Classes & Programs
MCA Online
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. In light of the Coronavirus outbreak, MCA’s 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 have a variety of offerings ranging from in-person at Valencia Arts Center, in-person outside, on-demand, self-paced low and no tech experiences, as well as real-time virtual classes. To help our community create at-home we have a variety of at-home visual art kit’s and tap boards for sale in our boutique. All in-person classes and programs follow our strict COVID Code of Conduct.
At-a-Glance Spring Dance Classes
Theatre Classes & Productions
MCA Main reACTion Improv Troupe
Ready to take your improv skills to the next level? If so, Main reACTion is for you! The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is seeking creative quick-thinkers (ages 8-18) to join the Main reACTion Improv Troupe for the Fall 2022 semester which runs September - January. Main reACTion’s school-year troupe rehearses twice monthly and will perform at a few local venues in Winona. Our 2nd semester will run February - June and for those who take part in the Fall semester, they would not need to audition again in February.
Those auditioning should bring a short story, poem, or other spoken word script to read in an exciting way. There will also be provided, two or three options for readings. Those auditioning should also bring a calendar with any vacation, known school year activities or end of summer activities on it to note conflicts on the audition form. Troupe members will be selected based on their ability to think on their feet, make quick decisions, stage presence, ability to work with others, and variety of ideas. There is no fee to audition, but troupe members will be asked to pay $60 to participate for Sept.- Jan. 2023, which covers all instruction for monthly rehearsals and a T-shirt.
Main ReACTion was established in June 2019 as an activity that was part of Artists on Main Street, a partnership between Winona Main Street, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and Springboard for the Arts with support from the Bush Foundation. Thanks to the interest and success of the troupe will continue to provide a creative outlet to area youth and entertain community members of all ages.
Auditions: Saturday, September 24th, 2022 2:00-3:30pm in the Academy Theatre at MCA’s home, the Valencia Arts Center (1164 W. 10th Street, Winona, MN)
Age: 8-18 years
Cost: $60 (covers whole Sept.-Jan.+ t-shirt)
Private Music Lessons
Private lessons you may purchase lessons in a 4, 8, or 12 lesson package ($20 per 30 minute lesson). No fees are paid until we connect you with an instructor. Learn more about MCA private lessons and instructors.
Creative Aging - Art Programs for 55+
Check back for class announcements!
Virtual Art Classes
Doodle Club (Ages 13+)
Wednesdays 7:30 PM
Dates: Ongoing weekly (no end date)
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.
*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.
UnbeWEAVEable Designs
Participants in MCA’s winter Weaving class showcase their creations in a virtual exhibit. Students in Weaving explored weaving terms and concepts through the creation of four projects: a place mat, cotton dishtowel, tapestry, and continuous strand weaving. This virtual class, part of the Creative Aging program at Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, was designed specifically for ages 55+ and provided participants the skills to create handbags, scarves, rugs and more! Watch the online exhibit to view unbeWEAVEable masterpieces!
Just with a Simple Colored Pencil?
Did you know that there are a multitude of special techniques that can be applied using colored pencils? Join MCA teaching artist, Lisa Douglas during our new Colored Pencil Technique class and you can learn how to create highlights, shade, blend, and more just with a simple pack of colored pencils. During the 8-week session we will explore a new topic, techniques and artist(s). Participants who are interested will be invited to exchange postcards with classmates featuring their artwork.
2021 Summer Dance Intensive Auditions
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is excited to announce that we will be offering an 18th annual Summer Dance Intensive, July 5-July 31, 2021 (option to attend 2 weeks or 4 weeks). The 2021 Intensive will be virtual with the potential for an in-person determined by COVID circumstances. We are so excited to still be able to to offer a wonderful well-rounded and personal experience for intermediate and advanced dancers ages 12-25.
Dancers interested in attending the MCA Summer Dance Intensive are invited to audition virtually on March 21, 12:30-2:30pm, In-person (unfortunately only current MCA students), or by video submission. Video submissions will be accepted through May 1, 2021. Visit our SDI Audition Q & A for submission details.
Happy Valentine’s Day from MCA!
Thanks to everyone who joined us in our virtual Valentine creation workshop on Feb. 7th. Nearly 30 artists of all ages joined us over Zoom in real-time and thanks to our partnership with the Winona County History Center we provided 200 free valentine craft kits. If you missed the class, don’t dismay you can check out the recording of the class below and get busy crafting with the acquired kit or with supplies you might have on hand. If you attended the class, but you are ready to take your Valentine’s to the next level, we have an extra video with tips and ideas on how to decorate the 9×12 white envelopes included in the kits.
We hope that these videos and supplies help make you feel more creative and connected to loved ones both near and far this Valentine’s day. Special thanks to the Winona Fine Arts Commission for the grant that make this opportunity possible.
Family Oil Pastel Class with Winona Public Library
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) and Winona Public Library are thrilled to partner to offer an art experience for the whole family. Thanks to a generous Walmart Community Grant (#WalmartGiving)100 families are invited to register through the library at no cost. Each family will receive a free oil pastel kit as well as a link to attend a virtual and interactive art class over Zoom on Saturday, March 13, 1-2pm to learn oil pastel techniques with MCA teaching artist, Lisa Douglas. Each kit will contain16 oil pastels, a sampling of paper, a tip sheet, 2 gel pens, a roll of masking tape, and an ebony pencil. Due to limited supplies, registrations are limited to one kit PER FAMILY.
MCA and 4-H Partner on Postcard Exchange
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is excited to announce that we are partnering with 4-H to offer an artful postcard exchange. 4-H’ers are invited to get creative and have a little fun sending and receiving colorful postcards. Each 4-H’er will receive an art kit specially designed by MCA. Each art kit includes everything you need to get started including blank postcards, stamps, colored pencils, gel pens, washi tape, 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 fellow 4-H participant and one week you will have the opportunity to invoke a smile of a stranger as you send it to a community member who has found themselves isolated at this time due to the Pandemic.
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
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday- 9:00am-3:00pm and 3:45-8:00pm
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday- Closed
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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