“Truly a grassroots movement, in the sense that a number of local artists and would-be artists, needed it, wanted it, and combined their efforts to establish it, at one and the same time, it has grown and flourished over the years.” — Love Cruikshank, Albert Lea writer and arts advocate in the “Freeborn County Heritage Book 1988”

The Albert Lea Art Center — an enthusiastic group of people encouraging arts enjoyment by people of all ages, and proud of their addition to the cultural heritage of Albert Lea and the surrounding area. — Mission Statement: “To create, educate, promote and showcase the arts.”

The perfect ingredients for formation of an arts organization came together in a painting class given by local artist Lloyd Herfindahl early in 1959. His students wanted the opportunity to learn, to display their works, and to share their enthusiasm with others.

With the strong encouragement of Herfindahl, who became their art director, they formed the Albert Lea Art Center on March 4, 1959, choosing a board of directors, electing officers, beginning the process of incorporation, and framing by-laws.

Their first meetings were held at the Federal Savings and Loan (now Home Federal Savings Bank), and exhibits took place in the Skinner Chamberlain Department Store (in 2009 the Brick Furniture Store), the Spanish Dining Room of the Hotel Albert (the present site of U.S. Bank), and Central Park. One of the earliest exhibits was held in a local church meeting room. Legend has it that an abstract painting of a nude became a point of controversy and was removed from the display.

While developing a venue of classes, exhibits, Art in the Park, the winter art show and other activities, the organization began searching for a permanent home. Temporary headquarters were found on Grove Avenue in a house slated to be removed when the new hospital was built. Then an unused laundry building became available and the group worked long and hard, painting, cleaning, and fixing it up. When the owner changed his mind, the arts group was again homeless.

In 1975, the Albert Lea Art Center purchased the oldest church building in Albert Lea, located at 501 W. Main St. Finally, they had a home for temporary exhibits, meetings, classes, programs, receptions, and for display of the growing permanent collection.

In 1984, two 25-year anniversary events were held at the Albert Lea Inn, one recognizing internationally known artist Lloyd Herfindahl, founder, and the other an all-member show recognizing the contributions of area arts enthusiasts in both the visual arts and music.

In 1986, with a federal revenue sharing grant provided by the city of Albert Lea and the generosity of the community during a major fund drive, the Art Center was able to purchase the Rivoli Mini Mall at 224 S. Broadway Ave. The first year, the Art Center was housed in the largest gallery, and over the years gradually expanded to other areas as the spaces became available. The center now contains the Herfindahl, Storrer and Cruikshank galleries and Art on Broadway, the original art and art supply store. Of special interest, the Art Center board was thrilled to own the historic Rivoli Theatre and conservatory built by Dr. William Bessessen for his wife, Beatrice Gjertson Bessessen, an acclaimed opera singer.

In 2005, the building was purchased by artist Susanne Crane with the hope of restoring the upper two floors, anticipating their use as studio and apartment. The first floor continues to provide a center for the cultural arts in this community and a home for the Albert Lea Art Center.

— Bev Jackson Cotter