We believe that all students in southwest and west central Minnesota DESERVE innovative and learning-rich educational opportunities so they can be positioned to learn, grow and find success.

It's hard to believe we are in the last stretch of the 2021-22 school year. It's been a great year so far and we look forward to the few remaining events before summer.

THANK YOU to all who have donated to help make these student enrichment events possible. We couldn't do it without the support of those who share our mission.

Donations of all sizes make an impact! A donation of $40 can pay the conference registration fee for a student who can't afford it. Make an impact - be a donor!

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Recent Events

The Photography Competition is one of the student enrichment events that flies under the radar, yet demonstrates the tremendous talent we have in the region. Take a look at the photo album - you will be amazed!

Students competing were from Heron Lake-Okabena, Hills-Beaver Creek, Montevideo and Yellow Medicine East Schools.

Competition Photo Album

The Conference for Young Artists was held at SMSU on Friday, January 7. Over 540 students and adults from the region attended the conference which boasted a keynote speaker and 15 breakout sessions. Topics included cultural dance, morse code bracelets, art with pastel chalks, hand lettering, clay caricatures, nature sculpting, wheel thrown pottery, tile art and more. This conference is funded in part with a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund and an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State's general fund.

Conference Photo Album