Regional Arts

Poetry | “Love…” In Springtime

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

A young child wearing a blue sweatshirt stand next to the trunk of a large maple tree. On the side of the tree is a silver metal bar holding a blue clear plastic bag that is half filled with clear maple sap. The sunshine peeks behind the tree and across the brown woods in early spring.

Essay | Maple Syrup–A Homesteading Tradition

An impulse-buy at a local farm store leads to a sweet new family tradition.

Profile | Joan Finnegan’s Dream Was Always to Be a Painter

Steve Harris interviews nationally known local artist, Joan Finnegan.

Women in a canoe holds a large brown trout with both hands.

Artist Creating New Life in Southeastern Minnesota

David Phillips visits with Michelle de la Vega, nationally known artist and transplant to a small farm in southeast Minnesota.

A man in a brown shirt and woman in a light blue sweater stand in front of dark green cabinets and small pieces of art.

Art Center Serves as a Hub for Winona Artists and Community

Inside the Winona Arts Center: John Torgrimson introduces us to activities available to the southeast Minnesota region.

man at table with book and magazine covers

On His Own Terms: The Writing Life of Tom Driscoll

A southeast Minnesota writer and publisher chronicles his journey as a heart transplant recipient: John Weiss shares the ‘story behind the story’ captured in a soon-to-be-published book by author Tom Driscoll.

Lanesboro High School students learning to use their cell phone cameras in new ways. (Submitted photo)

Telling Stories Through Photos

Student photographers learning to see the world in a more artistic way.

A barn in the distance covered in snow. In the foreground is a large tree with snow covered branches.

Essay | A Big Woods Snow Day

Where have all the snow days gone?!? Greg Schieber shares memories from the past — and lessons learned.

Black and white aerial photo of Lanesboro town from the 1800s.

Lanesboro Talking Trail

Details on a new audio-based history and storytelling project, Lanesboro’s Talking Trail, that opened to the public in 2025.

2024 artists, above, are among those recognized in Root River Current's series exploring the arts and artists in the greater Root River Valley region. (Root River Current photos)

Celebrating Regional Arts & Artists!

Root River Current recognized its 2024 featured artists at a community celebration November 9th at the Chatfield Center for the Arts.

A well-loved 1985 Ford F250 diesel truck waiting for its next task. (Photo by Greg Schieber)

Essay | Setbacks Are the Norm on My Small Farm

Greg Schieber shares the challenges of owning and maintaining a farm truck.

Inspired by nature, artist Rita LeDuc prefers painting with traditional oil paints. (All images courtesy of Rita and Paul LeDuc)

Paint Where We Live, Live Where We Paint

Delia Bell introduces us to Fillmore County artists Rita and Paul LeDuc whose works are on display in the gallery at Chatfield Center for the Arts through December.