MCA offers drawing workshops for youth

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Visual Arts Division invites students in grades 4-7 to participate in drawing workshops from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 9, March 9, and April 13.

Drawing is a great skill for students to learn observation, memory, and dexterity. Young artists will explore still-life imaginative works, portraiture, and Japanese brush painting during these once-a-month workshops with local artist Julie Johnston.

New students are welcome, and those who have participated previously will be challenged with new themes and works. The price for all three workshops is $35 and includes all supplies.

For more information, go to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 507-453-5500.

MCA to host free workshop with TU Dance Company

TU Dance company members will teach a modern-based dance class prior to their 7:30 p.m. performance Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theatre.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is hosting a workshop with the professional dancers from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.

Founded in 2004 by Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands in Saint Paul, TU Dance is a leading voice for contemporary dance. The 12-member, professional company is acclaimed for its diverse and versatile artists, performing work that draws together modern dance, classical ballet, African-based and urban vernacular movements.

Intermediate and advanced dancers are invited to register and participate free of charge. The workshop will start with a warmup and then build into more complex dance phrases, allowing the dancer’s body to experience the movements as it uses the space. Students may even have the opportunity to learn choreography from the repertory that will be performed that night.

To register or for more information, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, or call 453-5500. Space is limited to 20 dancers. The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance music, visual art, and theatre year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for children age 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center.

Winona Area Homeschoolers display art at MCA gallery

Galleria Valéncia at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is filled with 28 unique pieces of artwork created by members of Winona Area Homeschoolers. Visitors to the gallery, located at 1164 W. 10th St., will be exposed to work in a variety of mediums including watercolor, photography, pencil, and mixed media.

This exhibit is free and open to the public during the month of February during regular office hours and while classes are in session. Visitors are encouraged to sign the guestbook so that the young artists know who attended the show.

The 22 young artists displaying work are: William Casselman, Hannah Casselman, James Bickerstaff, Azrielle Lemire, Shiloh Lemire, Charlie Lingen, Juniper Lingen, Isaac Meinke, Justine Meinke, Preston Meinke, Jocelyn Olcott, Markarah Olcott, Uvone Olcott, Bethany Peratt, Mario Peratt, Rebekah Peratt, Laura Schleich, Natalie Schleich, Seamus Schwaba, Lani Schul, Aviya Swagger, and Sam Swagger.

Next month Galleria Valéncia will feature artists from Winona Area Catholic Schools.

MCA offers drawing workshops for youth

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Visual Arts Division invites students in grades 4-7 to participate in drawing workshops from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 9, March 9, and April 13.

Drawing is a great skill for students to learn observation, memory, and dexterity. Young artists will explore still-life imaginative works, portraiture, and Japanese brush painting during these once-a-month workshops with local artist Julie Johnston.

New students are welcome, and those who have participated previously will be challenged with new themes and works. The price for all three workshops is $35 and includes all supplies.

For more information, go to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 507-453-5500.

MCA announces auditions for Summer Dance Intensive

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Summer Dance Intensive offers comprehensive dance training for intermediate and advanced dancers ages 11 to 22.  Auditions are required for acceptance. Boarding and non-boarding camp options are available.

Summer Dance Intensive students participate in approximately eight hours of technique and theory classes each day, as well as a final showcase performance. The auditions will include a full ballet class. Students with pointe experience should bring pointe shoes to the audition class. Following the ballet class, students may choose to show a prepared jazz, modern, tap, or character dance center combination of at least 64 counts or 16 bars. Showing a prepared piece is optional.

Audition information:

• La Crosse Dance Centre, 2716 Commerce St., La Crosse, Wis.; 608-783-5155; Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon

• Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, 1164 W. 10th St., Winona; 507-453-5501, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. to noon

• Cowels Center/ James Sewell Ballet, Studio 2B, 528 Hennepin Ave., Suite 215, Minneapolis, Sunday, April 26, 1 to 3 p.m.

Talent-based scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis. For students who are unable to attend one of the audition classes, video auditions will be accepted through April 20.

For a brochure, registration form, and more information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call 507-453-5500.

MCA announces Jan. 17 auditions for dance concert

Auditions for “AbunDANCE: A Woman’s Influence,” the 2015 Dance Repertory Company spring concert, will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts’ Dance Repertory Company will present its annual spring dance concert April 16-18 at Page Theatre. Roles for male and female intermediate and advanced dancers in tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary ballet, and Irish dance are available for youth ages 12 and older through adults.

Dancers should bring a current photo and appropriate audition shoes for their choice of dance style. Students under the age of 21 who are cast are required to be enrolled in at least one dance class at MCA, Saint Mary’s, or Winona State. A $75 performance fee is required.

