Upcoming Events
Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit
Explore the creativity of our region at the Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit! Featuring over 100 vibrant works from artists of all ages across the seven-county region, the exhibit showcases painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more. Celebrate local talent and discover art that inspires.
Pete the Cat Presented by TheaterWorksUSA
Everyone's favorite literary cat is going to be on stage at RiverPlace in this must-see musical!
For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth.
But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a musical mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus!
Pete the Cat Presented by TheaterWorksUSA
Everyone's favorite literary cat is going to be on stage at RiverPlace in this must-see musical!
For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth.
But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a musical mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus!
Stitch and Swap
Back by popular demand!
Join us for a relaxed, creative gathering where makers of all kinds come together to stitch, mend, and create. Crochet, knit, quilt, embroider, felt, sew—all fiber arts are welcome. Bring your current project and the tools you love, whether that’s a sewing machine, needles and thread, yarn, hoops, or something in between.
This isn’t a class, but a shared studio experience—the hum of machines, the rhythm of needles, and conversations unfolding between stitches. Work at your own pace, swap ideas, or simply pop in to connect with a friendly, supportive community.
Celebrating 250 Years: Songs of America's Hometowns with Charlie Maguire
A FREE concert hosted by the Warroad Heritage Center, the Roseau County Museum, and Lake of the Woods County Historical Society
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) as a nation in 2026, a new program by Charlie Maguire is here! The first Singing Ranger in the National Park Service and Outreach Artist for the Smithsonian’s Traveling Exhibition Service, Charlie brings a collection of his songs with emphasis on the lives of everyday people in the rural United States: farmers, wilderness preservers, small business owners — those who put down deep roots in an Americana then grew and prospered.
Artist & Awards Reception | Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit
This free public artist reception marks the culmination of the Northwest Minnesota Annual Art Exhibit, bringing the show to a celebratory close. Beginning at 2:30 PM, with an awards program at 3:30 PM, guests are invited to mingle with regional artists, explore 114 works by 80 creators, and enjoy light refreshments accompanied by live music. The afternoon also pays tribute to exceptional contributions to the arts, honoring recipients of lifetime achievement, artist of the year, and arts advocacy awards, alongside additional distinctions recognizing outstanding works in the exhibit.
RiverPlace Jam Night: Open Mic, Open Acoustic Jam, & Tech Sneak Peek
Step on stage at RiverPlace! Share your passion and talent among a supportive group of musicians and music lovers.
We’ll kick things off with an open mic—registration required. Afterward, the stage opens up for a collaborative jam. Bring your acoustic instrument and jump in at your comfort level. Just want to listen? All are welcome!
Mandala Dot Painting with Diana Magner
Mandala painting is the art of creating beautiful, harmonious designs with symmetrical patterns and dots that radiate from a central point. In this class, you’ll learn to paint a unique mandala design on a 4-inch stone using dotting tools, guided by artist and educator Diana Magner. The goal is to get you comfortable with the technique, so you can go home and continue painting on your own.
Warroad Elementary 5th Grade Music Concert
Join the Warroad Elementary 5th graders as they lift up their voices in a vibrant celebration of music and culture! This special performance showcases their talents on a variety of traditional African instruments, including xylophones, an array of drums, and gourds, alongside guest artist Sowah Mensah. Everyone is invited to this free concert.
Playing with Paper: A Beginner’s Introduction to Paper Quilling with Nikki Besser
Taught by featured RiverPlace gallery artist Nikki Besser, this class is a beginner’s introduction to paper quilling—the art of manipulating and arranging strips of paper into dimensionally detailed and decorative designs and images. Participants in this class will learn how to create the basic shapes, textures, and techniques necessary to create the featured image. The skills learned in this project are versatile and common techniques in the understanding of this craft, establishing a good foundation of information in moving forward with future crafts that may inspire.
Restorative Sound Bath with Cass Maxwell
Experience deep relaxation at this Reiki-infused sound bath led by Cass of The Laughter Patch Integrative Health & Energetic Healing. The one-hour session begins with gentle guided meditation and grounding breathwork, followed by a soothing sound journey using singing bowls, chimes, bells, drums, rattles, and harmonica. These healing vibrations help calm the nervous system, support emotional balance, and promote a sense of peace and renewal.
Head Drawing with Holly Marie
In this class open to all skill levels, participants will learn the fundamental proportions and structure of the human face while developing their observational drawing skills. Guided instruction will help build a strong foundation, and students will have the opportunity to draw from a live model, gaining valuable experience in capturing likeness and expression.
