Some 50 artists, past and present, will take part in the Albert Lea Art Center’s special all-member show, “The Anniversary Celebration of Arts & Artists.” The show opens Sunday, Jan. 18.

The event is being held in conjunction with the Art Center’s 50th anniversary in 2009.

“We’re really looking forward to this,” said Marlene Behle, one of the show’s organizers. “It’s something we haven’t thought about in a long time.”

An opening reception will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 18. Refreshments will be served and harpist Rachel Christensen will provide the music. There will be a special program at 2 p.m. dedicating the Love Cruikshank Gallery.

Looking through the Art Center’s scrapbooks, as well as Tribune clippings from shows through the years, Behle and fellow organizers have been surprised at what they’ve found.

“We’ve just been amazed at all the things the Art Center has done over the years,” she said.

They’ve run across photos and names of artists who became members of the Art Center while living in the community, and who have since moved on.

“People got a chance to showcase their art who normally wouldn’t have otherwise,” Behle said of what the Art Center offered artists.

In talking with people, she found that many of the artists have blossomed since having a show at the Albert Lea Art Center.

“This place let people know that they’re an artist,” said fellow organizer Bev Jackson.

“It let them know that it’s OK to be an artist,” added artist Harlan Bang, who has been an Art Center member for years.

Artist Diane Hill said she started out doing miniature art work, because she didn’t want to make too big a statement.

“For the times I’ve been here (at the Art Center), it’s helped encourage me,” she said. “I’ve felt like a real artist. I’ve felt like part of a supportive group.”

“With art as a common denominator,” added Bang.

Bang said everything people see is art — from glasses and blue jeans and sweaters to buildings on the street. And the Art Center helps celebrate that.

In inviting people back for the show, fellow organizer Bev Jackson said, “Most were very thrilled to be asked back.”

Artists who will have works in the show include: Jimmy Lovejoy, Brad Mangskau, Russ Adkins, Evelyn Matties, Eunice Isackson, Mavis Augustine Torke, Phyllis Walk, Marlys Jentoft, James Rychman, Bernie Anderson, Diane Hill, Steve Tubbs, Bonnie Broitzman, Jim Wegner, Ione Bell, Lu Callstrom, Emily Faugstad, Judy Gordon, Agnes Boss, Bev Jackson, Earl Jacobsen, Sue Rechtzigel, Linda Draper, Barb Cafourek, Harlan Bang, Ellen Saul, Sara Aeikens, Paul Philbrook, Carol Jacobs, Rory Mattson and John Skare.

Each artist has been asked to bring one piece in for the show. Longtime members who have died, including John Lacis, Lloyd Herfindahl, Stu Botten, Les Schroader, Pearl Ludke and Bob Muschler, will also be remembered with a piece each in the show.

And there will be more than just paintings on exhibit. There will also be photography, wood cuts, sculptures and more, Behle said.

“I hope we can bring back some memories,” she added.

Jackson said she hopes people will come and see this show.

“Come and celebrate what the arts have done for the community and what the community has done for the arts,” she said. “We’re proud to have been a part of the community for 50 years.”

The show runs through Feb. 21 Regular gallery hours are from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free, but donations are accepted to help defray Art Center expenses.