As a Legacy-funded project, the TESTIFY exhibit and companion programs are free and open to the public.
For more information, contact the sponsoring library or organization.
TESTIFY Exhibit
Arts, History, and Cultural Programs in Viking Library System
These projects were funded in part or in whole with monies from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.
Please note that Viking Library System, local libraries, and community partners are monitoring the COVID-19 situation carefully and following Minnesota Department of Health recommendations for group activities. Some events may be rescheduled or cancelled. Please contact the library or venue for the most up-to-date information about the status of a program.
January
Online program
Journey Down the Mississippi
takes viewers on a kayak trip down the Mississippi River through Minnesota, starting at the headwaters at Lake Itasca. View any or all segments.
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Part 1: Lake Itasca to Little Falls
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Part 2: Central Minnesota to Saint Paul
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Part 3: Saint Paul through historic river towns in Minnesota to the Iowa border
Through March 15
Available Online program:
on demand bit.ly/kayakminnesota
Please take the survey: bit.ly/legacysurveymn2021
Made available by Browns Valley Public Library, Douglas County Library, Thorson Memorial Library (Elbow Lake), Fergus Falls Public Library, Morris Public Library, New York Mills Public Library, Pelican Rapids Public Library, Perham Area Public Library, Wheaton Community Library, and Viking Library System.
Online class
Holiday Snowman Painting: Kaddatz Adult Art Class Series
Local artist Patricia Wahl teaches painting techniques to create a holiday-themed snowman using acrylic paint.
For adults, ages 18 and up.
Tuesday, December 15
6:00-8:00 pm Online program offered via Zoom
Hosted by Fergus Falls Public Library
218.739.9387
Space is limited and registration is required. Contact the library for more information.
Materials participants will need at home: Pencil, glass of water (to clean brushes), paper towels/napkin/old dish towel, easel (optional)
In person or online program
Art Smarts for Adults: Spring Gnomes
Using a Cricut machine, participants create a spring themed gnome adorned with felt flowers. All supplies are provided.
Class size is limited and registration is required for all classes. Call the library to register.
Douglas County Library
320.762.3014
In person: Tuesday, March 23 | 2:00-3:00 pm
Online program offered via Zoom: Thursday, March 25 | 10:00-11:00 am
In person: Tuesday, March 30 | 11:00-12:00 noon
Same session is repeated.
May
Photo Exhibit: “Earth Views from Space: Photos by Karen Nyberg”
During her second mission on the International Space Station in 2013, astronaut and Vining native Karen Nyberg took dozens of photos of earth from her unusual vantage point, posting the images on her Facebook page. Photographer Dan Broten selected several pictures to mount on canvas to create a dazzling exhibit.
Exhibit on loan from the Henning Landmark Center.
Through April 28
During library hours Douglas County Library in Alexandria
320.762.3014
June
"Sherlock Holmes Takes the Case" with Traveling Lantern Theatre Company
The brilliant scientist and criminologist, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, is searching for a hidden clue to a secret entrance where the crown jewels are safely stowed from Holmes’ arch rival: the brilliant but devilish Dr. Moriarty. The audience provides help to Dr. Watson (played by a child volunteer) and Holmes to crack the case.
Monday, June 15
10:30 am Wheaton Community Library
320.563.8487
1:30 pm Browns Valley Public Library
320.695.2318
July
They Chose Minnesota
Photographer and storyteller Doug Ohman highlights the personal stories and history from many immigrant groups that chose to make Minnesota their home.
Monday, July 13
6:00 pm Douglas County Library in Alexandria
320.762.3014
Tuesday, July 14
10:30 am Wheaton Community Library
320.563.8487
6:00 pm Fergus Falls Public Library
218.739.9387
Wednesday, July 15
10:30 am Pelican Rapids Public Library
218.863.7055
6:30 pm Perham Area Public Library
218.346.4892
Thursday, July 16
6:00 pm Thorson Memorial Library in Elbow Lake
218.685.6850
July
Outdoor Movie: Grease
In this classic 1978 musical, the T-Birds, the Pink Ladies, and young love collide at Rydell High School in the late 1950s.
Note that COVID-19 precautions will be in place and enforced, including physical distancing. You may remain in your vehicle or bring your own lawn chair.
This event is limited to 25 participants. Reservations are required by calling 218.385.2436.
