Update Regarding COVID-19
Learn More
We are living in strange and unpredictable times, however we want to assure you that no matter what MCA will be here for you to provide arts opportunities to help get through these time both mentally and physically. Due to the Coronavirus outbreak the doors to the Valencia Arts Center, our brick and mortar home have been closed since March 16th. However our dedicated staff and faculty have been working hard to bring the arts, routine, and community right into your living room (kitchen, bedroom, or garage). This Fall we will have a variety of offerings ranging from in-person at Valencia Arts Center, in-person outside, self-paced low and no tech experiences, and virtual classes. Starting August 24th we will begin phase one of returning to in-person classes. Students participating in in-person classes will be required to follow our strict COVID Code of Conduct. Please click on the tabs below to explore our current programs and resources.
Real-time Zoom Classes At-a-glance
Classes only offered online:
Dance Adventures (Ages 4-6)
Mondays- 4:15-4:45 PM
Dates: Sept. 14-Nov. 16
Instructors: Rachael Ryan
Fees: Online: $35 (10 weeks, 5 hours)
Ballet I/IIA (Ages 7+)
Mondays- 5-6 PM
Dates: Sept. 14-Nov.16
Instructors: Rachael Ryan
Fees: Online: $70 (10 weeks, 10 hours)
Beginning Hip Hop (Ages 6+)
Tuesday- 1-1:45PM
Dates: Sept. 15-Nov.18
Instructors: Carter Full
Fees: Online: $70 (10 weeks, 10 hours)
Hip Hop Hop I/II (Ages 10+ and 2 years experience)
Tuesdays-2-2:45 PM
Dates: Sept. 15-Nov.18
Instructors: Carter Full
Fees: Online: $70 (10 weeks, 10 hours)
On-Demand Tap Units- These pre-recorded tap classes for Intermediate (MCA Tap II Level) and Advanced (MCA Tap Levels III-V) provide challenging and fun warm-ups, technique instruction and combinations that can be executed at home. MCA has tap shoes and tap boards that can be checked out to local students as well as tap boards that can be purchased.
Dates: On-Demand/ Self-Paced
Instructors: Nathan Graff, Carter Full, Christine Martin, and Justine Meinke
Fees: Tap II Unit: $24 (4 classes including warm-ups, tap technique and combos, plus bonus content)
Tap III-V Unit: $49 (8 classes including warm-ups, tap technique and combos, plus bonus content)
Adult Fitness/ Conditioning
Tuesdays- Cardio Barre- 7-8 PM
Thursdays- Barre- 7-8 PM
Fridays- Stretch & Relax- 4-5 PM
Dates: Fall 1: Aug. 25-Oct. 2
Fall 2: Oct.5-Nov. 20
Instructors: Jess Dienger & Avin Honecker-Sherman
Fees: Only Online: Fall 1: $48 per class (6 weeks, 6 hours)
Fall 2: $56 per class (7 weeks, 6 hours)
Fall 1 Adult Pass: $96 (6 weeks, 3 classes per week, 18 hours)
Fall 2 Adult Pass: $112 (7 weeks, 3 classes per week, 112 hours)
All Access Fall Adult Fitness Pass: $189 + free pair of barre socks! (13 weeks, 55.25 hours, both Fall 1 & Fall 2 classes of Cardio Barre, Barre Fitness, Stretch & Relax and Open Ballet)
Open Ballet (ages 14+)
Time and date TBA
Instructors: Avin Honecker-Sherman
Fall 1: $60 per class (6 weeks, 7.5 hours)
Fall 2: $70 per class (7 weeks, 8.75 hours)
All Access Fall Adult Fitness Pass: $189 + free pair of barre socks! (13 weeks, 55.25 hours, both Fall 1 & Fall 2 classes of Cardio Barre, Barre Fitness, Stretch & Relax and Open Ballet) Big Savings!!!
