Dakota Center for the Arts History

Today – The primary focus of Dakota Center for the Arts is the Eagan Art Festival Event, Scholarships for seniors entering an arts field, and support of activities of the City of Eagan Art House and events at Art Works.                                                                  2020 – For the first time in its history, the Eagan Art Festival was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The artists were presented “virtually” on the home page.                           2017 – The Eagan Art Festival moved into the new Art Works Eagan building utilizing shared office/storage/and meeting space as an Organizational Member.  We are grateful to the Eagan Art House for hosting the festival for many years.  The partnership remains strong!
2013 – Added a second Terry B. Davis Scholarship given to a graduating senior from Eagan going into the arts.
2012 – Held the first Eagan annual  “Winter Art Experience” with partners Byerly’s and the Eagan Art House.
2011 – Granted our first Terry B. Davis Scholarship in honor of our past president, given to a graduating senior from Eagan going into the arts.
2007 – Dakota Center for the Arts registered “Eagan Art Festival” as an assumed name with the state of Minnesota.
2007 – Operations of the Art House were turned over to Eagan Parks and Recreation Department.
2001 – Dakota Center for the Arts hired a part time director to manage the Art House and sponsored “Yankee Doodle Arts and Crafts Festival” for the first time.
2000 – Assets of the “Yankee Doodle Arts and Crafts Festival” are donated to Dakota Center for the Arts.
1999 – Dakota Center for the Arts and Eagan Arts and Humanities Council merged to form Dakota Center for the Arts located in Eagan.
1998 – Dakota Center for the Arts proposed a merger with Eagan Arts and Humanities Council.
1997 – The first classes were held at the “The Art House” by Eagan Arts and Humanities Council in partnership with Eagan Parks and Recreation Department.
1997 – Eagan Arts and Humanities Council was formed by a core group of volunteers as a nonprofit organization.
1997 – City of Eagan took possession of the house and property following the passing of Lillian McCarthy.
1991 – City of Eagan acquired the Lillian McCarthy house and property under a “life estate” agreement.
1980 – Fine Art Society of Dakota County amended its name to Dakota Center for the Arts.
1961 – Fine Art Society of Dakota County located in South St. Paul was chartered by the state of Minnesota as a nonprofit corporation.

THIS LEGACY ORGANIZATION IS THE OLDEST NONPROFIT ARTS ORGANIZATION IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.