From Tribune staff reports

January is the beginning of the Albert Lea Art Center’s membership drive.

Anyone who is interested in keeping the arts alive in the community is encourated to support the art center by becoming a member.

Individual memberships start at $20 for seniors, $25 for individuals and $35 for families. If you are interested in a higher level of support for the art center, special memberships are available:

Patron at $100, Silver at $250, Gold at $500 and Sustaining at $1,000 and above. Those members who contribute at these higher levels will have their names displayed at the art center and in each of the newsletters that are published during the membership year.

You do not have to be an artist to become a member; anyone who loves art is encouraged to join.

There are many opportunities to participate in the arts by being a member, such as hosting an event, volunteering in the galleries, at the art and garden tour, or at festivals.

The Albert Lea Art Center hosts several events each year, including: All-member show in January, K-6 and 7-12 school art show in March and April; Festival of Arts at Northbridge Mall on April 1 and 2, Art and garden tour in June/July; Art in the Park in August; painting pumpkins fund-raiser in October; and the Festival of Trees in November/December.

One of the new features at the art center will be an artist gathering, starting on Feb. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. and on the first Thursday of each month after. This will be an evening for artists to gather and share their work.

Another new feature is the Kids Club with Kathy Cook and other artists. This class begins Jan. 8, and will continue on Feb. 12, March 12, April 9, May 14 and June 11 in art center workroom. This class will run from 10 to 12 on the second Saturday of each month. You may sign up for one or more at $5 each or all six for $25. The purpose of this class is to introduce children to the connection between themselves, their community and art. Each month has a main project with additional projects ready if there is time. Registration is through Community Education at 379-4834.

Admission to the art center’s shows is a free will donation and no one is turned away for lack of money.

Other membership benefits include: art center newsletter three to four times per year, discounts on classes and art space at events, the opportunity to consign work in the gift shop and much, much, more.

The Albert Lea Art Center recently presented Joe Nelson with a lifetime membership to the art center for his dedication to the arts over the years. Nelson participates in many of the art center events and puts in many volunteer hours at the art center.

Nelson is a lifelong resident of Albert Lea.

His medium of choice is yarn and canvas to create some interesting latch-hooked rugs and wall hangings.

His first experience with latch hooking was in 1982 when his mom bought him a kit.

After getting “hooked” he started designing his own ideas.

One person who has kept encouraging him over the years is his mentor Paul Philbrook (artist and former Albert Lea resident).

Nelson’s rugs or wall hangings are made with two strands of yarn of different colors.

He usually cuts his own yard, but uses precut now and then to give his pieces depth and texture.

His favorite color is turquoise, which is found in most of his pieces.

His main theme is “Squares of My Mind.&uot;

His work ranges in size from 27 by 20 inches to 60 by 198 inches.

His pieces can be found in homes in Albert Lea, Minneapolis, southern Iowa and as far away as Trinidad.

&uot;Joe’s love of the arts is a great gift to the art center and we hope that more people will follow in his footsteps to volunteer,&uot; said Annette O’Donnell, art center coordinator. &uot;You do not have to purchase a membership to be a volunteer. You get to see all the new art shows, help support a better quality of life in our community, and spend time in a beautiful and friendly atmosphere. While you sit in the gallery you can: read a book, draw a picture, write letters or knit a sweater.&uot;

Gallery shifts are from noon to 2 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon and noon to 2 p.m.

People can take as many or as few time slots as they wish.

Duties include greeting patrons and having them sign the guest book.

Call the art center, 373-5665, for more information.