Clay Fish Wall Hanging with Betsy Saurdiff
Create a one-of-a-kind clay fish wall hanging in this workshop led by Betsy Saurdiff, a recognized potter whose work has been featured in the RiverPlace gallery. In this hands-on session, you’ll design and shape your own fish from a clay slab, explore texture and pattern, and apply vibrant underglazes to bring your piece to life. You’ll also learn the art of sgraffito—carving through layers of color to reveal striking designs beneath the surface.
Garth LIVE! Legendary Tribute to Garth Brooks Hosted by the Northern Lights Concert Association
Having played to sold-out crowds across the U.S., GARTH LIVE! is a stunning tribute to the music of Garth Brooks featuring Drew Baloh, who has an uncanny resemblance to legendary country music icon Garth Brooks.
This production is a tribute to some of the greatest music produced in the 90's country era including monster hits such as Friends in Low Places, The Thunder Rolls, The Dance, Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old), Ain't Goin' Down (til the Sun Comes Up) and countless others. From Garth's earliest hits to Live in Central Park, GARTH LIVE! will take you on a country music journey that is unmatched.
Todd Oliver’s Funniest Night in Town Hosted by the Northern Lights Concert Association
As seen on The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show, America’s Got Talent (Top 4 Finalist), and more!
A nationally-recognized ventriloquist and comedian, Todd Oliver puts on a family-friendly show full of laughter, magic, and music, featuring his talking dog Irving and a rotating cast of characters. As Irving the Talking Dog says, “You’ll be howling for more!”
Arcostrum Hosted by the Northern Lights Concert Association
ArcoStrum’s innovative program offers an immersive, movie-like experience that promises a transformative musical journey that transcends boundaries, celebrating the evolution of music across cultures and generations.
Merging Eastern and Western cultures, ArcoStrum seamlessly combines the evocative sounds of traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu and dizi with the virtuosity of classical violin, guitar, and electric guitar.
Free Crafts for Kids: Spring Chicks and Bunny Hop Races
Hippity hoppity! Spring fun is on the way at RiverPlace—craft a chick, then hop like a bunny!
Kids will decorate their own popsicle stick chicks as part of this colorful spring Easter craft and take their finished creations home, perfect for spring displays or fridge magnets. After crafting, we’ll head outside through the classroom patio doors (weather permitting) for bunny hop potato sack races. Ready, set, hop!
Stitch and Swap
Join us for a relaxed, creative gathering where makers of all kinds come together to stitch, mend, and create. Crochet, knit, quilt, embroider, felt, sew—all fiber arts are welcome. Bring your current project and the tools you love, whether that’s a sewing machine, needles and thread, yarn, hoops, or something in between.
This isn’t a class, but a shared studio experience—the hum of machines, the rhythm of needles, and conversations unfolding between stitches. Work at your own pace, swap ideas, or simply pop in to connect with a friendly, supportive community.
Free Young Artist Studio | Wearable Art: Denim Reimagined
Ready to give your denim a whole new life? Use it as your canvas!
Bring a piece you’re ready to transform. Reimagine the pocket on a pair of jeans, turn your favorite denim jacket into a wearable masterpiece, or give a thrifted denim shirt the personality it's been waiting for. Add your signature touch and make it uniquely yours!
All you need is a garment and a spark of an idea. We’ll provide the paints, supplies, and creative space to help you bring it to life. No experience needed, just a willingness to experiment and create.
Stained Glass Suncatchers with Sherri Kruger-Kukowski
Explore the art of stained glass in this hands-on suncatcher workshop! Guided by recognized mosaicist and former featured RiverPlace gallery artist Sherri Kruger-Kukowski, students will receive expert instruction and creative support throughout the process.
Free Crafts for Kids: St. Patrick’s Day Beaded Bracelet
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a hands-on, creative craft just for kids! In this festive workshop, participants will design and string their own lucky beaded bracelet using green, white, and gold beads—then finish it off with a special lucky charm!
Learn the Basics of Quill Art with Sherri Kruger-Kukowski
Inspired by the intricate quill art exhibit on view by artist Nikki Besser? Try this paper art form for yourself!
