photo: Copper and Coal Photography
This post was updated in March 2023.
Are you interested in creating or exploring art or dancing, or looking for a new way to express your creativity? Rochester MN has a wide variety of creative outlets available for visitors and residents alike. Our community encourages you to challenge yourself and push your creative boundaries to see what you’re capable of through art exploration. Since creativity comes in many forms, your imagination has the power to take you anywhere. Try one (or all!) of these options and see for yourself. You may even relieve stress while finding new hidden talent!
Art Heads Emporium
317 S Broadway, Rochester, MN // (507) 319-0117
Rochester Art Center
Fridays and Saturdays, 11:00 – 2:00 PM* through Friday, May 26, 2023 (no open studio May 27)
Drop in for an entree of creative projects or bring your own supplies and projects to the Rochester Art Center! Open Studio offers a community space for informal arts exploration. It’s a great place to meet other creatives and art enthusiasts and experiment with different ideas and mediums.
Cost: Open Studio hours are included with regular daily admission; Members and youth (21 and under) are invited to participate at no cost. Youth ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Miss Angie’s Place
222 S Main St, Pine Island, MN 55963 // (507) 351-3684
Miss Angie’s place seeks to be a place to feel safe, secure, and wanted. Miss Angie’s Place is focused on 4 PILLARS that have been with the owner throughout her life: Art, Nature, Spirituality, and Movement. Read more about Miss Angie’s Place here.
Neon Green Studio
Gallery 24
Jessica’s PYOP To-Go
Craft Lab
424 1st Avenue SE, Stewartville MN
Board and Brush
Are you looking for a new option for a night out with friends? Are you ready to DIY a fun new project without having to buy all your own supplies and make a mess at your house? Then get ready for Board and Brush, where you can create your own wood sign in one of their workshops. Check their calendar!
The Cre8tive Place
30 3rd St SW, Plainview, MN // (507) 244-1942
Offering a place for artists looking to expand their reach and enhance their skills, The Cre8tive Place is a place like none other! Purchase Art Kits from a variety of different artists, who provide art tools, supplies, and step-by-step intstructions to make your own project at home.
Wine and Canvas
Willomina Art Studio
608 18th St SW, Rochester, MN // (507) 884-9166
Join Willomina in her art studio where she hosts art classes for people of all ages! From summer art classes to adult classes, homeschool options, parties, private instruction, and more, Willomina truly has something for everyone. Her whimsical style will leave you smiling and inspired.
Rochester Public Library
The Rochester Public Library is an incredible resource for our community. Not only do they provide so many useful services for adults, youth, and children alike, there are so many opportunities for children and adults to create! Kids can stop by their art room to color, draw, paint, and cut & paste to their hearts’ delight. Oftentimes, there are special projects that families can attend. These are posted on their event calendar.
125 LIVE
125 LIVE is a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically to focus on the diverse needs of individuals 50+ in Rochester MN while also providing wonderful all-age community opportunities. Registration is required to attend classes and events at 125 LIVE, but there are several creative groups you could attend. For example, woodcarvers, quilters, and knitters all have weekly/monthly gatherings. Check their calendar for in-person and virtual offerings.
Riverwood Studio
Blue Moon Ballroom
Learn to dance and change your life! Blue Moon Ballroom offers private lessons for couples or singles. Blue Moon Ballroom also hosts several dance events each month. Check their website for more details!
Dahl Dance
Learn to Social Dance! Dancing is a creative and fun way to stay fit and healthy. At Dahl Dance, you will learn a new skill and make some great friends along the way! There are a variety of classes, private lessons, and even wedding couple options to choose from.
Sweet House Bakery
1219 2nd Street SW, Rochester, MN // (507) 398-8439
Sweet House Bakery is a delicious bakery offering baked goods at several locations around the Rochester Area. They also do themed cake-decorating classes. Check their Facebook page for more information regarding upcoming cake decorating classes.
