Austin ArtWorks Center, part of Austin Area Arts

Austin ArtWorks Center, part of Austin Area Arts The Austin ArtWorks Center is a 3-story visual arts center in Downtown Austin, MN offering one-of-a-kind gifts, gallery exhibits, and art education classes.

The AACA is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of our fellow human beings through the power of art. In 1990 a group of forward-thinking citizens joined forces to create the Austin Area Commission for the Arts (AACA). Their mission: to promote and develop the arts in Austin as well as to oversee the ongoing preservation of the Historic Paramount Theatre. Onc

e established, the group spent over two decades spearheading the effort to restore the Paramount to its original glory, and succeeded in dramatically enhancing the quality of life in Austin by offering a venue for the performing arts to flourish. Beyond programming a diverse array of events at the Paramount Theatre each year, since 2012 the AACA has organized the annual ArtWorks Festival, which showcases artists (from musicians to painters to blacksmiths) and draws thousands of visitors to Austin, MN each August. But we still weren't satisfied. Envisioning a home for this great artistic community to gather year-round, the AACA opened the ArtWorks Center in August 2014. The Center is a hub for artists, art teachers and students, and art lovers to share their knowledge of and passion for the arts. With these three programs under our purview, we continue to carry out our mission: to identify, engage, and support the development and advancement of diverse arts, entertainment, and cultural activities that make life better for people in Austin and the surrounding area.

Join us next Wednesday for our first session of Creative Reuse with Matchbox Children's Theatre! What is it?This is a cl...
06/20/2026

Join us next Wednesday for our first session of Creative Reuse with Matchbox Children's Theatre!

What is it?
This is a class focused on using recycled materials to design and experiment with when creating. Led by teens in the Matchbox Drama Troupe, kids will learn how to turn everyday objects into something unique and new!

Register on our website today! http://austinareaarts.vbotickets.com/event/creative_reuse_624/197063

Everything has been refreshed after inventory - it's fun to rediscover things with a new perspective. ✨Stop in and see w...
06/19/2026

Everything has been refreshed after inventory - it's fun to rediscover things with a new perspective. ✨

Stop in and see what catches your eye! 👀

Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3

Our amazing staff completed inventory earlier than expected - so we are back to our regular business hours - 10a-5pStop ...
06/17/2026

Our amazing staff completed inventory earlier than expected - so we are back to our regular business hours - 10a-5p

Stop by and check out our refreshed space!

NEW! Summer class offering - Creative ReuseSelect Wednesdays this summerGeared towards ages 5 - 10Instructor: Kim Potter...
06/14/2026

NEW! Summer class offering - Creative Reuse

Select Wednesdays this summer
Geared towards ages 5 - 10
Instructor: Kim Potter & Matchbox Children’s Theatre drama troupe
Location: Clay Cavern (basement) at the Austin ArtWorks Center
Sign up for one session or for all four!

This class invites young artists will partner with Matchbox Children’s Theatre drama troupe members to explore art and theatre in an innovative and environmentally mindful way. Through hands-on classes, students will create and design using a wide variety of repurposed materials, patterns, and manipulatives. Using everyday items such as cardboard, fabric scraps, recycled objects, and textured materials, students will:

Design costumes, props, and sets
Develop original characters and stories
Experiment with patterns, shapes, and creative construction
Use manipulatives and objects to enhance storytelling
Learn the value of sustainability and creative reuse

Each class encourages imagination, collaboration, and problem-solving, helping students build confidence both on and off the stage. Participants will work together in a supportive, inclusive environment where every idea is valued.

Register today: https://www.austinareaarts.org/classes-shop

Here's a little sneak peek of our newest galleries. Ivete Vaz de Castro Martinez - "The Gaucho"* and Morgan Converse - ...
06/13/2026

Here's a little sneak peek of our newest galleries. Ivete Vaz de Castro Martinez - "The Gaucho"* and Morgan Converse - "Q***r Joy Project" runs June 12 - August 21.

Join us for an opening reception Tuesday, June 23rd from 4-6pm. Light refreshments served. Beer, wine and soda available for purchase. All are welcome!

*"The Gaucho" is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant
from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative
appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

This Saturday, June 13, the ArtWorks Center will be open late, 10am-7pm! Stop by as you stroll the Downtown Dish - Arts,...
06/12/2026

This Saturday, June 13, the ArtWorks Center will be open late, 10am-7pm!

Stop by as you stroll the Downtown Dish - Arts, Eats and Shopping!!

End the evening with Hormel Girls, the musical, at The Historic Paramount Theatre @ 7:30pm. (Tickets available at the ArtWorks Center, online: austinareaarts.org, or at the door)

This year during 4th Ave Fest, community members collaborated to create this installation at the ArtWorks Center. Stop ...
06/10/2026

This year during 4th Ave Fest, community members collaborated to create this installation at the ArtWorks Center.

Stop by and see if you can find your circle! 🔴🟡🔵

Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3

Oddities Under Glass class invites you to transform bones, preserved insects, dried botanicals, and other natural treasu...
06/08/2026

Oddities Under Glass class invites you to transform bones, preserved insects, dried botanicals, and other natural treasures into a stunning terrarium art piece. Whether you're an artist, collector, or simply fascinated by the unusual, this hands-on class is your chance to learn new techniques and create something unique. Spaces are limited, reserve your spot today!

http://austinareaarts.vbotickets.com/event/oddities_under_glass/192635

Father's Day is right around the corner and we have got you covered! 💙At the ArtWorks Center, there is something for eve...
06/05/2026

Father's Day is right around the corner and we have got you covered! 💙

At the ArtWorks Center, there is something for everyone...the farmer, truck driver, golfer, artist, musician, fisherman, foodie, biker, beer aficionado...

Stop by to find that one-of-a-kind gift as a way to show your love and appreciation to the special people in your life. 🥰

Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-3

Address

300 N Main Street
Austin, MN
55912

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+15074340934

Website

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