n Editor's note: The Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council, PRLAAC, is a unique, proactive organization that works cooperatively to 'promote excellence in arts.' This is the final article introducing the individuals and organizations that incubate and create the events and artistic endeavors that engage Park Rapids area audiences.
Members of PRLAAC shared information on the history of the organization they represent and the mission.
Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
In 2011, the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce partnered with PRLAAC and others and won designation to host a Legacy Destination Weekend Sept. 23-25.
Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Conservation Minnesota and Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state's tourism promotion office, assisted in promoting Park Rapids' clean lakes, historic trails and unique artists statewide.
ADVERTISEMENT
The purpose of the weekend in Park Rapids and 11 other Minnesota communities was to highlight local outdoors, arts and cultural resources supported by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Some of the arts, outdoors and historical sites and events featured received grants from the Legacy Amendment approved by Minnesota voters in 2008 to dedicate a portion of sales tax revenues to conservation, parks and cultural programs.
The Chamber also assists PRLAAC in promoting members' events.
Red Bridge Film Festival
Red Bridge Film Festival was organized by Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council for the purpose of promoting motion picture arts locally.
Each festival, starting in April 2008 with repeats in 2009, 2010 and 2011, screened at least six feature films, even Academy Award winners, at Park Theatre on Main Street in Park Rapids that would not otherwise have shown here on a big screen. Most selections have been new, but occasional classics have also been included.
Each festival also brought a visiting filmmaker with an exceptional production that spurred vivid discussions. In 2011, nine programs screened a total of 30 times over five days.
Enthusiastic audiences and solid business support for the first four festivals prompted this year's festival, held in April.
For information, head to www.redbridgefilm.org . Anyone interested in working on the festival committee is encouraged to contact Park Rapids Lakes Area Arts Council ( www.prlaac.org ).
ADVERTISEMENT
Terrapin Station
Terrapin Station is an art, music and wellness centre in Nevis that encourages a wide range of creative expression by providing performance and exhibit opportunities for artists and musicians on location in Nevis and other events throughout the region.
In addition to scheduling performances at Terrapin Station, owner Brian Skinness helps coordinate the music for other events, this year including Second Street Stage, Bite of Park Rapids and Legends & Logging in Park Rapids, Nevis Muskie Days and Walker Ethnic Fest.
There are a number of YouTube videos recorded at Terrapin Station that can be viewed online, along with a Common Ground feature from Lakeland Public Television. All events are posted at www.terrapinfamily . com.
White Birch Artists
The White Birch Artists group meets to paint together from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays in the lower level meeting room of the Park Rapids Area Library. The group has been inactive this past winter but will resume meeting with the return of summer members.
White Birch Artists welcomes anyone in the area who likes to do visual art. It is a social group that can provide help and encouragement as well as friendship to other artists. In the past WBA has sponsored workshops, demos and shows, and has participated in community events to stimulate interest in the arts.
White Birch Artists are honored to be "Guest Artists" for the month of July at the Blank Canvas Gallery. The reception is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 29,
ADVERTISEMENT
In September WBA participates in the Art Leap event. Their display will be at the Coldwell Banker Clack and Dennis Real Estate office in downtown Park Rapids.
The Blank Canvas Gallery will also be hosting a book signing featuring a children's book illustrated by White Birch artist Betty Porter.
