The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Member Show, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," hosted at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on display through May 17, 2026.

This year’s theme, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," invites regional artists to explore the transition of the northern landscape. The collection features a diverse range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, fiber arts, glass, and woodworking, reflecting the unique creative community of the Arrowhead Region and the North Shore of Lake Superior.

On view: April 24 – May 17, 2026

On Friday, May 1 from 5–7 PM, the Playhouse is kicking off our Artist Connect Networking Series, an easy, come-as-you-are evening to reconnect, meet new faces, and spend time with our creative community. We'll have a cash bar in the Maurices Lounge, plus complimentary snacks!

We’ll share a preview of the 26/27 season and ways to get involved: directing, teaching, stage managing, crewing, and more. The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council will also be there to talk about how they support artists in our region.

From the instructor: "Boozhoo! My name is Airlea Indaniss DeFoe. I'll be showing you how to make a peyote stitch keychain with leather fringe. You will learn how to do peyote stitch, make leather fringe, and attach a keyring."Funding provided by the Minnesota Humanities Center.

Dates: March 27, April 3, April 17, April 24 & May 1

The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Member Show, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," hosted at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on display through May 17, 2026.

This year’s theme, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," invites regional artists to explore the transition of the northern landscape. The collection features a diverse range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, fiber arts, glass, and woodworking, reflecting the unique creative community of the Arrowhead Region and the North Shore of Lake Superior.

On view: April 24 – May 17, 2026

The Art Roundabout is a yearly invitation to wander, discover, and connect—an unfolding journey through the creative heart of our community. For a brief and vibrant moment, studios, galleries, and unexpected spaces open their doors, welcoming visitors into the intimate worlds of artists and makers.

This shared vision is made stronger through the partnership of the OACC, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, and the Moose Lake Farmers Market—three organizations united in their commitment to community, culture, and creative expression. Together, they anchor and support this celebration, helping to shape it into a meaningful gathering that takes place each year on the first Saturday of May.

Along this self-guided path, art reveals itself in many forms—quiet and bold, familiar and surprising—each piece carrying the spirit of the place and the people who shape it. Conversations emerge, connections deepen, and the landscape itself becomes a canvas of shared experience.

Rooted in collaboration and alive with imagination, the Art Roundabout is more than an event—it is a celebration of creativity, a reflection of who we are, and an invitation to see our world with fresh eyes.

The Emergency Relief Fund Program provides $500 or $1000 to individual artists who have had a critical need relating to personal healthcare, housing, equipment, or legal emergencies since January 1, 2025. This program is intended to serve our community by addressing an individual artist’s recent and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster.

This program is non-competitive, meaning that all results will be based on a random numerical drawing rather than a Community Review Panel.

Deadline: May 3, 2026, at 11:59 pm

The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Member Show, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," hosted at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on display through May 17, 2026.

This year’s theme, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," invites regional artists to explore the transition of the northern landscape. The collection features a diverse range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, fiber arts, glass, and woodworking, reflecting the unique creative community of the Arrowhead Region and the North Shore of Lake Superior.

On view: April 24 – May 17, 2026

Join us for an elegant evening of sculpture art, food, wine, music, immigrant stories, and the spirit of generosity to benefit Global Refuge, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, a nonprofit in operation since 1939 that supports and empowers immigrants and refugees who are rebuilding their lives in the United States.

Live Art Auction

Original sculptures made from Lake Superior driftwood by local immigrant artist Wilmer Roballo, who will tell his story and the inspiration behind his sculptures and this event.

All sales will benefit Global Refuge.

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Get involved in the fun of puppet parade art! Prepare yourself and the Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe for the Run Smelt Run Puppet Parade at one of their six parade workshops leading up to the parade on May 17th!

Workshops:
Wednesdays - May 6 & 13 (6–8pm)
Fridays - May 8 & 15 (6–8pm)
Saturdays - May 9 & 16 (3–6pm)

The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Member Show, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," hosted at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on display through May 17, 2026.

