For 40 years the Winona Arts Center has culturally fed the community.

From visual arts to music, the center offers something for nearly everyone’s artistic palette.

Community members can listen to local bands and upcoming musicians, or see one of the Winona Film Society’s featured films.

These films include independent and foreign films, documentaries, and Oscar-winning motion pictures.

“It’s a whole different experience seeing a movie here,” director Mary Coughlan said, referring to the coffee house atmosphere in which the film is shown.

“Instead of popcorn, people can have some coffee and cake, walk around and see the art and then view the film.”

Community members can participate in a class, or share their own artistic knowledge by running their own workshop.

The 40th anniversary open art exhibition opens Thursday.

Several local artists’ works will be on display and some available for purchase. 

Staying true to the idea that the center is for everyone in the Winona community, students of all ages are encouraged to use the center.

“We have high school students come and do their own poetry readings,” Coughlan said.

Area college students can take advantage of service learning projects and student showcases. 

A student photography showcase is tentatively scheduled for early spring 2004. 

Coughlan, who also teaches art at Winona State University, said nothing at the center would be possible without the community’s help.

“What happens here happens because of whoever is involved,” Coughlan said.

The center is overseen by an executive board, but relies on volunteers to help coordinate and run the events.

Coughlan also expressed the important role the community plays in financially funding the center.

While the center receives some grants for certain projects, most recently the repainting of the center’s ceiling and installation of new track lighting, most funding comes from membership fees, donations and business sponsors.

“The Winona Arts Center is a facility purchased and run by artists,” Mary Coughlan said.

“People who come and use the building feel like it’s theirs, really making it a community place for everyone.”

For more information on upcoming events, or to get involved at the Winona Arts Center, contact Coughlan at 453-9959.