See Full descriptions of classes by visiting our Dance Program Page

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.

Register Now!  

Learn More about Creative Aging

Colored Pencil Techniques

Did you know that there are a multitude of special techniques that can be applied using colored pencils? Creating highlights, shading, blending, shapes, and more. Each week will explore a new topic, techniques and artist(s). Participants who are interested will be invited to exchange postcards with classmates featuring their artwork.

Suggested class supplies: set of colored pencils (24 colors or more is ideal), sketch book, pencil (an ebony pencil is ideal), eraser, black felt-tip or fine liner pen, & straight edge (such as a 12 in. ruler). Optional extra supplies: colorless bending  pencil, blending stump (tortillon), & gel pens. For postcard mailing: you will need card stock, recycled materials or premade postcards, (3"x5" or 4"x6") and postcard stamps which are .36 per stamp.

Doodle Club (Ages 13+)

Wednesdays 7:30 PM

Dates: Jan.6- April 28

Instructor: 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.)

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.

Other opportunities to work with MCA through our amazing partners: (registration for these programs is handled by the partner and may require you to be a member of a specific group or live in a specific area, please click on the opportunity to learn more about the programs and our partners.

Vintage Valentines in Partnership with Winona Country History Center (All ages)- Sunday, March 7, 2pm-3pm, Click here to view the recording *Made possible thanks to a grant from the Winona Fine Arts Commission

Winona Public Library- Family Oil Pastels Kit & Class Saturday, March 13, 1pm Class (Kit pick-up 10-Noon), Register through the Winona Public Library & Learn More.*Made possible thanks to a Walmart Community Grant (#WalmartGiving)

Winona County 4-H- Playful Postcard Exchange begins Feb. 8th- About Playful Postcards with 4-H

Caledonia Public Library- Art programs for all ages (ongoing Jan.- April)- Learn more about art programs at with Caledonia Public Library.

Elder Network- Exploring Oil Pastels (monthly on second Tuesdays, Feb. 9- May 11, 1:30-2:30)- Learn more about our oil pastel class in partnership with Elder Network.

Saint Mary's University Alumni (ongoing art programs)- Learn more about upcoming art SMUMN Alumni and Family Art classes.

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 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.

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)

Personalize Your Holidays Kit

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Request to Join