Visual Art Programs
Make Your Mark
Fridays- 1-1:45 PM (ages 6-9)
Fridays- 2-3 PM (ages 10+)
Dates: Sept. 18-Oct. 23
Instructors: Lisa Douglas
Fees: In-person $59 (includes at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US, students will be asked to have a set of markers and scratch paper in addition)
You've Got Mail
Dates: Oct. 8-Nov. 28 (self-paced)
Instructors: Brianna Haupt
Ages: 6-18
Fees: $22 (includes postcards and stamps with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $5 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
Playful Postcards: Artist Study (Ages 55+)
Dates: Sept. 10-Oct. 29 (self-paced)
Instructors: Brianna Haupt
Fees: In-person $24 (includes at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
Hours of Art Kit (All Ages)
Dates: Available Aug. 24- Dec. 15 (self-paced)
Instructors: access to recordings of previously recorded MCA Art Classes
Fees: In-person $25 (at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
MCA Mystery Art Kit (All Ages)
Dates: Available Aug. 1- Dec. 15 (self-paced)
Instructors: Self-paced booklet with 8 creative challenges created by Brianna Haupt and access to recordings of previously recorded MCA Art Classes.
Fees: In-person $24 (at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
Doodle Club (Ages 13+)
Wednesdays 7:30-8 PM
Dates: Sept. 5- Dec. 16
Instructors: Lisa Douglas
Fees: Free (students will need a pen (preferrably a thin felt tip pen or marker), pencil, eraser, paper, and a round object for tracing such as a canning lid or tuna can.)
Music Division Programs
Private Music Lessons (All Ages)
Time & date arranged between instructor & student
Dates: Sept. 5- Dec. 16
Instructors: One of MCA’s 20+ talented music faculty members
Fees: 4 30-minute lessons ($76), 8 30-minute lessons ($144), 12 30-minute lessons ($204)
Theatre Division
Information about the next Virtual production coming soon!
Discounts: Dedicated Artist, University Student Discount, Adult Fitness Passes, & Scholarships available.
Online Private Music Lessons
We are excited to announce that we have shifted to offering private music lessons online and we are now accepting online registration for new students for most instruments. Now is the time to finally spend a little time with that piano that's been sadly sitting quietly in the corner or guitar that has been collecting dust in your basement!
As with in-person lessons you may purchase lessons in a 4, 8, or 12 lesson package (ranging from $17-$19 per 30 minute lesson). We will be happy to shift lessons to in-person lessons once we can safely do so. No fees are paid until we connect you with an instructor. Learn more about MCA private lessons and instructors.
What you need need at your house to have a successful online lesson:
- your instrument
- a device with a camera and microphone (internal microphone should be fine unless you need to be far away from your device to be at your instrument.
- optional: headphones or external speaker
- a wired connection (most reliable) or a strong wireless signal (around 1.5 Mbps for upload speed). A 4G connection traditionally works as well.
Homeschooling/ At-Home Learning Resources
We realize that the world has turned upside down over the past few months and that many more families will be homeschooling or virtual schooling during 2020. As always we will be here to help provide arts education to the community, including daytime options for homeschoolers. Thank you to everyone who filled out our online surveys in August. We hope that you are excited about the daytime, self-paced and evening offerings that we are offering this Fall that can help you meet your learning at home needs. On August 22 we hosted a Homeschool Q & A session via Zoom, please click here to view the recording. If you have ideas for desired programs please feel free to email them to: mca@smumn.edu.
MCA Fall 2020 Programs before 3pm:
Click Here to View Full Descriptions
Make Your Mark- Virtual Visual Art class, Sept. 18-Oct. 23: Fridays- 1-1:45 PM (ages 6-9) & 2-3 PM (ages 10+)
You've Got Mail- Self-paced postcard exchange, Oct. 8- Nov. 28, Ages 6-18
Beginning Hip Hop- Virtual Dance Class. Sept. 15- Nov. 18: Tuesdays- 1-145 PM (ages 6+)
Hip Hop I/II- Virtual Dance Class. Sept. 15- Nov. 18: Tuesdays- 2-2:45 PM (ages 10+)
Private Music Lessons- Virtual (anytime) or in-person (after Sept. 21)- Arranged at a time convenient for student & instructor (all ages)
Self-Paced Art Kits- Mystery Art Kit & Hours of Art Kit & On-Demand Classes- both kits available while supplies last through Dec. 15.
On-Demand Tap Units- These pre-recorded tap classes for Intermediate (MCA Tap II Level) and Advanced (MCA Tap Levels III-V) provide challenging and fun warm-ups, technique instruction and combinations that can be executed at home. MCA has tap shoes and tap boards that can be checked out to local students as well as tap boards that can be purchased.
