Connecting Local Artists With Our Community
The Twin Rivers GSR Fine Art Festival is an annual, free event held in Mankato, MN, the weekend immediately following Thanksgiving. It is Greater Mankato’s only juried art festival dedicated to serving professional artists, and those working towards that goal, by connecting them with the Greater Mankato community. Over the past 21 years, the festival has grown from three visual artists to 100+ artists, authors and musicians.
During the summer of each year, artists submit an application with photos of their work. Artists pay a booth fee to participate and the funds pay for our event space and marketing. All sales go directly to the artists.
Shop GSR’s Online Gallery Year-Round
GSR’s commitment to creating an outlet for professional artists to connect with the community became even more important during the past year. We are excited to include our artists in an eGallery called ShopART. ShopART is a non commission gallery that gives GSR artists and buyers the opportunity to connect year round.
About Twin Rivers
Twin Rivers Council for the Arts brought the GSR Fine Art Festival into its program of work in 2024. Twin Rivers is a collaborative alliance of local arts and cultural organizations, individual artists and community members who share a vision for the arts in Greater Mankato. Twin Rivers serves as a unifying voice, advocating for and connecting arts groups to the community by providing services and shared resources to creatives throughout southern Minnesota.
History
Over the past 22 years, the festival has grown from three artists in a small local shop to having 100+ participating artists.
Mission
Our mission is to encourage and support visual artists by producing an affordable, professional venue for them to display and sell their art.
Artists
The GSR Fine Art Festival is a juried exhibition. In September of each year, artists submit an application with photos of their work. Meet our artists.
“I’ve been involved with GSR from the beginning. I’ve seen it grow from a few artists to a show that fills the civic center ballroom. My customers tell me they always look forward to the show. ”
GSR Team
Tom Bliese
Volunteer (2005-2023)
Sacha Bliese - GSR Director
Founder (2003)
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This allows all FAQ to be closed on initial visit
What does GSR stand for?
This is one of the most common questions we’re asked… the answer lies in our history! One evening in December, 2003, mentor and former apprentices reunited to share their jewelry creations with Mankato. The GOLDSMITHS REUNION, or GSR for short, was created. We’ve come a long way in 17 years! In our first year, we had three artists gather for one evening, and in 2018 we welcomed more than 45 artists for a two-day event.
What can I expect?
Where should I park?
The City of Mankato provides lots of options on their website.
How does it work?
We’re a juried show. In September of each year, artists submit an application with photos of their work. Artists pay a booth fee to participate, and the money pays for our event space and marketing. All administrative work is done by a team of volunteers.
Can I volunteer?
Oh yes! We’d love for you to lend a hand, fill out the form below or send us an email, and let us know you want to help. We’ve got jobs as easy as hanging posters around town, or helping with set-up and take-down. Or if you’d like to get more involved, we’ve got bigger jobs like grant writing or seeking local sponsorships.
What % of sales does the GSR take?
Our 2024 Sponsors
