Category Archives: Our Blog

When SEMAC Individual Artist grant recipient Mary Beth Magyar began her journey with the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA) in June 2024, she carried with her a vision inspired by UC Berkeley professor Ronald Takaki’s concept of America. Not as a melting pot, but as a tapestry—where each culture contributes its unique color and texture without disappearing into the whole.

“Each culture brings a color and texture and weaves in among the other colors and textures—it doesn’t disappear,” Mary Beth explains, describing Takaki’s vision that sparked her project.

As summer unfolded, Mary Beth worked closely with IMAA’s Associate Director Susan Haskamp to align the project with IMAA’s 40th anniversary celebration. Together, they expanded the concept beyond weaving to include large beads that participants could glaze, offering many avenues for community members to leave their artistic mark.

As with any project, it did not come without challenges. With a laugh, Mary Beth recalls her first lesson early in the process: “I immediately learned that I was calling it a tapestry and it was not a tapestry. Whoops!” A tapestry, she discovered, typically features an image, while her project was technically a textile—a rag rug to be exact.

Undeterred by this minor hiccup, she built a mini loom to practice on during those early summer days, spending warm afternoons getting comfortable with the technique. When a weaving class she had hoped to take was already full, she turned to online tutorials instead.

Mary Beth began building the community support momentum. Community-requested fabric donations began pouring in so generously that Mary Beth enlisted her mother’s help to cut the growing mounds of material into usable strips. Thinking of accessibility, she created “big chunky yarn pieces so that people who would find weaving too difficult could easily do the ‘over under weave’ as I called it.”

The June IMAA Walk Around the World event—where Mary Beth planned to debut her interactive fabric-weaving to the community—hit a snag when weather conditions forced IMAA organizers to reschedule from Saturday to Sunday. “I was worried we wouldn’t get enough people,” Mary Beth admits, her concerns understandable after weeks of preparation.

Her first participant that Sunday—a child—completed their contribution and then asked for a treat, momentarily catching Mary Beth off-guard. Unlike other booths, she hadn’t planned rewards. “I panicked for a few minutes,” she confesses, “but thought, well too late to change so I just plodded on.”

Those initial worries quickly dissolved as the day progressed. By day’s end, over 80 community members had contributed to the textile. “I never had another person ask for a ‘treat,'” she notes. “In fact, a parent told me they were glad their child just got the experience and that was its own reward.”

Many IMAA staff were working during the event, so in the following months, Mary Beth brought the loom directly to their offices, ensuring everyone had an opportunity to participate before the project’s October completion date. The bead glazing component became popular throughout this period, offering an alternative for those not comfortable with weaving.

One particularly meaningful moment came during an autumn visit to the IMAA offices. A group of Somali women recognized the weaving technique as the same one their grandmothers had used. “It was comforting to hear that we literally do the same thing as another group of people so far away,” Mary Beth reflects. “We just use different words to describe it.”

As the women worked the familiar patterns, memories surfaced—stories of grandmothers, distant homelands, and childhood lessons. The women demonstrated how their mothers and grandmothers had taught them to braid by wrapping yarn around their toes. These braided pieces were later incorporated into the textile’s front, adding both depth and cultural significance to the work before its October completion.

The connections formed during the project have lasted well beyond its conclusion. “IMAA is an incredible organization and I have met so many new people and heard so much about other places in the world,” Mary Beth shares. Their partnership continued into the new year, with Mary Beth leading an art project at IMAA’s staff retreat in February 2025.

The connections continue to branch outward—through IMAA, Mary Beth has finally connected with Pamoja, a local group she had been hoping to work with, and they’ve scheduled collaborative projects for summer 2025. “My favorite part of my job is meeting new people, making new connections, and learning a new skill,” Mary Beth says, “and this project really accomplished all of those things.”

Mary Beth continues creating community-centered art projects. She’s currently working on a self-portrait project at Franklin Elementary in Rochester, inspired by a Yale Medical School study about representation in institutional spaces. The project will feature clay self-portraits from all 590 students, along with staff and teachers, arranged to form a giant portrait of the school. “All the people will be up there to see,” Mary Beth explains, “and visually signals to anyone that these are the faces that matter.”

She also runs smallärt, a mini gallery public art project that changes monthly, and maintains a website called All of the Artists which provides free resources on diverse, contemporary Minnesota artists.

Just like the textile project that evolved from summer to fall 2024, Mary Beth’s work continues to weave together art, education, and community—creating works that honor and celebrate each individual contributor.

This project was funded by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) and took place from June to October 2024.

Learn more about Mary Beth and her work on her website. Follow Mary Beth Magyar on Instagram @marybethmagyar and smallärt at @smallartgallerymn. 

 

In a time when social media feeds overflow with conflicting claims and community meetings spark heated debates about everything from education to public health, Rochester photographer Rick Swanson saw an opportunity to explore how we understand truth and knowledge. His “Photoessay: Anti-Intellectualism in Minnesota” uses a unique artistic approach – black and white photographs developed using coffee – to capture the complex ways we think and interact as a society. What started as documentation of anti-science attitudes evolved into something deeper – carefully crafted photographs that reveal the subtle ways these beliefs shape our daily lives, from coffee shop conversations to city council meetings.

