PROGRAMMING FOUNDATIONS
What We Offer
As a multi-disciplinary arts organization, we bring a wide range of programs to our rural region. Many of our events cross categories, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for in one category, be sure to explore the others or View Events Calendar. We’re adding new opportunities all the time, so there’s always something fresh to discover!
Visual Arts
Education
Performing Arts
Community Connections
Visual Arts
Through gallery exhibitions, public art, artist residencies, and a gift shop featuring regional artists, we create space for artists and audiences to connect.
Visual Arts Gallery
The Cultural Center’s gallery features more than 1,000 square feet of exhibition space, including nearly 100 feet of wall display. Additional studio and gallery areas on the second floor expand opportunities for artists and visitors alike.
Art Exhibitions last from four to six weeks. Artistic Director and Gallery Curator Megan Shirley-Ross curates shows in the gallery year-round, with the exception of January, when the Cultural Center is closed. Currently, shows are booked during the months of February-March and August-December, with April-July featuring annual shows including Minnesota State High School League Student Show, Elementary Art Show, Adult Regional Show, and Decoys & Wildlife/Landscape Show.
Interested artists may email Curator Megan Shirley-Ross (megan@kulcher.org) with 6-10 work samples, an artist statement, and exhibition concept.
Download Gallery Schematic Here | Download Exhibition Agreement Here
See what’s in the gallery now
Arts Retreat Residency
At the heart of the Cultural Center’s mission, the Arts Retreat Residency offers artists uninterrupted time and space to focus deeply on their work. Open to all disciplines—performance, literary, visual, and media arts—the residency welcomes one artist at a time for stays of two to six weeks, providing free housing and studio access in a quiet rural Minnesota setting.
Artists stay in a cozy one-bedroom bungalow within walking distance of the Cultural Center and downtown New York Mills, equipped with workspaces, essentials, and wireless internet. Applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines April 1 (for July-December residencies) and October 1 (for January-June residencies).
Gift Store
Discover one-of-a-kind treasures in our gallery Gift Store, featuring the work of over 60 local and regional artists. Shop handcrafted ceramics, paintings, prints, books by local authors, health and beauty products, CDs from past performers, Scandinavian foods and treats, elegant Iittala glassware from Finland, and more.
Whether you’re searching for a wedding, birthday, or holiday gift—or simply something special for yourself—you’ll find meaningful and memorable pieces here. Cultural Center members always receive 10% off.
Questions or interested in consigning work? Contact Emily at emily@kulcher.org or call 218-385-3339.
Sculpture Park & The Barn
On the north edge of New York Mills, visible from Highway 10, the Sculpture Park features large-scale artworks and a native prairie labyrinth designed by George & Sherry Biltz. Since its creation in 2012, volunteers and artists have nurtured this living artwork.
The Sculpture Park was created in partnership with the City of NYM in 1997, with the Barn park shelter built in 2016 thanks to the leadership and generosity of Bob Sonnenberg.
Visitors are invited to walk the labyrinth, enjoy the sculptures, and experience art in nature.
The Barn shelter is available for private event rentals. Please contact the city office at 218-385-2213 for availability or visit their website to download forms.
Performing Arts
Live music, theater, and dance bring people together year-round, from intimate performances by original singer-songwriters to our signature Longest Night Music Festival.
Concert Series
Experience live music in an intimate, listening-room-style space right here in rural Minnesota. Our seasonal concert series brings a diverse lineup of performers—folk, jazz, bluegrass, world music, and more—into the gallery’s welcoming setting.
Sponsorships help us continue to bring in talented musicians and also keep our ticket prices affordable. Contact us at 218-385-3339 or info@kulcher.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities within our performing arts series.
Longest Night Music Festival
Each year, on the winter solstice, December 21, the Cultural Center opens its doors for an evening of music and community connection. Local and regional musicians share their talents on the darkest night of the year, filling the space with light, joy, and gratitude.
This free celebration features seven or more performers across a variety of genres and serves as our way to say THANK YOU to donors, volunteers, and community supporters. Doors open at 6:30 PM, music begins at 7:00 PM, with refreshments and a cash bar available.
Over the years, the Longest Night has been supported by a variety of funders including Lake Region Arts Council, Lake Region Electric Cooperative, and generous individual donors. Sponsorships and donations are welcome to support the artists who make this night possible. Contact info@kulcher.org to learn more.
Kalevala Puppet Pageant
Every August, the Kalevala Puppet Pageant brings giant puppets, music, and stilt walkers to life as part of the community Corn Feed and Finn Creek Summer Festival. Inspired by the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, this annual summer theater production is created with the help of local children and adults who spend two weeks building puppets, learning their roles, and rehearsing together.
The Pageant began under the artistic direction of Annie Katsura-Rollins in 2009 and has been led since 2011 by Anne Sawyer, with Lisa Winter as assistant director. This beloved tradition is made possible through the generous support of many local, state, and national supporters over the years, including New York Mills Civic & Commerce Association, Minnesota State Arts Board, Finlandia Foundation, and many local businesses and individuals.
Theatre & Dance Performances
Each year the Cultural Center hosts an abundance of performing artists from dance troupes to folk singers and theatrical productions to comedians.
Our intimate listening-room-style space located in our visual arts gallery, with an open balcony viewing area, provides a unique and unbeatable live music experience.
We also partner with local schools and other venues to present larger performances or events in traditional theatre or community spaces.
