Our Services
Art Exhibitions
We love art! Exhibits are changed on a monthly basis so check in often.
Monthly Writer's Group
“The purpose of a story is to enrich your experience. A story doesn’t POINT you there, it puts you there. In a sense, a story is a form of transportation. It lifts you from where you are reading and carries you to another time and another place.”
“The Writer’s Group gathers each month at the Cultural Centre in Bird Island. It includes poets, essayists, short story writers, novelists and some who simply feel the urge to scribble something down on paper. It’s an eclectic bunch that finds commonality in our shared reverence for the written word. Mosty, what we do is talk…and talk…and talk. We share our work with one another. We talk about writing in general and we talk about life. Some might think it odd to talk about life in a former funeral home, but we don’t think that at all. As writers we understand that it’s not odd, that it’s just ironic and writer’s love irony. It’s also why we love the Cultural Centre, a place that celebrates irony and life. So, if you feel the urge to scribble, why not join us? We meet at 7pm on the second Tuesday each month. Our only requirement, our only standard, is a love of the written word. And we talk, a lot.”
Chuck Brown 2020
For more information contact Paul Heyl at: paulheyl@hotmail.com
Weekly Jam Sessions
Have a passion for music? So do we! Bring your instrument and join us. We will update you when we have a night decided!
Bridge and Domino Clubs
The Cultural Centre in Bird Island is fully accessible, and dedicates Wednesdays and Thursdays to the elders of our community. These vibrant clubs enhance the social fabric of Bird Island, Hector and Olivia.
Bridge Club gathers every Wednesday from 1-4PM in the main gallery at the Cultural Centre and Dominos Club meets every Thursday from 1-4PM. There is plenty of room for additional clubs like Scrabble or Backgammon.
Contact Rosemary at birdislandculture@gmail.com or call (320)365-1011 for more information on bringing your club to the Cultural Centre.
Chess Club
Chess Club is held Mondays, after school, and children are introduced to the strategic game of Chess. Children ages 8-13 sign in upon arrival, have a fresh fruit/vegetable snack and are mentored by Mr. Bud Setzepfandt in creative thinking and problem solving. Thinking of becoming a chess mentor? Call us at (320)365-1011
Weekly AA Meetings
Thursday nights at 7:00PM Alcoholics Anonymous offers support for people in recovery. Please call (320)365-1011
Youthful Art Classes
The programs of Youthful Arts inspire creativity, problem solving and confidence building. This art experience class for ages 8-12 is directed toward art appreciation, the use of many different mediums and materials, techniques and the creative process.
During the school year, classes are held immediately after school. Children are transported to the Cultural Centre by their school bus, after signing in they have a fresh fruit/vegetable snack and water before classes begin. Summer art day programs are held on the green space of the Cultural Centre.
CPR, First Aid & Wellness Classes
Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is an evidenced-based strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness are the single most important activity that adults can do to stay active and reduce their chance of falling. SAIL meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00-11:00AM.
Workshops & Conferences
The Cultural Centre’s main gallery seats fifty people comforably for lectures, conferences, and workshops. For all day conferences or workshops, we utilize local restaurants and catereres to prepare your meal.
“Tall Grass Tales” is an event of the written word and oral traditions. This event features the published and unpublished works of local writers and storytellers twice each year, Spring and Fall. We welcome you to participate or be part of the audience where laughter shakes the rafters.
The Tea Parties are held in February, near Valentines Day, and December, near Christmas. Paula Sing’s creative “Fascinators” bring the festive atmosphere to all the Tea Party guests. We incorporate music, local literary works and yes, we loce to socialize while sipping tea or coffee in vintage china cups.
Celebrations & Private Events
The Cultural Centre serves a duel purpose as an Art Gallery and a special event venue. It’s a wonderful artistic alternative and welcoming space to host your event. The gorgeous wooden plank ceiling is a beautiful focal point of the main rental space, and the art exhibitions add wonderful conversation pieces for your guests. For more information on the use of the Cultural Centre as a rental space, click here.
Our Values
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To insure the health and wellness of our region it is important to recognize that each of us plays a role for future generation’s health and wellness.

Just as we are all uniquely and divinely inspired, we believe challenges can be met with dignity, inspiration, and cooperation.

The requirement for success is the commitment to be just, passionate, and have overall concern for the common good.

Our goal is to be fiscally responsible so that the regional community will benefit from the programs and enrichment we offer for future generations.
Testimonials
EXPERIENCE MORE AT THE CULTURAL CENTRE
Michele Steffen Exhibition - January 2022
Paint | "Portraits, Figures and Fairy Tales"
Heather MacKenzie Exhibition - March 2022
Textile | "Textile in Code"
Tales from the Tall Grass Prairie - March 19th, 2022
Spoken Word | Themed "Uncomfortable Differences" this showing is a fundraiser for the Tinnes-Baker House
J. Arthur Anderson Exhibition- April 2022
"Bearing Witness"
Mary Schroepfer Exhibition - May 2022
Paint | "The Love of Painting"
The Renville County Market in Bird Island - May through August 2022
Wednesday evenings 4-7pm | Join us for local vendors, food, live music, art and community! May 25th - August 31st, 2022
Doug Pederson Exhibition - June 2022
"Wood, Bone & Oil"
Pearl Ziegenhagen Exhibition - July 2022
Watercolor | "My World in Watercolor"
McKenna Lilja Exhibition - August 2022
Multi-media | "Courageous Creativity"
Dena Bickhardt - September 2022
"Embracing the Challenge of Blindness" Sculptural Exhibition
Kalher & Happel Exhibition - October 2022
"Shades of Superstition Mountain"
Bird Island's Old Fashioned Christmas Market - December 2nd, 2022
An old fashioned community Christmas gathering and market with all the charm of your favorite Hallmark movie.
Address
640 Dogwood Avenue P.O. Box 434
Bird Island, MN 55310
(320) 365-1011
birdislandculture@gmail.com
Gallery Hours
Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm
Summer Hours (May 1st - Aug. 31st)
Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm
Wednesday: 10am - 7pm; Saturday 1-4pm
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This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.