After acquiring support from a SEMAC Individual Artist grant, Rick’s concept evolved into two meaningful partnerships, including a collaboration with internationally renowned poet Joe Kidd, whose narratives about conflicting perspectives on truth provided inspiration for a subset of the photographs. The project then grew into a partnership with PossAbilities, a Rochester non-profit organization supporting adults with disabilities. The artists there became active collaborators, contributing their perspectives and experiences of confronting irrational attitudes in their daily lives to Rick’s artistic narrative. For example, in one piece, an artist from PossAbilities worked with Rick to challenge the common misconception that living with a disability means being fragile – expanding the project’s examination of societal assumptions.

Rick’s project impacts then extended beyond the initial partnerships to the broader community. Rick was able to share the work with a wider audience via email updates and social media, and the choice to host the main exhibition at PossAbilities brought attention to both the artwork and the organization’s vital work in the community. Rick strengthened this connection by contributing a portion of the project funds back to PossAbilities’ mission.

The momentum continues to build, particularly as debates about science, education, and truth intensify in our community spaces and social media feeds. With more powerful images waiting to be shared, Rick is planning a photography book that will pair images with poetry to document and respond to these challenging dynamics. Through crowdfunding, he hopes to create something that not only captures these attitudes but helps facilitate constructive dialogue about how we can better understand each other despite our differences.

This project shows what can happen when artistic vision meets community support at a time when we desperately need new ways to talk about difficult subjects. Through careful observation and collaborative spirit, Rick’s work invites us all to examine how we form our beliefs and consider perspectives that often go unheard, offering a creative pathway toward mutual understanding in our divided times.

To follow Rick’s ongoing work and future projects, you can find him on Facebook and Instagram at @rpswansonphotography and @foxswanarts, where he shares his unique photographic perspectives and upcoming exhibitions.

 

In a world where art galleries often come with “do not touch” signs, one artist is breaking boundaries and inviting visitors to engage with her creations in a whole new way. Lydia Hansen’s Sensory Sculpture Garden is reimagining how we interact with art, making it more accessible and engaging for everyone, including those with visual impairments or sensory-processing differences.

The heart of this project lies in its five-part soft sculpture series. Each piece is a highly textured crochet creation, meticulously crafted to engage not just the eyes but also the sense of touch. Lydia spent six months at the beginning of 2023 bringing these unique sculptures to life, experimenting with various textures, shapes, sizes, and even color arrangements to create distinct patterns within each piece.

What sets this exhibition apart is its invitation to touch. Visitors are encouraged to explore the sculptures with their hands, feeling the intricate textures and experiencing the art in a more immersive way. This approach opens up new possibilities for art appreciation, especially for those who might find traditional visual art experiences challenging or less engaging.

The project’s impact extends beyond the final exhibition. During the creation process, Lydia collaborated with individuals from the ArtAbilities program at PossAbilities in Rochester, MN, and conducted pop-up workshops near Wykoff, MN. These collaborations allowed people of all ages to contribute textures to one of the sculptures, providing early validation for the concept and generating excitement about the project.

Lydia’s efforts were supported by a SEMAC Individual Artist Grant that allowed for dedicated creative time and necessary materials. This financial freedom resulted in Lydia’s first solo exhibition and has since opened doors to other opportunities, including an upcoming exhibition at Pump House Arts in La Crosse, WI, September 11 through November 2, 2024.

The Sensory Sculpture Garden has struck a chord with many visitors. One particularly poignant comment captured the essence of the project: “This scratches the itch in my neurodivergent brain – there should be more art like this!!” Another visitor expressed their engagement by saying, “I just want to hug it! Every time I look at it, there’s something new I need to feel.” These reactions underscore the project’s success in creating art that resonates on a deeper, more personal level with its audience.

The sculpture garden continues to grow and evolve. Lydia has plans to add new sculptures, exploring additional sensory ideas. The project has taken on a life of its own as a traveling, rotating art experience, with pop-up exhibitions showcasing various combinations of sculptures.

In addition to the ongoing development of the Sensory Sculpture Garden, the artist has embarked on a new project: The Lost Creek Fungi Hunt. This yearlong public art installation near Chatfield, MN, features 15 crochet mushrooms based on fungi native to Southeast Minnesota, placed along a trail to encourage exploration and observation.

As these projects continue to develop and reach new audiences, they serve as a testament to the power of art that engages multiple senses and invites active participation. The Sensory Sculpture Garden and its offshoots are not just exhibitions; they’re experiences that challenge our perceptions of art and accessibility, inviting us all to see – and feel – the world in new ways.

To follow Lydia Hansen and her continued efforts, find her on Instagram @amigurumihorde or visit her website https://www.amigurumihorde.com/.

For over three decades, Project FINE has been a beacon of hope and support for refugees and immigrants in Winona County and the surrounding areas of Minnesota. Founded in 1990, this nonprofit organization has dedicated itself to helping newcomers integrate into the community, providing essential services such as foreign language interpretation, education opportunities, and empowerment initiatives.