This spring’s production will focus on women’s contributions to the world of dance and feature a variety of dance forms.

For more information, contact MCA director of dance Tammy Schmidt at tschmidt@smumn.edu or call 507-453-5500.

Dance Repertory Company presents ‘The Nutcracker’

The Department of Theatre and Dance and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) will present the Dance Repertory Company in “The Nutcracker” today through Sunday, Dec. 5-7, at the Saint Mary’s Page Theatre.

Heralding the message of peace on earth, “The Nutcracker” is performed around the globe during the holiday season. Producing this delightful ballet every other holiday season, the Dance Repertory Company once again brings this magical experience to the Winona area community for its eighth biennial production.

The 2014 cast includes over 80 members including students from Saint Mary’s, Winona State University, and children and community members from the Winona and surrounding areas.

Through this ballet the beauty of the pure, young heart shines bright in a world of dancing dolls, angels, and of course, the wonderful magical Nutcracker Prince.  In the dreams of a child named Clara, a battle wages between a band of mice and company of toy soldiers. With Clara’s assistance, the toy soldiers are victorious and grateful. A Nutcracker Prince welcomes her to the Land of Snow, where they dance with the angels, and to the Kingdom of the Sweets hosted by the Sugar Plum Fairy where she sees a beautiful array of ethnic dances such as Spanish Coffee, Chinese Tea, and Russian Baba.

“The Nutcracker” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 5, through Saturday, Dec. 6, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens.

For tickets, call the box office at Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

Dance Repertory Company presents ‘The Nutcracker’

The Saint Mary’s University Department of Theatre and Dance and the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) will present the Dance Repertory Company in “The Nutcracker” Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 3-7, at the Saint Mary’s Page Theatre.

Heralding the message of peace on earth, “The Nutcracker” is performed around the globe during the holiday season. Producing this delightful ballet every other holiday season, the Dance Repertory Company once again brings this magical experience to the Winona area community for it’s eighth biennial production.

The 2014 cast includes over 80 members including students from Saint Mary’s, Winona State University, and children and community members from the Winona and surrounding areas.

Through this ballet the beauty of the pure, young heart shines bright in a world of dancing dolls, angels, and of course, the wonderful magical Nutcracker Prince.  In the dreams of a child named Clara, a battle wages between a band of mice and company of toy soldiers. With Clara’s assistance, the toy soldiers are victorious and grateful. A Nutcracker Prince welcomes her to the Land of Snow, where they dance with the angels, and to the Kingdom of the Sweets hosted by the Sugar Plum Fairy where she sees a beautiful array of ethnic dances such as Spanish Coffee, Chinese Tea, and Russian Baba.

“The Nutcracker” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, through Saturday, Dec. 6, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens.

A special abridged version, ideal for young audience members who may not be able to sit through the full-length ballet, will be presented at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The cost for this afternoon matinee is $4 for everyone.

For tickets, call the Saint Mary’s University Box Office at 507-457-1715 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

Conservatory presents Music Division Concert Nov. 24

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Music Division invites the community to a fall music concert 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, in Figliulo Recital Hall.

The concert will showcase the MCA Jazz Combos (directed by Dave Gudmastad) and a variety of students who are taking private lessons at MCA. Students ranging from youth age 5 and older through adults will perform classical and contemporary works.

Admission is a freewill donation. All donations will support future programming and the MCA scholarship fund. MCA is committed to making the arts accessible to all community members.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University, is a nonprofit organization that offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 10th and Vila streets. For more information, go online to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 453-5500.

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party fundraiser is Nov. 16

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will host its eighth biennial Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party, Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

This year’s Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party will feature two tea sittings (1 and 4 p.m.). Specialty teas and exquisite finger foods will be served. Additionally, the Land of the Sweets Gift Boutique, featuring holiday gifts and crafts, is available to the public from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for children and $18 for adults.  All children attending the tea party will receive a complimentary photo with their favorite character from the “Nutcracker” ballet. Tea attendees will enjoy the sounds of live cello by MCA’s music division instructor, Rachael Ryan Dahlgren, and a dance demonstration by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea party is the first big event of the “Nutcracker” production season for MCA and its performing group, the Dance Repertory Company. The company will present the full-length ballet Dec. 3-7 at Saint Mary’s Page Theatre. This year’s cast totals more than 85 members, including students from Saint Mary’s, Winona State University, and children and community members from the Winona area. For tickets to the production, call 457-1715 or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

Proceeds from the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party go toward the MCA student scholarship fund and “Nutcracker” production costs.

