Community in Action at Weingart Pavillion
From personal storytelling and knitting gatherings to professional mentoring and arts education, February programming at the Weingart Pavilion.
The Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion, located in Renfrow Hall, is designed to bring people together — creating opportunities for collaboration, learning, and shared experiences between campus and the greater Grinnell community. In February, a diverse lineup of events — from personal storytelling and knitting gatherings to professional mentoring and arts education — brought that mission to life.
Feb 3: Humanities Iowa Open Book Series
The Humanities Iowa Open Book Series is a recurring event this spring where Iowan participants are invited to share their personal and meaningful life stories. In partnership with Humanities Iowa and CultureALL, Open Book invites participants into small-group conversations centered on real Iowans sharing meaningful life stories. This facilitated program fosters empathy, understanding, and connection through listening, reflection, and respectful dialogue. Meetings will be held on March 3, April 7, and May 5 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Feb 5: Sit-n-Knit
The Sit-n-Knit group have been meeting since the 1960s and meet regularly on Thursday afternoons, often at the Weingart Pavillion. Check the Grinnell College Calendar to see when they will meet in the Weingart Pavilion.The group practices knitting and connects with each other in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The group welcomes newcomers of any skill level!
Susan Willig, a prominent member in the group, shares, “The group has enjoyed gathering around the long tables and sitting and knitting! Last week there were a record 20 people there which included mostly knitters but also a beader and two people learning to knit.”
Feb 19: Connecting for Women Morning Mentoring
The Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce Connecting for Women Series offers women community members a chance to connect and build social and professional relationships.
Feb 25: Bucket Course: Updates from the Grinnell Area Arts Council
The Grinnell Area Arts Council shared updates regarding their programming and presented on the history of the council as a part of a Bucket Course series that takes place in the Weingart Pavillion. Bucket Courses are a free educational program in Grinnell where topic experts teach on various topics.
Monica St. Angelo, Executive Director of the Grinnell Area Arts Council shared, “I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to present to the Bucket Course! I was able to provide a quick recap of the evolution of the Grinnell Area Arts Council since 1979, an update of where we are today and share plans! The Bucket Course audience had great questions and feedback. Thanks to Grinnell College for this wonderful option to connect with our community in a beautiful space.”
Interested in Hosting an Event?
To host your own event at the Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion, reservations are open to both the college and the wider community. Local community members interested in using the space can reach out to Donnette Ellis, Grinnell College Community Relations Coordinator, at 641-269-3900 to inquire about availability and booking. Students, faculty, and staff may reserve the Pavilion through the 25Live system or by contacting Event Coordination & Scheduling at 641-269-3178. Designed as a collaborative hub, the Weingart Pavilion welcomes gatherings that foster connection, learning, and community engagement.