Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council
October News & Events
| | Sheryl Rupprecht, Forever Home, 2025, acrylic. Image courtesy of the Winona Arts Center. | | SEMAC Awards Grants to
Individual Artists & Culture Bearers |   Congratulations to all new grant recipients!
We can't wait to see your projects come to life. | |
On September 8, 2026, SEMAC's Board of Directors awarded $71,725 in Project Support for Individual Artists and Culture Bearers grants to 14 applicants throughout Southeastern Minnesota. This included 8 advancing artists and 6 emerging artists.

A full list of all grant recipients and their projects can be found on SEMAC's website.
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    Organizational Sustainability & Capacity Building Grants | This program awards $1,000 to $5,000 to provide nonprofit arts organizations with the support needed to adapt to change, work on new strategies, develop competencies, or to improve processes and systems. Eligible proposals may contain, but are not limited to, feasibility studies for accessibility, strategic planning, financial consultation, and professional development opportunities for staff. | Application opens: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Submission deadline: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | | |
  Step-by-Step Videos & Applicant Journey | Is this your first time applying for a grant, or would you like more information about the application process for this grant?

A series of videos going through the application step-by-step will be available soon on our YouTube. Also make sure to read the accompanying Applicant Journey PDF, which provides a deep dive into the grant opportunity and the application process. | | SEMAC staff invite applicants to join one or more free virtual Q & A sessions where we will be available to answer questions about this grant opportunity and application. | | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 12 noon-1p CT | | Friday, November 13, 2026 | 12 noon-1p CT | | Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools Grants | | |
This program awards $2,000 to $4,000 to provide students in grades K-12 with opportunities to work directly with artists and culture bearers during the school day. Grant activities must supplement the school’s arts curriculum and not be a substitute for these basic requirements. Residencies can be in any discipline, including but not limited to, painting, photography, printmaking, textiles, music, dance, theater, storytelling, literary arts, intermedia arts, and traditional arts.
The lead applicant may be an artist or culture bearer living in SEMAC's region or the school in SEMAC's region where the residency will take place.
No public event is required, however the participating school must agree to share the residency in their district’s communications to families, with the School Board, and/or with any local press contacts to raise awareness of the importance of the arts.
| | Application opened: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Submission deadline: November 30, 2026 | | |
  Step-by-Step Videos & Applicant Journey | |
Is this your first time applying for a grant, or would you like more information about the application process for this grant?

A series of videos going through the application step-by-step is available on our YouTube. Also make sure to read the accompanying Applicant Journey PDF, which provides a deep dive into the grant opportunity and the application process.
| | SEMAC staff invite applicants to join one or more free virtual Q & A sessions where we will be available to answer questions about the grant opportunity and application. | | Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 6-7p CT | | Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 12 noon-1p CT | | |
  We know that the process of writing a grant application can be daunting. That's why we have compiled resources, including SEMAC grant writing tools and links to other grant writing support from reputable external organizations. | | Work of Art Workshops:
Fall 2026 Business Skills
for Artists & Culture Bearers |  
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Springboard for the Arts’ virtual Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists workshop series continues with two more free offerings this fall, including an expanded invitation open to individual artists and culture bearers in the regions served by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council (PLRAC), the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC), and the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC).
Each session will include time for connection and conversation across southern Minnesota, co-facilitated by a SEMAC staff member. Attend one or both!
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Legal Considerations* Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 6-8p CT
| Obtain general information about your intellectual property, contract basics, and structuring your artistic business.

