Must-See Art & Music in Park Rapids
Long known for its outdoor recreation and pristine waters, the Heartland Lakes area has
a vibrant arts scene that’s been garnering more and more attention in recent years.
Here are a few hot spots for residents and visitors alike.
The Armory Arts and Events Center
The Armory Arts and Events Center in Park Rapids has become a multi-purpose arts
and events facility. Built in 1922 for a new infantry unit of the National Guard, the
building has been redeployed as the venue for theater productions, concerts, and art
classes. A studio invites artists to work on projects and its gallery hosts revolving
exhibits. Every summer, the Northern Light Opera Company stages a new production
that transports audiences to places like New York City (West Side Story), England (My
Fair Lady) and the South Pacific. In 2024, it will be Chicago!
Nemeth Art Center
Originally the North Country Museum of Arts, the Nemeth Art Center has gone through
a metamorphosis and emerged as a contemporary art space that’s gaining recognition
as a hidden gem. The Nemeth introduces national and international artists to rural
Minnesota as well as showcasing artists with local connections. Besides engaging
exhibits, Nemeth Art Center hosts special activities and welcomes artists in residence
and others to bring music, film, literature and arts education to the community.
Giiwedinong Treaty Rights and Culture Museum
Having opened in October 2023, the Giiwedinong Museum is the first museum of its
kind, showcasing stories, paintings, artwork, history and Indigenous culture. Ojibwe and
Dakota artists painted murals on the exterior and inside several artists have work on
display. This season a sculpture, “Not Afraid to Look,” is part of the Park Rapids
Sculpture Trail and after a year will be permanently installed on the grounds of the old
Carnegie Library.
Jasper’s Theater
From mid-June through early September, Jasper’s Theater provides unique and
intimate experience for those who enjoy the performing arts. Four generations of family
and others bring laughter, music, joy, and entertainment together in each show. The
talented cast delivers dynamic shows that spans comedy sketches, musical
performances, and more, ensuring there is something for everyone. Join Jasper’s in
celebrating this 20th anniversary this summer!
Art Galleries
Downtown Park Rapids is home to four art galleries within walking distance of each
other. In addition to Nemeth Art Center and the gallery at the Armory, be sure to check
out Studio 176 and The Tin Ceiling Gallery. Studio 176 features an array of artwork from
local and regional artists: original paintings, photographs, prints, stained glass, mosaics
and more. Treat yourself to this small but exhilarating space. The Hubbard County
Developmental Achievement Center celebrated the grand opening of The Tin Ceiling
Gallery in September 2023 and now 40 artists have work displayed there.
Public art
Every community in the Heartland Lakes area has some form of public art, which is
simply art in public spaces. It can include murals, sculptures and music performances
and festivals. And you don’t have to pay to enjoy it. Some public art lands in a park or
space as the result of a process of collaboration between an artist and an arts
organization, like the three downtown murals and Sculpture Trail in Park Rapids. Or it
may be work commissioned by a building or property owner as is the case of murals in
Nevis and Akeley. Music festivals have become part of the culture of communities, too.
For decades, the schedules for community festivals have included musicians performing
genres from gospel to blue grass to rock ’n roll. And now there’s 2nd Street Stage,
every Thursday evening mid-June through mid-August. No matter what form it is or
where you find it, public art is meant to instill a greater sense of identity and
understanding of where we live, work and visit, creating memorable experiences. We
hope you enjoy it all!