Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In FY 2021, ArtReach St. Croix continued our work at the intersection of arts & nature in the St. Croix Valley. The Mobile Art Gallery exhibition "Rituals" went to state and county parks, and to art fairs and festivals. The rotating exhibition gallery hosted new shows every 6 weeks welcoming hundreds of visitors each month. Overall, nearly 100 artist participated in the gallery or gift gallery and the fall’s Call for Artists received a record number of submissions. The summer’s Members Show ushered in the return of regular hours and in October, we installed the first rotating exhibition of St. Croix Valley artist in the new Washington County Heritage Center. In 2021, we moved the Big Read to June to accommodate the need for more outdoor events. The month of programs featured author Kao Kalia Yang, a Hmong fashion exhibition (traditional and contemporary) and a virtual one-woman theater production of Yang’s family memoir, The Latehomecomer. Through the Big Read, ArtReach continues to convene partners (bookstores, schools, book clubs, and libraries), design a rich slate of multi-disciplinary programs and engages host communities around a common book. Hosting the Big Read connects communities with the literary arts and with each other – in a BIG way!
Current Goals
In FY2022, ArtReach St. Croix's programs and services will advance the interconnectivity of the arts in the St. Croix Valley. ArtReach prioritizes arts leadership, generates marketing initiatives, builds cross-promotional programs, creates capacity-building opportunities, and hosts literary and visual arts programs showcasing Valley artists. Core programs include: NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley, the exhibition gallery, Mobile Art Gallery, The Gift Gallery and Holiday Pop-up, Thursday Night activities in the gallery, Take Me to the River art fair promotions, StCroixSplash.org regional online event calendar, and "Navigate" finding power at the intersection of arts & nature.
Community or Constituency Served
Through our work, ArtReach St. Croix shines a light on the visual, literary and performing arts from Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls to Hastings and Prescott. Our services focus on artists and arts organizations in six counties including: Washington, Dakota and Chisago counties in Minnesota, and Polk, Pierce and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin.
Geographic Area Served
From Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls to Hastings and Prescott, a 60-mile stretch of the lower St. Croix River. This includes portions of 6 counties in both Minnesota and Wisconsin including: Chisago, Washington, Dakota and Polk, St. Croix and Pierce counties.