*Work of Art instructors are not attorneys. Information presented is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. | |
Funding
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 6-8p CT
| Learn how to think creatively about diversifying your funding streams by exploring different models for generating value, resources, and revenue. | | Springboard’s Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists series is a professional development curriculum designed to teach business skills to artists and culture bearers in all disciplines, including, but not limited to, visual, performing, and literary arts. It starts with career planning and moves through topics like pricing, marketing, funding, and business plans. Work of Art can be helpful if you are just starting your creative career or if you need a refresher as you advance your work. | | Springboard’s Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists curriculum is available as a free workbook and downloadable from their website as a helpful reference during or after the workshops. | | |
Virtual via Zoom
Free, registration is required.
Please note that these sessions will not be recorded.
Automated Zoom captions will be available.
| | Springboard is committed to improving access to our programs and services for all persons. If you have questions or need assistance with completing the registration form, call Zaraawar Mistry at 651.789.2282 or email zaraawar@springboardforthearts.org. | | Community Care for Creatives:
with Sarah Johnson | | A bright, sunny image of colorful sunrise-shaped mural with the words "You Are Not Alone" painted in white cursive on a small wooden shed, located at Winona Catholic Worker in Winona, MN. Photo by Sarah Johnson. | | A Moment to Breathe & Be Together | | Taking a moment to pause, breathe, and be together can offer a brief respite when the demands, injustices, and strains of the world don't stop. Join us for a free, 15-minute virtual opportunity to reset together with community-engaged artist and trained mental health professional Sarah Johnson of The Joy Labs, hosted by SEMAC. Sarah will offer a short framing and a guided practice to tap into our own wisdom and groundedness. | | Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 12-12:15p CT | | |
Virtual via Zoom
Free, registration is required.
You are invited to drop in at any point during these sessions.
Please note that these sessions will not be recorded.
Automated Zoom captions will be available.
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Access Lab: Practicing Arts Accessibility Together
with Scott Artley, CPACC
| Scott Artley, who has light skin, a buzzed bald head, and trimmed orange beard. Scott wears a colorful plaid flannel shirt, a gold nose hoop, burgundy glasses, and a smile. Photo by Trista Marie Photography. |   "Accessibility work rarely come with one perfect answer. It grows through practice, experimentation, conversation, and learning from what other people have tried." | This interactive session begins with a brief hands-on introduction to an accessibility skill participants can apply in their own creative or organizational work. The rest of the session will be a lightly facilitated exchange about access questions, experiments, successes, and useful resources. Participants are encouraged to bring something related to disability access and inclusion they are working through or an approach to accessibility they would like to share. You are also welcome to come primarily to listen and reflect - no accessibility expertise required. |  
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Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 6-7:30p CT
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Virtual via Zoom
Free, registration is required.
Please note that this session will not be recorded.
Automated Zoom captions will be available.
|   Visit SEMAC's Accessibility Resources for Artists & Culture Bearers list for services, tools, funding, and additional support regarding accessibility in the arts! | | Skill-Building Workshop Series for Organizational Leaders | | |
SEMAC is excited to continue our partnership with Propel Nonprofits to offer a series of virtual workshops that will provide organizations with the tools they need to succeed.
Join other staff, board members, and volunteers from arts organizations in SEMAC's 11-county region, including the Prairie Island Indian Community, for these professional development opportunities.

