The Ely ArtWalk is an annual art show held during the Ely Winter Festival that transforms Ely’s downtown into an arts district and features the work of local artists. The ArtWalk is free to spectators and open 24/7 during the month of February.

A 'Meet the Artists" opening reception will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 4 to 6 pm at the Ely Folk School.

Sally Koski received an Artist Access grant to help fun the development of 5 fiber pieces using natural dyes and fibers that will be on display during the Ely ArtWalk.

Join Us!

February 26, 2025 5:30 – 6:30 PM

FREE & VIRTUAL

Join ARAC Grant Writing Specialist and Director of Grants to learn more about how the FY25 Art Project Grant Program can bring your vision to reality! Receive grant writing tips and tricks to ensure you have a strong application with realistic goals and measures to evaluate the outcome of your proposed art project. First time, current + future applicants of all programs are encouraged to attend to gain insight into the overall grant process and ARAC program offerings. Session features Q&A with ARAC Staff. Come prepared with questions and be curious about how art can enrich the lives of your community!

The Ely ArtWalk is an annual art show held during the Ely Winter Festival that transforms Ely’s downtown into an arts district and features the work of local artists. The ArtWalk is free to spectators and open 24/7 during the month of February.

A 'Meet the Artists" opening reception will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 4 to 6 pm at the Ely Folk School.

Sally Koski received an Artist Access grant to help fun the development of 5 fiber pieces using natural dyes and fibers that will be on display during the Ely ArtWalk.

The Ely ArtWalk is an annual art show held during the Ely Winter Festival that transforms Ely’s downtown into an arts district and features the work of local artists. The ArtWalk is free to spectators and open 24/7 during the month of February.

A 'Meet the Artists" opening reception will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 4 to 6 pm at the Ely Folk School.

Sally Koski received an Artist Access grant to help fun the development of 5 fiber pieces using natural dyes and fibers that will be on display during the Ely ArtWalk.

Baby Cakes’ Love Sick Circus Drag Show

February 28, 2025

Wild State Cider 2515 W. Superior St. Duluth, MN

8 PM

Ages 21+

Funding for a portion of this project is provided through the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council’s Artist Equity Grant.

Writing the Story – a four-part workshop with Sheila Packa
Using guided exercises, Sheila will guide participants to experiment with narrative strategies and consider ways to incorporate landscape, family history or events to create writing that is unique to each individual writer in poetry, fiction or memoir.

Workshop Dates are February 18 & 25, March 4 & 11, 2025

Creative Writing: Real People & Fictional Characters
March 5, 2025
6-8 p.m.
How can you present real people and fictional characters in your writing that will engage readers? We'll practice direct and indirect methods of characterization, along with significant details that will help your characters come alive on the page.

The County Seat Theater of Cloquet will host the bi-annual Minnesota Assoc. of Community Theatres (MACT) 60 minute play festival at the Depot Theatre in Duluth. Featuring 9 shows from across Minnesota, workshops and networking.

Festival Dates:
March 7–9

The County Seat Theater of Cloquet will host the bi-annual Minnesota Assoc. of Community Theatres (MACT) 60 minute play festival at the Depot Theatre in Duluth. Featuring 9 shows from across Minnesota, workshops and networking.

Festival Dates:
March 7–9

The County Seat Theater of Cloquet will host the bi-annual Minnesota Assoc. of Community Theatres (MACT) 60 minute play festival at the Depot Theatre in Duluth. Featuring 9 shows from across Minnesota, workshops and networking.

Festival Dates:
March 7–9

Writing the Story – a four-part workshop with Sheila Packa
Using guided exercises, Sheila will guide participants to experiment with narrative strategies and consider ways to incorporate landscape, family history or events to create writing that is unique to each individual writer in poetry, fiction or memoir.

