We want this to evolve based on what the community needs.”

Kathy O’Keefe, HPAC board chair and president

The Hastings Prescott Arts Council (HPAC) officially opened the doors to its new building at 213 Ramsey Street with a celebratory ribbon cutting and heartfelt remarks from its leadership. Board members and community partners gathered to reflect on the journey that brought them to this milestone and shared their hopes for what the space will become. What began as a five-year strategic goal quickly turned into a reality, and now HPAC stands ready to support creativity, education, and connection in the heart of Hastings.

Kristy Barse opened the event by highlighting the partnership between the City of Hastings and HPAC, describing it as a “cool and unique” collaboration focused on building community through the arts. She then passed the microphone to Kathy O’Keefe, HPAC board chair and president, who introduced fellow board members and gave a behind-the-scenes look at how the project came together.

O’Keefe acknowledged the contributions of several key players including Barb Hollenbeck from the building committee, Erin Hyden who managed the building project, treasurer Scott Northard, and Casey Johnson, who also runs the Orange Dragon Gallery in Prescott. She described how a strategic planning session held just a year ago sparked the dream of finding a permanent home for HPAC. That goal was scheduled for year five of their plan, but the opportunity arose far sooner than expected.

“This happened way faster than we imagined,” O’Keefe said, “and once it did, we knew we had to jump in and make it work.” She emphasized that while the space is now open, HPAC is intentionally keeping its vision flexible. “We want this to evolve based on what the community needs,” she said. “If someone comes to us with an idea that fits our mission of promoting the arts, we want to be able to say yes.”

Erin Hyden elaborated on how the new space will serve as both an educational center and a welcoming environment for the community. “We’ve had everyone from professional artists to kids painting polka dots in the bathroom,” Hyden said. “This space is for everyone.” She proudly pointed out the mosaic and mural created by local artists, including one made by her husband, and spoke about the spirit of collaboration that shaped the building’s design.

Hyden also announced a weekly “Community Craft Night” that will take place on Wednesdays. The event will be free, though donations are welcome, and open to anyone interested in making art in a relaxed, social setting. “We’ll have supplies available in an art cart, or you can bring your own project. Just come make art with your neighbors,” she said. “And yes, my dog will be here too, offering free kisses.”

In addition to visual arts like painting, fused glass, and mosaics, HPAC is launching a culinary arts program. The lineup includes classes on knife skills, sushi making, sauces, and meal prep. Future sessions may expand into canning and other culinary topics, all guided by community interest. Hyden encouraged attendees to share their ideas and help shape the programming.

One major focus of the new space is supporting artists as professionals. “Too often, artists are told that what they do is just a hobby,” Hyden said. “But we believe that people should be able to sustain themselves through creative work. The world needs more beauty, and artists deserve a place to thrive.”

Scott Northard took a moment to explain HPAC’s broader role in the arts ecosystem of Hastings and Prescott. Since its founding in 2008, the organization has worked quietly but steadily to nurture the creative community. HPAC serves as the fiscal sponsor for several other arts groups, including the River Valley Band, which stores its copyrighted music in the new building. The River Valley Chorale and the Hastings Writers Guild are also under HPAC’s umbrella and now have access to meeting space in the new location.

Northard noted that the building will double as a gallery and potential retail space for local artists to display and sell their work. “This is about creating opportunity and access,” he said. “We want local artists to have a place where their work is seen, appreciated, and supported.”

O’Keefe invited guests to explore the space, especially the bathroom painted by local fourth, fifth, and seventh graders. “They were giggling and laughing, and some of them didn’t even know each other,” she said. “But by the end, they were friends. That’s what this place is about.”

Barb Hollenbeck stepped up to share the story of how the building became available. A conversation with former city council member Mark Vaughan sparked the idea. Vaughan, who also works with the Art House in Eagan, suggested finding a building that could become a community art space. The former Alternative Learning Center building was identified, and Hollenbeck began coordinating with the city and HPAC to make the transition happen.

The effort aligned perfectly with the mission of the Hastings Arts and Culture Commission, which Hollenbeck chairs. “This wasn’t officially part of our goals, but it checked every box,” she said. “It’s a great example of what can happen when different parts of the community come together with a shared purpose.”

The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. A local bluegrass band will perform, food will be available from Tippie’s food truck, and there will be art activities for all ages. O’Keefe encouraged everyone to stop by, meet the neighbors, and see what HPAC is building.

“We’re falling in love with this space in this community,” she said. “We hope you do too.”