This year’s theme, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," invites regional artists to explore the transition of the northern landscape. The collection features a diverse range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, fiber arts, glass, and woodworking, reflecting the unique creative community of the Arrowhead Region and the North Shore of Lake Superior.

On view: April 24 – May 17, 2026

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Member Show, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," hosted at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on display through May 17, 2026.

This year’s theme, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," invites regional artists to explore the transition of the northern landscape. The collection features a diverse range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, fiber arts, glass, and woodworking, reflecting the unique creative community of the Arrowhead Region and the North Shore of Lake Superior.

On view: April 24 – May 17, 2026

Get involved in the fun of puppet parade art! Prepare yourself and the Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe for the Run Smelt Run Puppet Parade at one of their six parade workshops leading up to the parade on May 17th!

Workshops:
Wednesdays - May 6 & 13 (6–8pm)
Fridays - May 8 & 15 (6–8pm)
Saturdays - May 9 & 16 (3–6pm)

The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Member Show, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," hosted at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on display through May 17, 2026.

This year’s theme, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," invites regional artists to explore the transition of the northern landscape. The collection features a diverse range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, fiber arts, glass, and woodworking, reflecting the unique creative community of the Arrowhead Region and the North Shore of Lake Superior.

On view: April 24 – May 17, 2026

Bring yourself, the kids, and your whole family to The Depot for a great, and also FREE, day of science, technology, engineering, art, math, and music. We’ll have hands on experiments, interesting exhibits, and interactive activities from some amazing local organizations.

Additionally, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum will be celebrating National Train Day by providing free admission from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy food from the Top Food Truck, Speeder rides to the Northshore Scenic Railroad shop, shop tours, model railroad demos, and more with a our National Train Day collaboration!

A beginner-friendly fiber art workshop. Learn to weave colorful wall hangings using circular embroidery hoops or metal rings. Learn how to warp a circular weaving frame, weave basic over-under patterns, and build texture using yarn, ribbon, and fabric, add fringe, beads, feathers, or hanging strands. Explore one of the oldest art forms practiced globally across cultures as a creative practice that encourages slowing down, focusing the mind, and working intentionally with our hands.

Each participant will create a unique woven wall piece using colors and materials that resonate with them. No prior experience is required.

Get involved in the fun of puppet parade art! Prepare yourself and the Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe for the Run Smelt Run Puppet Parade at one of their six parade workshops leading up to the parade on May 17th!

Workshops:
Wednesdays - May 6 & 13 (6–8pm)
Fridays - May 8 & 15 (6–8pm)
Saturdays - May 9 & 16 (3–6pm)

Julie Benett-Hume and David Luther Concert

Open Range Concerts is an intimate house concert style music series. We provide venues for artists and music lovers to come together and share the experience of amazing acoustic music that creates magic.

The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Member Show, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," hosted at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on display through May 17, 2026.

This year’s theme, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," invites regional artists to explore the transition of the northern landscape. The collection features a diverse range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, fiber arts, glass, and woodworking, reflecting the unique creative community of the Arrowhead Region and the North Shore of Lake Superior.

On view: April 24 – May 17, 2026

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Get involved in the fun of puppet parade art! Prepare yourself and the Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe for the Run Smelt Run Puppet Parade at one of their six parade workshops leading up to the parade on May 17th!

Workshops:
Wednesdays - May 6 & 13 (6–8pm)
Fridays - May 8 & 15 (6–8pm)
Saturdays - May 9 & 16 (3–6pm)

The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Member Show, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," hosted at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on display through May 17, 2026.

This year’s theme, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," invites regional artists to explore the transition of the northern landscape. The collection features a diverse range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, fiber arts, glass, and woodworking, reflecting the unique creative community of the Arrowhead Region and the North Shore of Lake Superior.

On view: April 24 – May 17, 2026

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Member Show, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," hosted at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on display through May 17, 2026.

