Central Square Inc.

Open Mic Night
2023-08-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-09-28 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Event Details:
Open Mic Night Returns!
Please join us in our newest endeavor—Open Mic Night at Central Square!
At these events we will create a safe space for all to share openly, inspire each other, and support one another in mutually respectful ways. Our philosophy, is based upon the transformative power of art and writing that allows us to express, explore, reveal, understand ourselves as well as each other creativity and storytelling. Feel free to come and simply listen. Whether or not you are ready to share your own creative work or voice, we hope to inspire you with empathy, to think deeply, feel passionately, embrace vulnerability, and find your creative spark!
Don’t underestimate the potential of an authentic, warm, community like ours to give you an outlet you’ll cherish and come back to again and again. We welcome all kinds of art and oration, and all we ask is that you maintain respect for all in order to keep our space secure and safe.
Your donations are welcome! Donations enable us to provide fun, free events like Open Mic Night!
Walk-ins for this event are welcome, but if you would like to register in advance, click here to fill out a quick registration form.

Guidelines for Open Mic at Central Square:

Each participant has 5–10 minutes to share their work. Speakers are limited to 5 minutes, while musical performances are given 10 minutes. Practice reading, reciting, or playing before the show to check the length of your material. Please be respectful of time so everyone gets a turn. (we’ll use a timer and gently let you know if you are going over your time)
If they wish, each participant will have the option of a 5-minute feedback period for the piece they read. We will use the raise hand option to call on those who would like to offer feedback. Feedback will be limited to one minute per person. A note for those providing feedback, focus on what you liked and what’s working. Our goal is to make this a positive experience for all.
If you don’t want to participate, but you’d still like to watch – that’s completely okay! All are welcome. All genres of work are welcome: poetry, prose, short stories, excerpts from longer pieces of writing, musical instrument, song etc. Please share content warnings for anything that could be triggering, so that folks can prepare themselves however they need to. We ask that your content remain family friendly.

Tips:
Come prepared
Either have your poem/song/spoken word printed out or very well memorized. We recommend that you rehearse it out loud once a day for two or three days prior to the event. As you read, pay attention to the overall tone of the piece so you can convey its emotions, and to points that require a pause or change in pitch. If it helps, underline words or mark up the piece so you can remember these inflections and use a timer to check whether the reading/song/performance fits the allocated time slot.
Pro tip: Practice reading a poem like you would practice performing a song. If you plan on reading from a phone or tablet, know your zoom/scroll functions so you don’t accidently lose your place while you are reading.
Speak into the Mic
Don’t be timid about moving the mic around if you need to. Glance down at what you are reading from, rather than staring at it, so you can look up at the audience and speak into the microphone.
The introduction
There will be a host present to MC the event. Acknowledge them when they introduce you. Then briefly introduce yourself, elaborate on what you are performing, if necessary, then get down to it.
Pro tip: Take a few sentences to describe and give context to your piece. And always state the title.
Maintain a slow, steady pace
It’s understandable if you’re so nervous about your performance that you’ll want to rush through it. But the faster you read/perform, the more likely your audience will have difficulty following what you say. So once your turn comes, make every effort to pace yourself. Focus on one sentence or line at a time, and read each one slowly, carefully, and with just enough projection so you can hear each word. This will ensure your voice is loud and clear enough for your audience to understand you and to enjoy not just your reading, but also the quality of your writing.
Don’t judge yourself or your performance too harshly .
Nobody will think poorly of you if your performance isn’t perfect. It’s human to feel embarrassed if you stutter, mispronounce a word, or briefly lose your place. But it’s also human to make mistakes, period. Ask a group of performers if they’ve flubbed up during a performance, and all of them will likely say “yes” (I know I have!). So, if you stumble during yours, don’t dwell on it. Just smile and keep going.
Commend yourself for your bravery
One of the most frequent comments performers hear about open mic performances is, “You’re so brave!” And it’s true—it takes a LOT of courage to stand up and share your work. But as I said in Tip #4, no one in the audience will criticize you for your performance. They’re going to be there to enjoy the evening, support one another, and share their own work. So, turn your focus to your growth. Think of this event as an opportunity to try something new (and a teeny bit scary) and connect with other members of your community. Once your performance is over, congratulate yourself on a job well done—because you deserve it!

