Over 50 Years in the Winona Community

Founded in 1956, the Arts Center has a colorful history. After seven women spent the summer of 1956 painting and enjoying art together, they approached the city council about renting Lake Park Lodge so they could continue to meet during winter months.

In the early days, the Winona Art Group painted together every Tuesday and Thursday. The group 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.

In 1963, the Center purchased the building at its current location from the Winona Rod and Gun Club for $2,500. Located at the corner of Fifth and Franklin Streets, the former German Presbyterian Church was built in 1864, and is among Winona's oldest structures. Over the last 47 years many improvements have been made to the structure as it evolved from a clubhouse to a first-rate arts space.

When the group became a nonprofit organization in the early 1960's the organization was known as the Winona Art Center. Later the name was changed to the Arts Center to include all art forms. In 1978, the former sanctuary turned gallery was dedicated in honor of Frances Prentiss Lucas for her continued devotion to arts and the community.