BANFILL-LOCKE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts (BLCA) is a wellspring for the community providing inspiration, enrichment, enjoyment, opportunity and education through the arts.

BLCA works with and for established and emerging artists of all backgrounds serving families and individuals in Anoka County and surrounding areas. Current programs include: classes and workshops, gallery exhibitions, an annual outdoor arts festival, literary readings, the Catalpa gift shop, holiday art sale, writing groups and art and writing residencies.

Ours is an enduring (30 years!) organization founded by artists and continuing to expand and deepen its value as a community asset. Situated in an historic house (1847) in the lovely Manomim County Park, the Art Center makes full use of the natural environment where Rice Creek meets the Mississippi River. Picnicking and landscape painting may transport visitors to an earlier era, while inside the former Banfill Tavern, one discovers beautiful hand-made gifts and a stimulating exhibition from video installation to glass sculpture to textiles to a writing class. A diverse range of arts experiences is intended to highlight the rich diversity of our community. All programs are either free or highly affordable; all are welcome and encouraged to enjoy and participate.