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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEATURING NYTBS
Author J. Ryan StradaL
In Partnership with the North Mankato Taylor Library’s Community Read, Twin Rivers is bringing New York Times Best Selling author J. Ryan Stradal and his book Kitchens of the Great Midwest to Greater Mankato. Pick up a copy and join the fun.
COMMUNITY BOOK HOTDISH SOCIAL - Tuesday, 9.30.25, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz 523 S. Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001
AUTHOR VISIT BY J. RYAN STRADAL- Tuesday, 10.7.25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Spring Lake Park Warming House, 650 Webster Ave, North Mankato, MN 56003
Learn more about Twin Rivers’ Writers Series.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MARK BRAUN
Twin Rivers is proud to present Illustrations - Life Events Done in Pencil by Mark Braun. Braun’s pencil drawings capture realistic images through detail, highlights, shadows and intersecting points. He uses historic photos and unique scenes as a base reference for his illustrations. Mark is generously donating a portion of the shows sales to Twin Rivers.
OPENING RECEPTION - Friday, 10.17.25, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
OPEN GALLERY - Saturday, 10.18.25 & Sunday, 10.19.25, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz 523 S. Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001
CITYART WALKING SCULPTURE TOUR CALL FOR ARTISTS
Be part of an award-winning outdoor exhibition featuring 32 sculptures showcased in the heart of downtown Mankato and North Mankato. Now in its fifteenth year, the CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour draws thousands of visitors and celebrates the vibrant Greater Mankato arts community.
Applications are due 10.15.25
Apply at CityArt Call for Artists
CityArt is a program of Twin Rivers Council for the Arts and is dedicated to bringing public art to the community, contributing greatly to the vibrancy of our communities.
TWIN RIVERS ARTS FESTIVAL
TWIN RIVERS ARTS FESTIVAL - 11.29.25 + 11.30.25
The Twin Rivers Arts Festival (formerly the GSR Fine Art Festival) is an annual, free event held at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, MN, the weekend immediately following Thanksgiving. The festival is in its 23rd year and has over 70+ professional artists, authors and musicians.
Learn more at TwinRiversArtsFestival.com.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW WRITERS SERIES
Twin Rivers is excited to launch our new Writers Series! Join us as we sit down with writers to discuss their work, experiences, process, future, and more.
Each event will consist of a moderated conversation with the author and a Q&A with the audience. Mark your calendar with the dates below so you don't miss out on this exciting new series!
The Writers Series is underwritten by the Bryan & Tami Paulsen Charitable Fund and the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.
2025 WRITERS SERIES DATES:
Tuesday, 4.29.25, 6:00-7:30
Featured Author - Shannon Gibney
www.shannongibney.com
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz - Ward Collective
523 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001
Tuesday, 6.10.25, 6:00-7:30
Featured Author - John Thavis
www.johnthavis.com
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz - Ward Collective
523 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001
Wednesday, 8.13.25, 6:00-7:30
Featured Author - John Otis
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz - Ward Collective
523 South Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001
In Partnership with the North Mankato Taylor Library’s Community Read, Twin Rivers is bringing New York Times Best Selling author J. Ryan Stradal and his book Kitchens of the Great Midwest to Greater Mankato. Pick up a copy and join the fun.
AUTHOR ANNOUNCEMENT & BOOK GIVEAWAY - Thursday, 9.4.25, Noon
North Mankato Taylor Library 1001 Belgrade Ave, North Mankato, MN 56001
COMMUNITY BOOK HOTDISH SOCIAL - Tuesday, 9.30.25, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz 523 S. Second Street, Mankato, MN 56001
AUTHOR VISIT - Tuesday, 10.7.25, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Spring Lake Park Warming House, 650 Webster Ave, North Mankato, MN 56003
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.