Beginner Alcohol Ink Class
2023-09-21 17:30 - 20:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Let Cheryl Larson be your guide into the world of alcohol ink. With her help, you’ll learn the basics, techniques, and how colors work together in this unique artform. All supplies included. Registration is $25 and scholarships are available. Call Central Square at (320) 634–0400 for details. Register by visiting the Central Square office or our online Box Office here: https://ticketpeak.co/centralsquare
This class will be held on the second floor of Central Square in the art studio—suite 209.
We hope to see you there!

Children's Theater Workshop
2023-10-10 15:15 - 16:45 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Have fun learning the basics of theater performing with Art and Drama instructor, Marit Salveson! For kids, grades 1–6. Cost is $35, for all five sessions on Oct 10th, 12th, 17th, 24th, and 26th, after school until 4:45pm. Snacks and transportation available from Minnewaska Area Schools to Central Square!
Buses will bring students from Glenwood Elementary and Minnewaska to Central Square. Parents/guardians will need to pick up children at Central Square at 4:45pm.
Workshop size is limited, so sign up today!
Sign up by calling the Minnewaska Activities Office at (320) 239–1305.
Brought to you by Minnewaska Area Schools and Central Square.

Beginner Alcohol Ink Class
2023-10-12 17:30 - 20:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Additional class added by popular demand!
Let Cheryl Larson be your guide into the world of alcohol ink art. With her help, you’ll learn the basics, techniques, and how colors work together in this unique artform. All supplies included. Registration is $25 and scholarships are available. Call Central Square at (320) 634–0400 for details. Register by visiting the Central Square office or our online Box Office here: https://ticketpeak.co/centralsquare
This class will be held on the second floor of Central Square in the art studio—suite 209.
We hope to see you there! Click here to register.
IS THE CLASS FULL? If this class is full, please contact our team at (320) 634–0400 or info@centralsquare.org, and we will add you to a wait list for Cheryl’s next Alcohol Ink class!

Opening Gallery Reception: MAHS Student Soundwalk
2023-10-14 17:30 - 20:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
We are thrilled to collaborate with Minnewaska Area Schools this fall to bring the community a unique and immersive gallery exhibit brought to you by Glenwood area high school students. Student works will feature all types of artistic mediums, with one unifying theme, they must each have an audible component that corresponds with their piece. This could be any sound—a poem read aloud, a song, nature sounds, etc.
These sounds will be accessed through a mobile device, so bring your cellphone! You may also bring earbuds or headphones for a more immersive experience.
Please join us on Saturday, October 14th, from 5:30–7pm, for this exhibit’s opening gallery reception–before the George Maurer Group performance begins. More details on this exciting new exhibit coming soon.
Local winery, Rolling Forks Vineyards, has generously sponsored our gallery events.

George Maurer Group | Jazz Quintet
2023-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Saturday, October 14th at 7pm, the George Mauer Quintet, sponsored by FAST Global Solutions.
“This show is guaranteed to be a good time. There’s music and banter, storytelling, and jokes. The music, much of it written and arranged by Maurer and other band members, ranges from bop to pop, jazz to blues, gospel to musical theater, ballet to settings for poems by Rainer Maria Rilke. Some tunes are serious and moving; some are silly, laugh-out-loud playful. Best advice: Expect the unexpected and enjoy.”
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the event. Kids 12 and under are admitted for free with the presence of a paid adult, students are admitted for $10, and educators for $15.
To purchase tickets, call (320) 634–0400 or click here
Call (320) 634–0400 or email info@centralsquare.org for more details.
*Special Gallery Announcement*
Don’t forget to visit the 2nd floor art gallery before the George Maurer Group performance begins, from 5:30–7pm, for an opening gallery reception of our October exhibition, the MAHS Student Soundwalk!
This is a collaborative exhibit brought to you by MAHS students and Central Square! Refreshments will be available, and all are welcome to this free gallery event. Special thanks to our gallery sponsor, Rolling Forks Vineyards for providing their award-winning wine selection at our events.

