New York Mills Gallery Opens Circle of Friends, Honors Cheryl Bannes

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center opened Circle of Friends on December 3, 2025, presenting a collection that pays tribute to Cheryl Bannes and the network of artists and organizers she cultivated. The exhibition centers local work and reflects the region's artistic collaborations, arriving as part of the Cultural Center's ongoing slate of performances and community programming.

For residents of Otter Tail County, the exhibition is more than a display of artworks. It is an affirmation that creative spaces can be anchors for social connection and mental wellbeing in rural communities. The gallery brings people together in a shared public space, offering opportunities for intergenerational engagement, volunteer activity, and informal support networks that can mitigate isolation among older adults and those with limited social resources.

The Cultural Center has long positioned itself as a hub for cultural life in the region. Circle of Friends continues that mission by celebrating the work of local artists and by reinforcing cultural identity as a public good. Sustained programming of this kind contributes to community resilience. Public investment in arts programming can be understood as part of a broader approach to health equity, by addressing social determinants of health such as social inclusion, creative expression, and opportunities for civic participation.

Access remains a key concern in ensuring the exhibition serves the whole county. Rural transportation barriers, variable digital access, and economic constraints can limit who benefits from cultural events. Strengthening partnerships between the Cultural Center, local health providers, elder services, and schools could expand reach and ensure exhibitions like Circle of Friends support those who stand to gain most from community engagement.

The exhibition also serves as a reminder that leadership transition in community institutions matters. Honoring Cheryl Bannes highlights the contributions of individuals who build creative ecosystems, and points to the need for sustained support to nurture successors and volunteers who carry that work forward.

The Cultural Center continues to present performances and community programming throughout the season, offering ongoing opportunities for residents to connect with local art, each other, and the shared civic life of Otter Tail County.