A bright future for the Winsted Arts Council
Since its inception, the Winsted Arts Council has continued to grow and expand its list of events.
Its mission is to facilitate artistic opportunities in all facets of the arts to promote diversity, cultural enrichment, economic growth, regional sharing, and balance of life.
The group submitted its application for 501c3 status, and received approval Jan. 31, 2012. Members and donors may now deduct donations as charitable contributions.
The officers for 2013 include: Nancy Fasching, president; Julie Guggemos, vice president; Mary Neff, treasurer; and Kimberly Moen, secretary. The directors include: Marie Cummings, Mike Cummings, Ralph Millerbernd, Beth Olson, Diane Remer, Mary Wiemiller, and Catherine Kopka.
The arts council applied for and received a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council in 2012 to create a website and purchase a computer. The group also received a programming grant from the same source. Both grants were funded with Legacy funds.
In March, the council hosted Books and Cookies, with author readings in the Vollmer Room. Holy Trinity alumni Packy Mader and Lyn Millerbernd Fast read their original books to children, and Catherine Kopka read a traditional book.
The Winsted Arts Council had a booth at the Winsted Women’s Expo. Other events included a class on creating miniature container/fairy gardens; a bluegrass in the park event with the band Seldom Herd; a quilt show; and historic memorabilia display
In November, the group hosted “An Evening with Benny Weinbeck,” and artwork of the late Ray Kopka and Holy Trinity art students was displayed. Ralph Millerbernd also displayed some of his sculpture pieces. Also in November, the group conducted a cupcake and cookie decorating demonstration.
The Winsted Arts Council is planning many new events for the months ahead, and a new website and newsletter are also in the works.
The arts council will move into a new space in downtown Winsted in spring 2013, which will provide more exposure and opportunities for the group.
The council currently has more than 50 members, and always welcomes more. Check out the arts council on Facebook and www.winstedartscouncil.org. Questions about the Winsted Arts Council may be directed to its president, Nancy Fasching, at (320) 485-3999.
WHAT UP offers free family fun
Families in Winsted have plenty of opportunities for free fun, thanks to Winsted Holding Activities That Unite People (WHAT UP).
The first WHAT UP family event took place at Mill Reserve Park July 2009. That same year, WHAT UP received a Don C. Guggemos Community Service Award.
At WHAT UP’s first movie in the park, a crowd of about 150 people watched “Horton Hears a Who.” Many parents attended with their children, while other couples enjoyed a date night at the park.
WHAT UP organizes activities most months of the year. An ice skating party takes place at Winsted Lake in January, and a sledding party takes place in February.
A game day is scheduled in March, and April features a scavenger hunt.
Movies in the park typically take place at dusk the third Friday of the month in May, June, July, and August.
In October, WHAT UP has a Halloween bash.
Times and dates of activities will be printed in the Herald Journal throughout the year.
Current members of the WHAT UP committee are Michael Henrich, Rose Heimerl, Roman Heimerl, Jeff Campbell, Peggy Mahlsted, Amanda Ziedler, and Tim Dahl.
For more information or to join WHAT UP call Campbell at (612) 554-7439.