This year’s theme, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," invites regional artists to explore the transition of the northern landscape. The collection features a diverse range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, fiber arts, glass, and woodworking, reflecting the unique creative community of the Arrowhead Region and the North Shore of Lake Superior.

On view: April 24 – May 17, 2026

Get involved in the fun of puppet parade art! Prepare yourself and the Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe for the Run Smelt Run Puppet Parade at one of their six parade workshops leading up to the parade on May 17th!

Workshops:
Wednesdays - May 6 & 13 (6–8pm)
Fridays - May 8 & 15 (6–8pm)
Saturdays - May 9 & 16 (3–6pm)

Nerds Doing Good 2 explores the efforts of local Ghostbusters cosplayers and scare actors to inspire positive change in the Arrowhead region, and features local nonprofits like Ronald McDonald House, Goodwill, and CHUM. It will premiere as the first film screened at the 2026 Junk Food Film Festival, during the AM family-friendly programming block.

Individual Artist Project Grant is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

About Junk Food Film Festival:
5/15/2026 – 5/16/2026

Are you tired of the same stuffy, stale film festivals? Sure, those festivals are chock full of thought-provoking cultural and social nutrients, but don't you wish there was another kind of festival?

Now there is!

Introducing the Junk Food Film Festival, brought to you by the team behind Midnight Movies at 7. You won't find any documentaries about somebody's war-hero grandpa here (unless their grandpa totally fucks). All empty calories and no moral fiber, Junk Food Film Fest serves up only the most entertaining cult classics, schlock, and so-bad-it’s-good trash. JFFF brings you a unique theater experience with audience participation à la screenings of The Room, drinking games, trivia, and tons of giveaway prizes at each screening. Offering a variety of flavors from bold, weird, irreverent, and edgy.

The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Member Show, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," hosted at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on display through May 17, 2026.

This year’s theme, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," invites regional artists to explore the transition of the northern landscape. The collection features a diverse range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, fiber arts, glass, and woodworking, reflecting the unique creative community of the Arrowhead Region and the North Shore of Lake Superior.

On view: April 24 – May 17, 2026

Get involved in the fun of puppet parade art! Prepare yourself and the Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe for the Run Smelt Run Puppet Parade at one of their six parade workshops leading up to the parade on May 17th!

Workshops:
Wednesdays - May 6 & 13 (6–8pm)
Fridays - May 8 & 15 (6–8pm)
Saturdays - May 9 & 16 (3–6pm)

The North Shore Artists League (NSAL) is pleased to announce its 7th Annual Member Show, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," hosted at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.

The exhibition will open with a public reception on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will remain on display through May 17, 2026.

This year’s theme, "Beneath the Snow: What Winter Hides, Spring Reveals," invites regional artists to explore the transition of the northern landscape. The collection features a diverse range of mediums including oil and acrylic painting, photography, fiber arts, glass, and woodworking, reflecting the unique creative community of the Arrowhead Region and the North Shore of Lake Superior.

On view: April 24 – May 17, 2026

Run Smelt Run Puppet Parade is a non-motorized, exuberant outdoor parade performance. A three week series of free workshops in parade arts create this celebration of the annual smelt run on Lake Superior. Hundreds of participants will arrive wearing their own sparkling creations. Magic Smelt will begin with a presentation of the Smelt Queen, her Royal Guard, and distinguished guests from the Smelt Kingdom. Music will be provided by the Brass Messengers, a 10 piece brass band. The parade will begin at 3:30pm, at the Aerial Lift Bridge. Everyone will be invited to join the moving party on the Lakewalk.

Following the parade will be a smelt fry and dance party at the Zeitgeist Arts Cafe.

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

The ARAC Board is responsible for setting and overseeing policy and setting strategic direction for the organization.

Board Meeting Dates:

August 21, 2025

November 20, 2025

February 19, 2026

May 21, 2026

Business meetings and orientation are from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. All business meetings take place over Zoom and are conducted in the spirit of the Open Meeting Law. Prior to each board meeting, board members receive important materials related to decisions and discussions for the meeting which can include financials, staff reports, panel funding recommendations, and any other items that require Board action.

