As if a symbol of the community's connection to farming, the Mills Farmers Elevator dominates the small town's skyline. The town of just under 1,000 people is located in Otter Tail County in west central Minnesota. Although it is not on the shores of one of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes, it lies about ten miles from many. This growing community is enriched by arts programming at the Regional Cultural Center and by artists participating in the Arts Retreat Program. It is a typical farm community.
Life evolves around the farm economy, family, church, and school.
The Arts Retreat encourages visiting artists to become involved in the community. Direct contact with the community is accomplished through an outreach program. Artists spend a small amount of their retreat time offering their skills in schools, workshops, or mentoring interested individuals. The New York Mills Arts Retreat operates from the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. Visiting artists are welcome to attend performances at the Cultural Center and have the option of working in our studio space on the second floor.