By Alexander Thompson
In Stillwater, arts and culture aren’t just weekends—they’re woven into daily life. From Main Street gallery strolls to riverfront festivals, here’s a guide to the richness waiting to be discovered—and celebrated—in our community.
Galleries & Creative Spaces to Visit
Stillwater Art Guild Gallery is a cooperative gallery housed in the Isaac Staples Sawmill Building, exhibiting a wide range of local visual art—paintings, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, photography—where you can purchase pieces directly from the artists. Not just for collectors: it’s where community meets creativity.
Galeria Saro (Main Street South) showcases fine art and handmade crafts locally and globally, offering anything from textiles and tapestries to wood and mixed-media work. It’s also a great stop while walking through downtown.
Hazel Modella Art Gallery is a nonprofit featuring work from 1970s to now, with monthly events including live music and Makers Markets; a great chance to see and interact with art outside traditional exhibit settings.
OSU’s Gardiner Gallery of Art, part of the Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts, spotlights emerging and mid-career artists with rotating exhibitions—many of which are free and open to the public on weekdays and by appointment on Saturdays.
Festivals & Signature Events
Rivertown Fall Art Festival (Lowell Park) is a juried, fine art event held the first weekend of October; it brings together over 200 artists alongside live music, food vendors, and the charm of autumn along the St. Croix River. It’s one of the area’s richest and most beloved art weekends.
Lumberjack Days in mid-summer is Stillwater’s signature tradition: the festival includes live music, a parade along Main Street, lumberjack competitions, food trucks, games for all ages, and of course a chance to meet Paul Bunyan (or at least his spirit).
Summer Tuesdays offers a weekly chance to enjoy local bands, outdoor movies, a vendor market, and special activities such as crafts or kids’ events. Fall in love with warm evenings and laid-back downtown Venice‐fair vibes.
Union Art Alley, throughout the rest of the year, hosts live-art installations, mural walks, and creative pop-ups, often aligning with larger festivals like Rivertown. It’s a perfect place to encounter unexpected artistry.
Making It Yourself & Supporting Local Creators
If you’re inspired to be more than an observer, Stillwater has options. Art workshops—ranging from painting classes and decorative ceramics to themed “paint-nights”—are held regularly at spaces like StillyArts and Modella Gallery. Local makers’ markets provide low-barrier venues for artists to sell handmade goods, whether you’re interested in textiles, jewelry, woodworking, or fiber arts.
Shopping downtown isn’t just about boutiques—many storefronts showcase works from regional artists, and gallery cooperatives give creators direct visibility without high markups. Whether browsing or buying, the experience helps small artists thrive.
Live Music & Performance
Live music is as common as river sunrise in Stillwater. Summer Tuesdays sets the tempo with family-friendly bands playing outdoors. During festivals like Lumberjack Days and Rivertown, stages fill with everything from folk and rock to blues. Venues in town and on campus also feature lectures, theatrical performances, and dance events tied to gallery openings and community arts nights.
Tips for Getting Involved
- Check local gallery websites or social media for current exhibit schedules and opening receptions—many offer free viewings and artist talks.
- Plan ahead for big events. Festivals like Rivertown usually happen in early October; booking accommodations ahead is wise if you’re coming from out of town.
- Volunteer! Festivals, markets, and gallery events often rely on community support.
- Support with your purchases. Buying directly from artists or at markets can help keep the arts alive in Stillwater.
Art isn’t just something we see—it’s something we live here. Stillwater’s arts and culture ecosystem thrives because of its people, and there’s always room for more eyes, hands, and hearts.