The YES! House is an in-progress creative community gathering space located at 726 Prentice Street in Granite Falls, MN.
The programming and design of the space was determined through a year-long (and ongoing!) Artist-Led Design Build process facilitated by local and national artists and architects including Homeboat, MO/EN Design Practice, and the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership. We spent a year gathering input from the local community about the types of programming and facilities that would be most beneficial to the residents. We also mapped existing community assets to avoid duplication of resources and services, as our goal is to amplify and complement the incredible work of artists and community members already thriving in the region. Learn more about the process, progress, and plans here.
The YES! House is currently an active construction zone, but we’re hosting events, tours, and open hours as possible! Please contact The YES! House Program Coordinator Luwaina Al-Otaibi, if you’d like to stop by!
And, please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the most up-to-date hours, happenings, and opportunities to volunteer!
OPEN HOURS: Every Monday & Wednesday from 10AM–2PM, Tuesdays 3pM–7pm
The YES! House has “Open Hours” from 10AM–2PM on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Tuesdays 3PM–7PM for anyone to stop on by! Come read a book, have a conversation, work on your laptop, play a game, ask a question, or just say hello!
SATURDAY HANGOUTS: Every week 10AM–1PM
Join a different member of the Creative Collaboration Team every Saturday from 10AM–1PM! They will be hosting different types of hangouts and activities based on their interests, so check out our social media pages at the beginning of every week to see what each team member has planned for that upcoming Saturday!
Meet Luwaina!
Luwaina is a creative event organizer, collaborator, environmental advocate, and artist! Born and raised in the Middle East, she moved to the US at the age of 17 to attend University where she received a degree in Environmental Science. Nine years ago she moved to her mother’s small hometown of Granite Falls for, what was supposed to be, just a short period of time. She ended up falling in love with the riverside town and found her passion embedding herself in the vibrant arts community through her work as Bluenose Gopher’s first Chief Operating Officer. Collaborating with musicians, dancers, foragers, theater artists and more to help create local events, proving that art of all shapes and sizes is an essential piece of any thriving downtown. Luwaina lives in Granite Falls with her two cats and dog. She enjoys the beauty of the Minnesota River Valley by kayaking the rivers and hiking the land.
As Program Coordinator, Luwaina activates The YES! House with events and regular open hours, supports community activities in Granite Falls and throughout Southwest Minnesota, and coordinates local event and project committees. Want to get involved? email Luwaina
Meet the Creative Collaboration Team!
The Creative Collaboration Team (CCT) is a group of 9 local artists and community members who meet monthly to discuss programming ideas, plan events, and spread the word about the happenings at The YES! House. Current CCT members include Mary Gillespie, Nicole Zempel, Beth Pullan (local DoPT Board member), Jeremy Radtke, Joe Hauger, Edwin McGill, Janel Guertin, Tyler Gastecki, and Allie Tulinstef. The CCT is led by Luwaina Al-Otaibi, Program Coordinator for The YES! House.