Red Wing Art Association

Honoring Dakota Project - There is an ongoing need to recognize the Dakota people as vital members of the Red Wing community. Through art, shared experiences, and conversations we will uplift, honor, and celebrate our rich cultures. A process of community conversations, culture, arts and events provide education to discover our shared stories, bridge our communities, and create a space for healing. Red Wing Arts is dedicated to stewarding the Honoring Dakota Project with integrity, respect, and a deep commitment to intercultural understanding and community healing. We are honored to be part of this transformative journey and will continue to work diligently to fulfill the vision of the Dakota elders and the hopes of future generations. 2024 year long efforts culminated in the Honoring Dakota Mural, a gift to the Dakota community.

The Depot Gallery + Store - Visitors to the Depot Gallery + Shop experienced diverse art exhibits, each telling unique stories. The gallery shop offered artworks, fine crafts, and consumables for purchase, supporting artists and fostering community appreciation. The gallery, with its vibrant displays and welcoming atmosphere, reminds us that art is not just to be observed, but to be experienced, felt, and shared. Representing over 400 artists in our Gallery + Store. In 2024, Red Wing Arts hosted six exhibitions at the Gallery and additional satellite exhibitions around Red Wing. The Depot Gallery + Store attracts over 15,000 visitors annually, with 16,775 visitors in 2024.

Sculpture Walk - Nine sculptures were on loan for the 4th Annual Sculpture Walk. In addition to the these temporary installations, the Art Walk features numerous public art pieces that are part of Red Wing's permanent collection, The Art Walk was fully and enthusiastically funded through the generosity of local philanthropic groups with a shared vision to enrich our downtown, entice new commerce, and encourage newcomers to return. An estimated 12,000 people view the Sculpture Walk.

The 58th Annual Red Wing Arts Fall Festival - Recognized as one of Minnesota's premier fine art festivals, our juried two-day fine arts festival is a cornerstone event, celebrating and highlighting artists right in the heart of Red Wing. We take pride in showcasing over 120 talented artists in our city annually for this event. Visitors can look forward to an array of high-quality, original artworks available for purchase, as well as numerous other inspiring activities. Enjoy concerts in the bandshell, watch live painting, create your own masterpiece, or indulge in delicious offerings from local food trucks. Over 18,000 visitors attend the weekend events.

Plein Air - Red Wing Arts hosted its 18th Annual Plein Air. Red Wing Arts Plein Air brings nationally acclaimed artists to our community from around the region to paint "recognizable" Red Wing en Plein Air, which is French for "in open air." Plein Air is a study of how light and shadow interact with things, creating a snapshot of one moment in time that can never be repeated. The culminating exhibit includes over 100 works that are judged and hung on the walls of our Depot Gallery. More than 6,000 people are exposed to Plein Air. The paintings hung, judged and awarded, exhibited and sold at the depot.

Concerts in the Park - Each summer, Red Wing Arts brings together a diverse selection of regional artists, showcasing an array of musical genres to suit all tastes. These lively and energetic performances take place every Wednesday night from June through August in Central Park, the heart of our historic downtown, where the "city's living room" comes to life. Families and friends are invited to bring their lawn chairs and coolers to enjoy these free live music events, proudly presented by Red Wing Arts, and perfect for all ages. Over 4,400 people are impacted.

Poet Artist Collaboration - The 22nd Annual Poet Artist Collaboration featured over 40 juried artists and poets who participated in the annual event which included an art exhibit, poetry readings, and the creation of a chapbook. Thirty-six poems were chosen and artists were selected to create new works inspired by one of the poems. The joy and challenge of this event is the translation of the emotion and story of the written words of a poet by an artist into a representational piece of art. Over 2,700 experience the Poet Artist Collaboration.

Other programs in 2024 included Treasurers on the Trail (1,200 impacted), Red Wing Area Studio Tour (2,500 impacted), Big Turn Music Fest (2,750 impacted), ARTSpeak, and Pottery Throwdown.