The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

November 9, 2008

Venue preps for one-weekend-only event

Event will feature 24 artists and 17 musicians

By Robb Murray

MANKATO — No, the former downtown bank building that appears to have had new life breathed into it isn’t going to be reborn as another downtown bar.

But for one weekend this month the former Family Bank building will become The Venue, this year’s locale for what may become an annual faith-based weekend of art and music.

Slated for Nov. 14-16, the event’s official name is “The Venue: An Open Forum of Arts and Faith.”

Organizers, however, say it’s more than just a weekend event.

“It’s not an event. It’s an experience,” said co-organizer Julie Hawker.

This will be The Venue’s second run. Last year’s the event was at the Belle Mar Mall and drew about 250 people. This year Hawker said they’re expecting closer to 1,000 people.

The Venue came about after a collection of people from various churches in the Mankato area decided to put together an event that showcased and welcomed the work of faith-based artists and art.

Use of the former bank building was donated by owners Sue and Chuck Lagow, just as last year’s event was held in donated space at Belle Mar.

“That’s part of what we do,” Hawker said. “We wait until we have free space ... And the churches provide the volunteers.”

Hawker said the target audience is not just people at the churches participating in the event but also the general public.

“We want to open it up to people who don’t normally walk into a church,” she said.

This year’s event will feature at least 24 artists and 17 musicians. Much of what’s on display will be interactive, especially the event’s final day where the focus is on children.

On Sunday there’ll be six stations for kids to go to, including areas where kids will get to play and experiment with musical instruments and painting on canvases.

Hawker stressed, however, the atmosphere is not that of a craft show. Artists will have business cards and musicians may be selling CDs, but for the most part, the work people see will not be for sale.

It’s about appreciation of the work, Hawker said, and having a place to experience a variety of faith-based art.

The building’s two floors both will be used, and Hawker said the building has been an ideal setup.

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