Winona Arts Center Mission Statement: The Winona Arts Center is a creative network committed to increasing community awareness of the arts by featuring the works of artists. It provides an intimate and unique space for performances, exhibits, and other media, and encourages public participation by providing classes and workshops for children and adults.
Founded in 1956, the Winona Arts Center has a colorful history. After seven women spent the summer of 1956, painting and enjoying art togeether, they approached the city council about renting Lake Park Lodge so they could continue to meet during winter months. In the beginning, the Winona Art Group painted together every Tuesday and Thursday and held exhibits at Lake Park Lodge and the Winona Public Library. Edward Korpela, a teacher at the high school, offered suggestions and encouragement to the small group. At the time, the Winona Art Group was the only organization besides the universities and schools in Winona to offer art-related classes.
When the group became a nonprofit orgniazation in the early 1960's, the name was change to the Winona Art Center and later to the Arts Center to include all art forms. In 1963, the Center purchased its present location from the Winona Rod and Gun Club for $2,500. Located at the corner of 5th and Franklin Streets, the Winona Arts Center is among Winona's oldest structures. The former German Presbyterian Church was built in 1864. In 1978, the former sanctuary turned gallery was dedicated in honor of Frances Prentiss Lucas for her continued devotion to arts and the community.
228 East Fifth Street
Winona, Minnesota 55987