Opening Gallery Reception | Danielle Lien's Photography
2023-11-11 17:30 - 19:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
We are delighted to introduce our next exhibiting gallery artist—Danielle Lien!
Lien is a multi-talented local artist who will exhibit her photography in the Art in the Square Gallery for an eight-week exhibition this November and December. Her captivating work features subjects that range from Minnesota’s seasonal beauty and wildlife to rustic scenes of vintage automobiles.
We invite you to join Lien for her opening gallery reception on Saturday, November 11th, from 5:30–7pm, before The Great DuBois performance begins. There will be light hors d’oeuvres and wine tastings from the award-winning local winery, Rolling Forks Vineyards, available. This event is free of charge and open to all!
We hope to see you there!
Rolling Forks Vineyards has generously sponsored this event. We thank them for their ongoing support.

Suncatcher-Making Class
2023-11-16 17:30 - 20:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Cheryl Larson will instruct her Suncatcher-Making Class on Thursday, November 16th, from 5:30–8:00pm. In this class, attendees will learn the basics of wire wrapping, a useful skill needed for jewelry crafting, and bring home their own beaded suncatcher. When placed in a window, sunlight travels through these unique suncatchers and projects beautiful patterns of rainbow light throughout the room.
Class registration costs $25, all supplies are included, and all are welcome! Scholarships are available for our classes; call (320) 634–0400 for details.
Limited spots available. Register here.

Mick Sterling Presents, From the King; For the King: The Gospel According to Elvis
2023-12-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
On Sunday, December 10th at 3 pm, Central Square will host the holiday matinée, “Mick Sterling Presents, From the King, For the King: The Gospel According to Elvis.” This show will celebrate Elvis’s early gospel songs and features several of his early ’60s gospel songs and a few ’50s hits. No glitz or jumpsuits; it is a unique homage to early Elvis and his passion for gospel music.

This performance is generously sponsored by Toms Market of Glenwood!

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the show, children 12 and under are admitted for free with the presence of an adult ticketholder, student tickets are $10 and educator tickets are $15. To purchase tickets, call (320) 634–0400 or click here

Video sample:
https://youtu.be/olbjsIZbmgo

Gallery Reception: Jim Grafsgaard, Artist in Residence
2024-04-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Join us at Central Square for an opening gallery reception featuring the work of Minnesota artist, Jim Grafsgaard, on Saturday, April 20th, from 5:30-7 pm, before our 20th Annual Concert Series debuts with internationally renowned Americana performer, Alice Wallace. Jim Grafsgaard will be in residency at Central Square from April 15th–26th, and we will host an opening gallery reception for his work “Gathered in Moss,” an intricate painting that spans an impressive 30 feet in length. Grafsgaard’s geo-expressionist piece of art was created during his residency with Artist at Pine Needles and sponsored by the Science Museum of Minnesota. His work has been exhibited in an impressive list of notable locations, such as Minnesota, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, and the UK, among others. During Grafsgaard’s stay in Glenwood, he will meet with students from Minnewaska Area Schools as part of Central Square’s commitment to making high-quality arts engagement accessible to students in our community.
•
The reception for Jim Grafsgaard is free and open to the public. Rolling Forks Vineyards, our generous gallery sponsor will provide complimentary wine tastings and hors d’oeuvres. during this event.
We hope to see you there!
Click here to visit Grafsgaard’s website.
•
“This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.”

Alice Wallace Band
2024-04-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
On April 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM, Central Square’s stage will come alive with the distinctive Americana sound of the Alice Wallace Band. Wallace, a seasoned singer-songwriter, is known for her powerful vocals and emotive storytelling. Her latest album, “Into the Blue,” is a testament to her musical journey, reflecting her native California’s influence. This album encapsulates a vibrant mix of country rock and folk, showcasing her growth as a recording artist and her dynamic vocal styles. “Into the Blue” is a musical odyssey that mirrors her personal journey to conquer fears and wholeheartedly pursue her passion for music.
To purchase tickets, call (320) 634–0400 or click here!
To visit Alice Wallace’s website, click here.

