owatonna arts center

My daughter and I were artisans at the annual summer Owatonna Festival of the Arts. There was an artisan reception at the Owatonna Arts Center following the first day of our show, and the committee and staff were so very kind and welcoming to us. The Art Center is beautiful, set on the grounds of the State Orphanage Museum. We viewed a gallery show, and it was excellent. I would love to return to this area. The arts are alive in Owatonna!

The Performing Arts Hall has several two story stained glass windows on dollies that can be rolled around. They were saved from a church that was demolished in town, by the Wenger Corporation. This Hall was once the dining hall for the State School Orphanage and is attached to the Orphanage Museum. The Arts Center itself has various works on display during the course of the year, with something special featured every Holiday Season.

We dropped in on an impromptu visit to Owatonna. They were preparing for an exhibition grand opening that night but we were able to wander at will through the building and view the local art on display, some of which was suprisingly good. They also have studio space in the basement that local artists can use (I think free of charge), which really helps promote their goal of supporting local artists. Worth a visit if you want to see what's happening in the local art scene and maybe even pick up an original by a not-yet-discovered artist.

Silvan the curator will treat you like royalty when you come visit this historic site...once a state orphanage, the history is fascinating and the art WONDERFUL!

A wonderful place to hold special events. Sylvan is always very helpful.