Workshop Dates are February 18 & 25, March 4 & 11, 2025

The Ely Film Festival is a promise of exposure, exploration, and cultural enrichment, and we invite you to bring your creative energies! It’s an event that fuses the magic of cinema, the richness of our shared stories, and the pristine beauty of Ely, Minnesota

Festival Dates:
March 12 – 16

The County Seat Theater presents 'Game of Life' and original script by CST Phoebe Applegate and Jenn Soukkala. At their monthly game night, friends get together to have a fun night in while catching up on the highs and lows of their everyday lives. Meanwhile, their children hang out downstairs and have similar conversations about relationships, family, love and loss, drug use and current events.

The Ely Film Festival is a promise of exposure, exploration, and cultural enrichment, and we invite you to bring your creative energies! It’s an event that fuses the magic of cinema, the richness of our shared stories, and the pristine beauty of Ely, Minnesota

Festival Dates:
March 12 – 16

The County Seat Theater presents 'Game of Life' and original script by CST Phoebe Applegate and Jenn Soukkala. At their monthly game night, friends get together to have a fun night in while catching up on the highs and lows of their everyday lives. Meanwhile, their children hang out downstairs and have similar conversations about relationships, family, love and loss, drug use and current events.

The Ely Film Festival is a promise of exposure, exploration, and cultural enrichment, and we invite you to bring your creative energies! It’s an event that fuses the magic of cinema, the richness of our shared stories, and the pristine beauty of Ely, Minnesota

Festival Dates:
March 12 – 16

The County Seat Theater presents 'Game of Life' and original script by CST Phoebe Applegate and Jenn Soukkala. At their monthly game night, friends get together to have a fun night in while catching up on the highs and lows of their everyday lives. Meanwhile, their children hang out downstairs and have similar conversations about relationships, family, love and loss, drug use and current events.

The Ely Film Festival is a promise of exposure, exploration, and cultural enrichment, and we invite you to bring your creative energies! It’s an event that fuses the magic of cinema, the richness of our shared stories, and the pristine beauty of Ely, Minnesota

Festival Dates:
March 12 – 16

The County Seat Theater presents 'Game of Life' and original script by CST Phoebe Applegate and Jenn Soukkala. At their monthly game night, friends get together to have a fun night in while catching up on the highs and lows of their everyday lives. Meanwhile, their children hang out downstairs and have similar conversations about relationships, family, love and loss, drug use and current events.

The County Seat Theater presents 'Game of Life' and original script by CST Phoebe Applegate and Jenn Soukkala. At their monthly game night, friends get together to have a fun night in while catching up on the highs and lows of their everyday lives. Meanwhile, their children hang out downstairs and have similar conversations about relationships, family, love and loss, drug use and current events.

The Ely Film Festival is a promise of exposure, exploration, and cultural enrichment, and we invite you to bring your creative energies! It’s an event that fuses the magic of cinema, the richness of our shared stories, and the pristine beauty of Ely, Minnesota

Festival Dates:
March 12 – 16

The County Seat Theater presents 'Game of Life' and original script by CST Phoebe Applegate and Jenn Soukkala. At their monthly game night, friends get together to have a fun night in while catching up on the highs and lows of their everyday lives. Meanwhile, their children hang out downstairs and have similar conversations about relationships, family, love and loss, drug use and current events.

Today, March 16, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline for the Art Project Grant for Individuals and for Organizations!

Art Project Grant for Individuals
This grant provides funding up to $4000 to any adult artists, in any arts discipline at any stage of their career.

Art Project Grant for Organizations
The Art Project program provides funding of up to $5,000 to support relevant, meaningful arts activities with value to the community your organization serves.

The Minnesota Film Festival (MFF) shines a light on local films, Indigenous voices, stories from across the midwest, and beyond! Held annually each Spring at the Zeitgeist’s Zinema, MFF brings together film lovers and filmmakers.

MFF champions local talent alongside international films to bridge communities through new perspectives. Throughout the week, guests can look forward to film screenings, post-film conversations with film guests, community events, networking opportunities, parties, and more!