Friday, August 14*
Begins at 9:00 pm New York Mills Public Library parking lot
Behind the library
218.385.2436
* In case of inclement weather, the movie will be postponed to August 15.
Online event. See link below for log-in details.
The Outlander Series & Traditional Scottish Music
Minnesota musician Laura MacKenzie performs music from both the Scottish Highlands and the Lowlands on an array of instruments including wooden flutes, whistles, concertina, Scottish smallpipes, border bagpipes, and voice. The program includes history, language, literature, and cultural traditions of the region.
The artist will be available to respond to written questions following the performance.
Monday, August 17
7:00 pm Online program: https://youtu.be/cn-XQVpY9XU
Note that the link will not be active until the scheduled time.
Hosted by Perham Area Public Library
218.346.4892
Recorded online program. Limited time only!
The Outlander Series & Traditional Scottish Music
Minnesota musician Laura MacKenzie performs music from both the Scottish Highlands and the Lowlands on an array of instruments including wooden flutes, whistles, concertina, Scottish smallpipes, border bagpipes, and voice. The program includes history, language, literature, and cultural traditions of the region.
Tuesday-Monday, August 18-24
Online recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn-XQVpY9XU&feature=youtu.be
Hosted by Perham Area Public Library
218.346.4892
Online class
Sashiko Stitching, Part 1: Kaddatz Adult Art Class Series
Local artist Kristi Kuder introduces sashiko, the traditional Japanese technique of needlework quilting, using a simple running stitch to create beautifully decorative patterns. Participants will leave with their own hand-stitched piece.
For adults, ages 18 and up.
Tuesday, August 18
6:00-7:00 pm Online program offered via Zoom
Hosted by Fergus Falls Public Library
218.739.9387
Class is filled. Contact the library for information on upcoming art classes for adults.
Online class
Sashiko Stitching, Part 2: Kaddatz Adult Art Class Series
Tuesday, August 25
6:00-7:00 pm Online program offered via Zoom
Hosted by Fergus Falls Public Library
218.739.9387
Class is filled. Contact the library for information on upcoming art classes for adults.
September
Online event
One Book, Second Chapter: Virtual Author Conversation
Four contributors to A Good Time for the Truth – Minnesota writers Heid Erdrich, Shannon Gibney, David Lawrence Grant, and Bao Phi – join facilitator Dr. Kandace Creel Falcón in a conversation about their essays.
Tuesday, September 1
7:00 pm Online program offered via Zoom
Registration required:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_T50c-2gjR0eMA9HDOCFgZw
Hosted by Viking Library System
218.739.5286
One Book | One Minnesota is presented by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, as the Minnesota Center for the Book, in partnership with State Library Services. Program partners also include the Council of Regional Public Library System Administrators, Minitex (a joint program of the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education), the Minnesota Department of Education, and Minnesota Historical Society Press. This program is made possible in part by the State of Minnesota through a grant to the Minnesota Center for the Book through the Minnesota Department of Education.
Online class
Mixed Media Collage: Kaddatz Adult Art Class Series
Local mixed media artist Carmen McCullough instructs participants as they create a one-of-a-kind, 8"x10" mixed media collage canvas using paper, glue, paint and personal found objects.
For adults, ages 18 and up.
Saturday, October 17
9:00-11:00 am Online program offered via Zoom
Hosted by Fergus Falls Public Library
218.739.9387
Space is limited and registration is required. Contact the library for more information.
Watch this short introductory video to prepare and get inspired!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3BU45YJXKA
Materials that will be provided for the workshop: 8x10” canvas, Mod Podge, acrylic paint, brushes
Materials participants will need at home: Scissors, miscellaneous papers (old book pages, tissue, ticket stubs, recipe cards, maps, etc.)
Optional supplies from home: Photos (If using photos, you’ll want to have a photocopy made prior to the class. Originals will be destroyed by the glue.), stencils (and stencil brush), any other personal items you want to include, E6000 (to glue heavier objects)
For workspace and clean-up: Apron, table cloth or paper to cover work space, jar of water (to put used brush in), paper towels and/or wipes, wax paper (optional)
O
Coming to public libraries and selected Bookmobile communities in June 2021!
The Jolly Pops: Musical Trio
The Jolly Pops combine upbeat, original music with a host of children’s standards for a family concert to please kids and adults alike. The Happy Dads and their puppet friends sing about alligator dancing, popsicles, trains, pet dinosaurs – and everything in between.
Updated May 1, 2020