Fiction Writing Fundamentals
2024-05-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd, from 6–8 PM
Have you ever felt the desire to write a story? Join University of MN Morris English Professor, Joshua Johnson, for a four-session creative writing workshop. This workshop is designed for aspiring writers who want to discover and strengthen their fiction writing skills. Participants will explore narrative tools and elements essential to creating compelling stories. From character development to narrative structure, attendees will gain practical experience and valuable insights to begin their own fiction writing projects.
No prior experience is required—just bring your imagination! This class will take place in Central Square’s Art Studio, Room 209 on the second floor. The class fee for all four sessions is $100.
Click here to register.
At Central Square, we are dedicated to making sure everyone gets to participate. We strive to remove all barriers that could be in the way of a student participating. Limited scholarships are available for our adult art classes. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please contact Jes at (320)634–0400.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

3rd Annual Music on the Lawn - Summer Music Series
2024-06-14 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-07-19 17:00 - 20:00, 2024-08-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Our summer music series is the perfect blend of music, community, and the outdoors! Join us for year 3 of our Music on the Lawn singer/songwriter music showcase this June, July, and August.
This live outdoor mini-music series is a celebration of talented musicians who combine instruction, music, and storytelling into their shows. You can enjoy delicious concessions and festive activities such as face painting, cornhole, and craft making, and a diverse lineup of accomplished musicians, led by Minnesota’s own Charlie Roth.
.
Each event includes a pre-concert workshop, The Songwriter’s Circle, an interactive hour-long session for aspiring musicians and songwriters to improve their lyrics and test their songs in a supportive group. The workshops are engaging, dynamic sessions that serve participants with varied interests and goals. The Songwriting Circle is designed to stimulate and motivate creative spirit without requiring any music theory knowledge or instrumental skills.
.
These events are a wonderful way to spend quality time with family and friends in the summer air, and the best part is that entrance is free! Bring the whole family, lay out a blanket, and enjoy some great tunes.
.
Lineup:
June 14th: Andrea Lyn & PK Mayo
July 19th: J Wagner & Bill Poss
August 16th: Drew Peterson & Kelley Smith

Alcohol Ink: Demonstration & Art Class
2024-11-14 17:30 - 20:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
On Thursday, November 14th, Cheryl Larson returns to teach her popular Alcohol Ink Painting class! This session includes a step-by-step demonstration, giving students a deeper understanding of the techniques used in this unique medium.
Class fee: $25. Limited need-based scholarships are available—contact us for details!
Reserve your spot at centralsquare.org, call (320) 634-0400, or at our office located in the old Glenwood High School.
Registration Link: https://ticketpeak.co/centralsquare

Life Drawing with Paul Johnson
2025-01-25 14:00 - 17:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Join Paul Johnson, a retired art instructor with 22 years of teaching experience at Alexandria Technical and Community College, for his upcoming “Life Drawing” class on Saturday, January 25th, from 2 to 5 PM in Central Square’s Studio 209.
With a focus on foundational techniques, Paul will guide you through blocking, shading, and various line methods to help you harness your inner artist in just one session. The class is limited to 7 students, so reserve your spot before it’s too late!

Click here to register today: https://ticketpeak.co/centralsquare

Children's Theatre Workshop
2025-03-10 15:30 - 16:45 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
The Children’s Theatre Workshop is open to students in grades 2–6 and teaches the fundamentals of acting, singing, movement, costumes, and set design. Classes take place after school at the Central Square Gym in Glenwood, with transportation provided from Minnewaska Area Schools, a snack, and a final performance open to the public. The cost is $60 for all 13 sessions, with need-based scholarships available.
Click here to register through the MAS Community Ed Office; call their office at (320) 239–1305 if you have questions about registration. Call the Central Square office at (320)634–0400 with all other inquiries.
Schedule:
After School: 3:30 PM–4:45PM
Mon, Mar 10
Tues, Mar 11
Tues, Mar 18
Thur, Mar 20
Tues, Mar 25
Thur, Mar 27
Tues, Apr 1
Thurs, Apr 3
Mon, Apr 7
Tues, Apr 8
Thur, Apr 10
Mon, Apr 14
Tues, Apr 15 (Day of Performance)