Each workshop will be followed by a 30-minute session for networking and sharing, facilitated by SEMAC's Executive Director, Anastasia Shartin.
| | Through this partnership, these workshops which are normally $80-90 each are available to organizational leaders throughout the SEMAC region for free! | |
Board Roles & Responsibilities
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 12 noon-2p CT
| This interactive workshop is designed to equip nonprofit board members with a strong foundation in their core responsibilities - lead strategically, ensure financial stability, be an ambassador, support & supervise the executive director, and ensure healthy governance. This workshop is valuable for both new and experienced board members who want to serve more effectively. |  
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Project Budgeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | 12 noon-2p CT
| Budgets are more than just numbers; they are powerful tools for planning, decision-making, and storytelling. In this training, we’ll explore how to use project budgeting not only to manage resources effectively but also to communicate your organization’s values, priorities, and aspirations. | |
Board Engagement
Tuesday, April 20, 2027 | 12 noon-2p CT
| In this workshop, attendees will explore four practices for healthy board governance. Propel will also provide tips to increase engagement of board members, including an overview of facilitation strategies you can use during your board meetings. | | |
Virtual via Zoom
Free, registration is required.
Please note that these sessions will not be recorded.
Automated Zoom captions will be available.
| | Health Insurance Considerations for Minnesota Artists | | MNsure-Certified Navigator Jeff Jurewicz from Health Access MN will guide Minnesota based creatives through the basics of securing health insurance, including how to compare plans, determine eligibility for subsidies, and connect with licensed brokers during open enrollment and beyond. | | Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 6-8p CT | | |
Virtual via Zoom
Free, registration required.
Please note that this session will not be recorded.
However, Springboard can help direct you to other resources on this topic.
Contact Zaraawar "Z" Mistry at 651.789.2282 or email zaraawar@springboardforthearts.org for more information.
Automated Zoom captions will be available.
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  Additional Workshop Assistance | Additional accessibility accommodations are available upon request via each workshop's registration form, or contact Sharon Mansur, Outreach & Accessibility Manager, at sharon@semac.org, 507.322.1088, 711 TTY. | | SEMAC-Funded Public Events | | October's arts and cultural events are made possible with the generous support of Minnesota taxpayers through the Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. | | Participants join in a social round dance. Winona-Dakota Gathering, Winona. Photo courtesy of the Winona-Dakota Unity Alliance. | |
2026 Winona-Dakota Gathering
October 3-4 | 7a-12 noon
Unity Park
Winona, MN
Join the Winona-Dakota Unity Alliance (WDUA) the first weekend in October for the annual Winona-Dakota gathering. Both days begin with a Sunrise Ceremony at 7:30 am.Throughout the day on Saturday, the event will include opportunities for cross-cultural sharing, a moccasin tournament, the grand entry and social dances start at 1pm, vendors, and a community meal to be served at 5 pm. The WDUA is honored to welcome back Jacking Bird, artist, singer, and dancer, as a featured performer after the grand entry on Saturday. On Sunday, a coffee social to honor elders will be held from 10 am to noon.
| | Feathered Horizons mural. Sue Mundy, Wabasha Public Library, 2026. Photo courtesy of Sue Mundy. | |
Feathered Horizons-
The Art of It All
Thursday, October 8 | 6:30p
Wabasha Public Library
Wabasha, MN
Join Susan Mundy as she flies through the process of creating this mural, from conception with library staff and collaborators Nancy Falkum, Bird City Wabasha, and Scott Mehus, National Eagle Center Education Director. She will discuss invoking the emotional elements, obstacle challenges, and problem-solving process. The program will also include storytelling, music, audience participation, and a gift or two for anyone who attends.
Duck cookies and warm apple cider will be available during this free public event!
| | The Page Theatre at Saint Mary's University, Winona, MN 2025. Photo by Mary Farrell, courtesy of the Sandbar Storytelling Festival. | |
Sandbar Storytelling Festival
October 7-11
Various Times & Locations
Winona, MN
The Sandbar Storytelling Festival is excited to present six internationally renowned storytellers at their 5th anniversary season! Each day will feature different tellers, and all of the tellers will be telling tales at the Page Theatre on Friday night and all day Saturday.
Tales, Tunes & Ales, as well as the Sunday events, are free and open to the public. Two day passes for all events at the Page Theatre, Desserts with Daniel Morden, and Afternoon at the ARC are available on Sandbar Storytelling Festival's Website.
| | Graphic for Let's Murder Marsha. Image courtesy of the Mantorville Theatre Company. | |
Let's Murder Marsha
October 9-25
Fridays & Saturdays | 6:30p
Sundays | 12:30p
Mantorville Opera House
Mantorville, MN
Marsha, hopelessly addicted to reading murder mysteries, overhears her loving husband discussing her upcoming birthday surprise. To her ears, though, it sounds like they are planning to murder her! Find out what happens to Marsha during this nonstop comedy.

