The Mantorville Art Guild
About Us
"Caution--Artists At Play!"
In January 2007, Theresa Hoaglund and Melisa Ferris realized that they shared the same dream--to establish a place where area artists could come together, display and sell their works, and teach their art to others. They found other artists who shared a similar dream, and together, this group of folks began the Mantorville Art Guild.
By April of 2007, the Guild had eight member artists and the first art show was planned. All six of our 2007 art shows were held outdoors--rain or shine. But each show generated more and more interest in and enthusiasm for this artistic endeavor.
By late summer 2007, the Board began work on the Guild’s first permanent facility. Located within the Historic District of Mantorville, a small renovated residence became the gallery, and a second (donated) building was moved onto the property to serve as a teaching facility and studio for member artists.
The studio building opened in early 2008, and brought visits from townspeople, the press, family and friends. Class schedules were drawn up and community groups began asking to use our new space for their meetings. On March 3, 2008, we reached the end of a long paper trail and were granted non-profit status as a 501(c)(3) arts and educational organization. On June 1, 2008, after what seemed to be the longest, coldest, wettest spring on record, we were able to begin readying the gallery building. As we turned on the lights and opened the front door on Clay Street for the first time, we had our first permanent home.
But, as happens, things change. In early 2011, member artist Theresa Hoaglund decided to retire from her North Main Street store, Riverside Gifts, and focus more on her artwork and her love of teaching painting to young people. At first, Guild members were saddened by the loss of our "sister" store--but then, we thought, "Hey--maybe WE should move in there?!" Several box-loads and dolly trails through the two properties' back yards later, by June 2011, the Mantorville Art Guild set down its new roots in one of Mantorville's oldest buildings, and began the next chapter in its life.
So if “home is where your story begins,” the Mantorville Art Guild’s story begins here. We continue to invite new members, guest artists and teachers to share their artistic gifts with us as we continue to plan events for the entire region to enjoy.
By April of 2007, the Guild had eight member artists and the first art show was planned. All six of our 2007 art shows were held outdoors--rain or shine. But each show generated more and more interest in and enthusiasm for this artistic endeavor.
By late summer 2007, the Board began work on the Guild’s first permanent facility. Located within the Historic District of Mantorville, a small renovated residence became the gallery, and a second (donated) building was moved onto the property to serve as a teaching facility and studio for member artists.
The studio building opened in early 2008, and brought visits from townspeople, the press, family and friends. Class schedules were drawn up and community groups began asking to use our new space for their meetings. On March 3, 2008, we reached the end of a long paper trail and were granted non-profit status as a 501(c)(3) arts and educational organization. On June 1, 2008, after what seemed to be the longest, coldest, wettest spring on record, we were able to begin readying the gallery building. As we turned on the lights and opened the front door on Clay Street for the first time, we had our first permanent home.
But, as happens, things change. In early 2011, member artist Theresa Hoaglund decided to retire from her North Main Street store, Riverside Gifts, and focus more on her artwork and her love of teaching painting to young people. At first, Guild members were saddened by the loss of our "sister" store--but then, we thought, "Hey--maybe WE should move in there?!" Several box-loads and dolly trails through the two properties' back yards later, by June 2011, the Mantorville Art Guild set down its new roots in one of Mantorville's oldest buildings, and began the next chapter in its life.
So if “home is where your story begins,” the Mantorville Art Guild’s story begins here. We continue to invite new members, guest artists and teachers to share their artistic gifts with us as we continue to plan events for the entire region to enjoy.
Our "Endless Possibilities" continue!
The Mantorville Art Guild is always looking for new members. Visit our Contact us page if you are interested in joining,
or call (507) 635-5665.
Join Today!
Call (507) 635-5665
Mantorville Art Guild
521 North Mantorville Street
Mantorville, Minnesota 55955
mantorvilleartguild@kmtel.com
