October 3-7 | Starting at $500Share an Artist Story
Every artist here has a story worth telling.
Behind every piece of art is a person — and behind every person, a story. Where they learned their craft. What keeps them coming back to the work. The quiet moments, the early failures, the small victories that shaped how they create today.
Those stories are the heart of Dakota County's creative life. They remind us that art isn't something that happens elsewhere, made by people we'll never meet. It happens right here, in the hands of neighbors, teachers, and makers we cross paths with every day.
We're gathering these stories, one artist at a time, and we'd love your help. Whether you know someone whose work deserves more attention, you're an artist with a story to share, or you simply have an idea worth exploring — there's a place for you here.
Who we're hoping to hear about
There's no single kind of artist we're looking for — and that's the point. A thriving creative community is a diverse one, full of different voices, materials, and ways of working.
We'd love to learn about:
Emerging artists just finding their voice
Longtime makers who've spent decades perfecting a craft
Teaching artists passing their knowledge to the next generation
Process stories — the materials, methods, and small rituals behind the work
Artists rooted in place whose work reflects Dakota County's character
Quiet contributors shaping local culture in ways most people never see
Returning artists picking the work back up after time away
If someone comes to mind who doesn't fit neatly into any of these, share them anyway. The stories that surprise us are often the ones worth telling most.
Three ways to share
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Maybe it's a neighbor with a kiln in the garage. A weaver whose work has stayed with you for years. A teacher who changed how you see the world. If someone's creative work deserves more attention, tell us about them — and why their story matters to you.
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If you live and create in Dakota County, we'd love to learn about your work. No polished resume required, no gallery shows necessary — just honest creativity and a connection to this place. Your story belongs here, too.
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A creative moment that moved you. A project worth a closer look. A corner of the local arts community that more people should see. If something's been on your mind, send it our way. The best stories often start as a passing thought.
Be part of the story
Dakota County's creative community is rich, varied, and full of voices worth hearing. We can't tell its story alone — and we wouldn't want to.
Every name you share, every story you send, helps us build a fuller picture of the artistry that makes this place feel like home.
However you choose to take part, you're helping shape a more connected, more creative Dakota County for everyone who lives here.
