Events & Programs at the Center
Upcoming Events
Gold, Ghosts, and Grit: How a ‘Boom-and-Bust’ Town Still Survives
Thursday, February 20th, 5:30p.m, at the LC State Center for Arts & History.
In conjunction with the Center's current exhibit "Ghost Towns: The Photography of Denes G. Istvanffy," Dr. Amy Canfield's presentation explores the history of Virginia City, Montana, from its glory years as a major mining center to its “bust” years once the gold played out to its new life as a site for historic structure preservation, historical tourism, and education.
Admission is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
The Incredible Saga of the Montana, Wyoming and Southern and Yellowstone Park Railroads
Thursday, February 27th, 5:30p.m. PST.
Virtual event - Zoom only
Join author Robert Schalla as he delves into fascinating story of Frank Avery Hall and his dream of building a tourist railroad to Yellowstone National Park. This talk is in conjunction with the Center's current exhibit "Montana's Black Gold: Underground Coal Mining Communities, 1880-1950."
In Black Diamonds from the Treasure State, Schalla examines early efforts to bring rail transport to the New World Mining District near the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park and Red Lodge–Bear Creek Coal Field in south-central Montana. The saga began with a chance discovery in 1866 and follows the exploits of individuals who worked to bring rail transport to the mines of southern Montana.
Join us at the Center for a closing reception for the two WHC traveling exhibits, "Montana's Black Gold" and "Ghost Towns."
Explore the rich history and stories of Montana's coal mining heritage, and discover the eerie beauty of the state's forgotten ghost towns. This is your last chance to experience these exhibits before they’re gone!
Friday, February 28th, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be served.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Past Events
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Join the Confluence Writers for an evening of stories, essays, poems, and music on Thursday, October 3rd, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the LC State Center for Arts & History. This is a family-friendly event. Refreshments will be served.
Admission is free and open to the public.
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The LC State Center for Arts & History is excited to host an Artist Talk with Jason Sievers. Join us as he discusses his exhibition "Portals," offering a glimpse into his creative process and the inspiration behind his work. This is a great opportunity to engage with the artist and gain deeper insights into his art.
Jason Sievers, a Lewiston High School graduate and current Boise resident, is a graphic designer, animator, and photographer.
This event is free and open to the public, and coincides with Beautiful Downtown Lewiston’s ArtWalk.
Friday, October 4th, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 5th, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Whether you're an art enthusiast or a family looking for a fun-filled day, Beautiful Downtown Lewiston's Artwalk offers something for everyone! Be sure to stop by the Center for Arts & History!
Friday Night Downtown Artwalk:
Join us Friday from 5 PM to 9 PM for an evening of art, culture, and creativity. Stroll along Main Street as local shops showcase the incredible talents of regional artists. There will be a special Nimiipuu opening ceremony and performance.
Family-Friendly Fun on Saturday:
Bring the family on Saturday from 12 PM to 4 PM for a day of activities and crafts for all ages. It’s the perfect opportunity to engage with the community, explore new art, and create lasting memories.
Friday, October 11th, 7:00 p.m.
Ricardo Ruiz is a 2023 winner of the Washington book award for his poetry collection, We Had Our Reasons, which he created in collaboration with other members of the Mexican farm community in Eastern Washington.
As his website explains, the poems, vivid and pointed, guide the reader through the thoughts and struggles that come with the decision to leave one’s home in Mexico, and travel to this remote, rural community of the United States. Throughout the book, access is provided to readers; stories that have gone untold for generations are now shared, evoking conversation at home and within the community due to the commonality of experiences.
A glimpse into the multi-generational effects of migration is seen through the recounting of the stories of both parents and their children—both documented and undocumented. Ricardo’s raw and unapologetic style cuts right into the emotions of each moment divulged in short, punching, powerful pieces.
Biographies and transcripts follow the poems, showcasing the origins of the stories and the people in the book.
Copies of Ruiz's book will be available for purchase at the event; cash or check only.
This event is sponsored by the Rosehill Fund, LC State's Humanities Division, and the Center for Arts and History. This event is free and open to the public.
The Center will be closed to the public Tuesday, October 15th and Wednesday, October 16th for a private event. Normal hours of operation will resume Thursday, October 17th.
12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Pumpkin Palooza in Downtown Lewiston is a free fall festival on the last Saturday in October from 12-4 PM. The event features games, crafts, a costume contest for humans and fur babies, and an artisan fair. Activities include pumpkin golfing, spooky tic-tac-toe, and the Great Pumpkin Roll, with chances to win $300 cash! The artisan market offers handmade products from local and regional small businesses. Here are some more details on what you can expect.
For more information, visit the BDL's Pumpkin Palooza website
