The Willmar Area Arts Council

In 1994, a group of Willmar area citizens responded to an invitation by the MN Rural Arts Initiative (RIA) to accept help from a COMPAS and Blandin Foundation partnership to build stronger support and appreciation for creative arts in the area.  With financial support from RAI, the City of Willmar, membership fees, and a development grant from SMAHC, the Willmar Area Arts Council officially came into existence in the fall of 1997 and became a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity in 1998.

Since its inception, the Willmar Area Arts Council has become a visible advocate for the arts in West Central Minnesota.  Not only is it responsible for administering the Arts in the Schools project for the Willmar Public Schools and maintaining the rotating exhibits in the Willmar Education and Arts Center, it is the driving force behind two very popular events:  Studio Hop and Celebrate Art! Celebrate Coffee! 

Studio Hop, now in its fourth year, gives the public the opportunity to visit area artists in their studios.  This year’s event will be June 21 and 22.  

Celebrate Art! Celebrate Coffee! is their annual fall festival.  This year’s celebration will be Sept. 20, and will include artists sales tents, an outdoor stage, artists demonstrations, children’s and adult’s hands-on creative activities, and, new this year, an emerging artists tent.  This event is the highlight of the fall arts calendar.  In addition to these activities, the Willmar Area Arts Council also gives grants to support local projects.  They have helped fund multi-cultural events in the schools, special events at the Barn Theater in Willmar, the Little Theater in New London,  and the Willmar Public Library, to mention a few.

The Willmar Area Arts Council’s work is supported by memberships – currently 150 strong and growing – grants from SMAHC, the Willmar Community Foundation, the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners, and the generous support of many local businesses. 

They are currently exploring the possibility of opening a gallery to feature area artists and give them a permanent location in which to sell their works.  In a time when there is so much negative news in the world, it is refreshing to know there are organizations like the Willmar Area Arts Council working to make our lives more beautiful by providing opportunities for creative expression.