By Rosalie Block, Art Talk

When I was a young mom, with four children underfoot, I would often try to impress them with how hard I had it as a kid and, therefore, how easy their lives were.

I would start out by saying, &8220;You know, when I grew up on a farm, my sister and I had to walk a mile and a half to school.&8221; (And, of course, we did &045; on nice spring days and if we felt like it.

Otherwise, Daddy always gave us a ride. But that was on a need-to-know basis, I figured.)

&8220;We know, Mom, you&8217;ve told us a million times. You had to go through snow drifts 10 feet tall; you were barefoot and in your underwear; and it was uphill both ways.&8221;

So you can see why, after raising this crew, I&8217;ve wondered about kids ever since. Are they really worth the hassle?

Come down to the Albert Lea Art Center this month, and I think your faith will be renewed, if it has been wavering. What artistic gems are on display from preschools through sixth grade!

Delightful self portraits, fish that could swim right off the paper, weaving, and clay castles, lions in cages, snow scenes and trees and just all kinds of good stuff!

You are welcome to come any time to visit on Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m., or on

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. An open house is planned for Sunday, March 18, from 1 to 3 p.m., so this is a reception for anyone who can make it.

If you are interested in attending an art needs assessment meeting at the Art Center, representatives from the South East Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) will be here at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 31.

And don&8217;t forget to look us up at the Home and Recreation Show from March 23-25 at the Albert Lea City Arena. We are sharing a booth with ACT, Albert Lea Community Theatre, so that should be a wee bit of fun for everyone.

Have we had to worry about our spare time lately? No, not really. Do visit us whenever and wherever it works for you. As you know, everyone is welcome at the Art Center. The reason we all work hard down here is to give our community a feel for what is being done by talented people in this area, and without a doubt, that includes the youngsters and their teachers who have created such intriguing art work together.

Maybe some assurance is necessary. My kids did turn out pretty good after all. And you all know how grandchildren are &045; our three are just plumb perfect!

Rosalie Block is the coordinator of the Albert Lea Art Center.