Seasonal Saturday at MMAM returns | Arts & Entertainment

$1 admission, activities, music

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) invites visitors to celebrate creativity and community at its Spring Seasonal Saturday on April 11, 2026. With $1 admission for all and free entry for members, this lively event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Galleries will remain open until 5 p.m. 

The theme for this Seasonal Saturday is “Inspired by Carle,” programmed for the MMAM exhibition “Splish, Splash, Story: Selections from The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.” Guests are encouraged to explore the galleries at their own pace or participate in a full schedule of interactive programming throughout the day. 

Art-making is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Oberton Education Room. Visitors can create colorful animal sculptures using a variety of materials inspired by Eric Carle’s distinctive style, with a project titled Carle’s Collaged Creatures. To support a welcoming environment for all visitors, MMAM will open a Quiet Art Room from 9:30-10 a.m. offering a low-sensory space for art-making prior to the start of general activities. 

At 10:30 a.m., Youth Librarian Tricia Wehrenberg from the Winona Public Library will lead a family-friendly storytime connected to “Splish, Splash, Story” in the gallery. Interactive opportunities such as “Meet the Artwork: Eric Carle” and “Meet the Stories!” provide additional ways to engage with picture book art and discover new literary favorites. 

Visitors can also deepen their experience through a series of guided tours, including MMAM Highlights Tours, Curator’s Tours, and a special Director’s Tour, all offering insight into the museum’s exhibitions and collections. Live music in the galleries will feature jazz mandolinist Jim Reineke from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and a clarinet quartet performance by Frank Bures & Friends from 3-4 p.m. Guests can also participate in “Bingo Overboard,” a popular search-and-find gallery game with prizes. 

Community engagement is a key part of Seasonal Saturdays. Representatives from the city of Winona Parks and Recreation Department will be on-site to share information about upcoming programs, facilities, and summer activities. Additionally, interpreters from Project FINE will be 

available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist Hmong and Spanish-speaking visitors. To ensure accessibility, free transportation is available through the Winona Area Transit Service’s Dial-A-Ride program. Visitors may call 507-454-6666 in advance to schedule a ride, with fares covered by MMAM. 

Seasonal Saturdays reflect MMAM’s commitment to making art accessible to all through inclusive programming, affordable admission, and meaningful community partnerships. 

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is located at 800 Riverview Drive, Winona, MN 55987. For a complete schedule and more information, visit mmam.org/seasonal-saturdays. 

This event is part of MMAM’s quarterly Seasonal Saturday series, made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund. Additional support is provided by KSMQ Public Television, Minnesota Public Radio, s2s Architects, and Pelaez Creative.