Fall In-person Classes with Online Option At-a-Glance
Fall In-studio Classes with Online Option
Full descriptions can be found on under division pages. Students enrolling in in-person classes should familiaze themselves with the MCA COVID Code of Conduct.
Classes In-person with online option:
Ballet IIB/III
Thursdays- 5:45-7 PM
Dates: Aug. 27-Nov. 19
Instructors: Rachael Ryan
Fees: In-person $125, Online: $100 (13 weeks, 12.5 hours)
Ballet IV
Tuesdays- 5:30-6:45 PM
Fridays- 4-5:30 PM
Dates: Aug. 25-Nov. 20
Instructors: Jess Dienger & Tammy Schmidt
Fees: In-person $357, Online: $286 (13 weeks, 35.75hours)
Ballet V and Ballet VI/VII
Mondays 4-6 PM
Wednesdays- 4-5:45 PM
Thursdays- 4-5:30 PM
Dates: Aug. 24-Nov.19 (No class Sept. 5 or 7)
Instructors: Jess Dienger, Rachael Ryan, & Tammy Schmidt
Fees: In-person $632, Online: $506 (13 weeks, 63.25 hours)
Pointe
Wednesdays- Pointe Technique- 6-7 PM or 5:45-6:45 PM (Assigned to time by instructor after registration)
Dates: Aug. 26-Nov.19
Instructors: Tammy Schmidt
Fees: In-person $130, Online: $104 (13 weeks, 13 hours)
Jazz III/IV
Fridays- 5:45-7 PM
Dates: Aug. 28-Nov. 20
Instructors: Jess Dienger
Fees: In-person $162, Online: $130 (13 weeks, 16.25 hours)
Intermediate/Advanced Contemporary
Saturdays- 10-11:15 AM or 1-2:15 PM (Assigned to time by instructor after registration)
Dates: Aug. 29-Nov. 21 (No class Sept. 5)
Instructors: Jess Dienger
Fees: In-person $150, Online: $120 (12 weeks, 15 hours)
Tap III/IV/V
Mondays- 6:15-7:30 PM
Saturdays- 11:30 AM-12:45 PM
Dates: Aug. 25-Nov. 21 (No class Sept. 5)
Instructors: Jess Dienger
Fees: In-person $312, Online: $250 (13 weeks, 31.25 hours)
Discounts: Dedicated Artist, University Student Discount, Adult Fitness Passes, & Scholarships available.
National Honor Society for Dance Arts
Tapping on Tuesdays @ the Levee (Outside Classes)
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is thrilled to announce that it will be partnering with WINONArts to bring tap dance to the Levee on Tuesday evenings this fall. No matter your age Tap is a great way to exercise and challenge your mind and what could be better than doing it with a view of the Mississippi in the background!
Creative Aging - Art Programs for 55+
Playful Postcards: Artist Study (Ages 55+)
It's time to get creative and have a little fun sending and receiving colorful postcards. Each student will receive a special art kit to keep that includes everything you need to get started including blank postcards, stamps, watercolor pencils, paint brush, glue stick, fun paper, and weekly lesson plans. All you will be asked to do is to explore a new art techniques inspired by an artist then create and send a postcard a week to a classmate. Miss. Brianna will also check in with students throughout the program via a desired contact via digital platform or by phone which will be determined at a later date. (includes all art supplies & Winona Delivery or pick-up)*
Dates: Sept. 10-Oct. 29 (self-paced)
Instructors: Brianna Haupt
Fees: In-person $24 (includes at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US) Need based scholarships are available.
MCA Mystery Art & Hours of Art Kits
Hours of Art Kit
This inclusive kit has everything you need to get started creating on your own. If you want a want to dive a little deeper you can access previously recorded MCA art lessons to learn about blending and creating with oil pastels, how to sculpt a bird out of model magic, perspective drawing, colored pencil techniques, doodling word art and more. This kit is perfect for all ages, but is a perfect addition to a homeschooling curriculum.
