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.

support twin rivers

Twin rivers writers series

**Our 2026 Twin Rivers Writers Series continues this fall with a very special community partnership.**
Twin Rivers is proud to partner with the North Mankato Taylor Library for its Autumn Community Read featuring *Dear Jacob: A Mother’s Journey of Hope* by Patty Wetterling with Joy Baker.
**DOCUMENTARY SCREENING**
**Wednesday, 9.23.26, 6:00 p.m.**
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz, 523 S. Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001
**AUTHOR TALK WITH PATTY WETTERLING**
**Wednesday, 9.30.26, 6:30 p.m.**
North Mankato Spring Lake Park Swim Facility Warming House, 641 Webster Ave., North Mankato, MN 56003
**Learn More About Laurie and the Twin Rivers Writers Series**
***The 2026 Twin Rivers Writers series and this event were underwritten by the Bryan and Tami Paulsen Charitable Fund and the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.***

BEST IN ART v9.26

Don't miss Twin Rivers Best in Art. Three artists will be showcasing their work in hopes of being awarded either the $500 People’s Choice Award, the $500 Juror’s Choice Award or both! The audience votes for People's Choice ! See you there.
**Thursday, 9.10.26, 5:30-7:00 PM |** Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz, 523 S. Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001
**v9.30 Presenting Artists:** Stephanie Drago - Painter, Jean Mannion - Painter, Tracy Murphy - Painter
**Learn More About Our v9.26 Presenting Artists**
***The 2026 Best is Art Series is underwritten by Tony & Anne Frentz.***

Creative connections MICRO GALLERY SERIES

Creative Connections is an initiative created by Twin Rivers in collaboration with local businesses and artists to bring art to the community in unique business settings—transforming spaces into inspiring galleries and offering artists a platform for visibility and sales.
**Stop back soon to view our Fall Dates!**
**Learn More About Our Creative Connections Series**
***Our 2026 Creative Connections are underwritten by Rooms & Rest.***

**2026 Twin Rivers WRITERS**

**FALL 2026 Community Read + Author Visit**
**Our 2026 Twin Rivers Writers Series continues this fall with a very special community partnership.**
Twin Rivers is proud to partner with the North Mankato Taylor Library for its Autumn Community Read featuring *Dear Jacob: A Mother’s Journey of Hope* by Patty Wetterling with Joy Baker.
For nearly three decades, Minnesotans followed the search for Jacob Wetterling. In *Dear Jacob*, Patty shares the story from her perspective—an extraordinary journey through unimaginable loss, enduring hope and a commitment to making the world safer for children. The memoir also explores the advocacy that grew from Jacob's disappearance and Patty's decades of work on behalf of missing and exploited children.
**DOCUMENTARY SCREENING**
**Wednesday, 9.23.26, 6:00 p.m.**
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz, 523 S. Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001
**AUTHOR TALK WITH PATTY WETTERLING**
**Wednesday, 9.30.26, 6:30 p.m.**
North Mankato Spring Lake Park Swim Facility Warming House, 641 Webster Ave., North Mankato, MN 56003
**Learn More About Laurie and the Twin Rivers Writers Series**
**The 2026 Twin Rivers Writers series and this event were underwritten by the Bryan and Tami Paulsen Charitable Fund and the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.**
**PAST 2026 AUTHORS**
**Laurie Hertzel |** **www.lauriehertzel.net**
**Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen |** **www.lizfiedlermergen.com**

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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.

Join a committee

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.

Learn more

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.

VISIT 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.