Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council
November News & Events
| | Red Wing's Big Turn Music Festival. Photo by Kallie Rollenhagen | | SEMAC Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools Grant | |
This program funds 1-day to 4-week interactive arts residencies in public and non-religious private K-12 schools, providing meaningful educational experiences and professional development for artists and culture bearers. The program supplements existing arts curriculum with no matching funds required, and previous recipients may reapply.
Deadline:
Applications received by December 1: Notification in mid-January
|
| Welcome, New SEMAC Board Members! | | |
Marcia Ratliff is a community catalyst blending strategy and storytelling to reignite civic engagement through art, education, and community organizing. As Executive Director of Engage Winona, she brings experience from journalism, international development, and youth programming to her work fostering rural change from the ground up.
A former Peace Corps volunteer in South Africa, Marcia facilitated community-led changemaking and established youth programs and a school library in a rural setting. She has worked as a wellness and environment reporter with the Winona Daily News and as Youth Services Associate at the Winona Public Library. A 2021 Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council grant recipient for her poetry work, torn paper poems, she has served on the Winona Fine Arts Commission and the Teen Voices Project.
A lifelong Minnesotan and Winona community member since 2010, Marcia holds a BA from Winona State University. She is a poet, a proud mom, and a new board member excited by SEMAC's increased emphasis on engagement and accessibility and its reimagined grant programs. She believes the organization's best work is yet to come.
| |  | |
Alejandro Castañón is a Mexican-born muralist and visual artist who recently relocated to Albert Lea, Minnesota. With 14 years of experience in public art, he specializes in large-scale murals blending a Niemanesque style with contemporary themes of globalization, cultural identity, and social connection.
After serving eight years in the U.S. Air Force, Alejandro transitioned to the arts in 2011, opening the Vino Dipinte Art Gallery in San Angelo, Texas, where he taught nearly 11,000 students. His work has been featured in Western Art Collector and Visual Artists Magazine, with notable projects including murals for Paintbrush Alley and a Lowe's Centennial installation now at the company's North Carolina headquarters.
In 2022, Alejandro founded Art Alliance San Angelo to mentor emerging artists. As SEMAC's newest board member, he brings expertise in gallery ownership, economic development, and community building to help regional artists access funding opportunities.
| | | The 2025 Creative MN Economic Impact Study Results are in! | | |
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts has released its 2025 Creative MN Economic Impact Study, providing comprehensive data on the economic contributions of the nonprofit arts sector across the state and within our region.
The nonprofit arts sector in Southeast Minnesota generated $86.8 million in total economic impact during 2024, supporting 731 jobs across the region's 11 counties. Nearly 496,418 people attended arts and culture events, spending an average of $36.69 per person beyond ticket costs at local restaurants, shops, hotels, and businesses. This activity generated $12.6 million in total tax revenue.
Statewide, 65% of Minnesotans engage with arts and culture annually, exceeding the 54% national average. The nonprofit arts sector generated $1.6 billion in total economic impact and $160.5 million in state revenue in 2024, with more than 17.5 million attendees at arts and culture events.
The study introduces a new Arts Economic Calculator, allowing organizations to determine their specific economic impact for use in grant applications, legislative communications, and community reporting.
| | |
Work of Art Workshops Fall 2025 Business Skills for Artists
& Culture Bearers
| | |
SEMAC is partnering with Springboard for the Arts to offer their Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists workshop series virtually for individual artists and culture bearers in the SEMAC region. All fall workshops are free to attend.
Work of Art is a professional development curriculum covering essential business skills across all artistic disciplines—visual, performing, and literary arts. Topics include career planning, pricing, marketing, funding, and business plans. The series is valuable whether you're just starting your creative career or need a refresher as you advance your work.
A free workbook is available in English and Spanish as a downloadable reference from the Springboard for the Arts website.
| | Portfolio Kit - Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 6-9p | | Please note that these sessions will not be recorded. | | SEMAC December Workshop Opportunities | | Save the dates! SEMAC is offering two workshops for individual artists and culture bearers in our region in December. Executive Director Anastasia Shartin and Outreach & Accessibility Manager Sharon Mansur will share an overview of SEMAC’s grant programs and professional development opportunities. They will also discuss the process of applying for an Individual Artists and Culture Bearers Grant (next deadline January 19th), share helpful tips and resources, and offer time for creatives to mingle and connect. | | |
Mantorville (in-person)
Monday, December 8 | 6-8p
Mantorville Opera House
| | |
Virtual
Tuesday, December 16 | 6-8:30p
via Zoom
*Includes a step-by-step overview of SEMAC’s grant application for individuals.
| | Health Insurance Guidance for Minnesota's Creative Professionals | | SEMAC is excited to partner with Springboard for the Arts and Health Access MN to bring you an essential workshop webinar designed specifically for working artists in our region. MNsure-Certified Navigator and artist Jeff Jurewicz will guide artists through the basics of securing health insurance in Minnesota, including how to compare plans, determine eligibility for subsidies, and connect with licensed brokers during open enrollment and beyond. Please note this session will not be recorded. | | |
Thursday, November 13 | 6-7:30p
via Zoom
| | SEMAC's November Public Events | | November's arts and cultural events are made possible through the generous support of Minnesota taxpayers through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. | | |
Saint Charles Public Schools presents Hillbilly Hayride
Saturday, November 1 | 7p
Sunday, November 2 | 2p
Saint Charles Elementary School Auditorium
Saint Charles, MN
Y'all are invited to Saint Charles Drama's production of Hillbilly Hayride—a knee-slapping, foot-stomping musical comedy that's equal parts brawling, dancing, and backwoods romance. Think Romeo and Juliet meets the hills!
