Postcards

Explore the unique perspectives of two well known Willmar artists. Ron Adams takes us into his intense and passionate world of painting, a craft to which he's devoted 40 years. Fred Cogelow is a self-taught and world-renowned reductive carver who shares his craft and stories of work and the life experiences which have shaped his work.

Explore the diverse world of Scandinavian arts. From pottery to rosemaling and hardanger embroidery stitching to tollekniv, the art of Norwegian knife making, Scandinavian arts are prevalent across Minnesota. Featured are Gene and Lucy Tokheim, Clarice Dieter and John Roisen. Also featuring musicians Charlie Parr and Sneaky Pete Bauer.

Lefse is one of the popular and well-known foods in Minnesotan culture. Explore the heritage of lefse making with Dennis and Carole Johnson, how The House of Jacobs has brought lefse to the digital age and the history of Starbuck’s journey to become the home of the world’s largest lefse!

Ride the rails with Postcards and travel down the tracks with Twin Cities and Western Railroads, learning about the historical impact of railroads on local communities. Hop back on the train for a short ride to Willmar, to explore legendary steam engines with local engineers. All aboard the railroads of Postcards!

Travel down the Minnesota River and discover the sensational opportunities that await you at Big Stone Lake, Lac qui Parle, Upper Sioux Agency and Fort Ridgely State Parks. Narrated by award-winning journalist Ken Speake, Minnesota River Parks has something for everyone.

Experience a variety of hands-on art across Highway 23. Travel with painter and sculptor Eva Miller, a Willmar native, who draws inspiration from people all over the globe. Become a quilter with the help of Darci Shipnewski and her shop Shades of the Past in Clara City. Get front row seats to a special performance from the Minnesota Orchestra.

In the Prohibition-era of southwest Minn., get a glimpse at early 20th century history by visiting the home of Andrew Volstead and learning dark secrets about Granite Falls' supper club, Bootleggers. Hear from local brewers shaping the landscape of locally brewed beer and find out how Schell's was able to survive Prohibition. Pour yourself a tall one and tune in to Volstead Fever.

Experience a 2,000-year-old form of dance that originated from the temples of South India with the Minneapolis Star Tribune 2011 Artist of the Year dance company Ragamala. With its historic origins and significance, Bharata Natyam fused with modern dance is brought to life for contemporary audiences and provides a lesson in history with a glimpse into the traditions of the dance.

Enjoy front-row seats to the critically-acclaimed James Sewell Ballet, performing at A Center for the Arts in Fergus Falls. They dazzle audiences with an ornate charm, energy and startling imagery through contemporary dance. Then, the Fergus Falls School of Dance shares its passion, artistry and skills of young Minnesotan dancers and their instructors.

Music brings people with different backgrounds together. Explore the history of Whitney Music and travel through the decades with the Great Times Band of Willmar, Minn., as they sing hits throughout the eras in concerts that bring the community together weekly for a sing-along of epic proportions.

Live music by local performers and world-renowned artists has long been enjoyed at Whitney Music. Latin artist Ray Ojeda and big band music legend Burt Lundberg take center stage as Ojeda brings the sounds of the mariachi band to life and Lundberg continues to wow audiences even at 94.

Mu Daiko gives voice and cultural profile to the Asian American community in western Minnesota through the performing arts.

From the old-fashioned letterpress printing of A to Z Letterpress Printing to the photography by Jacinda Davis to wildlife and equine artist Shalese Sands, art takes many forms in western Minnesota. Explore the diverse world of art as we meet with three artists with distinct passions for their respective art forms.

Pianos, military memorabilia or boats—collections come in many forms and offer a unique perspective of different eras and the people who left these items behind. Glimpse into the past and get a taste of history as we travel across southwest Minnesota to show you three extraordinary collections.

Take a tour of Bobby Vee’s studio and meet some of the original members of his band, the same band that filled in for Buddy Holly when his plane tragically crashed, The Shadows. Take an exclusive peek at the tribute show called “The Night the Music Died” as we relive the magic of Buddy Holly's Winter Dance Party tour.

Get a taste of the culinary arts, one of the sweetest styles of the arts. Journey through Mr. B Chocolates and learn about artisan chocolate making and the stories that made Mr. B's what it is today. Discover the culinologists of Southwest Minnesota State University and experience the creative process of a professional cake extraordinaire.

Nancy Harms, a native of Clara City, Minn., talks about her experiences with legendary jazz musicians and taking her jazz vocals to the next level. Get an exclusive look at her intimate performance and hear the deep, smooth vocals that have captured so many across the nation. In a sultry, moody performance of two vocalists and a bassist, witness jazz like you’ve never seen before.

Celebrate the history of one of the nation's largest, and certainly one of Minnesota's most well-known, country music festivals. For thirty years, WeFest has brought some of the nation's top country artists to the stage in a multi-day music event. Many of the individuals who have been a part of WeFest from the beginning reminisce with Pioneer.

Peter Yarrow of the popular 60's era band Peter, Paul and Mary; along with his son Christopher and former wife Mary-Beth take a trip down memory lane with a nostalgic look at their annual summers spent at their lake cabin near Willmar, Minn. Peter reminisces about still keeping the music and legacy of Peter, Paul and Mary alive with his son Christopher.

Take in a theatrical show on the water with the Little Crow Ski Team in New London, Minn. This family and community oriented group got its first start in 1979 on Mille Pond in New London. Now they are winning national competitions while keeping local ties with their show skiing performances every Friday night in the summer at Neer Lake Park on the Crow River.