The Albert Lea Art Center celebrated in high fashion on Sunday, Jan. 18. The occasion was the “Celebration of Art and Artists” opening reception, the art show that contains the work of almost seventy artists who are members of the Art Center, who have shown their work in the galleries, or who have taken classes sponsored by the Art Center. This event was held in honor of the 50-year history of the organization and to dedicate the Love Cruikshank Gallery.

Throughout those fifty years, it is the volunteers that have kept the Art Center alive and growing. Some of them have been honored with their names on galleries, Lloyd Herfindahl, Bernice Storrer, and Love Cruikshank, but most of the volunteers who work behind the scenes never receive the recognition they deserve. It is with this in mind that we wish to thank Geri McShane for the article in the Jan. 11 Tribune, Art Center Coordinator Stacy Felt and Ce-Ce Brekke for their behind-the-scenes work, Rachel Lund Chirstensen for the beautiful harp music at the event, Tom and Mary Ferleman for welcoming all of the guests, Bev Jackson Cotter for coordinating the exhibits, Harlan Bang for helping to hang the show and for serving as master of ceremonies, Maren Ring for hosting the Cruikshank Gallery dedication, Lu Callstrom for her support of the mission of the Art Center, Grace Skaar for helping with the displays, Eloise Adams for making the artist name tags, Peg Shelton and Marlene Behle for co-chairing the food committee and Donna Widenhoefer, Beth Tostenson, Mary Ann Dixen, Jerry Kaphers, Marlene and Peg for providing the delicious hors d’oeuvres and punch.

Thanks, too, to all of the artists and art connoisseurs who were willing to share their paintings, photographs, and three dimensional works for the show. The exhibit will continue until Feb. 21. Please stop at the Albert Lea Art Center, 224 South Broadway, Tuesday through Friday noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and enjoy this special 50th anniversary event, “The Celebration of Arts and Artists.”

Marlene Behle and

Bev Jackson Cotter, co-chairwomen

Albert Lea Art Center 50th anniversary activities