Art Lives Here: The Creative Heart of Ely

Art Lives Here – Week 5 | Northern Lakes Arts Association

“I never thought I’d take dance classes, but I fell in love laughing and dancing with friends in swing class. I have many friends who are newly into the theater world. It’s brought us all closer—like Ely is becoming something even more beautiful together.”— Shared by a young adult participant

In Ely, Minnesota, our sense of place runs deep. Surrounded by wilderness, steeped in history, and shaped by generations of resilient, creative people, our town has long been defined by the strength of its natural beauty. But if you look closely, there’s another thread woven just as tightly into our identity: the arts.

The arts in Ely aren’t an afterthought. They are infrastructure. Just as our town depends on roads and waterlines, we rely on rehearsal halls, gallery walls, and performance spaces—places where stories are told, talents are nurtured, and neighbors become community.

Children in colorful costumes gather backstage at the 2004 Youth Summer Theater Camp at Washington Elementary School in Ely, MN, eagerly preparing for their performance.

Since 1986, the Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) has helped define what it means to live and belong in Ely. Through theater, visual arts, youth education, and public programming, NLAA has been both a mirror and a beacon—reflecting our community’s values while offering new possibilities for expression, connection, and growth.

“NLAA has brought an uplifting, enthusiastic energy to town that fosters real community-building, appreciation and participation in high quality art.”— Shared by a longtime Ely resident

Whether it’s a child’s first standing ovation at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theatre or the shared stillness of neighbors watching a painter at work, these artistic moments build more than memories. They build belonging.

“Reflections gave a place for my child to succeed—and a place for me to feel almost a part of a community.”— A local parent reflected

This week, our Art Lives Here campaign celebrates how creativity shapes rural identity. Ely is famous for its lakes and wilderness—but it’s just as much defined by every mural, melody, and monologue. Our streets hold stories painted on walls. Our stages echo with voices that carry the experiences of generations. Behind every brushstroke or curtain call is a reminder: the arts make us who we are.

The cast of the 1993 production of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" display their vibrant and imaginative costumes, bringing the magical world of Narnia to life on stage.

“Fiddler was the first time I got back into the arts. It was the perfectly timed show to share with the community.”— Shared by a returning performer

Over the decades, NLAA has produced hundreds of performances, hosted dozens of exhibitions, and invited artists of all ages to explore their potential. From summer theater camps to professional productions, we’ve seen timid kids bloom into confident artists. We’ve watched seasoned performers collaborate with neighbors, visitors, and students alike.

“I love seeing both professional actors and our community members working together, learning from each other and elevating the performances.”— A theatergoer noted

Projects like the Ely Mural Project, Broadway in the Boundary Waters, and Reflections Dance Company have transformed Ely’s cultural landscape. They’ve brought art into public spaces, built bridges between generations, and turned our downtown into a year-round destination.

“It used to be that we had only a Fall and Spring community play. Now, there is a wealth of programs throughout the entire year.”— Noted by a regular audience member

And this isn’t just cultural enrichment—it’s economic. Ely may be known for outfitters and portages, but it’s the NLAA calendar that keeps our downtown vibrant after the last canoe is stored away. Theaters and galleries bring traffic to local shops, restaurants, and lodging, extending our vitality beyond the tourist season.

Cast of NLAA's 2011 production of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" celebrating during a lively rehearsal.

This week’s celebrates that spirit. From landmark murals to joyful rehearsals, we’re highlighting the images that remind us: Ely’s creative identity is always evolving—and always rooted in shared experience.

We revisit productions like Bright Star, Matilda, and Reflections on Water—events that didn’t just entertain. They shaped lives. They offered first steps into a creative world, sparked friendships, and reminded us that storytelling belongs to everyone.

“Bright Star blew me away… I left the theater with so much to think about. A good thing.”— Reflected one audience member

“Every performance I’ve attended left me feeling proud to live in Ely.”— Said a longtime supporter

As federal arts funding becomes more precarious, it’s more vital than ever for rural communities like ours to protect and invest in local creativity. NLAA does this work every day—but only with your help.

So we invite you:

Come see a show. Sign up for a workshop. Walk the mural trail. Or simply share your story.

The arts don’t just live in Ely—they sustain it.They carry our history.They call us together.They give us reason to imagine.

Art lives here. And with your support, it always will.

👉 Join us at northernlakesarts.org