To reserve seats or a full table of six for the tea, call 453-5500 or visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org. The Valéncia Arts Center is handicapped accessible.

Conservatory presents Music Division Concert Nov. 24

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Music Division invites the community to a fall music concert 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at Saint Mary’s Figliulo Recital Hall.

The concert will showcase the MCA Jazz Combos (directed by Dave Gudmastad) and a variety of students who are taking private lessons at MCA. Students ranging from youth age 5 and older through adults will be performing classical and contemporary works.

Admission is a freewill donation. All donations will support future programming and the MCA scholarship fund. MCA is committed to making the arts accessible to all community members.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, an affiliate program of Saint Mary’s University, is a nonprofit organization that offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 10th and Vila streets. For more information, go online to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, email mca@smumn.edu, or call 453-5500.

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party fundraiser is Nov. 16

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will host its eighth biennial Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party, Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

This year’s Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party will feature two tea sittings (1 and 4 p.m.). Specialty teas and exquisite finger foods will be served. Additionally, the Land of the Sweets Gift Boutique, featuring holiday gifts and crafts, is available to the public from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for children and $18 for adults.  All children attending the tea party will receive a complimentary photo with their favorite character from the “Nutcracker” ballet. Tea attendees will enjoy the sounds of live cello by MCA’s music division instructor, Rachael Ryan Dahlgren, and a dance demonstration by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea party is the first big event of the “Nutcracker” production season for MCA and its performing group, the Dance Repertory Company. The company will present the full-length ballet Dec. 3-7 at Saint Mary’s Page Theatre. This year’s cast totals more than 85 members, including students from Saint Mary’s, Winona State University, and children and community members from the Winona area. For tickets to the production, call 457-1715 or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

Proceeds from the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party go toward the MCA student scholarship fund and “Nutcracker” production costs.

To reserve seats or a full table of six for the tea, call 453-5500 or visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org. The Valéncia Arts Center is handicapped accessible.

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party fundraiser is Nov. 16

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is pleased to announce the eighth biennial Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party, Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

This year’s Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party will feature two tea sittings (1 and 4 p.m.). Specialty teas and exquisite finger foods will be served. Additionally, the Land of the Sweets Gift Boutique, featuring holiday gifts and crafts, is available to the public from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for children and $18 for adults.  All children attending the tea party will receive a complimentary photo with their favorite character from the “Nutcracker” ballet. Tea attendees will enjoy the sounds of live cello by MCA’s music division instructor, Rachael Ryan Dahlgren, and a dance demonstration by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Sugar Plum Fairy Tea party is the first big event of the “Nutcracker” production season for MCA and its performing group, the Dance Repertory Company. The company will present the full-length ballet Dec. 3-7 at Saint Mary’s Page Theatre. This year’s cast totals more than 85 members, including students from Saint Mary’s, Winona State University, and children and community members from the Winona area. For tickets to the production, call 457-1715 or visit www.pagetheatre.org.

Proceeds from the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party go toward the MCA student scholarship fund and “Nutcracker” production costs.

To reserve seats or a full table of six for the tea, call 453-5500 or visit www.mnconservatorforthearts.org. Reservations are preferred by Nov. 1. The Valéncia Arts Center is handicapped accessible.

MCA offers drawing workshops with local artist this fall

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will hold drawing workshops with local artist Julie Johnston this fall at Saint Mary’s Valéncia Arts Center, located at the corner of 10th and Vila streets.

Visual Art Workshop I is offered to students in grades 4-6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 13, 27, and Nov. 10. Students will increase their skills in observation, memory, and dexterity, while learning techniques for drawing still life, imaginative works, and portraiture. Tuition for Visual Art Workshop is $35 (which includes supplies). The workshops offer students a fun opportunity to connect with other local children who are passionate about art and drawing.

Art in Motion workshops are offered to teen and adult artists of all experience levels wishing to refresh or improve their drawing skills. The workshops will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 22 and Nov. 12. Students will explore the art of drawing a still life using versatile charcoal techniques to create a powerful piece influenced by the props from “The Nutcracker” ballet.  The works will then be on display in the Ben Miller Lobby at Saint Mary’s University Performance Center during the performance season. Tuition for Art in Motion is $60. Students may also choose to sign up for just one workshop date for $30. Supplies are included in the cost.

Scholarships are available. To register for Visual Art Workshop I or Art in Motion or for scholarship information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org or call 453-5500. Registration closes Oct. 6.

MCA offers drawing workshops with local artist this fall

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will hold drawing workshops with local artist Julie Johnston this fall at Saint Mary’s University’s Valéncia Arts Center, located at the corner of 10th and Vila streets.