What's included (colors or brands may vary):oil pastels, colored pencils, masking tape, pencil sharpener, ebony pencil, fine tipped sharpie, white multi-media art paper, colored construction paper, 2 packs of 1 oz. model magic, link for access to pre-recorded MCA classes
Dates: Available Aug. 24- Dec. 15 (self-paced)
Instructors: access to recordings of previously recorded MCA Art Classes
Fees: $25 (at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
MCA Mystery Art Kit
Sick of hearing “I’m Bored”? We have just the cure… our MCA Mystery Art Kits will inspire and provide hours of unplugged entertainment. No two kits are the same and they are designed with the student’s age in mind. Each unique kit will contain:
- One set of coloring supplies such as oil pastels, colored pencils, paint, watercolor pencils, crayons or markers
- One binding material such as elmer’s glue, mod podge, glue stick, or masking tape
- A variety of surfaces to create on such as a postcard,s book marks, artist paper, exclusive coloring pages created by MCA staff, and or construction paper.
- A Challenge guide created by MCA art faculty to help spark the artist within
- Other surprise items such as model magic, stickers, DIY masks, or props
- Links to previously recorded MCA visual art classes (if you have purchased a kit, here is the link to the password protected special access site.)
- Invitation to share photos of your creations to be featured on MCA's social media
Dates: Self-paced, Aug. 1- Dec. 15 for no contact delivery or pick-up in Winona or shipped anywhere in the US for extra $12 per kit.
Cost: $24 per kit, available
Elder Network & MCA Partnership
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is thrilled to be partnering with Elder Network to offer an art workshop suitable for all family members, care givers, and care receivers to spend an hour together in their home creatively. The class will be interactive and run live through ZOOM. Participants will be encouraged to get lost in the moment and enjoy playing with color and shapes.
When & Topic: Second Tuesday of the Month. Oct. 13: Drawing Faceted Gemstones with Colored Pencils, Nov. 10: Doodle Designs for Bookmarks, and Dec. 8: Hand Lettering Hour
Time: 1:30-2:30pm
Where: Online via ZOOM.
Instructor: Lisa Douglas
Fee: Free (suggested supplies include ad set of at least 12 colored pencils, a felt tip black pen and pencil)
To Register: Please RSVP to Barb at Elder Network, 507-452-0580 or barbp@elder-network.org, Open to all Winona County Residents.
About Elder Network:
Elder Network was founded in 1988 in Rochester Minnesota. Their mission is “Individuals impacted by the limiting effects of aging have an optimal quality of life.” As a are a local 501c3 nonprofit, they serve primarily three counties in Southeast Minnesota; Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona. However, their educational offerings and support groups are open to anyone that would like to attend. Elder Network has developed seven non-medical programs that support seniors and their caregivers. We are a well-respected organization providing non-medical elder care which isn’t provided by other organizations doing similar services. They are proud that to network with other organizations so that we are able to support seniors and their caregivers through service or referral. Elder Network's outreach extends to all regardless of elder traditions, cultures or religions. These programs include Senior Advocacy, Education & Support, Companion Services, Respite Care In-Home, Peer Support, Friendly Visitors, and Transportation.
Partnership with Caledonia Public Library for Houston County Residents
Virtual Arts for All Houston County Residents
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is excited to announce a second session of virtual programming for both youth and adults in collaboration with Caledonia Public Library and Mainspring. Due to COVID-19, this collaborative group had to cancel in-person creative classes previously scheduled for spring and summer 2020. However, thanks to the dedication of funders and partners, we are excited to bring virtual creative and cultural classes to you at home! All of these events are FREE to Houston County residents, but registration is required.
This project is made possible with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the people of Minnesota for Library Legacy activities.
Surprise Art Program
Houston County Youth are invited to flex their creativity muscles during this unique 8-week art program. Each participant will get an art kit featuring all of the ingredients they need to design weekly surprise art projects. From creating on wooden coasters and postcards and constructing with model magic and yarn students will love the opportunity to explore with a variety of materials and learn new art techniques and terminology. This flexible program invites students to participate in a way that works best for them and their families.
Ways to participate:
- Live Zoom Class- create in real-time over Zoom with other Houston Co. Youth on Wednesdays, Sept. 30-Nov. 18, 4-5pm.
- Recorded Class- watch & create along with recordings of classes posted within a week after the live class.
- Unplugged- Each week you will receive an email with a project sheet that lists materials and directions for an art activity to complete using the kit provided.
Ages: 7-12
Fee: FREE for Houston County Residents, but registration required (it is ideal if students have a set of washable markers & scissors)
Instructor: Lisa Douglas of Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
Houston County Art in a Box: Playful Postcards
It's time to get creative and have a little fun sending and receiving colorful postcards. Each student will receive a special art kit to keep that includes everything you need to get started including blank postcards, stamps, colored pencils, dual tip markers, and weekly lesson plans. All you will be asked to do is to explore a new art technique then create and send a postcard each week to a Houston area classmate.
