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.

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 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.

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.

Charron attends White House reception for Turnaround Arts

Michael Charron at the White House

Michael Charron, dean of the School of the Arts  and chair of the Minnesota State Arts Board, was invited by First Lady Michelle Obama to attend a White House function May 20.

During the occasion, Mrs. Obama announced the expansion of the Turnaround Arts program — an arts education initiative to help improve low-performing schools. The program launched as a pilot program in April 2012 in eight schools across the country and was developed through the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education and the White House Domestic Policy Council.

The Turnaround Arts initiative is a public-private partnership designed to narrow the achievement gap and increase student engagement through the arts. Working in some of the nation’s lowest-performing elementary and middle schools, this program will test the idea that high-quality and integrated arts education boosts academic achievement, motivates student learning and improves school culture in the context of overall school reform.

Minnesota is one of three states chosen to participate in Turnaround Arts educational programming for the upcoming year. Following an application process, four Minnesota schools will be chosen, according to Charron.

“We will not replace subject matter or teachers, but we will provide training; we work with the school to integrate arts into their curriculum,” Charron said. “A direct correlation has been made between the arts and a wide range of benefits to students including academic achievement, school involvement, and social and emotional development. We will be working with current school staff and provide expertise from arts education specialists and will incorporate local artists and at least one nationally known artist to assist the school. We’re not there to replace, but to add to what schools are doing.”

In fact, he said, every school in the pilot program showed improvement in math and reading scores after just one year.

The Minnesota State Arts Board is acting as the program’s fiscal agent at the state level, partnering with the Perpich Center for Arts Education.

Seniors display art through May 10

Abigail Osborne

The Saint Mary’s Senior Art Exhibition titled “9 Artistas” will run through Commencement Day Saturday, May 10 in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries.

Graduating seniors include Kaitlyn Bryant, Andrea Hillesheim, LeiLani Oas, Carla Olivares, Abi Osborne, Sam Pflughoeft, Angie Powell, Chelsea Pumper, and Tommy Robaczewski.

A variety of media is on display, including graphic design, photography, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, paintings and multimedia installations.

Rosanne Cash to lead outstanding lineup for 2014-15 Page Series

The 28th season of the Page Series is once again filled with music, dance, theatre and family-friendly offerings from around the world! You don’t have to travel far for world-class entertainment. Season subscriptions go on sale May 13. Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 19.

Purchase tickets to three or more events to receive a 10 percent discount for new subscribers; returning 2013-14 subscribers receive 25 percent off the total order. Subscribers also have exchange privileges and guaranteed seating choice.

To order after May 13, go online to www.pagetheatre.org or call the Saint Mary’s box office, Ext. 1715, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The 2014-15 Page Series

• Wednesday, Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Rosanne Cash
Singer, songwriter
Tickets: $30 for adults, $27 for seniors and students
Daughter of American icon Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash has blazed a path of her own with thoughtful, heartfelt songs of love, loss, and country living.

• Friday, Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Intergalactic Nemesis by Robot Planet
Live graphic novel
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
Drama, humor, science fiction, and audience participation will combine for an evening of theatre magic, using the sound effects of radio drama, super-sized projections of a graphic novel, a live keyboard player, and live actors.

• Tuesday, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m.
Curious George by Theatreworks USA
A lot of monkeying around
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
In this delightful new musical, the inquisitive, lovable little monkey Curious George, star of books, movies and the award-winning PBS television show, works to help his friend win the world-famous Golden Meatball Contest in Rome.

• Thursday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m.
The Creole Choir of Cuba
Stories of Haitian ancestors
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
This vibrant 10-piece group — five men and five women who dance when they sing — are a cornucopia of remarkable voices.

• Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, 6:30 p.m.
Janet’s Planet
Explore the universe
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
Explore the vast universe with PBS’s “Janet’s Planet” by focusing on science, technology, engineering, art and math.

• Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Hector Del Curto Quintet
Argentinean Tango
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
The Argentinean Tango has been in the Del Curto family since the early 1900s. Hector Del Curto’s great grandfather was a bandoneonist and composer, and his grandfather, also a great bandoneon player, introduced Hector to the world of Tango and the bandoneon. Del Curto has captivated audiences around the world.

• Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, 6:30 p.m.
Monkey Mind Pirates by Z Puppets Rosenschnoz
Pirates and puppets
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
This is the world’s only puppet, rock, yoga opera for families in search of calm. Based in Minneapolis, Z Puppets tours their family-friendly comedies across the country.

• Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
TU Dance Company
Powerful contemporary dance
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
The Twin Cities-based TU Dance Company culminates a three-day residency with a full evening performance. Modern dance, classical ballet, African-based and urban vernacular movements are combined in inventive and unpredictable ways.

• Monday, March 16, 2015, 7:30 p.m.
Cherish the Ladies
Celtic Music
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
This Celtic musical group, Cherish The Ladies, takes their name from the name of a traditional Irish jig. The group initially won recognition 25 years ago as the first and only all-women traditional Irish band. With their unique spectacular blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and stunning step dancing, this powerhouse group combines all the facets of Irish traditional culture and does so with humor and entertaining stories.

May’s work featured in Bluff Country Studio Art Tour

Monta May ’04, Office of Marketing and Communication, is one of the featured artists in the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour, Friday through Sunday, April 24-27. Visit her at 854 W. 5th St.

May’s art features an exploration of the ancient and the contemporary. Visitors to her studio will see mosaics, sculptures, drawings and paintings done by May and her daughter, Emerald Hulsing ’09. May will be doing mosaic-making demonstrations all day, each day of the tour.

The Bluff Country Studio Art Tour is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to www.bluffcountrystudioarttour.com.

Minnesota Conservatory open house Sept. 4

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will be conducting its fall registration open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the Valéncia Arts Center, 1164 W. 10th St.

MCA 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.

Register early for:

• New art division classes including “Architecture for Kids” and “Drawing 101.”
• Dance programming in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, hip hop and tap with new course divisions.
• Private music lessons with talented teaching artists.
• New partner workshops with the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Great River Shakespeare Festival.
• Advanced training for those serious about dance with an additional Ballet V/VI/VII class.
• New adult wellness classes including folk music workshops, “Intro to Guitar,” “Self Portrait Workshop,” and “Belly Dancing for Beginners.”

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.

Last chance to register for MCA's visual arts workshops

In “Art in Motion: Drawing a Powerful Still Life,” students at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts will explore the art of drawing a still life using versatile charcoal techniques to create a powerful drawing, using props from the MCA “Nutcracker” ballet.  These drawings will be exhibited during the “Nutcracker” performance in the Ben Miller Lobby in December.  This class — scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 — is open to artists of all experience levels wishing to refresh or improve their drawing skills. The cost is $30 and participants must be age 16 or older.

With some paper, some thread, and a needle you can make books that are more creative and special than anything you can buy through MCA’s “Book Arts Workshop, Blank Books.” Participants will take hand-made books home and fill them with stories, drawings and beyond! The class is 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, for students in grades 5 through 8 for $20; or from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, for grades two through four for $15.

For more information, go to www.mnconservatoryforthearts.org.

‘Let Us Remember’ Centennial performance continues

Saint Mary's student Andrew Russell portrays Brother Charles Severin.

In honor of Saint Mary’s Centennial, a special program celebrating the history, mission and legacy of Saint Mary’s will be presented. “Let Us Remember” — a performed narrative that includes many of the voices from Saint Mary’s rich history — will incorporate theatre, music, visual art and dance into one inspiring program.

Experience SMU’s 100-year journey through word, music and photographs during performances scheduled for 7:30 p.m. today (Friday) and Saturday. A matinee will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday. “Let Us Remember” was written and is directed by 1979 Saint Mary’s alumnus and Dean of the School of the Arts Michael Charron.

The program features newly commissioned music scores by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, director of choirs, and Eric Heukeshoven, director of jazz, as performed by the SMU Concert Band and SMU Choirs.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Box Office, Ext. 1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org. All faculty and staff are eligible to receive two free tickets

Centennial timeline unveiling is today in Toner

In honor of its Centennial year, Saint Mary’s University commissioned Brother Roderick Robertson, professor of art and design, to design a timeline wall mural of the university’s history.

