Join the Minnesota Humanities Center, Danger Boat Productions, and the Emily Mine Information Group for a special return visit of the Sketches of Minnesota civic improv comedy tour! These free events use laughter and comedy to celebrate Minnesota communities, promote dialogue, bridge divides, and help find ways to work constructively across differences in today’s political environment.
This year, Sketches of Minnesota is back and is partnering with the Emily Mine Information Group on a special event that will use laughter and comedy to dive into an important community conversation exploring the potential impacts of a manganese mine in Emily.
The evening will begin with a social hour and free dinner, followed by a facilitated conversation with two experts who will share information about mine permitting, groundwater interaction with the manganese deposit, and potential impacts of the proposed mine. Audience members will engage with the information presented through both a Q&A and improv comedy show.
Date: August 18th, 2026
Time: Doors & Community Exhibit Viewing: 4:30PM, Dinner: 5:30PM, Show: To Follow
Location: Emily City Hall, 44483 Minnesota 6, Emily, MN 56447
Cost: Free
Host Partner: Emily Mine Information Group
Emily Mine Information Group’s mission is to “evaluate and disseminate information regarding the risks and benefits of the proposed Emily manganese mine to support economic opportunities in a manner consistent with sound natural resource conservation and community health.”
About the Speakers
Joy Anderson, JD-MN Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) reviews mine permitting process and public input opportunities. Before joining MCEA, Joy was a shareholder at Minneapolis law firm Gray Plant Mooty, where she litigated cases and headed the firm’s pro bono program. Joy has provided more than 1,200 hours of pro bono service and was named a 2018 Minnesota Attorney of the Year for her work on a pro bono case. She earned her law degree at William Mitchell College of Law and her B.A. in English and print journalism from the University of St. Thomas.
Bob Karls is a hydrogeologist with over 46 years of experience in solving environmental challenges. He has spent 40 years in consulting but has also worked for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the US Geological Survey. Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology and a master’s degree in Hydrology, from University of Minnesota and Arizona University respectively. Bob is also on the Board of Directors of the Northern Waters Land Trust.
What Happens at a Sketches of Minnesota Show?
How the Event Works
1. Community Gathering and Meal
We collaborate with a local community organization to invite people from all areas of the community. As we facilitate the creation of new friendships and nurture existing bonds, we provide a free catered meal and ask that people consider sitting at tables with people that they did not drive with to the event.
2. Good Conversation
Over dinner, comedians from Danger Boat Productions and staff from the Minnesota Humanities Center guide community members and friends through a facilitated conversation using the following questions:
What makes their town great?
What do people get wrong about their town?
What challenges do they see for their town?
What future do they hope for their town?
3. Improv Performance
The Danger Boat cast then takes the stage, doing an improv show inspired entirely by the reflections on the participants. The show creates smiles, laughter and fun while providing insight into the pertinent issues facing the community.
4. Town Talk Back
Being good hosts, leaders from MHC and Danger Boat facilitate an audience Talk Back after the performance to give them an opportunity to discuss what they saw, heard, enjoyed, what was moving, and sparked their interest to know more.
Brought To You By
The work of the Minnesota Humanities Center is to create a stronger Minnesota by increasing our understanding of the beauty, wisdom and stories of its people. Through partnerships, we facilitate the spaces, like Sketches of Minnesota, that seek to build connections and deepen understanding of ourselves and our communities in pursuit of a more just society. In addition to the incredible organizations and individuals organizing these performances, we thank the financial sponsors of this work:
Sketches of Minnesota is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008, and by the National Endowment for the Humanities.