All board meeting dates are open to the public unless otherwise stated. Meetings are held electronically.
To receive login information please email info@aracouncil.org

The Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Logan Hudson, winner of the 2025 Grand Marais Plein Air "Best Body of Work" award, and first place in the 90-minute Birney Quick Paint. The exhibit will open with a reception on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and will run through June 14, 2026.

This exhibition highlights Hudson’s representational approach to the Midwestern landscape. Based in Fife Lake, Michigan, Hudson’s work is grounded in the belief that painting is a documentation of a search for truth within a subject. His technical discipline allows the natural environment to lead the narrative, resulting in compositions that balance atmospheric sensitivity with structural rigmarole.

Plein Air Grand Marais is a premier week-long competition where artists capture the rugged landscapes of the North Shore and the Gunflint Trail. The 2026 event runs from September 11–19, featuring an awards ceremony and exhibition opening on September 18, with the full gallery exhibit remaining on display through November 1.

Admission to the gallery is free, with donations graciously accepted.

All Ages • Free
A beloved tradition. Stop in for a FREE, casual, creative art-making afternoon and learn to make simple, fun crafts that can be customized for artists of all ages.

Create woven wall art using natural forked branches as a frame and simple, natural fiber materials. Prepare a branch for weaving, create warp threads between the branch points, weave yarn and fibers into patterns and textures, incorporate beads, ribbons, or feathers, and finish a wall-hanging piece.

Participants are encouraged to bring a branch that feels meaningful to them. A good branch for weaving is forked or Y-shaped, about 6–10 inches of weaving space, dry, and sturdy. Branches will be provided for anyone who cannot bring one.

Each participant will leave with a finished woven wall piece and the skills to continue weaving at home. No experience necessary.

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Explore digital art in this fun five-day camp! Students will learn how artists use tablets to draw, paint, edit images, and create simple animations.

A limited number of iPads will be available to use in class, and students are welcome to bring their own tablet. Please select your ticket option accordingly so we can make sure everyone has an iPad. Students bringing their own device should have Procreate, Calipeg, and Sketchbook installed before the first day. Beginners are welcome.

Sponsored by the MN State Art Board

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

5 Weekday Sessions | Make your room into the ultimate artist space! Campers complete a variety of papier-mache and clay projects to decorate their space. Projects include clay coaster sets, shelves, and oil diffuser beads. Come personalize your room with art!

June 15 – 19, 2026

9 AM – 12 PM

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Join us for a celebration of imagination and creativity featuring 54 artworks of Monsters and Maidens by Christopher Crego. 25 ink drawings, and 2 oil paintings of beautiful women, created with delicate lines and innocent expressions, a version of the incorruptible. 25 ink drawings, and 2 oil paintings of contaminated and twisted versions of humanity. Sci-fi beings that are half-organic and half-metallic, the living dead, and nightmarish monsters.

June 27th 2026, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Serenity Crego's Fine Art Gallery in Hibbing, MN.

All are welcome - free snacks and refreshments - casual atmosphere - meet the artist - see cool art!

Both prints and originals will be available for sale at extremely affordable prices. Take home a framed original ink drawing for $100! Signed giclee prints offered as low as $15!

Explore your creativity in a laid-back atmosphere. Bring your headphones and creative ideas—art supplies provided, but bringing your own also welcome.

Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays (26 Sessions), April 2–June 30

Registration covers all sessions, but attending every session is not necessary.

Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Make your room into the ultimate artist space! Campers complete a variety of papier-mache and clay projects to decorate their space. Projects include clay coaster sets, shelves, and oil diffuser beads. Come personalize your room with art!

July 13 – 17, 2026

9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor Airlea Indaniss DeFoe will teach students how to make patterns in beadwork using color theory, drawing, and counting. To develop these skills, students will make beaded wall art that hangs down to create an image.