Twin Rivers Council for the Arts

09/01/2026

Stop down and get your free book today at noon!

See you today at noon for the release party of our Autumn Community Read!

08/31/2026

Artist Spotlight: Jean Mannion

Jean works in watercolor and acrylics predominantly. Her work also includes mixed media art forms combining print making and collage. From representational work to
vibrant abstracts, Jean has created a diverse body of work.

Meet Jean and view her beautiful work at Twin Rivers Best in Art v9.26.

Thursday, 9.10.26
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz, 523 S. Second Street, Mankato, MN
Free Admission

The Best in Art Series showcases three artists and their work as they compete for two honors: the $500 People's Choice Award and the $500 Juror's Choice Award. An artist may be selected to receive either award—or both. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists, view their work, and cast their vote for the People's Choice winner.

Learn more at www.twinriversarts.org/best-in-art-series

The series is underwritten by Tony & Anne Frentz.

08/27/2026

Artist Spotlight: Stephanie Drago

After spending much of her school years painting, Stephanie Drago set my brushes aside for nearly two decades. What began as the occasional hand-painted gift for family slowly rekindled a creative passion she hadn’t realized I had missed. Last year, she completed her first large-scale work, an abstract cityscape of Washington, D.C., which marked the beginning of a new chapter for this artist.

Meet Stephani and view her beautiful work at Twin Rivers Best in Art v9.26.

Thursday, 9.10.26
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz, 523 S. Second Street, Mankato, MN
Free Admission

The Best in Art Series showcases three artists and their work as they compete for two honors: the $500 People's Choice Award and the $500 Juror's Choice Award. An artist may be selected to receive either award—or both. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists, view their work, and cast their vote for the People's Choice winner.

The series is underwritten by Tony & Anne Frentz.

08/24/2026

Three Artists. Two Awards. One Inspiring Evening.

Join us for Best in Art v9.26 as three talented regional artists share their work and compete for the series' top honors.

The evening features painters Stephanie Drago, Jean Mannion and Tracy Murphy, each vying for the $500 People's Choice Award, the $500 Juror's Choice Award—or the opportunity to take home both honors.

Explore the artwork, meet the artists, and cast your vote for the People's Choice winner.

Thursday, 9.10.26
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz
523 S 2nd St, Mankato, MN 56001
Free and open to the public.

Come celebrate creativity and help recognize outstanding artistic talent.

Learn more at www.twinriversarts.org/best-in-art-series

The 2026 Best in Art Series is underwritten by Tony and Anne Frentz.

08/24/2026

Only TWO days left until the application deadline for the Twin Rivers Arts Festival, taking place November 28–29, 2026, at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, Minnesota.

Apply today: https://twinriversartsfestival.com/artists-and-authors/

Know an artist or author whose work belongs at the festival? Help us spread the word! Tag them in the comments or invite them to apply. We'd love to discover new talent and welcome returning favorites alike.

Twin Rivers Council for the Arts

08/22/2026

08/20/2026

EXPLORE. DISCOVER. CONNECT. CREATE.

Spend a day immersed in the creativity of our community during the Mankato Art Crawl, Saturday, August 22, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Twin Rivers in collaboration with area arts organizations, artists and businesses, invite you to explore creative spaces throughout the Mankato area while discovering the artists, organizations and businesses that help make our local arts community thrive.

Throughout the day, participating locations will feature local artists, live art demonstrations, artwork for sale, live music and opportunities to connect with the people behind our region’s creative energy.

Free and open to the public. Participating locations include:

- Twin Rivers at Emy Frentz Shared Spaces featuring Garrett Kopka & Christa Judkins
- Carnegie Art Center featuring J. Anderson with Animal Shelter/BENCHS
- Arch + Cable Hotel featuring Kyle Rose
- Christy's Crystals featuring Zara
- Bonita by Baubles & Bobbies
- The Mankato Makerspace
- Salvage Sisters Mercantile featuring Kristin Musser
- sidetracked featuring HoneySue, Patti Ruskey, Musical Spoons with Daryl, Spoon Rings & More by Dave, Tin Can Valley
- Lincoln Community Center featuring their Pottery Studio with several artists

For more information and updates, visit twinriversarts.org/mankatoartcrawl

08/18/2026

Tonight we are hosting award-winning journalist and Minnesota Book Award-winning author Laurie Hertzel for an engaging conversation about writing, journalism, memoir and the stories that shape our lives.

There is still time to come and meet Laurie and buy her book! We are here until 7:30!

Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz
523 S. Second Street, Mankato

Thank you to our generous underwriters: the Bryan and Tami Paulsen Charitable Fund and the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.

08/17/2026

Tomorrow evening, Twin Rivers Council for the Arts welcomes award-winning journalist and Minnesota Book Award-winning author Laurie Hertzel for an engaging conversation about writing, journalism, memoir and the stories that shape our lives.

With more than 40 years in journalism—including 15 years as Books Editor at the Star Tribune—Laurie brings a lifetime of remarkable experiences, thoughtful insights and unforgettable stories.

If you enjoy reading, writing or simply hearing from extraordinary people, don't miss this special Writers Series event.

Tuesday, 8.18.26
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz
523 S. Second Street, Mankato

More information: www.twinriversarts.org/writers-series

The 2026 Twin Rivers Writers Series and this event are generously underwritten by the Bryan and Tami Paulsen Charitable Fund and the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation.

08/14/2026

EXPLORE. DISCOVER. CONNECT. CREATE.

Spend a day immersed in the creativity of our community during the Mankato Art Crawl, Saturday, August 22, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Twin Rivers in collaboration with area arts organizations, artists and businesses, invite you to explore creative spaces throughout the Mankato area while discovering the artists, organizations and businesses that help make our local arts community thrive.

Throughout the day, participating locations will feature local artists, live art demonstrations, artwork for sale, live music and opportunities to connect with the people behind our region’s creative energy.

Make a day of it! Start at one location and create your own crawl through Mankato’s arts community.

Participating locations include:

- Twin Rivers at Emy Frentz Shared Spaces
- Carnegie Art Center
- 410 Project
- The Mankato Makerspace
- Salvage Sisters Mercantile
- sidetracked
- Hotel Alexander
…and more!

Mankato Art Crawl
Saturday, August 22
11 am–4 pm
Various locations throughout the Mankato area
Free and open to the public

For more information and updates, visit twinriversarts.org/mankatoartcrawl