Society News
Fabric of Winona Unveiling May 5!
Fabric of Winona project murals are going on the Winona County History Center. Join us for an unveiling party on May 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the History Center’s parking lot just off the Fourth Street side of the building. We will unveil the murals and celebrate with a few remarks, cookies and lemonade and coloring sheets to make your own mini-mural!
Members of the Project FINE Advisory Council met with Winona’s creative laureate, Sarah Johnson, to co-design these first three mural panels of the series. After participating in a process of mindful reflection through drawing, the group identified themes and symbols. Each of the three panels focuses on celebrating diverse cultures and traditions, as well as our similarities and differences as community members. Last Fall, community members painted the three panels, and they are now ready to enjoy!
However, the project is not finished. This community-wide public art project has only just begun.
“Fabric of Winona will be a series of colorful public paintings that weave together the many stories that make up our community,” said Johnson. “I’m especially interested in learning about and lifting up stories that have gone largely unheard.” Fabric of Winona is a part of the #winonacolorproject launched by Johnson in 2020 as her Creative Laureate project dedicated to creating a more vibrant and welcoming community. “Community engaged art helps us find connections with one another, fosters creativity and builds belonging---all important elements for healthy, resilient communities.”
Fabric of Winona project murals are going on the Winona County History Center. Join us for an unveiling party on May 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the History Center’s parking lot just off the Fourth Street side of the building. We will unveil the murals and celebrate with a few remarks, cookies and lemonade and coloring sheets to make your own mini-mural!
Members of the Project FINE Advisory Council met with Winona’s creative laureate, Sarah Johnson, to co-design these first three mural panels of the series. After participating in a process of mindful reflection through drawing, the group identified themes and symbols. Each of the three panels focuses on celebrating diverse cultures and traditions, as well as our similarities and differences as community members. Last Fall, community members painted the three panels, and they are now ready to enjoy!
However, the project is not finished. This community-wide public art project has only just begun.
“Fabric of Winona will be a series of colorful public paintings that weave together the many stories that make up our community,” said Johnson. “I’m especially interested in learning about and lifting up stories that have gone largely unheard.” Fabric of Winona is a part of the #winonacolorproject launched by Johnson in 2020 as her Creative Laureate project dedicated to creating a more vibrant and welcoming community. “Community engaged art helps us find connections with one another, fosters creativity and builds belonging---all important elements for healthy, resilient communities.”
New Staff Spotlight
Leanna joined the staff as Visitor Services & Shop Manager in March. She makes the History Center’s Tickets & Information Desk and Museum Shop run smoothly and will be managing our social media accounts. We are excited to introduce you to Leanna!
Leanna was born and raised in bluff country. She spent many hours of her childhood roaming Whitewater State Park, Garvin Heights, and her own family homestead with her six equally intrepid siblings. In 2020, she graduated from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona, after studying literature, art, and history. Leanna also traveled to Italy, Germany,and England to study the countries’ history and art; besides expanding her appreciation for other cultures, the experience forever altered her perspective on pizza, bratwurst, and Earl Grey tea! Presently, Leanna enjoys drawing animals, riding quarter horses, writing free verse poetry, observing wild mustangs, reading everything, and seeking adventures on the river with her husband and German Shepherd dog.
Leanna joined the staff as Visitor Services & Shop Manager in March. She makes the History Center’s Tickets & Information Desk and Museum Shop run smoothly and will be managing our social media accounts. We are excited to introduce you to Leanna!
Leanna was born and raised in bluff country. She spent many hours of her childhood roaming Whitewater State Park, Garvin Heights, and her own family homestead with her six equally intrepid siblings. In 2020, she graduated from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona, after studying literature, art, and history. Leanna also traveled to Italy, Germany,and England to study the countries’ history and art; besides expanding her appreciation for other cultures, the experience forever altered her perspective on pizza, bratwurst, and Earl Grey tea! Presently, Leanna enjoys drawing animals, riding quarter horses, writing free verse poetry, observing wild mustangs, reading everything, and seeking adventures on the river with her husband and German Shepherd dog.
