A Grand Opening Where Community Meets Creativity
Discover how to effectively foster and support the arts community in Hastings, Minnesota, by getting involved with HPAC. Visit HastingsPrescottArts.org for more information on programs, events, and initiatives that celebrate and promote local artistry. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
Hastings Prescott Arts Council (HPAC) Creative Space – May 17, 2025
“We are sooo excited to invite you to the new HPAC Creative Space! … Food, live music, artist demos and more!”
— HPAC event announcement, 213 Ramsey St, Hastings, MN 55033 (source: HPAC Facebook post, May 2025) Facebook
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, dozens of Hastings-area residents streamed into 213 Ramsey Street to christen the long-awaited HPAC Creative Space. Flowers marked the doorway; the smell of fresh paint mingled with the sounds of bluegrass. Inside, art tables overflowed with rocks and paint for anyone willing to roll up their sleeves and “make something beautiful together.”
Why This Building Matters
The newly opened HPAC Creative Space at 213 Ramsey St. welcomed crowds on its grand opening night, symbolizing a new chapter for Hastings’ arts community. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
In late 2024 the Hastings Economic Development & Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA) approved a multi-year lease giving HPAC 4,500 sq ft for programming and classes. lf.hastingsmn.gov
HPAC’s goal is straightforward: provide an affordable, year-round hub where anyone—kids, retirees, pros, total beginners—can learn, teach, or simply hang out and create. The Ramsey Street site complements HPAC’s long-running Orange Dragon Art Gallery across the river in Prescott, WI, which remains a non-juried exhibition space for local makers. Orange Dragon Art Gallery.
Voices From Opening Day
Erin Hyden — HPAC Board Member
Pictured: Erin Hyden, HPAC Board Member, Owner of Get Real Dog Training. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
“We just had our grand opening. … Every Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 pm is open craft night—knitters, painters, even coloring-book fans are welcome.”
Erin emphasized that instructors are still being recruited for everything from sushi-making to fused-glass workshops. “If you’re an instructor and you’re interested, shoot us an email.”
Barb Hollenbeck — Arts & Culture Commissioner & SC Toys Owner
Pictured: Barb Hollenbeck, Owner, SC Toys. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
“I’m here today to support the arts in the community and welcome HPAC to their new creative space, which is going to be a game-changer in our community.”
As both a downtown merchant and chair of the City’s Arts & Culture Commission, Hollenbeck called the center a critical link between local businesses and the creative economy.
Scott Northard — HPAC Treasurer
Pictured: Scott Northard Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
“We’ve had the Orange Dragon Art Gallery in Prescott for ten years, but we always wanted a presence in downtown Hastings … This space is perfect for art lessons and for nonprofits like the River Valley Band or Community Choir to rehearse.”
Northard noted that HPAC, a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, will also let other cultural groups book the facility for meetings and planning sessions.
The Moss Piglets — Local Bluegrass Band
Pictured: The Moss Piglets. Image by HastingsNow.com/ashley
“We volunteered our time today and had a great time hanging out with all the kids painting their rocks … Spiral Brewery even came by with samples of their craft beer. It was just a great event for the community and for us.”
What Happens Next?
Weekly Open Craft Nights start immediately (Wednesdays 6:30–8:30 pm, free-will donation).
A rolling class schedule—ceramics, fused glass, painting, beading, sushi-rolling—will post to HPAC’s website and social feeds as instructors sign on. HPAC
HPAC plans to fold its existing “Arts for All Ages” program into the new facility later this summer, expanding scholarships and inter-generational workshops. hastingsjournal.news
City officials see the Creative Space as another reason for day-trippers to explore downtown Hastings’ riverfront, boutiques, and eateries [source needed]. For area artists, it’s a practical, year-round studio; for families, it’s a place to nurture creativity without a hefty tuition bill.
Quick Facts
Website
Address
213 Ramsey St, Hastings, MN 55033
Square footage leased
4,500 sq ft from City/HEDRA
HPAC founded
2008 (non-profit 501(c)(3)
Sister venue
Orange Dragon Art Gallery, Prescott, WI
