Lake Vermilion Cultural Center Newsletter Archive

Lake Vermilion Cultural Center reports a record year of fundraising, major progress toward completing its historic building by fall 2026, and a full 2025 season of successful arts and cultural programs, with strong community support and gratitude.

A full lineup of summer events, a return to tradition with the Midsummer gala “Songs of the Journey,” and a new online silent auction. Concerts, painting classes, and pie socials bring the season to life, along with building updates and heartfelt farewells.

A grand send-off for longtime Midsummer director Jan Kimes and a milestone $100,000 grant celebrated with music, laughter, and community. Features on Native heritage, watercolor classes, and fall concerts highlight a season of growth and gratitude.

Supreme Court Justice Margaret Chutich shares her Croatian roots, while fundraising adventures take LVCC supporters from Minnesota to Hawaii and Australia. Volunteers enhance the building’s landscape as preparations begin for a Southern Slavic-themed Midsummer.

Slavic culture takes center stage at Midsummer, plus concerts, art, theater, and a heartfelt editorial on Minnesota’s magic. Stages of the Range Players debut in St. Mary’s Hall as the LVCC continues to blossom into a vibrant community arts hub.

Midsummer in Norway marks the return of in-person gatherings and the first performances in St. Mary’s Hall. A Nordic fundraising trip raises $20,000 while connecting travelers with ancestral roots. Concerts, talks, and memorial dedications round out the season.

Despite the pandemic, progress continues with restored stained glass and completed landscaping. The newsletter highlights past Midsummers, donor tributes, and the vital role of volunteers in moving the project forward.

COVID moves programs online with a special Zoom conversation with Justice Margaret Chutich. A global vision for fundraising unfolds, and long-awaited construction projects—including roofing—move ahead thanks to generous supporters.

Major construction milestones, including foundation and framing, bring the building closer to completion. The Midsummer Gala embraces Americana with music and auction highlights. Art shows and international travel continue to support fundraising efforts.

A generous IRRR grant propels Phase 1 construction as Minnesota takes the spotlight in the year’s Midsummer program. Art events, author talks, and cultural lectures enrich the community while fundraising continues for the next phase.

Construction progresses at St. Mary’s Hall as renowned architect Dewey Thorbeck suggests Cass Gilbert may have designed it. The newsletter highlights a sold-out fundraising trip to France and Switzerland, the upcoming Midsummer event, and a fall 2018 Rosemaling retreat. New board member Ryan Bajan joins the team, and plans for future tours and programming are underway.

Behind-the-scenes work readies St. Mary’s Hall for future restoration. “Seasons of Broadway” wows at Midsummer, and a new travel fundraiser takes locals to Europe. Lyme awareness and holiday music events round out the year.

A French-themed Midsummer gala featuring Voyageur lore and live music highlights a record-breaking fundraiser. Progress continues on St. Mary’s Hall with new construction and restored stained glass. Community events, auctions, and a generous matching gift help fuel the restoration and future programming.