Visual Arts & Programs

With a year-round program of rotating exhibitions at multiple locations, the Phipps connects its community with the extraordinary work of regional artists.

Thanks to funding from the Xcel Energy Foundation, the seven galleries housed at the Phipps Center for the Arts are always free and open to the public. With our Enriching Arts Program, the Phipps inspires our community by presenting original artwork at local senior living and healthcare facilities. We also have a mural by artist Thomasina TopBear titled Wičhóuŋčhaǧe: Generations, The Growth of People.

Current Exhibitions: April 17 - May 10

Closing Reception and High School awards ceremony:
Sunday, May 10, 1:30–3:00 p.m.
What We Need Is Here Group Exhibition
High School Art Exhibition
Upcoming Exhibition: May 15 - July 12

Opening Reception: Friday, May 15, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Suyao Tian
Jennifer Scammahorn (pictured)
Katharine Eksuzian
Steve Smith
Michelle Westmark Wingard
Susan Bourgerie and Jane Stern
Tropical Wings

Enriching Arts Exhibitions

The Enriching Arts Program brings original art by regional artists into healthcare and senior living facilities. The exhibitions are presented in the most public spaces of these campuses and change every three months to create new experiences for residents, visitors and staff to enjoy and appreciate together.

Croixdale

Through June 8, 2026
Featured Artists: Amy Clark, Kristin Prideaux, Sara James (pictured)
Westfields Hospital & Clinic

Through June 10, 2026
Featured artists: Christy Dickinson, Lora Fandrey, Shari Albers (pictured)
Woodland Hill

May 5 - August 4, 2026
Featured Artists: Carol Patt, Jeanne Ross (pictured)

Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival

Saturday, September 27, 10-5pm
Sunday, September 28, 10-4pm
The Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival is an annual two-day outdoor event in scenic Lakefront Park organized by the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau in partnership with the Phipps Center for the Arts. This juried art festival features 80+ exceptional regional artists with fine art and traditional crafts for sale. The festival includes free, hands-on art activities sponsored by local businesses and community organizations, art demonstrations, live music, food trucks, and drink tent.

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Art Bench Trail

Discover the St. Croix Valley through the Art Bench Trail — a collection of artist-designed benches in charming locations across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Each bench is a one-of-a-kind community project that celebrates local history, culture, and the scenic beauty of the St. Croix River. Created by youth, artists, and residents working together, the benches invite you to explore parks, rural roads, and small-town gems, one stop at a time. It’s art, nature, and community in every visit.

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What We Need is Here

What We Need Is Here (WWNH) is an ongoing series of annual seminars for artists. Established in 2008, the purpose of these monthly gatherings is to explore the role of art and sustainability to create thriving communities in the St. Croix River Valley. The name was taken from the last line in the poem “The Wild Geese” by environmental activist Wendell Berry.

Learn More and Register