History (continued)

OAC's mission to make the arts accessible to the community and to promote creativity is also a part of the personal mission of Silvan Durben, its director from 1978 to the present. Under his guidance, the organization has thrived to become one of the top arts organizations in greater Minnesota. Its vitality is experienced in the classes that are offered every quarter for kids and adults, exhibitions by regional professional artists, and musical performances ranging from chamber music to folk. The Arts Center functions as Owatonna's living room.

Some of the three million people who go to Cabela's and the Medford Mall each year find a visit to the Owatonna Arts Center on their agenda, as well as visits to the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum, the downtown Owatonna area with its Louis Sullivan bank, and the Steele County Historical Society's Village of Yesteryear.

Adjacent to the OAC facilty in the main building is a museum dedicated to the history of the State School Orphanage. In 1993, work was begun on this project under the direction of Harvey and Maxine Ronglien. Exhibits are in place, telling the story of the school and the children who lived there. Entrance to the museum is on the front (east) side of the City administration building on West Hills Circle 8:00-5:00 during the week, or through the Owatonna Arts Center entrance on the southwest corner of the building on Garden View Lane 1:00-5:00 on weekends.