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 are open on a very modified schedule. 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). We are continuously evaluating and innovating and exploring 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. We successfully held in-person dance classes Aug- Nov. and plan to hold a limited number of in-person classes again beginning Jan. 25 in addition online and self-paced programs. 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.
At-a-glance Dance Classes (In-Person & Virtual)
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.
Creative Aging - Art Programs for 55+
Weaving (Ages 55+)
Via Zoom
Explore weaving terms and concepts through the creation of 4 projects: a place mat, cotton dishtowel, tapestry, and continuous strand weaving (can be used for handbags, scarves, rugs, etc.)! Looms are available locally to use at no cost with a deposit.
Day/Dates: Saturdays, January 9, 16, 23 and 30
Time: 10am-noon
Ages: 55+
Instructor: Lisa Douglas
Fees: $24* (includes supplies except loom with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US. Looms used include a 21" x 24" wood frame with stand and handmade triangle loom. Looms can be checked out at no cost, but a $50 deposit will be held until looms are returned.
Mindful Journaling (Ages 55+)
Be present in the moment and channel your creativity through written and visual expression, learning techniques in drawing, painting and mixed media. This self-paced course provides 8 weekly emails containing journaling techniques and mindfulness prompts to inspire your creativity. Finish the course with a zoom social to share what you learned and, if you’re brave, show off your work!
Day/Dates: February 7-April 3 (8 weeks, self-paced), Zoom social tbd
Ages: 55+
Instructor: Brianna Haupt
Fees: $24* (includes supplies with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US.)
*This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund, Aroha Philanthropies, and the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation.
Virtual Art Classes
Doodle Club (Ages 13+)
Wednesdays 7:30-8 PM
Dates: Jan.6- April 28
Instructors: Lisa Douglas
Fees: Free (students will need a pen (preferably a thin felt tip pen or marker), pencil, eraser, paper, and a round object for tracing such as a canning lid or tuna can.)
Weaving (Ages 55+)
Via Zoom
Explore weaving terms and concepts through the creation of 4 projects: a place mat, cotton dishtowel, tapestry, and continuous strand weaving (can be used for handbags, scarves, rugs, etc.)! Looms are available for rent with a deposit.
Day/Dates: Saturdays, January 9, 16, 23 and 30
Time: 10am-noon
Ages: 55+
Instructor: Lisa Douglas
Fees: $24* (includes supplies except loom with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US. Looms available to rent locally with a deposit.)
Mindful Journaling (Ages 55+)
Be present in the moment and channel your creativity through written and visual expression, learning techniques in drawing, painting and mixed media. This self-paced course provides 8 weekly emails containing journaling techniques and mindfulness prompts to inspire your creativity. Finish the course with a zoom social to share what you learned and, if you’re brave, show off your work!
Day/Dates: February 7-April 3 (8 weeks, self-paced), Zoom social tbd
Ages: 55+
Instructor: Brianna Haupt
Fees: $24* (includes supplies with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US.)
*This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund, Aroha Philanthropies, and the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation.
MCA's Unique Art Kits
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 Doodle Kit
Take your doodling to the next level with this handy Doodl
e Kit. This kit is perfect for use during MCA's Doodle Club, virtual classes or instruction videos online.
What's included (colors or brands may vary): White, Silver, and Gold Gelly Roll Pens, blending stump (tortillion), Ebony Pencil, 12 colored pencils, pencil sharpener,12 Artist Tiles, 12 Black Bookmarks and extra fine point sharpie inside of a zippered pouch.
Dates: Available October 20- May 31 (self-paced)
Fees: $19 (at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
Nutcracker Adventure Kit
You can still celebrate Nutcracker Season through dance and art this year with our at-home Nutcracker Adventure Kit. This fun kit comes complete with a 5” wood nutcracker for you to paint, 6 colors of paint, a paint brush, dancing scarf, MCA nutcracker activity book, and access to a pre-recorded MCA Nutcracker Storytime.
Day & Dates: Kit’s available Dec. 1- 20
Ages: Recommended 4+
Instructor: Self-Paced
Fees: $12 (includes at-home Nutcracker themed art kit, dancing scarf & video access to pre-recorded MCA Nutcracker Storytime with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $12 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
Make this holiday season and beyond special by creating your very own cards, gift tags, and more. This kit contains everything you need to personalize your gift giving this year, including; 8 Blank 5 x 7 Greeting Cards & Envelopes, Royal Blue & Silver Gelly Roll Pens, Assorted Paper (Metallic, Solid and Patterned), Assorted String/Ribbon, and a Glue Stick.
