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A Place Where Creativity Welcomes Everyone: 5 Ways to Unleash Your Inner Artist in Lanesboro, MN

Are you curious about art but feel intimidated by the idea of diving into the art world? Do you appreciate rustic charm and Midwestern hospitality? Look no further than Lanesboro, Minnesota—where art meets approachability, and creativity is for everyone!

Nestled in the scenic Bluff Country of southeastern Minnesota, Lanesboro offers a warm and welcoming environment for newcomers to the arts. Here, you'll find a community that celebrates creativity without pretension, embracing visitors of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Lanesboro songwriters smiling and holding guitars
Lanesboro musicians hosted a creative writing workshop for the community. Photo courtesy of Lanesboro Arts.

1. Explore hands-on workshops and exhibitions at the Lanesboro Arts Center.

Lanesboro Arts has as a part of its mission the goal of building Lanesboro into a Living Arts Campus. This evergreen goal is a layered and memorable arts experience integrated into the fabric of Lanesboro.  Building upon the natural beauty of the Root River, the glacially untouched scenery and the historic architecture, the living arts campus adds poetry, murals, and sculptures around town, as well as places to sit and reflect, or make art abound in Lanesboro. The Living Arts Campus welcomes newcomers with open arms, encouraging exploration and discovery at every turn.

A patron admiring artwork at Lanesboro Arts Gallery
A patron admiring artwork at Lanesboro Arts Gallery. Photo courtesy of Lanesboro Arts.

2. Immerse yourself in local art at these charming gallery spaces.

Admire paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and more, all created by local and regional artists. Don't worry about feeling out of place—Midwestern nice sensibilities ensure you'll be greeted with a warm smile, and a knowledgeable mind who will be excited to answer your questions, and bring you in without judgment.

Historic Scalan House Bed & Breakfast
Nightime view of a historic B&B in Lanesboro. Photo courtesty of Historic Scanlan House B&B.

3. Take a self-guided tour of Lanesboro's historic architecture.

Our historic downtown district which is filled with storefront shops, and fabulous restaurants for your shopping and dining needs. Or head over to Brooklyn, the neighborhood part of town for some charming Victorian homes that have been lovingly restored and converted into cozy bed and breakfasts. Wander the streets and feel like you've stepped back in time to a simpler, more serene era.

Outside of Commonweal Theatre
Outside of Commonweal Theatre. Photo courtesy of Commonweal Theatre.

4. Treat yourself to two different performances in one weekend at the Commonweal Theatre.

The uninitiated may not be aware, but Repertory theatre, where a company will run two different shows simultaneously switching between shows over the course of a weekend, is a dying practice. The challenge and the cost are too much for a lot of professional theaters these days.  Thanks to the Commonweal Theatre’s Artist/Administrator model, this isn’t an issue.  And with its rustic charm and down-to-earth atmosphere, its robust roster of talent, from the professional staff who call lanesboro home to the top talent they recruit from across the region, the theater promises an unforgettable experience for art lovers of all kinds.

Sculptor Karl Unnasch opens a sand-block mold to unveil a Discover Sculpture Explore Lanesboro medallion.
Sculptor Karl Unnasch opens a sand-block mold to unveil a Discover Sculpture Explore Lanesboro medallion. Photo courtesy of Lanesboro Arts.

5. Embark on a journey of artistic discovery with the Discover Sculpture Medallion Tour.

As part of the Living Arts Campus this self-guided tour allows you to engage with Lanesboro’s history and culture, while also heading to some of the places you might not think to go otherwise. Seek out 20 iron medallions scattered throughout the streets, each telling a unique story about the history, culture, and heritage of Lanesboro.

Families doing art together at the Art in the Park Festival in Lanesboro
Families doing art together at the Art in the Park Festival. Photo courtesy of Lanesboro Arts.

In Lanesboro, art isn't just for the elite—it's for everyone!

So come, experience the magic of creativity in a community that embraces newcomers with open arms. Whether you're admiring a mural, attending a workshop, or simply soaking in the rustic charm of this quaint Midwestern town, you'll find that the arts in Lanesboro truly are for everyone!