Paper quilling uses thin strips of paper that are rolled, shaped, and arranged to create detailed designs with texture and dimension. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn the basic techniques of quilling while creating a handcrafted 5×7” card suitable for framing or gift giving. And your beginner’s kit will allow you to make even more art pieces at home!
Sew Useful: Bowl Cozy Workshop with Carolyn Fortier
Bowl cozies are a simple, sew-useful kitchen essential designed to protect your hands from hot bowls while adding a colorful touch to everyday meals—perfect for soups, leftovers, and microwave meals.
Don’t know how to use a sewing machine? No problem! Your instructor will be on-hand to teach and inspire!
RiverPlace Jam Night: Open Mic, Open Acoustic Jam, & Tech Sneak Peek
Step on stage at RiverPlace! Share your passion and talent among a supportive group of musicians and music lovers.
We’ll kick things off with one hour of open mic—registration required. Afterward, the stage opens up for a collaborative jam. Bring your acoustic instrument and jump in at your comfort level. Just want to listen? All are welcome!
Gallery Exhibit: Portrayals in Paper: Tales of Overcoming by Nikki Besser
Step into a realm where paper becomes legend, and stories of resilience rise in three dimensions. Portrayals in Paper: Tales of Overcoming unveils an exhibition of large-scale, intricate paper artworks, where meticulous craft intertwines with the fantastical. Each piece centers on a human figure, joined by birds and animals, conjuring narratives of challenge, triumph, and transformation in all their own unique and fascinating stories.
Explore the RiverPlace gallery Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM. As always, admission is free of charge.
Sip and See | Artist Reception, Coffee Bar, and Themed Treats with Erik Pearson
Everyone is welcome to a gallery open house and artist reception for Warroad RiverPlace’s newest exhibit, Percolations and Musings, by Erik Pearson (Twin Cities, MN).
This free event will feature a coffee bar and themed treats in celebration of this collection of works that were inspired by coffee—from the artist’s time in coffee shops or time spent over a warm cup with family. Visitors are invited to browse the artwork, meet Erik, and socialize over light refreshments with friends and neighbors.
Gallery Exhibit: Percolations and Musings by Erik Pearson
This collection of artwork was generated or influenced by a good cup of coffee in a warm inviting space. Please raise a cup and listen to the stories that they tell you. Let them percolate, and add them to your own collection of ideas.
Gallery Exhibit: An Indigenous Artist’s Journey Through Leather, Beadwork, and Portraiture by Cindy Godin Hamilton
A life of ever-evolving, creative expression followed a transformational journey of ancestral homecoming for Ojibwe artist Cindy Godin Hamilton (Williams, Minnesota). Exploring an array of artforms, she found passion, curiosity, and natural talent with traditional leatherwork—like moccasins, mukluks, and mitts—as well as a fascination with portraiture.
An Indigenous Artist’s Journey is an opportunity to celebrate the power of Indigenous art and to experience the diverse ways in which culture, history, and individual expression intertwine, inviting viewers to appreciate the artist's unique vision and voice.
Gallery Exhibit: Rural Traditions by Debbie Dahl Aune and Betsy Saurdiff
Blueberry picking. Hunting. Fishing. Baking. Grain bins. Canned preserves. And, of course: Family. Long-rooted life on the land in northern Minnesota is the inspiration behind the artistry of potter Betsy Saurdiff (Grygla) and watercolorist Debbie Dahl Aune (Gatzke).
Weaving stories from their lives, the artists invite gallery visitors to tell their own as they interact with this unique combination of pieces designed to nourish both body and soul.
Gallery Exhibit: “Immersed in Color, Inspired by Her Culture and Nature” by Shawna Boulette Grapentine
Known for using silhouettes of nature and vibrant colors in her custom paintings, Shawna Boulette Grapentine is an Ojibwe Cree whose artwork highlights the beauty of Indigenous culture, her love for mother earth and everything that surrounds her.
Experience “Immersed in Color, Inspired by Her Culture and Nature” at the Warroad RiverPlace art gallery through May 17, 2025. It is free to visit Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Gallery Exhibit: “Repurpose, Preserve, Rejuvenate” by Sherri Kruger-Kukowski
From repurposing cast-off articles into beautiful pieces of art to feeding the souls of those who encounter her works, “rejuvenation” is both material and experiential for mosaic artist Sherri Kruger-Kukowski.
Experience "Repurpose, Preserve, Rejuvenate" at the Warroad RiverPlace art gallery from January 10 to March 8, 2025. It is free to visit Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.