Day/Dates: Monday, Nov. 6-Dec. 15
Fees: $15 (includes at-home art kit with pick-up or delivery in Winona or for an additional $10 kits can be mailed anywhere in the US)
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
Virtual Performances
Don't miss viewing these special premiere's in real time on both our MCA Facebook Page or You Tube Channel.
Nov. 7, 10am: Playful Postcards Virtual Gallery and Artist Celebration
Dec. 5, 6pm: MCA Virtual Fall Music Division Concert
Jan. 21, 6pm: MCA Virtual Musical Review
Feb. 20, 6pm: Spotlight Players Production
Elder Network & MCA Partnership
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is thrilled to be partnering once again 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 exploring oil pastels and will be interactive and run live through ZOOM. No art experience with oil pastels is needed, however for those that participated in Elder Network and MCA's Intentional Doodle series will find this class a perfect next step in their artistic journey. Below are the class details.
Exploring Oil Pastels: Techniques, tips, and creativity
Join your friends at Elder Network and MCA as we create one-of-a-kind artwork using oil pastels. Learn how to play with color, blending, and design, along with tips and tools to begin or continue your journey with oil pastels. All registrants will be supplied with an art kit that includes everything needed to create during and a bit between sessions. No art experience necessary, just come ready to learn and share a little creative time with others.
Dates: Second Tuesday of the Month, Feb.9, March 9, April 13, & May 11
Time: 1:30-2:30pm
Where: Online via ZOOM
Instructor: Lisa Douglas of Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
Fee: $25*, includes oil pastel art kit (12 oil pastels, 8 pieces of art paper, ebony drawing pencil, white paint pen, and roll of masking tape inside a pencil pouch) Kits can be shipped anywhere in the US for an extra $12.
*Art kit is valued at $19 and discounted participation fee is thanks to Elder Net
To Register: Please RSVP to Barb at Elder Network, 507-452-0580 or barbp@elder-network.org.
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
Arts programs in collaboration with the Caledonia Public Library
Arts Opportunities for All Houston County Residents
The Caledonia Public Library and Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, are excited to announce a a variety of virtual and self-paced programming for both youth and adults. Programs will include virtual storytimes, valentine creation, Doodle & Relax sessions and Unsolved Art Adventures. These programs have been created to encourage creativity, inspire learning, and foster community. All of these events are FREE to all. Accompanying kits are available to Houston County residents through the Caledonia Public Library. For more information visit the Caledonia Public Library Facebook Page or Caledonia Public Library YouTube Page.
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
Beginning Hip Hop- Virtual Dance Class. Jan. 26-April 20: Tuesdays- 2:15-3 PM (ages 6+)
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- Explore MCA's 4 unique Art Kits. Mystery Art Kit & Hours of Art Kit & On-Demand Classes- all kits available while supplies last.
On-Demand Tap Units- These pre-recorded tap classes for Beginning (MCA Tap 4 Kids & Tap I Level) 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.
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!
MCA Virtual Musical Premieres Tonight
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts invites you to join us on Friday, January, 22 at 6pm CST to enjoy the hard work of Eleven Middle and High School students who participated in a unique collaborative musical and theatrical experience over the course of 6 weeks. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all aspects of the program were performed virtually from rehearsals, vocal & theatrical exercises, brainstorming sessions, and discussion on how to finding intent in a song, building character and physical expression in relation to musical tone. In collaboration with other students and MCA instructor, Lindsy O’Shea participants formed a song list and devised a script for this final performance.
New Jazz Improvisation Lessons
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is thrilled to welcome John Paulson to our music faculty. MCA is now accepting registrations for private jazz improvisation lessons for musicians in middle school through adult who want to lean how or improve their ability to improvise. Please read on below for a course description and to learn more about Dr. John Paulson.
Art is Health: Mindful Journaling
Art meets health in Mindful Journaling- February's Creative Aging course offered through Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Visual arts instructor Briana Haupt has partnered with Winona's own Sarah Johnson, mental health professional and creative laureate, to create...
Vintage Valentines
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) with the support of the Winona Fine Arts Commission and in partnership with the Winona County History Center, invites community members aged 6-106 to join a free virtual art class. The class live class will be delivered via Zoom on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2:00-3:00 pm. Free Vintage Valentine’s Day Kits can be picked up at The Winona County History Center Feb. 4 – Feb. 13 while supplies last. Visit The Winona County History Center’s website for hours.