Twin Rivers Arts Council
Twin Rivers mission is to create an atmosphere or environment that supports creatives, educates the community on the value of the creative sector and integrates the arts into the fabric of our lives.
Our vision is to build strong communities through the collective power of creativity. We are working to broaden the definition of what creative work is and who is doing that work. In the 21st century, creative work includes software design, sound and lighting technicians, photographers, culinary artists and bloggers, just to name a few. We want to invite YOU to take your place at the table and find support and opportunities for growth within our expanding creative ecosystem.
Creative connections - 2.10.26
Join us at Rooms and Rest Furniture and Mattress for this year's first Creative Connections art activation. Artist Mark Silverberg is featured in their new micro art gallery. Stop by and enjoy some wonderful art and learn how Rooms and Rest is supporting local artists and helping build community connections through creativity.
Tuesday, 2.10.26, 5:30-6:30 pm
1760 Madison Ave, Mankato, MN 56001
BEST IN ART 2026 - Coming 3.24.26, 5.12.26 + 9.10.26
The Best in Art Series features three artists at an event showcasing their work in hopes of being awarded $1,000. Each of the three artists receives a stipend for participating, with event guests voting for which artist will receive the $1,000 award. Best in Art is open to student artists, amateur artists or professional artists of all disciplines. Selected artists give a 10 minute demonstration on the day of the event. During that time, artists can give attendees a taste of art, what they would use the money for (wish list, materials, school, insurance, etc.) or future projects that they're working toward that may need more compensation.
The 2026 Best is Art Series is underwritten by Tony & Anne Frentz. Thank you for your support.
Learn More About Best in Art | Artist Applications Opening 2.9.26
2026 Twin Rivers WRITERS SERIES DATEs TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
Twin Rivers launch their new Writers Series in the spring of 2025! Each event featured a moderated conversation with the author and a Q&A with the audience.
The Writers Series is underwritten by the Bryan & Tami Paulsen Charitable Fund and the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.
2025 AUTHORS INCLUDED:
Shannon Gibney | www.shannongibney.com
John Thavis | www.johnthavis.com
John Otis
J. Ryan Stradal | www.jryanstradal.com
Learn more about Twin Rivers’ Writers Series.
NOW ACCEPTING COMMITTEE AND VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS
Twin Rivers is currently accepting applications for committee members and volunteers. Our organization is seeking forward thinking, energetic people to help support Twin Rivers and our many new and exciting initiatives.
TWIN RIVERS BEST IN ART SERIES
The Best in Art Series features three artists showcasing their work in hopes of being awarded $1,000. Each of the three artists receives a stipend for participating, with event guests voting for which artist will receive the $1,000 grant. Best in Art is held three times each year.
ShopART Midwest
ShopART Midwest exists to connect artists and makers of handcrafted fine art to those who value high-quality arts and goods. It’s like an arts festival that’s always on!
Buyers are connected directly to the artist for sales. ShopART does not handle transactions. This allows 100% of each sale to go directly to the artist which supports our local creative economy. ShopART began during COVID-19 to connect as an online version of the GSR Fine Art Festival and now has transitioned to hosts fine artists from across the Midwest. Additionally, you can find and hire performing and literary artists on ShopART Midwest.
ArtBoard Project
ARTBoards is a Twin Rivers initiative that engages local artists to create original artwork reflecting something meaningful to them about Greater Mankato. Those original artworks are then reproduced as billboards and displayed throughout the region. ARTBoards was made possible this year by the generous support and contribution from Knutson+Casey, a Mankato law firm specializing in Personal Injury and Criminal Law.
