February 8 | 7p

WiFi Performing Arts Center

Kasson, MN

ABBAsolutely Fab is an all-star lineup of Twin Cities and British musicians performing the songs of pop/disco supergroup, ABBA. Led by powerhouse vocalists Jenny Russ and Katy Vernon, ABBAsolutely Fab will have you dancing and singing along to hits like “Dancing Queen,” “SOS,” “Mamma Mia,” “Take A Chance On Me,” “Waterloo” and many more. Take a trip back to the best of the ’70s with this very popular tribute show.

A winter sunset scene in Rochester, Minnesota showing snow-covered residential streets with houses silhouetted against a dramatic orange and blue sky. Bare trees frame the image, and text at the top reads "Rochester, MN Music Mashup" in black lettering. Copy

Rochester Music Mashup Album Release Party

Sunday, February 9 | 4-6p

Treedome

Rochester, MN

The Rochester Music Mashup is an Oliver Brooks project bringing together diverse local songwriters to transform their original works into professionally produced singles. Selected from over 60 submissions, these artists collaborated with Blue Lagoon Recording Room and Carpet Booth Studio to create a unique musical mashup. Hear both raw and produced versions of these genre-spanning tracks, from progressive rock to R&B at the album release party.

A gallery wall displaying a series of framed photographs featuring close-up images of white flowers. The photos include a gardenia with dark green leaves, layered rose petals, and a lily against a dark background. The images are mounted in light wooden frames and hung on a neutral-colored wall with visible panel lines.

Datura Glow by Suzanne Szucs

Artist Reception

Monday, February 10 |

5:30-6:30p

125 Live Gallery

Rochester, MN

Meet photographer Suzanne Szucs at the February 10 reception where she showcases images from her project Datura Glow as part of her 125 Live exhibition running through March 22. Join the public reception and speak with the artist about her work at her February 10 reception.

An abstract artistic composition featuring three circular shapes stacked vertically. The top circle is solid red, the middle circle contains swirling brushstrokes in orange, pink, green, and blue, and a partial turquoise circle is visible at the bottom. The word 'EMERGENCE' appears in thin, stylized text along the right side of the middle circle. The style suggests acrylic or oil paint textures with vibrant, overlapping colors

Emergence -

Cassandra Buck

Artist Reception

Monday, February 10 |

5:30-6:30p

125 Live Gallery

Rochester, MN

Emergence is an exploration of femininity and artistic expression by Rochester artist Cassandra Buck. Through vibrant mixed media compositions blending acrylic paint with traditional fiber materials, Buck challenges the boundaries between fine art and craft while celebrating the power of women's creative voices.

Big Turn Music Fest

February 14-15 | Times Vary

Multiple Locations Downtown Red Wing

Red Wing, MN

Get ready to "Experience Red Wing Through Music" with 110 bands playing 15 downtown Red Wing venues with games, karaoke, RED talks, wintry adventure, and more. See the full lineup and schedule at the link below

Thomasina Petrus captured mid-song against a deep blue background, wearing a white dress and a light blue flower in her hair. She holds a microphone and appears to be singing passionately, with an expressive, joyful expression on her face. She wears a pearl necklace and the lighting creates a dramatic stage atmosphere

Thomasina Petrus - Legends of Jazz Valentine Show

Friday, February 14 | 7p

Zumbrota State Theatre

Zumbrota, MN

Thomasina Petrus brings Billie Holiday's legacy to life in this cabaret performance. Through stunning vocal impressions and personal storytelling, she traces Holiday's influence on jazz legends like Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Etta James. Petrus weaves together music and American history, showing how Holiday's artistry continues to resonate across generations before revealing her own powerful, distinctive voice.

Aidan And Trina against a leafy green background. A young person with long hair wearing a brown wide-brimmed hat and white jacket holds a red electric guitar with bird inlay designs on the fretboard. Next to them stands someone in a rust-colored patterned top and jeans holding an acoustic guitar, wearing a distinctive medallion necklace. Both are positioned casually and appear to be ready to perform.

Remembering Our Connections

Friday, February 14 | 7-9p

Northfield Depot

Northfield, MN

Join mother-son duo Trina Brunk and Aidan Gersky for "Remembering Our Connections," a performance celebrating intergenerational music. In addition, the duo will perform Thursdays, February 6 and 20, at 2pm in the Three Links Care Center Chapel, where they'll blend genres and generations through their unique musical partnership.

Frozen River Film Festival

February 9-16 | Times Vary

Various Locations

Winona, MN

Celebrate 20 years of Frozen River Film Festival! FRFF shows films that invite people to engage in thoughtful conversation, and presents film-centered opportunities that celebrate the art of film in the Driftless Region.

A symphony orchestra performing in a church or concert hall with tall stained glass windows featuring colorful mosaic patterns. The conductor stands on a podium in a black suit, seen from behind, conducting musicians in formal black attire. The string section, including violinists and cellists, is visible in the foreground with their music stands and instruments.

