Lanesboro Arts Center | Lanesboro

The Lanesboro Arts Center, now known simply as Lanesboro Arts, is a cornerstone cultural institution nestled in the small, scenic town of Lanesboro, Minnesota. Since its founding in 1980, it has evolved into a vibrant multidisciplinary arts organization that serves as a regional hub for artistic excellence, community engagement, and educational opportunities. Lanesboro Arts plays a key role in shaping the town’s identity as a flourishing arts destination and contributes significantly to the cultural vitality of southeastern Minnesota.

Historical Development

Lanesboro Arts originated from the formation of the Lanesboro Art Council in 1980, which initially focused on promoting local art events such as the annual Art in the Park festival. Early on, the Council also took stewardship of the historic St. Mane Theatre, revitalizing it as a venue for theatrical performances, films, and other cultural events. This effort helped to rejuvenate a once dormant space and set the foundation for broader cultural growth in the town.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Lanesboro’s arts scene expanded rapidly. The opening of the Cornucopia Art Center in 1993, housed in a repurposed factory building, provided artists with a dedicated gallery and community gathering place. By 1996, Lanesboro was recognized nationally as one of “The 100 Best Art Towns in America,” a distinction fueled in large part by the vibrancy and accessibility of its local arts organizations.

In 2009, the Lanesboro Art Council and Cornucopia Art Center merged, combining their missions and resources to form what was then known as the Lanesboro Art Center. This consolidation allowed for expanded programming, unified branding, and stronger community impact. The organization continued to present art exhibitions, juried sales, theater productions, and educational programs, building on the legacy of its predecessor groups.

A major milestone occurred in 2011 with the launch of the Lanesboro Arts Campus initiative-a community-driven project to create an integrated and immersive arts experience that would connect Lanesboro’s natural beauty, historic architecture, and artistic offerings into a cohesive cultural destination. This visionary project sought to deepen the integration of arts into daily community life and further cement Lanesboro’s reputation as an arts mecca.

In 2014, to reflect its evolving mission beyond a single building, the organization rebranded as Lanesboro Arts. The same year, Lanesboro Arts was honored with the Bush Prize for Community Innovation, recognizing its collaborative, inclusive approach to cultural development and community transformation.

Facilities and Spaces

Lanesboro Arts is headquartered at 103 Parkway Avenue North in downtown Lanesboro, occupying a facility that houses:

Juried Sales Art Gallery: Showcasing the work of over 90 regional and national artists, this gallery offers visitors a rotating and diverse selection of fine art, including paintings, sculptures, fiber arts, ceramics, and more. The gallery emphasizes high-quality craftsmanship and represents a broad range of styles and media.

Exhibition Gallery: Dedicated to temporary exhibitions, this space provides opportunities for emerging and established artists to present thematic and experimental shows. The rotating exhibitions encourage local engagement and attract visitors interested in contemporary art trends.

St. Mane Theatre: A historic performing arts venue that hosts a variety of events including theatrical productions, live music concerts, film screenings, and community performances. The theatre preserves an intimate and charming atmosphere conducive to artistic exploration and audience connection.

Educational Studios and Workshop Spaces: These areas support an array of classes, workshops, and artist residencies, facilitating hands-on creative experiences for people of all ages and skill levels.

Programs and Community Impact

Lanesboro Arts offers a broad spectrum of programs designed to nurture creativity, support artists, and engage the community:

Art in the Park: An annual outdoor festival that brings together artists, artisans, and visitors to celebrate visual and performing arts in a lively, open-air setting. This event fosters community participation and attracts tourists, boosting the local economy.

Artist Residencies: Lanesboro Arts hosts resident artists who work on-site, often interacting with the public through demonstrations, talks, or collaborative projects. These residencies enrich the local arts ecosystem and provide artists with space and support to develop new work.

Educational Workshops and Classes: Designed for children, adults, and seniors, these offerings cover a wide range of disciplines including painting, drawing, pottery, printmaking, and creative writing. The programs aim to cultivate lifelong learning and artistic appreciation.

Performing Arts Series: Through St. Mane Theatre, Lanesboro Arts presents a year-round lineup of theatrical performances, concerts, and films that appeal to diverse audiences. This series contributes to Lanesboro’s cultural richness and provides entertainment options for residents and visitors alike.

Community Collaboration: Lanesboro Arts works closely with local businesses, schools, civic groups, and regional partners to weave arts programming into the fabric of community life. Collaborative projects include public art installations, cultural celebrations, and initiatives that use the arts to address social issues.

Visitor Information

Location: 103 Parkway Avenue North, Lanesboro, MN 55949

Hours:

January–April: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

May–December: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Summary

Lanesboro Arts is a dynamic and inclusive arts organization that has grown from humble beginnings into a leading cultural institution in southeastern Minnesota. By combining gallery exhibitions, performance arts, educational programs, and community initiatives, it enriches both residents’ and visitors’ lives through the power of artistic expression. Its role as a community catalyst, innovator, and steward of the arts continues to inspire creativity and foster cultural growth in Lanesboro and the wider region.