Welcome New Board Members
Anne Conway is the co-manager of Front Porch Management with her husband, Jamie Schell, and they have a 12-year-old son, Silas. Both Anne and Jamie are originally from the Winona area and operate Prairie Island Campground on behalf of the City of Winona. With 15-years’ experience working as a landscape designer/contractor, Anne’s current focus is on hospitality; facilitating educational activities for guests and community members; directing the planting and maintenance of prairie reclamation areas and a community garden; and bookkeeping. The mission of Front Porch Management is to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, with hopes of inspiring community engagement through the arts,
natural resource conservation, and active healthy living. Anne is also a licensed Spanish teacher.
James Goblirsch is currently the Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management at Winona State University. James is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and is a registered architect. He has extensive experience in architectural planning in higher education and the arts with an emphasis on sustainable design. While employed by the architectural firm, HGA, James was involved in the architectural planning of the addition to the Winona County History Center.
Anne Conway is the co-manager of Front Porch Management with her husband, Jamie Schell, and they have a 12-year-old son, Silas. Both Anne and Jamie are originally from the Winona area and operate Prairie Island Campground on behalf of the City of Winona. With 15-years’ experience working as a landscape designer/contractor, Anne’s current focus is on hospitality; facilitating educational activities for guests and community members; directing the planting and maintenance of prairie reclamation areas and a community garden; and bookkeeping. The mission of Front Porch Management is to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, with hopes of inspiring community engagement through the arts,
natural resource conservation, and active healthy living. Anne is also a licensed Spanish teacher.
James Goblirsch is currently the Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management at Winona State University. James is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and is a registered architect. He has extensive experience in architectural planning in higher education and the arts with an emphasis on sustainable design. While employed by the architectural firm, HGA, James was involved in the architectural planning of the addition to the Winona County History Center.
Exhibit Update Project Begins
The History Center’s main exhibit hall will be getting updates and new exhibits over the next several years. This is an exciting project! If you are interested in learning more and contributing funds or talents please connect with Carrie. We thank visitors for their patience and understanding as artifacts and exhibits get moved or temporarily closed during the process.
The History Center’s main exhibit hall will be getting updates and new exhibits over the next several years. This is an exciting project! If you are interested in learning more and contributing funds or talents please connect with Carrie. We thank visitors for their patience and understanding as artifacts and exhibits get moved or temporarily closed during the process.
Introducing the Sandbar Storytelling Festival
By Taff Roberts, President “Sandbar Storytelling Festival”
The inaugural Sandbar Storytelling Festival will be held Oct. 14-15 on the Winona Campus of Saint Mary’s University. Join us for two days of renowned storytelling performances, music, and food.
Kevin Kling, a nationally known storyteller, will pair with musician (and Winona native) Simone Perrin for a fundraising event 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the historic Saint Cecilia’s Theater, on the campus of Cotter Schools.
Prior to the festival, hear the “Hal Leonard” story, presented by the Edstrom Family at the Winona County History Center (WCHC) on Tuesday, June 21, at 7 p.m. “Willet Hauser Architectural Glass” will be presenting their story at the WCHC on Thursday, July 14, at 7 p.m. Project FINE will be presenting “Immigration Stories” at the WCHC on Monday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. as part of their Welcoming Week.
Come and join us at the presentations at the WCHC, which are free to the public, and the Kling/Perrin concert tickets will be on sale the first week of May, available at www.sandbarstorytellingfestival.org.
By Taff Roberts, President “Sandbar Storytelling Festival”
The inaugural Sandbar Storytelling Festival will be held Oct. 14-15 on the Winona Campus of Saint Mary’s University. Join us for two days of renowned storytelling performances, music, and food.
Kevin Kling, a nationally known storyteller, will pair with musician (and Winona native) Simone Perrin for a fundraising event 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, at the historic Saint Cecilia’s Theater, on the campus of Cotter Schools.
Prior to the festival, hear the “Hal Leonard” story, presented by the Edstrom Family at the Winona County History Center (WCHC) on Tuesday, June 21, at 7 p.m. “Willet Hauser Architectural Glass” will be presenting their story at the WCHC on Thursday, July 14, at 7 p.m. Project FINE will be presenting “Immigration Stories” at the WCHC on Monday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. as part of their Welcoming Week.
Come and join us at the presentations at the WCHC, which are free to the public, and the Kling/Perrin concert tickets will be on sale the first week of May, available at www.sandbarstorytellingfestival.org.