The Minnesota Film Festival (MFF) shines a light on local films, Indigenous voices, stories from across the midwest, and beyond! Held annually each Spring at the Zeitgeist’s Zinema, MFF brings together film lovers and filmmakers.

MFF champions local talent alongside international films to bridge communities through new perspectives. Throughout the week, guests can look forward to film screenings, post-film conversations with film guests, community events, networking opportunities, parties, and more!

The Minnesota Film Festival (MFF) shines a light on local films, Indigenous voices, stories from across the midwest, and beyond! Held annually each Spring at the Zeitgeist’s Zinema, MFF brings together film lovers and filmmakers.

MFF champions local talent alongside international films to bridge communities through new perspectives. Throughout the week, guests can look forward to film screenings, post-film conversations with film guests, community events, networking opportunities, parties, and more!

The Minnesota Film Festival (MFF) shines a light on local films, Indigenous voices, stories from across the midwest, and beyond! Held annually each Spring at the Zeitgeist’s Zinema, MFF brings together film lovers and filmmakers.

MFF champions local talent alongside international films to bridge communities through new perspectives. Throughout the week, guests can look forward to film screenings, post-film conversations with film guests, community events, networking opportunities, parties, and more!

The Minnesota Film Festival (MFF) shines a light on local films, Indigenous voices, stories from across the midwest, and beyond! Held annually each Spring at the Zeitgeist’s Zinema, MFF brings together film lovers and filmmakers.

MFF champions local talent alongside international films to bridge communities through new perspectives. Throughout the week, guests can look forward to film screenings, post-film conversations with film guests, community events, networking opportunities, parties, and more!

Join in on a day of community fun to celebrate Trans Day of Visibility!

This event will feature food, vendors, a panel discussion, and music! This is a family-friendly event with kids activities included.

Open: April 1, 2025
Deadline: June 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Earliest Project Start Date: July 1, 2025
Maximum Award: $1,000

This grant provides funding up to $1000 to any adult artists, in any arts discipline at any stage of their career. You are limited to receiving 1 small grant per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30, 2025). We have funding for 14 small grants per quarter in the remainder of fiscal year 2025.

This grant is intended to offer funding outside the timeframe of the 2 main rounds we offer. 

This grant offers funding for costs associated with the exhibition, performance, or production of creative work, purchase of materials or equipment to create works of art, overcome a barrier to long term success, reach a new community or market, educational opportunities in the arts (excluding academic credit), and other opportunities to enhance your artistic development, such as working with a mentor artist, attending a conference, taking part in an artist residency program, or marketing yourself or your work. 

Creative Writing: Starting Your Screenplay
April 2 2025
6-8 p.m.
Have a great idea for a movie, but don’t know where to start? Then this session is for you! Absolute beginners welcome for this basic introduction to loglines, outlines, action lines, and all things screenplay.

Join us for a creative cold plunge into writing great songs! Our veteran instructors will help you say what you want to say, and guide you to a deeper understanding of what makes a great song. Draw inspiration from the rocky shores of Lake Superior and unlock your creativity!

April 24–27, 2025

Join us for a creative cold plunge into writing great songs! Our veteran instructors will help you say what you want to say, and guide you to a deeper understanding of what makes a great song. Draw inspiration from the rocky shores of Lake Superior and unlock your creativity!

April 24–27, 2025

Join us for a creative cold plunge into writing great songs! Our veteran instructors will help you say what you want to say, and guide you to a deeper understanding of what makes a great song. Draw inspiration from the rocky shores of Lake Superior and unlock your creativity!

April 24–27, 2025

Join us for a creative cold plunge into writing great songs! Our veteran instructors will help you say what you want to say, and guide you to a deeper understanding of what makes a great song. Draw inspiration from the rocky shores of Lake Superior and unlock your creativity!

April 24–27, 2025

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

Creative Writing: Writer’s Block
May 7, 2025
6-8 p.m.
Are the ideas in your head not making it onto the page? Beginners and experienced writers are most welcome to this session of prompts and blockbusters to help launch your writing. We’ll go over the writing process like sculptors – gathering our clay (words) and building it into forms (stories).