After months of rehearsals, the talented student cast is ready to bring this classic and beloved show to life.
| | |
Zeitgeist presents: Underwater Cousins
October 31 | 7:30p
The Anderson Center
Red Wing, MN
November 1 | 7:30p
Jesse Björling Recital Hall
St. Peter, MN
November 2 | 2:00
The Anderson Center
Red Wing, MN
Zeitgeist presents the world premiere of Underwater Cousins, a captivating multi-movement work by Northfield composer JC Sanford that invites audiences beneath the surface to discover the surprising complexity of fish. Inspired by Jonathan Balcombe's book What a Fish Knows, this innovative piece celebrates individual fish as sentient beings with unique personalities, from the mathematically gifted African tigerfish to Elvis, a sociable smallmouth bass. Through music, images, and narration by Mia Kakitani-Sanford, the performance reveals the intelligence, cooperation, and artistry of our aquatic cousins. The program also features Randy Bauer's Holding Patterns, a kinetic exploration of shifting rhythmic patterns. This collaboration encourages listeners to reconsider humanity's relationship with the underwater world and envision a future of mutual respect and empathy.
| | |
Winona Community Chorale presents Songs from the Silver Screen: From Mozart to Abba & Beyond
Friday, November 7 | 7p
Saturday, November 8 | 2p
Central Lutheran Church
Winona, MN
The Winona Community Chorale invites audiences to experience the magic of cinema through song in Songs from the Silver Screen: From Mozart to Abba & Beyond. This diverse program celebrates the timeless music that has graced the movies, spanning classical masterpieces to contemporary favorites. The mixed choral ensemble will perform beloved melodies that have moved audiences for generations, showcasing the power of film music to transcend time and genre. Performed at the acoustically rich Central Lutheran Church, these concerts offer something for everyone—whether you prefer an evening out or a Saturday afternoon of music. With free-will offering admission and excellent accessibility, this is a perfect opportunity for the whole community to gather and celebrate the songs that have become the soundtrack of our lives
| | |
Root River Current's Celebrating Art and Artists Reception
Saturday, November 15 | 4-6p
Sylvan Brewing
Lanesboro, MN
Root River Current invites the community to celebrate the creative spirit of southeast Minnesota at its annual Celebrating Arts & Artists reception. This special gathering honors the dozens of artists and organizations featured in Root River Current's 2025 coverage, bringing together painters, fiber artists, poets, essayists, photographers, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet featured artists, view examples of their work, and enjoy a program of live music, original poetry, and an entertaining presentation on youth creativity beginning around 5 pm. From mushroom installations along hiking trails to words that capture the essence of the Root River Valley, this reception showcases the rich artistic talent that makes this corner of Minnesota extraordinary. This free public event offers a rare chance to connect with the creative community in an intimate, celebratory setting. RSVPs are appreciated for planning purposes.
| | |
Drawing Foundations with Andrew Kranz
Sunday, November 30 | 1-4p
Winona Arts Center
Winona, MN
The participants of Andy Kranz's Drawing Foundations workshop series will showcase their work at a special gallery exhibition opening! After six weeks of exploring drawing techniques, composition, and artistic vocabulary, students will present their completed pieces in a professional gallery setting at the Winona Arts Center.
This free public event offers an opportunity to view the diverse range of artwork created during the workshop series and to celebrate the growth and creativity of emerging artists in the community. Attendees are invited to join for an evening of art, conversation, and inspiration as the community honors the dedication and talent of the participants.
| | SEMAC Funding Impact Stories | | We are catching up with previous grant recipients to learn about the lasting impacts of their funded projects. By reconnecting with these individuals and organizations, we aim to share how our grants have benefited artists and their communities. This month, we feature Rachel Pauli's community gourd project Artistry in Agriculture. | | Rachel Pauli's community gourd mosaic on display at the Winona Public Library. Photo provided by grant recipient | | Artist Rachel Pauli invited Winona residents to decorate gourd shards at two February workshops, with no artistic experience necessary. Over 100 people participated—from young children to elderly residents, including those with limited vision and varying cognitive abilities. Pauli then assembled their contributions into a large mosaic depicting Sugarloaf Bluff. For Pauli, who has autism and finds social connection difficult, gourds proved an ideal medium: durable enough for any skill level, tactile, and forgiving. The finished piece, unveiled at the Winona Public Library, showed participants how their individual work had become part of a collective landscape. Her Artistry in Agriculture project demonstrates how accessible materials and open-ended processes can bring together people who might not otherwise meet. | | Looking for more stories from our region? Dive into the Root River Current for in-depth coverage of the people, artists, and culture that make southeast Minnesota unique. | | SEMAC Staff Participates in Grantmakers in the Arts 2025 Conference | | Sharon Mansur (2nd from left) and Anastasia Shartin (3rd from right) at the 2025 GIA conference with other Regional Arts Council staff members. Photo submitted by SEMAC staff | | Executive Director Anastasia Shartin and Outreach & Accessibility Manager Sharon Mansur attended the Grantmakers in the Arts 2025 Conference -- Building Solidarity, Rooted in Justice – which was held in Minneapolis from October 19 through 22. They gathered with more than 600 grant makers representing state arts agencies, small family foundations, national funders, and other grant making entities from throughout the country for four full days of panels, interactive sessions, field trips, speakers, and networking events. | | |
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:
| | 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. | | | | |