Day/Dates: Self-paced weekly project, Sept. 30- Nov. 18
Ages: Ages 13+
Cost: FREE for Houston County Residents, but registration required
Instructor: Brianna Haupt
Virtual Musical
Please check back soon for information on about a musical theatre opportunity for tweens & teens that will take place in Nov./ Dec. 2020.
Virtual Performances
Don't miss viewing these special premiere's in real time on both our MCA Facebook Page or You Tube Channel.
December, 5th, 6pm: MCA Virtual Fall Music Division Concert
TBD: MCA Virtual Musical Review
MCA Moments & Dance Stay Strong Videos
We have created two playlist to help you and your family get through COVID-19 and even come out stronger and smarter.
MCA Moments- are music, theatre, dance, and visual arts activities that will fill your creative tool box full of arts tips, tricks, and boredom busters.
Dancers Stay Strong- Since you can't get to the studio, we are bringing dance to you... here we are sharing dance combinations, movement games and conditioning exercises to help you burn off energy stay strong and learn.
Exclusive MCA Community Facebook Page
This group is for current (within 1 year) MCA students and their families. During the COVID-19 outbreak we plan to use this group to help us share and create together and inspire each other on a daily basis.
The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is incredible! My children have truly enjoyed being part of the dance-arts community at MCA. The instructors are skilled artists whose passion shows through as they deliver a developmentally-appropriate curriculum in a child-centered and caring way. All families and community members are always welcome at MCA and encouraged to be part of the arts in Winona. Thank you MCA and MCA staff and volunteers.
The MCA combos help me step out of my comfort zone and be with people outside my school. And I got to play a new instrument. There is no pressure to be awesome, just do the best you can.
While attending the Winona Arts Camp I learned that I wasn’t shy after all!
Art is for Everyone!
At Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) we believe that art is for everyone. Regardless of race, gender, age, ability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or economic circumstances everyone deserves access to arts education and experiences. Now thanks to the City of Winona Creative Laureate, Sarah Johnson a door on our bricks and mortar home, the Valencia Arts Center has a splash of color and reminds those passing by that “Art is for Everyone”. This public art project is part of the #Winonacolorproject intended to create more vibrant, welcoming spaces in the Winona community. This project was made possible by the Winona Fine Arts Commission and the Winona Community Foundation
Who Doesn’t Love Mail?
Do you know a child aged 6-18 who would love to get mail? Do they need an excuse to get creative? If so then our You’ve Got Mail class is for them! They will receive blank postcards that will be come their canvas to create a unique artwork that will then be mailed to another classmate. Each week participants will be emailed a different art topic or element to inspire a postcard design. Students will interact though written word with classmates by sending and receiving one postcard per week, but participants create at time that works for them, no Zooming or other technology required! Each registration comes with 10 postcards, 8 postcard stamps, and lesson packet. Students can use any art materials they have on hand such as markers, colored pencils, or scrapbook paper.
Learn More about National Honor Society for Dance Arts
Dancers in grades 6- University are invited to attend a Zoom meeting Friday, October 16 at 7:30 pm to learn more about National Honors Society for Dance Arts™ (NHSDA) at Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA). MCA is home to three NHSDA chapers, Junior (grades 6-8), Secondary (grades 9-12) and Collegiate. NHSDA is a program of the National Dance Education Organization, created to recognize outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in students studying dance.
Fall Exclusively Online Dance Classes
It may be a little different than coming to the studio, however virtual classes still help students feel connected to a community and caring instructor, help foster creativity, confidence, and spacial awareness and can be executed from the comfort and safety of your own home. All of our Fall in-person classes in Intermediate-Advanced Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary and also be taken online, but click below for a list of our classes that are exclusively taught online in real-time through Zoom that begin the week of Sept. 14th and our Fall 2 Adult Fitness Classes beginning Oct. 5.
MCA is a proud member of the following organizations and programs:
LOCATION & CONTACT
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
1164 West Howard (10th) Street
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 507-453-5500
Fax: 507-453-5507
E-Mail: mca@smumn.edu
HOURS
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, our office hours are limited to the following:
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
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