Celebrating Creativity!
'Tis the season to be thankful for friends and food, gatherings and gaiety
LANESBORO—It was one of those ‘bonus’ late summer-like November days across southeastern Minnesota as guests made their way to Sylvan Brewery in Lanesboro for a “meet ‘n greet”, an adult beverage and an opportunity to celebrate the arts!
Root River Current’s “Celebrating Arts & Artists” reception on November 15 welcomed over 50 artists, writers and community members from the greater Root River Valley – among them were some two dozen whose content or stories were published this year, including profiled artists, contributing writers and others who submitted original poetry, essays or photography.

Of particular note were storyteller Sandy Webb, writer Julie Little and musician Tim Little. Sandy, whose essay The Power of Storytelling was published earlier this year, engaged the audience in some original storytelling of her own, as well as thoughts about the value of storytelling.
Tim and Julie entertained with several co-written songs (Julie’s the lyricist, Tim’s the composer); Julie – who regularly contributes articles, essays and poetry to Root River Current – also recited two new poems for all to enjoy.

We so appreciate Sandy, Tim and Julie’s willingness to share their respective talents and creations – we’re much richer for the experience! (See photos below of the performers, guests and others who attended the reception.)
Also supporting Root River Current’s celebration and recognition of the arts were Sylvan Brewing, our host for the night, and the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.
Thank you all for celebrating this year’s Root River Current arts & artists!

A 50+ person gathering shared in the evening as Root River Current celebrated a year of Regional Arts stories. On the right wall is a large mural created by Lanesboro students featured in a 2025 story; other artists’ works and a video of story highlights were displayed on the table just beyond the mural. (Photo by John Gaddo)

Root River Current co-publishers John Gaddo (left) and John Torgrimson (right) welcome guests to the reception at Sylvan Brewing in Lanesboro. (Photo by John Weiss)

Root River Current Board Chair Steve Harris greets guests with a look back at our past year of inspiring stories. (Photo by Julie Fryer)

Lanesboro storyteller Sandy Webb performs the story of “how Rabbit made it to the moon.” (Photo by Julie Fryer)

Singer-songwriter duo Tim Little (left) and Julie Little (right) being introduced by John Gaddo; Tim performed several original songs, including Root River Song, originally published by Root River Current. (Photo by Julie Fryer)

Julie Little shares one of her original poems during Root River Current’s Celebrating Arts and Artists reception. (Photo by Julie Fryer)

Guests “meet ‘n greet” during Root River Current‘s arts gathering. (Photo by Joe Goetzke)

An impressive spread of delicious appetizers greeted guests; our thanks to Pat Torgrimson for creating our ‘snack buffet’. (Photo by Julie Fryer)

Lively conversation was had by all as the evening progressed. (Photo by John Weiss)

Guests engage in conversation about the arts, the community and each other at Root River Current‘s arts and artists reception. (Photo by Joe Goetzke)