The timeline will be unveiled during a public reception 10:45 a.m. today, Friday, Oct. 5, at the Toner Student Center. The timeline will also be installed on the Twin Cities campus.

Brother Roderick has taught art and design at Saint Mary’s for 35 years. This timeline depicts the first century of Saint Mary’s. Fittingly, the artist wanted to tell the university’s story symbolically with 100 photographs.

The piece is divided into four segments or panels. The first panel illustrates the founding and early years of the university under the direction of the Diocese of Winona. The second panel illustrates the arrival of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the beginning of the Lasallian character of the school. The third panel depicts the arrival of women on campus and how becoming co-educational influenced and changed the nature of the institution. The fourth panel presents the changes that occurred as the college became a university including the expansion of graduate and international programming. The end of the mural speaks to the future of Saint Mary’s University.

The rich and colorful history includes many of the faces from Saint Mary’s University who have shaped its heritage and transformed the school’s educational experience.

The piece includes the first photograph of Saint Mary’s College, taken by Florence Curran and donated by her grandson Rob Linden of Winona. Curran captured the school’s cornerstone laying in 1912.

The SMU class of 2011 helped fund the project through their senior class gift.

Lawing displays new work at galleries through Nov. 4

Preston Lawing, SMU Art and Design faculty member, is displaying new work during the current Saint Mary’s art exhibit.

In “Cabinets of Curiosities,” Lawing is showing sculptures, prints, drawings and an installation/recreation of a “hoarder’s” apartment.

The show will run through Nov. 4 at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, located in the Toner Student Center. The galleries will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and all exhibits are free and open to the public.

‘Let Us Remember’ Centennial performance to debut Oct. 4-6

In honor of Saint Mary’s Centennial, a special program celebrating the history, mission and legacy of Saint Mary’s will be presented. “Let Us Remember” — a performed narrative that includes many of the voices from Saint Mary’s rich history — will incorporate theatre, music, visual art and dance into one inspiring program.

Experience SMU’s 100-year journey through word, music and photographs during performances scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 4-6. A matinee will begin at 2 p.m. Oct. 6.  “Let Us Remember” was written and will be directed by 1979 Saint Mary’s alumnus and Dean of the School of the Arts Michael Charron.

The program features newly commissioned music scores by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, director of choirs, and Eric Heukeshoven, director of jazz, as performed by the SMU Concert Band and SMU Choirs.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Box Office, Ext. 1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Centennial timeline unveiling will be Oct. 5

In honor of its Centennial year, Saint Mary’s University commissioned Brother Roderick Robertson, professor of art and design, to cdesign a timeline wall mural of the university’s history.

The timeline will be unveiled during a public reception 10:45 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at the Toner Student Center. The timeline will also be installed on the Twin Cities campus.

Brother Roderick has taught art and design at Saint Mary’s for 35 years. This timeline depicts the first century of Saint Mary’s. Fittingly, the artist wanted to tell the university’s story symbolically with 100 photographs.

The piece is divided into four segments or panels. The first panel illustrates the founding and early years of the university under the direction of the Diocese of Winona. The second panel illustrates the arrival of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the beginning of the Lasallian character of the school. The third panel depicts the arrival of women on campus and how becoming co-educational influenced and changed the nature of the institution. The fourth panel presents the changes that occurred as the college became a university including the expansion of graduate and international programming. The end of the mural speaks to the future of Saint Mary’s University.

The rich and colorful history includes many of the faces from Saint Mary’s University who have shaped its heritage and transformed the school’s educational experience.

The piece includes the first photograph of Saint Mary’s College, taken by Florence Curran and donated by her grandson Rob Linden of Winona. Curran captured the school’s cornerstone laying in 1912.

The SMU class of 2011 helped fund the project through their senior class gift.

Tibetan monks plan closing ceremony today

The Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery have created a sand mandala in the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, all week. Their residency will end with a closing ceremony at 11:45 a.m. today, Friday, Sept. 21.

