Mankato — Twin Rivers Council for the Arts is pleased to announce the first event in its 2026 Creative Connections series, an initiative that brings art into everyday community spaces through partnerships with local businesses and artists.

Creative Connections features month-long art installations in unique business settings across the region, transforming familiar spaces into inspiring micro-galleries. The program provides artists with opportunities for visibility and sales while helping businesses enhance their environments and connect with new audiences. Each installation begins with an art opening and networking event designed to draw art enthusiasts and introduce new customers to participating businesses.

According to Creative Connections Coordinator Justin Ek, the program is designed to benefit both the local creative community and participating businesses. “Creative Connections leverages business and artist partnerships to create micro art galleries in familiar places across Mankato. The community gains access to art in everyday spaces, and artists gain valuable paid opportunities along with new and unexpected connections. It’s an experimental project designed to benefit both the community and creative workers.”

The first 2026 activation will take place at Rooms and Rest Furniture and Mattress, where artist Mark Silverberg will be featured in the store’s new micro art gallery.

Event Details

• Creative Connections Art Opening
• Tuesday, February 10, 2026 – 5:30–6:30 p.m.
  Rooms and Rest Furniture and Mattress – 1760 Madison Ave. Mankato, MN 56001
• Community members are invited to stop by, enjoy the artwork, and learn how Rooms and Rest is supporting local artists while helping build community connections through creativity.

About the Artist

Mark Silverberg is a practicing studio artist focused on exploring the boundaries between classical principles of form and observation and an intuitive approach to individual self-expression. He holds two MFA degrees in Painting and Drawing from Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD). His work has been featured in private and institutional collections, including the Archdiocese of Military Services and The Pentagon.

About Twin Rivers Council for the Arts

Twin Rivers is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artists, enriching communities, and expanding access to the arts through exhibitions, public art initiatives, education, and creative partnerships across southern Minnesota. www.twinriversarts.org