With a small but dedicated staff, volunteers, interpreters, and extensive collaboration with over 70 local service providers, Project FINE has been instrumental in breaking down cultural and language barriers that often prevent newcomers from accessing critical resources, securing employment, and building a new life in the community.

One of Project FINE’s most impactful initiatives is the Cultural Arts & Ancestry project, which aims to empower refugees and immigrants to share their artistic skills and heritage with the broader community. Funded by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC), this program promotes cultural learning and arts experiences while engaging diverse artists.

In 2023, Project FINE’s Cultural Arts and Ancestry Project focused on three fine-art classes: Puerto Rican Bomba Dance, Mexican Corn Husk Dolls, and the Hmong Story Cloth.

Bomba y Plena, a dance style from Puerto Rico, was led by instructor Chalymar Martinez, who moved from Puerto Rico to Winona in 2018. Martinez not only taught these workshops for the community but also formed a small dance troupe that rehearsed and performed at the 2023 capstone event. The troupe’s enthusiasm and dedication were remarkable, and they have continued to rehearse and perform, taking their talents to local events and elementary schools to share their heritage.

Project FINE has been offering similar arts programming since 2012, with over 600 participants in workshops and more than 2,200 attendees at their events. The organization’s commitment to fostering cultural connections has remained steadfast, and funding from SEMAC has been instrumental in allowing them to continue their work.

Looking ahead, Project FINE has secured another grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board to provide similar workshops and cultural experiences. The organization remains committed to its mission of fostering cultural connections and promoting artistic expression among diverse communities, ensuring that newcomers have a platform to share their talents and traditions.

To learn more about Project FINE’s services and initiatives, visit their website, follow them on Facebook, or reach out to info@ProjectFINE.org.

The recent production of Winona-based playwright Kathleen Kenney Peterson’s “Return Engagement” at Theatre du Mississippi was an incredibly rewarding and collaborative experience for all involved. Return Engagement tells a deeply personal story about an older gay actor’s struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and his need to move back to his small hometown to receive help from his estranged family. After eight years in development, seeing the play come to life on stage exceeded Peterson’s expectations.

Michael Fitzpatrick of the Great River Shakespeare Festival anchored the cast and lent his generous spirit. His involvement drew enthusiastic crowds, but also established cross-generational bonds that continue today. 

The process was not without challenges. The team navigated COVID protocols during rehearsals and worked hard to fine-tune the script. The result was a testament to what can be created by a dedicated cast and crew working together. Experiencing a solo writing project being transformed into a vibrant, fully embodied performance was a humbling and energizing experience for Peterson. 

Beyond achieving her artistic goals, the most moving part of the project for Peterson was realizing how the play’s themes resonated universally. Chronic illness, caregiving, aging, and reconciliation are issues many people face. “After every single performance, we had audience members walk out in tears…so many folks shared stories of their own struggles with exactly the kind of issues and situations in the play,” Peterson remarked. “We also had some amazing comments in surveys about being gay in a small town, losing spouses to chronic illness, and the huge challenges with caregiving.” It was a powerful affirmation for Peterson of why she writes – to reflect shared struggles.

This experience has fueled Peterson’s creative momentum. Energized by the cast’s feedback, she is expanding one of her previously published novels into a new play. Return Engagement also increased her visibility as a regional playwright. But most rewarding for her was crafting art that moved the community and donating some of the ticket revenue to Elder Network in Winona. “When art opens eyes, hearts, and conversations – that is everything.” 

Congratulations to Kathleen Kenney Peterson on her wonderful, impactful achievement. We look forward to seeing more from her in the future!

Follow Kathleen at https://www.facebook.com/KathleenAnneKenneyAuthor

Rochester artist Maggie Panetta recently completed a colorful mural along the busy 4th Street bike path in Rochester, Minnesota, thanks to an Individual Artist Grant from SEMAC. Entitled “Zumbro River Underpass Mural”, the mural brightens a previously dim concrete underpass between 4th and 3rd Streets.  

  

Maggie designed the mural to incorporate public art into a highly trafficked area of the city that connects many downtown businesses and where it can be appreciated by pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The vibrant, abstract foliage and organic shapes pop against the concrete background.  

One of Maggie’s objectives in the mural project’s creation was bringing the community together. Maggie held public painting sessions during which she invited people from all walks of life to join in, including Mayo Clinic patients and visitors, seniors, youth, and passing cyclists. A highlight was the participation of a painter who was in Rochester rehabilitating from a hand and arm injury. He used Maggie’s mural project as an enriching opportunity to incorporate art into his therapy by volunteering to help paint several sections.  

  

The public dedication on October 28, 2023, at the Rochester Art Center commemorated the mural’s completion. For years to come, this vibrant new public art mural will greet travelers along this busy downtown corridor, brightening both the physical space and the spirits of passersby’s. All thanks to Maggie’s creative vision and funding from SEMAC. 

 

To learn more about Maggie, visit www.magsdesigns.com or find her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/maggie_designss.