Free Creative Writing Workshop Open to All — Saturday, December 27
New York Mills, MN—December 15, 2025— The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is excited to host a special Pop-Up Writing Workshop with acclaimed writer, musician, and visiting artist Ken Waldman on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
This free 90-minute workshop is open to writers of all experience levels and ages 13 and up, and will be followed by a 30-minute fiddle performance to wrap up the morning.
Participants will first explore creative inspiration through four dynamic writing prompts that will jump-start the beginnings of new stories or poems. Waldman’s approach invites attendees to discover fresh ideas, embrace experimentation, and build confidence in their writing practice.
Immediately following the writing session, Waldman will present a mini performance featuring spirited fiddle music along with selected stories and poems. This unique combination celebrates both the written and spoken word in an engaging community atmosphere.
Ken Waldman is a nationally recognized author, poet, and fiddler whose work reflects more than four decades of creative practice. He has published numerous books, including poetry collections, a memoir, children’s books, and a creative writing manual, and has recorded multiple albums blending Appalachian-style music with original poetry. Waldman has toured extensively across the United States and internationally, performing at festivals, arts centers, and cultural venues.
Ken is the Cultural Center’s artist-in-residence this month, joining us in rural Minnesota from his native Alaska.
Event Details:
Pop-Up Writing Workshop + Fiddle Music Performance
Saturday, December 27, 2025
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, 24 N Main Ave, New York Mills, MN
Free & Open to All (Registration not required; RSVP appreciated) kulcher.org
No prior experience is needed — just bring your curiosity and a notebook! To help with planning, attendees are encouraged to RSVP by calling 218-385-3339. kulcher.org
This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Questions? Call 218-385-3339 or visit https://www.kulcher.org/pop-
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About the Cultural Center
The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. The Center offers visitors intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in its 80-seat concert listening room, visual art gallery in a historic building, gift shop featuring local artists, artist residency program, sculpture park, and a variety of opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Since its incorporation in 1990, the Cultural Center has been passionate about connecting people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, celebrating the local and being a window to the world. For more information, call 218-385-3339, or visit www.kulcher.org.