Education
We believe art is for everyone. Classes, workshops, and ongoing programs make creativity accessible to learners of all ages.
Art for Lunch
Monthly on 2nd Thursdays | Noon–1 PM
Take a creative break in the middle of your week! Art for Lunch invites adults and teens (16+) to explore new art materials and processes in a relaxed, social setting.
Bring your own lunch, we’ll provide the beverages. Just $10 covers materials, with sessions led by Artistic Director Megan Shirley-Ross. Classes are announced seasonally (no sessions in January, June, July, or August).
View Art for Lunch
Art in Your Park
Each summer, creativity comes to YOUR parks in New York Mills and the surrounding region! Art in Your Park offers free, hands-on art projects designed for kids in grades K–6 (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult).
Programs are open to all, with materials provided at no cost thanks to donors, members, and past support from the Lake Region Arts Council, Lake Region Electric Cooperative, and more.
Dates and locations vary; Check our website or Facebook for the latest schedule and weather updates. Want to donate, volunteer, or sponsor? Contact info@kulcher.org or call 218-385-3339.
Summer Art Camps
We are thrilled to introduce the Cultural Center’s first-ever Summer Art Camp Series — five unique themed camps designed to spark creativity, build artistic skills, and inspire young makers all summer long!
Each camp offers a deep dive into a different creative theme while exploring a wide variety of art and craft techniques. Campers will experiment with drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, collage, and more — all in a fun, supportive studio environment.
Youth Ballet Classes
Youth Ballet classes are offered seasonally through a partnership with instructor Leona Cichy of Roots & Wings Forest School for youth in Pre-K through 4th grade.
Students will learn basic ballet technique in a fun and encouraging class environment, with a goal of instilling a love of movement and dance for children. Classes will focus on the basics of gross motor movement including strength, coordination, and flexibility, as well as socialization and group learning.
Sessions are typically 8-12 weeks and run seasonally in the fall (September to December) and spring (February to May). View our events calendar for upcoming sessions and fees.
Ongoing Art Education
We create a variety of art education opportunities through local artists, artists in residency, and our programming. Common education opportunities include artist visits to local schools and classrooms, group tours and hands-on projects at the Cultural Center, and ongoing workshops and discussions led by regional artists.
To schedule a visit, bring a group, or teach a class, please contact Artistic Director Megan Shirley-Ross at info@kulcher.org or call 218-385-3339.
Community Connections
From thought-provoking debates to hands-on festivals, our programs celebrate the unique spirit and voices of our community.
The Great American Think-Off
Since 1993, the Cultural Center has hosted the Great American Think-Off, an annual philosophy competition open to all at no cost to enter. Writers submit essays of up to 750 words on the year’s question (announced each January), and four finalists are selected to debate live on stage the second Saturday in June.
Finalists each receive $500 plus travel and lodging to New York Mills, MN. The audience votes to crown America’s Greatest Thinker.
Fish House Festival / Lund Mania
Held the first or second Friday in July, the Fish House Festival transforms downtown New York Mills into a lively celebration of art, music, food, and family fun. From 10am – 4pm, watch artists paint a fish house, decoys, and more on Main Avenue, browse the annual Decoy Show & Wildlife/Landscape Art Exhibit, and enjoy kids’ activities, live music, and games.
In the evening, gather for the raffle drawing to see who wins the fish house painted during the festival, plus decoys and other outdoor-inspired art. The drawing is held at 6:30pm on Centennial Avenue, and follows the Lund Mania Boatville Drag Races and Fishing Tournament Results Ceremony. Stick around for the 7:00 Parade and Street Dance to follow for a full day of fun in NYM!
This beloved has been sponsored for many years by Lund Boats, National Fish Decoy Association, Decoy Education, and East Ottertail Darkhouse & Angling Association, with additional support provided over the years by Lake Region Arts Council and Minnesota State Arts Board.
Teen Art Club
The Teen Art Club at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a creative, supportive program designed for teens ages 13–18 who are interested in art, making, and community engagement. This program provides a safe and welcoming environment where teens can build creative skills, connect with peers, and explore artistic interests in a structured yet flexible setting.
Teen Art Club offers a mix of guided workshops, open studio time, and volunteer opportunities. Teens are encouraged to take an active role in shaping the group’s activities while being supported by Cultural Center staff and visiting artists.
Rent the Cultural Center
The Cultural Center rents its beautiful gallery, dance studio, and community spaces, as well as tables and chairs, to local individuals, businesses, and organizations!
Fees & Important Information
Facility Fee(s):
- Main Floor Gallery: $30/hour or $150/day
- 2nd Floor (Studio Space & Open Community Space): $30/hour or $150/day
- Full Building (Main Floor Gallery & 2nd Floor): $75/hour or $400/day
- Refundable Damage/Cleaning Deposit: $100
- Nonprofits: 50% discount for non-profit organizations
- If desired, Cultural Center staff may be available to help with your event at rate of $20/hour
A note on accessibility: the 2nd floor dance studio and community space are only accessible by stair.
Tables & Chairs Fee(s):
- 100 chairs available: $1/chair/day
- 12 tables available (8 six foot, 4 eight foot): $10/table/day
- Refundable Damage/Cleaning Deposit: $100
Call 218-385-3339 or e-mail info@kulcher.org to inquire.
Download the Facilities Rental Agreement Form Here
Download the Tables & Chairs Rental Agreement Form Here
Thank You to Our Programming Sponsors
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
New York Mills Civic & Commerce Association
and many generous individual contributors