Regional Arts

Young children lean on a table with crafts made from egg cartons and pipe cleaners.

Youth of All Ages Engage in Creative Summer Arts Programs

Summer arts programs for area youth teach collaboration, creativity and community involvement; our photos and video montage capture their enthusiasm!

four youth musicians standing with instruments in outdoor setting

Classical Music Echoes Through the Valley

The Stringwood Chamber Music Festival returns to the Root River Valley for its 25th year of concerts and education; John Gaddo takes a closer look.

Author Ken McCullough (submitted photo)

Poetry | Missing Those Who Left Us

Two new essay-style poems from local Minnesota author, Ken McCullough.

A red-brown hairy calf with ears sticking out to the sides stands in front of a large black cow in a green pasture.

Essay | The Cows are Out!

In this charming essay, Greg Schieber shares the highs, lows and unexpected roundups of life in Fillmore County’s Big Woods.

A eagle stretches its wings out as it takes off and flies away from the camera across a gravel driveway. The bird flies about two feet off the ground and its shadow is beneath in on the gravel.

Poetry | Three Haiku for Summer

Poet, writer, and photographer Rene Bergstrom captures the essence of summer in the driftless with three new original haikus.

A group of people sit outside in folding chairs on green grass all facing forward watching a musical performance.

La Crescent Goes Live with Summer Music Series

Greg Lovell reports on how you can take in the music, community and fun at La Crescent Live, a summertime community event.

picture of rhubarb plants and sign

Poetry | Come Spring, Rhubarb Takes the Stage

Catherine Glynn salutes one of our favorite spring delicacies in an Ode to Rhubarb.

Cover art from a book of fiction by Emilio DeGrazia. (submitted photo)

Poetry | Junk Love and Other Poems

Winona poet Emilio DeGrazia shares poetry from an upcoming book of original works.

An older woman with short gray hair stands behind a microphone on a stand and in front of a black curtain. Her arms are outstretched and her hands are flat with fingers spread widely.

Essay | The Power of Storytelling 

Sandy Webb learns how to tell a compelling story at a Winona-area storytelling workshop.

A painted church altar with lots of ornamentation.

Herbjørn Gausta: Norwegian Pioneer and Painter of Church Altars

Contributor Loni Kemp and photographer Sharen Haugerud Storhoff explore the life of church artist Herbjørn Gausta, raised near Harmony.

A woman in a turquoise shirt holds a piece of stained glass while she sits at a table surrounded by other pieces of art.

Remarkable Artists Open Their Houston County Studios for Regional Art Tour

Rose Korabek profiles three women artists featured in the 2025 Bluff Country Art Tour.

photo of lady slipper flowers

Poetry | “Love…” In Springtime

Original poems — and a doodle — by southeastern Minnesota artist and poet, Diane Knight.

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