Enjoy a meal while watching Mantorville Theatre Company's performance at the Mantorville Opera House. All seats are reserved and must be purchased online ahead of time.
| | Flutistry, Elmaro Vineyard, 2026. Photo by Spencer Johannes, courtesy of the Winona Arts Center. | |
Seven Sundays
Art and Music Series
Sunday, October 11 | 1-4p
Winona Arts Center
Winona, MN
As part of the Winona Arts Center's (WAC) Seven Sundays Arts & Music Series, they invite you to celebrate the creativity and talent of our community at the Winona Arts Center Community Showcase. The event offers an opportunity to discover local artists and musicians, enjoy the colors and inspiration of the fall season, and connect with friends and neighbors in a welcoming arts-centered setting.
The art gallery will be on display October 11 through November 22, 2026. During the opening on October 11, there will be live music provided by Flutistry, a wide variety of art media on display and for sale, and floral pieces auctioned off with proceeds benefiting WAC.
| | Sewn sheepskin winter hat ornament at Radicle Heart Farm 2026. Photo by Heidi Eger. | |
Skinnfell Hat Ornament Workshop
Sunday, October 11 | 1-3p
Mainspring
Caledonia, MN
Come learn the Nordic tradition of Skinnfell from local artist Heidi Eger! Skinnfell is the Nordic folk art of sewing with stamped sheepskins. Whole sheepskins would be used to make bedding and smaller pieces would be used for clothing and decor.
In this class, make a stamp and sew a little winter hat ornament to add more nordic flair to your home. Choose from a variety of stamps for your decoration and learn two different stitches.
| | Fine silver filigree feather necklace with gray fresh water pearls, Liz Bucheit, 2018. Photo by Najlis Photography. | |
Traditions in Transition: The Silver Filigree Jewelry of Liz Bucheit
Thursday, October 15 | 6:30-8p
Sons of Norway Lodge
Lanesboro, MN
Join goldsmith Liz Bucheit for an engaging presentation exploring the rich traditions of Norwegian silverwork, and the design and fabrication techniques, which can also be seen in the finished pieces that will be on display. Through video, Liz will offer an inside look at her creative process, sharing how centuries-old Scandinavian metalworking traditions continue to inspire and inform her contemporary filigree jewelry.
| | Attendees at a previous Vintage & Makers Market, Caledonia, MN. Photo by Kallie Rollenhagen, courtesy of Mainspring. | |
Mainspring Vintage & Makers Market
Saturday, October 17 | 9a-2p
Mainspring
Caledonia, MN
Mainspring's 7th annual Vintage & Makers Market features local vendors who specialize in handmade or carefully selected vintage items. The Caledonia Fall Fest and Hot Air Balloon Rally are also taking place at the same time, making it the perfect day for locals and visitors alike to find adventure, an everyday treasure, or that perfect holiday gift!
| | Graphic for Living Altares: Winona DÃa De Los Muertos, 2026. Image courtesy of Gloria Alatorre. | |
Living Altares: DÃa de los Muertos
October 16-18 | Various Times
Dharma River Community Center
& Latsch Shelter
Winona, MN

Gloria Alatorre invites the public to a free, three-day participatory art and cultural experience of DÃa de los Muertos. The celebration begins Friday, with a guided Tarot workshop and symbolic art workshop. Explore the symbols, memory, and ancestry at the Dharma River Community Center from 6 to 8 pm. Join a guided nature walk and forest therapy experience Saturday morning from 9 to 11:30 am at the Latsch Shelter on Prairie Island Park. Attendees are encouraged to explore the cycles of life, transformation, and remembrance through our relationship with the natural world. Help create a collective installation of a DÃa de los Muertos altar on Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, and join a community reception from 6 to 9 pm at the Dharma River Community Center. Community members are welcome to bring photos, offerings, or meaningful objects honoring loved ones to place on the altar.
All activities are free and open to all backgrounds and levels of experience. Registration is required for the Tarot workshop and the guided nature walk.
| | Image from the new book Going for a Look, 2026. Photo by Linda Rossi. | |
Going for a Look
Thursday, October 22 | 6:30-8p
Save the Northfield Depot
Northfield, MN

Join artist Linda Rossi and naturalist Myles Bakke for the launch of their new book, Going for a Look: Natural History Stories Through the Eyes of a Tracker-Naturalist and an Artist. Myles will read from the essay "A Dantean Spring" and Linda will present her images. There will be time for questions and book signing during this free event.