In this sacred tradition, intricate and artistic designs are created from colored sand and then ritualistically destroyed to symbolize the Buddhist doctrinal belief in the impermanent nature of material life.

During the closing ceremony, the public is invited to join the Tibetan Monks in ceremoniously releasing the sand used from the mandala into Gilmore Creek.

Twenty-one photographs from the Tibet Image Bank, London will be on display through Monday, Sept. 24. The photo show, “Tibet: Magical Land of Spiritual Wonders,” will be on display at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Events being held in the gallery are free and open to the public.

‘Let Us Remember’ Centennial performance to debut Oct. 4-6

In honor of Saint Mary’s University’s Centennial, a special program celebrating the history, mission and legacy of Saint Mary’s will be presented. “Let Us Remember” — a performed narrative that includes many of the voices from Saint Mary’s rich history — will incorporate theatre, music, visual art and dance into one inspiring program.

Experience SMU’s 100-year journey through word, music and photographs during performances scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 4-6. A matinee will begin at 2 p.m. Oct. 6.  “Let Us Remember” was written and will be directed by 1979 Saint Mary’s alumnus and Dean of the School of the Arts Michael Charron.

The program features newly commissioned music scores by Dr. Patrick O’Shea, director of choirs, and Eric Heukeshoven, director of jazz, as performed by the SMU Concert Band and SMU Choirs.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the Box Office, Ext. 1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Centennial timeline unveiling will be Oct. 5

In honor of its Centennial year, Saint Mary’s University commissioned Brother Roderick Robertson, FSC, professor of art and design, to complete a timeline wall mural of the university’s history.

The timeline will be unveiled during a public reception Friday, Oct. 5, at the Toner Student Center. The time is yet to be determined. The timeline will also be installed on the Twin Cities campus.

Brother Roderick has taught art and design at Saint Mary’s for 35 years. This timeline depicts the first century of Saint Mary’s. Fittingly, the artist wanted to tell the university’s story symbolically with 100 photographs.

The piece is divided into four segments or panels. The first panel illustrates the founding and early years of the university under the direction of the Diocese of Winona. The second panel illustrates the arrival of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the beginning of the Lasallian character of the school. The third panel depicts the arrival of women on campus and how becoming co-educational influenced and changed the nature of the institution. The fourth panel presents the changes that occurred as the college became a university including the expansion of graduate and international programming. The end of the mural speaks to the future of Saint Mary’s University.

The rich and colorful history includes many of the faces from Saint Mary’s University who have shaped its heritage and transformed the school’s educational experience.

The piece includes the first photograph ever taken of Saint Mary’s College, taken by Florence Curran and donated by her grandson Rob Linden of Winona. Curran captured the school’s cornerstone laying in 1912.

The SMU class of 2011 helped fund the project through their senior class gift.

Tibetan monks to perform, create sand mandala

Twenty-one photographs from the Tibet Image Bank, London will be on display through Sept. 24 at Saint Mary’s in conjunction with an artist residency by the Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Loseling Monastery.

The photo show, “Tibet: Magical Land of Spiritual Wonders” will be on display at the Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries, located in the Toner Student Center, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The Tibetan Monks will create a sand mandala in the galleries, beginning with an opening ceremony at 11:45 a.m. Monday, Sept. 17, and ending with a closing ceremony at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21. The creation of the mandala will run during gallery hours throughout the week. The public is also invited to participate in a community sand painting during this time.

In this sacred tradition, intricate and artistic designs are created from colored sand and then ritualistically destroyed to symbolize the Buddhist doctrinal belief in the impermanent nature of material life.

During the closing ceremony, the public is invited to join the Tibetan Monks in ceremoniously releasing the sand used from the mandala into Gilmore Creek. Events being held in the gallery are free and open to the public.

The Tibetan Monks will also present a public performance Thursday, Sept. 20, in Page Theatre. For more information, go to www.pagetheatre.org. Tickets are available online or at the Page Theatre Box office, Ext. 1715 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.