ARTS EVERYWHERE

Everywhere

Northfield loves its art. It’s everywhere. From its nationally-recognized liberal arts colleges to the halfcentury old arts guild, from sidewalk poetry to local art displayed in city hall, Northfield residents can’t get enough. Why don’t you join us and appreciate some of the finer offerings of life?

Library mural steps were painted by Kathy Ness and Kate Woodstrup. Photo courtesy of the City of Northfield Communications.

Take one stroll through Northfield, Minnesota, with its many sculptures and sidewalks engraved with poetry, and you’ll know you’re in a place where the arts take center stage. Whether you’re inclined toward cultural museums and fine art galleries, upbeat music and live theater, or simply discovering the innovative creations of true craftspeople, Northfield has it and can’t wait to share it with you.

Northfield Arts Guild

Let’s start with the most obvious entry on this list. The Northfield Arts Guild, founded in 1961 by artists of various disciplines, is the purveyor of all-things artsy in the fair town of Northfield. And The Guild is far from a one-trick pony. The Northfield Arts Guild offers more than 100 events annually and 40 weekly art classes. From art galleries to exhibits, from classes to dancing, from theater in the Northfield Arts Guild Theater to theater in Central Park, there’s a little bit of everything offered by The Guild for a fan of art. In 2013, more than 1,200 local artists’ work was exhibited, more than 400 students took classes and 31,000 people passed through the doors of the Northfield Arts Guild.

Carleton College

Carleton College’s arts calendar is nothing short of exceptional, featuring a wide array of concerts, film screenings, and theater productions. Also, be sure to check out Carleton’s Perlman Teaching Museum, which emphasizes the role that art plays in posing questions about life. The museum offers two impressive galleries and fully equipped support space.

St. Olaf College

Across the Cannon River to the west stands historic St. Olaf College, where the performing and visual arts are a big deal. St. Olaf embraces music, theater, dance and the visual arts. If you can score tickets, the renowned St. Olaf Christmas Festival is an experience that can’t be described. The show is so revered, it airs annually on Twin Cities Public Television. Elsewhere, St. Olaf offers a vibrant art showcase and is well-known for its innovative theater productions and dance performances. The Flaten Art Museum is a must visit for an art lover.

Sidewalk Poetry

When walking around Northfield, don’t forget to look down or you might miss the city’s famed sidewalk poetry! The Arts and Culture Commission launched the Sidewalk Poetry Project in 2011. Each February, a competition is held whereby local residents may submit up to two short poems for consideration. Beginning in May, the winning poems are installed in sidewalks throughout the community, followed by a celebratory Capstone Event held the third Thursday of August in Northfield’s downtown Bridge Square.

Riverwalk Market Fair

The Northfield area is full of talented artists and artisans. Each Saturday morning, from May through October, Bridge Square in the heart of Northfield is turned over to vendors and a rotating list of musicians who kick off the weekend with warmth. From handmade jewelry to woodworking, pastries to produce, and a guest musician each week, the lovely Riverwalk Market Fair is always a treat to peruse and enjoy.

Northfield Sculptures

When you’re not looking down at Northfield’s sidewalk poetry, simply look around and you’re bound to see the many beautiful sculptures placed around town.

Out and about on the town

The historic Carnegie Northfield Public Library, recently renovated and heralded as the best public library in the state, by WCCO viewers, is art in itself through its architecture. Inside, a wonderful literary collection awaits. Outside, a rotating sculpture created by high school students can be found on the corner of Division Street and Third Street. If you make it to Northfield City Hall, enjoy the rotating works from local artists. It truly is a citywide effort and appreciation.

Riverwalk Market Fair

Local Venues with Live Music

Live music can be found almost every day of the week in downtown Northfield. From Irish, jazz, and bluegrass jam sessions to piano balladeers and original indie rock, there’s something for everyone. Head to the Contented Cow to catch performances at their indoor or outdoor stage. You’ll find the Keepsake Cidery, Froggy Bottoms, Imminent Brewing, and Tanzenwald Brewing Company rocking most weekend nights.