To RSVP email: ann.iijima@gmail.com
| | Composer and performer Chris Koza. Image courtesy of Save the Northfield Depot. | |
Northfield Depot Concert Series: Chris Koza with Sam Ryden
Friday, October 23 | 7-9p
Save the Northfield Depot
Northfield, MN
Chris Koza, a composer and performer based in Denver and Minneapolis, will be closing out Save the Northfield Depot's four-part concert series. Brian Johnson will be hosting the concert, opening the evening with a short set.
Sharing the stage for the evening is Minneapolis singer/songwriter Sam Ryden, originally from Northfield. A skilled guitarist and vocalist, his original work blends poetic lyricism with hook-driven songwriting, moving between understated, Prine-esque folk ballads and more expansive, funk-leaning soul arrangements.
| | Graphic of logo for Austin Symphony Orchestra's 70th Anniversary Season. Image courtesy of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. | |
American Music Festival
Sunday, October 25 | 2p
Knowlton Auditorium at Austin High School
Austin, MN

Experience a wide variety of American classical and motion picture music as Music Director and Conductor Stephen Ramsey and the Austin Symphony Orchestra open its 70th season. A potpourri of great American music, including Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring, narrated by Lisa Deyo who has been active in the drama scene in Austin for many years. This unique concert program also includes Alan Menkin's Overture to Beauty and the Beast, Howard Hanson's Symphony No.2, and a side-by-side performance with the Albert Lea High School Orchestra.
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  Author Chuck Kerner next to the cover of his new book, Stonehouse Chronicles, 2026. Photo courtesy of Chuck Kernler. | |
Publishing The Stonehouse Chronicles
Thursday, October 29 | 7-9p
Sobieski Lodge
Winona, MN

Chuck Kernler invites the public to join him for a live reading, accompanied by a slideshow with images from his new biographical book, Stonehouse Chronicles. In this autobiography, we follow Chuck and his family as they struggle to make an old historic house a home. The second hour will be available in five-minute intervals for other authors to read their work.
| | SEMAC staff with Nicky Buck (far left) and Jasmine Fiddler (far right) from The Honoring Dakota Project at Red Wing Arts' Clay & Creative Center, Red Wing, 2026. Photo by SEMAC. | | SEMAC staff before a hike up He Mni Can, Red Wing, 2026. Photo by SEMAC. | | |
In August, SEMAC staff spent a day creating bonds and exploring Red Wing's diverse arts culture. We attended a Medicine Pouch Making workshop with The Honoring Dakota Project at Red Wing Arts Clay & Creative Center. Jasmine Fiddler and Nicky Buck led us through the process of creating our own tulip style pouches. They taught us about the symbolism behind the pouches, the herbs they hold, and shared stories about the culture and traditions of the Dakota tribe. We took a break from sewing and continued sharing stories while enjoying lunch from Mandy's Coffee & Café, a locally owned eatery in the heart of Red Wing.
With the beautiful handmade pouches we created around our necks, we made our way over to Red Wing Arts' Depot Gallery and spent time shopping in their giftshop and exploring their current exhibit, We Are Human: Figure & Form. Artists in the exhibit explored the ongoing fascination with the human form with art and media that is equally diverse. We finished our day with a scenic hike up He Mni Can-Barn Bluff.
| | Welcome New SEMAC Panelist | | |
Zoë Allen-Wickler is a practicing artist, focused on creating short, animated films through a variety of techniques since 2001. Seeking avenues to help support the growth of arts in the region, they were encouraged by members of their local community, including current panel members and a prior SEMAC grantee, to apply to join the panel.

Aside from art-making, Zoë enjoys science fiction, hiking, travel, and good coffee. They look forward to participating in forthcoming grant cycles. We are excited to have Zoë join SEMAC's Arts Adivsory Panel!
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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.
We currently have vacancies on the Board for representatives from Fillmore, Wabasha, and Winona Counties.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for these service opportunities, please follow the links below for more information or contact Anastasia Shartin, executive director, at anastasia@semac.org.
| | 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. | | | | |
