SEMCAC Announces Recent Individual Artist Grant Awards

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This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) announces its February capstone events, showcasing recent grant recipients throughout southeastern Minnesota.

Regional Premiere of "Waitress" - The Rochester Civic Theatre presents this hit musical comedy-drama following the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Evening performances at 7:00 PM on February 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22, with matinees at 2:00 PM on February 9, 16, and 23. An ASL-interpreted performance with audio descriptions will be available February 13. Located at Rochester Civic Theatre, Rochester, MN.

"Conservar es Celebrar" by Andrew Mazariegos-Ovalle - Opening Friday, February 7, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Northfield Arts Guild, this exhibition features reimagined piñata art celebrating sacred creatures like Guatemala's Quetzal bird, Chile's Moscardón bee, and Puerto Rico's Coquí frog. The exhibition is part of the Carleton College & St. Olaf College Emerging Artists Group Showcase in Northfield, MN.

ABBAsolutely Fab in Kasson - Kasson Mantorville Community Education presents ABBAsolutely Fab - an all-star lineup of Twin Cities and British musicians on Saturday, February 8 at 7:00 PM at the WiFi Performing Arts Center. Led by powerhouse vocalists Jenny Russ and Katy Vernon, the show features ABBA's greatest hits including "Dancing Queen," "SOS," "Mamma Mia," "Take A Chance On Me," and "Waterloo."

Rochester Music Mashup Album Release Party - Join diverse local songwriters at Treedome in Rochester on Sunday, February 9, from 4:00-6:00 PM for this unique showcase featuring both raw and produced versions of genre-spanning tracks. The project, spanning progressive rock to R&B, represents collaborations with Blue Lagoon Recording Room and Carpet Booth Studio.

Datura Glow Suzanne Szucs Artist Reception - Meet photographer Suzanne Szucs at the opening reception on Monday, February 10, from 5:30-6:30 PM at 125 Live Gallery in Rochester. The exhibition will run through March 22, with the artist present at the reception to discuss her work.

Emergence Cassandra Buck Artist Reception - Opening concurrently at 125 Live Gallery in Rochester on Monday, February 10, from 5:30-6:30 PM, this exhibition explores femininity and artistic expression through mixed media compositions blending acrylic paint with traditional fiber materials.

Big Turn Music Fest - Downtown Red Wing comes alive February 14-15 with 110 bands performing across 15 venues. The festival theme "Experience Red Wing Through Music" includes games, karaoke, RED talks, and winter adventures throughout the downtown area.

Legends of Jazz Valentine Show with Thomasina Petrus - The Zumbrota State Theatre hosts this special Valentine's Day performance on Friday, February 14 at 7:00 PM. Through stunning vocal impressions and storytelling, Petrus brings Billie Holiday's legacy to life while paying tribute to jazz legends Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Etta James.

Remembering Our Connections - Mother-son duo Trina Brunk and Aidan Gersky present an intergenerational music performance at the Northfield Depot on Friday, February 14, from 7:00-9:00 PM. Additional performances will be held February 6 and 20 at 2:00 PM at Three Links Care Center Chapel.

Winona Symphony Orchestra Annual Children's Concert - The orchestra presents two free performances of "Peter and the Wolf" on Tuesday, February 18, at 9:00-9:45 AM and 10:30-11:15 AM in the Winona Middle School Auditorium. This annual concert introduces school-age children to orchestral instruments through musical storytelling.

Community-Created Gourd Mosaic - Artist Rachel Pauli of Gourdgeous Jewelry leads this collaborative community project at the Winona Public Library. After creation sessions on February 1 and 8, join the unveiling celebration on Saturday, February 22 at 10:30 AM to see how individual contributions form a collective artwork using gourds as canvas.

Frozen River Film Festival - The Frozen River Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary February 9-16 with screenings at various locations throughout Winona, MN. FRFF shows documentaries and films that engage audiences in thoughtful conversation about important contemporary issues. The festival features film-centered opportunities that celebrate the art of independent cinema in the Driftless Region. Special programming and events will be announced throughout the festival week.

Concert for Kids in Southeast Minnesota - Rochester Symphony performs this special concert at John Marshall High School Auditorium on Tuesday, February 25, with shows at 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. This free concert is programmed specifically for 4th graders, with all schools within a 45-mile radius invited to attend. Grant funding provides busing for participating classes.

All events are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

For more information about these events or SEMAC's grant programs, visit semac.org or contact the office at 507-281-4848.