Visual Art Workshop I is offered to students in grades 4-6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 13, 27, and Nov. 10. Students will increase their skills in observation, memory, and dexterity, while learning techniques for drawing still life, imaginative works, and portraiture. Tuition for Visual Art Workshop is $35 (which includes supplies). The workshops offer students a fun opportunity to connect with other local children who are passionate about art and drawing.

Art in Motion workshops are offered to teen and adult artists of all experience levels wishing to refresh or improve their drawing skills. The workshops will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 22 and Nov. 12. Students will explore the art of drawing a still life using versatile charcoal techniques to create a powerful piece influenced by the props from “The Nutcracker” ballet.  The works will then be on display in the Ben Miller Lobby at Saint Mary’s University Performance Center during the performance season. Tuition for Art in Motion is $60. Students may also choose to sign up for just one workshop date for $30. Supplies are included in the cost.

Scholarships are available. To register for Visual Art Workshop I or Art in Motion or for scholarship information, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org or call 453-5500. Registration closes Oct. 6.

Minnesota Conservatory fall offerings

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth (beginning with 3-year-olds) through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center located at 1164 West 10th St.

Classes begin on Monday, Sept. 8, and run through Nov.15. There is some wonderful new programming and registrations are now being accepted.

Class days, times and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call 453-5500. Interested students may registration online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

Conservatory registration open house planned for Sept. 3

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will hold its winter 2014 registration open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Valéncia Arts enter, 1164 West 10th St.

Here are five reasons to attend:

• It’s a great opportunity to visit the facility, tour the studios and classrooms, and meet the talented instructors and staff.
• The dance attire boutique will be open and staff will assist with fittings and take orders for all of the dance classes.
• You can learn more about programming including some great new opportunities.
• Members of the Friends of MCA will be on hand to tell you more about hands-on volunteer opportunities.
• You will be able to visit with members of the Winona and MCA community and meet new people who love the arts as much as you.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Class days, times and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

Conservatory to conduct ‘Nutcracker’ auditions Aug. 30

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will hold auditions Saturday, Aug. 30, for its holiday production of The Nutcracker, to be performed at Saint Mary’s University Dec. 4-7. Auditions will begin at noon at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

The Nutcracker tells the timeless tale of Clara as she is taken into a magical world filled with dancing candy, daring sword fights, and beautiful fairies.

There are numerous opportunities to become involved in this production, from performing in the spotlight to assisting behind the scenes. Roles are available for actors, dancers and community members ages 5 and older (including adults) at all levels of experience.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is a nonprofit arts organization, which offers programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center.

For more information, go to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call 453-5500. Auditions are free and open to the public.

Conservatory registration open house planned for Sept. 3

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will hold its winter 2014 registration open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Valencia Arts enter, 1164 West 10th St.

Here are five reasons to attend:

• It’s a great opportunity to visit the facility, tour the studios and classrooms, and meet the talented instructors and staff.
• The dance attire boutique will be open and staff will assist with fittings and take orders for all of the dance classes.
• You can learn more about programming including some great new opportunities.
• Members of the Friends of MCA will be on hand to tell you more about hands-on volunteer opportunities.
• You will be able to visit with members of the Winona and MCA community and meet new people who love the arts as much as you.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts offers programming in dance, music, visual art, and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center, located at 1164 West 10th St.

Class days, times and tuition vary. Financial need-based scholarships are available. For a brochure and a complete listing, visit www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call (507) 453-5500. Interested students may register online, by mail, or in person at MCA’s Valéncia Arts Center.

Conservatory to conduct ‘Nutcracker’ auditions Aug. 30

Amanda Whalen and Keegan Eide, both MCA students.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will hold auditions Saturday, Aug. 30, for its holiday production of The Nutcracker, to be performed at Saint Mary’s University Dec. 4-7. Auditions will begin at noon at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 West 10th St.

The Nutcracker tells the timeless tale of Clara as she is taken into a magical world filled with dancing candy, daring sword fights, and beautiful fairies.

There are numerous opportunities to become involved in this production, from performing in the spotlight to assisting behind the scenes. Roles are available for actors, dancers and community members ages 5 and older (including adults) at all levels of experience.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is a nonprofit arts organization, which offers programming in dance, music, visual art and theatre, year-round. Classes, lessons, workshops, and camps are offered for youth ages 3 and older through adults at the Valéncia Arts Center.

For more information, go to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org, e-mail mca@smumn.edu, “like” them on Facebook, or call 453-5500. Auditions are free and open to the public.