Art + Play
Thursday, 6.18.26, 4-7pm
In the alley behind NaKato Bar & Grill
Presented by Gene Biewen and Noel Van tol
While Belgrade Avenue is under construction, CityArt is reimagining how art shows up in Lower North Mankato. CityArt in the Alley is a four-event series activating the Belgrade alleyway with art, experiences, and community throughout summer 2026.
Activities include:
Music Creation Station - Instrument Building Crafts and Music Jams for Kids, Babies/Toddlers and Adults by St. Paul’s and Jesus Loves Me Learning Center.
Antique Printing Press Demonstrations and Make + Take by Craig Kotasek of Tin Can Valley Printing Co. - Attendees will be able to make a letterpress print on an antique printing press, and learn how prints were made in the pre-digital era.
Live Painting by Noel Van Tol - Enjoy the art of our presenting sponsor.
Not-A-Box Arty Fort Building Station - Inspired by the book Not-A-Box by Antoinette Portis, The Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota will be building a box fort for children and families to add to and decorate throughout the event. Guests will also be able to create recycled art to take home using our cardboard tools, glue, tape and a variety of paper materials!
Sunnyside Puppeteers and Puppet Make + Take by Sidetracked - Alongside the Sunnyside Puppeteers, participants can experience and try their hands at a variety of puppet making styles, including felt, paper mache, and fabric. Materials for all styles will be provided and participants can bring their own puppet home.
Build, Bend and Sculpt Station - Create a sculpture you can take home. Plus, we'll be constructing our Spin & Sculpt community sculpture that began at May's event with the painting of slumped records.
CityArt in the Alley Community Mural Live Painting - Watch artists, Dana Sikkila and Dinah Langsjoen, begin their large-scale mural on the side of the NaKato Bar & Grill. Plus, youth can try their hand at mural painting on an adjacent panel.
North Mankato Taylor Library - The North Mankato Taylor Library Bookmobile will be onsite, offering books, resources and activities for children and families