Music on the Lawn at Terrace Mill
2025-07-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Terrace Mill, 27165 Old Mill Pond Rd, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Join us this summer for our annual Music on the Lawn—a series of three free, family-friendly evenings of live music and fun, presented in partnership with the Terrace Mill Foundation. While our historic Glenwood venue undergoes a much-anticipated renovation, we’re grateful to continue offering this annual summer series in the scenic setting of the Terrace Mill.
Each event features acclaimed musicians—including Charlie Roth and his talented singer-songwriter friends—and begins with a one-hour Singer-Songwriter Circle workshop. No experience or supplies needed—just bring a question, an instrument, or a notebook if you’d like! Enjoy live music, fun outdoor activities for all ages, and a chance to connect with fellow arts lovers.

Open Art Studio & Wellness Activity
2025-11-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
When: 1st Thursday of every month—Drop in anytime between 6 and 8 PM
Where: Central Square Art Studio (Suite 209)
Cost: Free to all, limited art supplies included
Who: All are welcome
Looking for a space to relax, recharge, and get creative? Join us for a drop-in evening designed to nurture both your creativity and your well-being.
Each evening offers:

Open Studio Time—Use our art supplies or bring your own projects and enjoy a welcoming, communal space.
Optional Guided Activity—Explore simple, wellness-focused art projects led by our own Program Manager, Jes Baggett. Activities may include mindful mandalas, gratitude collages, expressive painting, nature prints, and more!

No experience necessary—just bring yourself and a willingness to explore. Whether you’re looking to de-stress, connect with others, or simply make time for art, this is a space for you!
Click here to register for this event through MAS Community Ed.

Holiday Ornament-Painting Class with Shauna Loxtercamp
2025-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 | MN
Join local ceramic artist, Shauna Loxtercamp, in the Central Square Pottery Studio (Room 207) on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM for a festive, hands-on ornament painting class. You’ll have the chance to paint your own round, ceramic ornament, perfect for your holiday décor or as a heartfelt handmade gift. All materials are provided—just bring your creativity! No experience needed.
Click to Register

Open Pottery Studio
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 | MN
When: 3rd Thursday of every month—Drop in anytime between 6 and 8 PM
Where: Central Square Art Studio (Suite 209)
Cost: Free to all, limited art supplies included
Who: All are welcome
Come explore your creativity with clay in our open pottery studio! This is a relaxed, come-as-you-are space where you can try the wheel, hand-building, or glazing at your own pace. Whether you’re brand new to pottery or already have experience, the studio is set up for you to explore, practice, and connect with others.
We’ll provide the space, equipment, and materials—you just bring your curiosity. Instructors will be on hand to offer guidance and answer questions, but the time is yours to shape however you’d like. This free offering is a chance to unwind, get your hands messy, and discover the joy of creating something unique out of clay.
Click here to register for this event through MAS Community Ed!

Music on the Lawn
2026-07-10 17:00 - 20:00 | Central Square Inc., 105 2nd Avenue Northeast, Glenwood, MN, 56334, United States
Join us for Central Square’s 4th Annual Music on the Lawn series as we celebrate the reopening of our renovated WPA-era building and courtyard. Spend summer evenings enjoying free live music, local art, and community at Central Square.

All Music on the Lawn events will feature a singer-songwriter Q&A from 5–6 PM followed by free live music from 6:30–8 PM. Our June 5 kickoff event will feature a special Open House & Gallery Reception in addition to the evening concert programming.

Friday, July 10 Schedule:

5–6 PM — Singer-Songwriter Q&A
Join Charlie Roth and Clayton Ryan for a relaxed conversation about songwriting, performing, and the stories behind the music.
6:30–8 PM — Free Live Music
Enjoy live outdoor performances by Charlie Roth and special guest Clayton Ryan in Central Square’s newly renovated courtyard.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, gather some friends, and spend the evening enjoying live music, food, and community under the summer sky. Food truck on site. Weather backup indoors.

Additional Music on the Lawn Dates:

June 5 | 4–8 PM — Charlie Roth & Michael Shynes
August 21 | 5–8 PM — Charlie Roth & Morning Bird

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