Winona Symphony Orchestra Annual Children's Concert

Tuesday, February 18 |

9-9:45a &

10:30-11:15a

Winona Middle School Auditorium

Winona, MN

The annual Children's Concert of the Winona Symphony Orchestra serves area school-age children by providing a free classical symphonic concert tailored to engage with a young, student audience. This year's concert features the musical story Peter and the Wolf and will introduce audience members to the instruments of the orchestra through vivid musical storytelling.

In a library setting, Rachel wearing a tan apron and green shirt guides children at a table covered with a blue tablecloth. The children are working with small colorful pieces, possibly for a mosaic project. Paper plates and cups with butterfly designs are scattered on the table, and bookshelves are visible in the background.

Unveiling of Community-Created Gourd Mosaic

Saturday, February 22 | 10:30a

Winona Public Library

Winona, MN

Join artist Rachel Pauli of Gourdgeous Jewelry for a unique mosaic project using gourds as our canvas! Drop in February 1st or 8th to create your piece, then celebrate the unveiling on February 22nd. All sessions are at 10:30a at the Winona Public Library. Be part of this collaborative artwork that will showcase our community's creativity!

A band or orchestra rehearsal viewed from behind the percussion section, with timpani drums visible in the foreground. Musicians sit in rows with music stands on a theater stage, facing empty red audience seats in the background. Stage lighting and theatrical curtains frame the space.

Concert for Kids in Southeast Minnesota

Tuesday, February 25 |

10a & 11:30a

John Marshall High School Auditorium

Rochester, MN

In partnership with Rochester Public Schools, each year Rochester Symphony performs a free concert programmed specifically for 4th graders. All schools in Rochester and those within a 45-mile radius are invited. Grant funding allows Rochester Symphony to provide bussing to all classes who wish to attend!

SAVE THE DATE:

Arts Advocacy Day is March 4, 2025

Make your voice heard for the arts! Join SEMAC and fellow arts advocates from across Minnesota for Arts Action Week, March 3rd-7th, 2025. The excitement kicks off online March 3rd, followed by an in-person rally at the State Capitol Rotunda on March 4th at 10 AM.

Learn More & Register

SAVE THE DATE: Public Meeting for

SEMAC's Biennial Plan

Tuesday, March 18 | 6-8p

via Zoom

Every other year, the Regional Arts Councils throughout the state are required by the Minnesota State Arts Board to submit a Biennial Plan that sets priorities for the two upcoming fiscal years. This spring plans are due for fiscal years 2026 and 2027!

Each regional arts council’s plan is based on input from the communities we serve. SEMAC’s plan was shaped by the results of the Needs Assessment Survey we conducted this fall to which more than 200 artists, arts professionals, arts supporters, and members of the general public responded. But, participation from the community in this planning process does not end there!

On Tuesday, March 18, we will hold a public meeting on Zoom to go through the key points and to hear your input. Register for this Zoom meeting at the link below.

SEMAC Successfully Completes Arts Economic Impact Study

Sherry with long brown hair and glasses wearing a black dress sits beside a Roland U-20 digital keyboard. She is photographed outdoors with green foliage and trees in the background.

Sherry Ladig won the AFTA survey drawing for two free tickets to any arts event in the SEMAC region. Sherry is a Twin Cities-based musician with roots in Lake City who performs in metro venues and on small-town stages across Minnesota and Wisconsin. She values both performing and supporting fellow musicians.

Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our arts community, SEMAC exceeded our goal of 400 surveys for the Americans for the Arts economic impact study. These surveys, collected at various arts events throughout southeastern Minnesota, will contribute to a comprehensive state-wide report analyzing the economic significance of arts in Minnesota.

We're delighted to announce our survey participation drawing winner, Sherry Ladig, who has chosen two tickets to Thomasina Petrus - Legends of Jazz Valentine Show.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete a survey and support this important research initiative. Look for the findings of this study to be announced this spring.

The Ongoing Impacts of

SEMAC-Funded Projects

We are catching up with previous grant recipients to learn about the lasting impacts of their funded projects. By reconnecting with the individuals and organizations, we aim to share how our grants have benefited artists and their communities. This month, we feature Rick Swanson's Photoessay: Anti-Intellectualism in Minnesota project.

Truth is a Lie by Rick Swanson

Through striking black and white photographs developed using coffee, Rochester photographer Rick Swanson's "Photoessay: Anti-Intellectualism in Minnesota" examines how we understand truth and knowledge in our increasingly divided society. What began as documentation of anti-science attitudes evolved into a deeper exploration of beliefs and perspectives, strengthened by partnerships with poet Joe Kidd and PossAbilities, a non-profit supporting adults with disabilities. The result is a thought-provoking look at how we form our beliefs and understand each other in challenging times. Read more about Rick's project in the link below.

Get Involved with SEMAC

SEMAC is committed to building bridges and nurturing meaningful relationships. We are seeking artists, arts professionals, and arts enthusiasts to join our Arts Advisory Panel and Board of Directors. The Panel is responsible for reviewing grant applications and making funding recommendations to the Board.

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for these service opportunities, please follow these links for more information:

Arts Advisory Panel

Board of Directors

SEMAC activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.