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

Join YWCA Duluth and many of the artists involved at the Gender Joy Art Show Opening Reception!

May 9, 2025

5–8 PM

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

ARAC business meetings and orientation are scheduled on the third Thursday of the month 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

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

ARAC’s office will be closed May 26, 2025 in observance of Memorial Day.

Please email info@aracouncil.org with any questions while we’re away.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

YWCA Duluth will host a salon style community art show providing an opportunity for women, non-binary, trans, and otherwise gender expansive people to artistically express their joy about their unique identity. This cultural exhibit is open to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and ages - young people are encouraged to join! The show will be curated by Amy Varsek, a local artist. Varsek will also engage five or more high school students in a guided activity to design a brand for the show in future years. Additionally, student volunteers will facilitate an interactive activity during the reception.

The exhibit will be on view at Zeitgeist from May 1 - May 31.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through an Art Project grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s General Fund.

Today, June 1, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. is the deadline for the Small Grant for Individuals!

Small Grant for Individuals

This grant provides funding up to $1,000 to any adult artists, in any arts discipline at any stage of their career. You are limited to receiving 1 small grant per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30, 2025). We have funding for 14 small grants per quarter in the remainder of fiscal year 2025.

This grant is intended to offer funding outside the timeframe of the 2 main rounds we offer. 

This grant offers funding for costs associated with the exhibition, performance, or production of creative work, purchase of materials or equipment to create works of art, overcome a barrier to long term success, reach a new community or market, educational opportunities in the arts (excluding academic credit), and other opportunities to enhance your artistic development, such as working with a mentor artist, attending a conference, taking part in an artist residency program, or marketing yourself or your work. 

Earliest Project Start Date: July 1, 2025

Creative Writing Pride Edition: Writing Your Coming Out Story Time
June 14, 2025
6-8 p.m.
Like the coming-of-age story, the coming out story is about the journey from who we once were to who we’ve now become. Through examples and writing prompts, we’ll outline our own coming out stories and identify significant events that have shaped our journeys.

Creative Writing: Funny Stuff
July 9, 2025
6-8 p.m.
A frequent criticism of “serious” literature is that it is often humorless, with a narrow emotional range that begins with ennui and ends in despair. If you want to write with a broad emotional range, this session is for you. We'll read story excerpts that ably mix comedy with heartbreak, and absurdity with terror, as we work towards convincingly adding humor to our own writing.

Creative Writing: Point of View
September 10, 2025
6-8 p.m.
Point of view (POV) is often a question of camera angle (Wide shots or close-ups?) and access (How many characters’ thoughts can we and should we present to the reader?). You'll also want to consider reliability, objectivity, distance, and audience. We'll review the different types of POVs and their variations, and exercises will let you experiment with different forms to learn which one is the best POV for your novel or short story.

Creative Writing: Personal Essay
September 10, 2025
6-8 p.m.
The personal essay shares with readers an interesting, thought-provoking, entertaining, and/or funny experience you’ve had. We’ll identify essay topics by making lists (e.g., hobbies, interests, passions, jobs, places you’ve lived or visited, turning points in your life, and issues you care about). Once you’ve identified your topic, we’ll look at structures to frame your personal essay.

Creative Writing: Personal Essay
November 12, 2025
6-8 p.m.
We'll examine different models for plotting your novel, including the three-act structure, the five part structure, and the “W” method. Come prepared for user-friendly and low-pressure exercises on each model. You will leave this session with a basic outline for your novel idea.

Creative Writing: Novel Subplots
November 19, 2025
6-8 p.m.
A novel’s subplot is a smaller story that runs parallel to the main story. Subplots can raise the stakes, add complexity, explore your novel’s theme from different angles, and create obstacles to resolving the main plot. We’ll look at examples of successful subplots from famous works, and try our hands at outlining subplots thematically linked to our novels’ main plots.