An upcoming fundraiser for the Albert Lea Art Center will feature local artist Barb Butler. More than 80 of her paintings will be for sale with funds from each sale going to the Art Center.

Butler’s artistry has blossomed in her retirement, because she now has the time to devote to her paintings. She said she’s always wanted to spend her time painting but she often was only able to steal time in small increments, like when her children wanted to go to the beach.

“There was never time to paint,” Butler said.

But now there is, and she wants to use her talents to help the Art Center in any way she can. She’s been a member of the Art Center for more than 40 years, and she and her husband, Tom, started the Art Center’s store in the ’90s. She’s hopeful the Art Center can continue to grow and expand and was glad to help out at the upcoming fundraiser, the fourth annual Celebrating the Arts & Artists event that will begin at 5 p.m. Friday at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club.

Butler said she will have between 80 to 100 paintings for sale at the event, and half the cost of each painting sold will go to the Art Center. She has a variety of sizes of paintings and might even have a sale table for those on a budget. And, for $600 one person or family will get the opportunity to commission a painting by Butler.

“That should hopefully draw some people,” Butler said.

Butler’s work is diverse. She is well known for her florals, watercolors and acrylics that depict scenes from her travels. She’s been working on making new paintings over the past year for this event.

“This is the biggest show I’ve ever done,” Butler said.

She has enjoyed learning more and more about painting as she goes. Butler said working on paintings has helped her grow as a person and as a painter.

“All people are creative in different ways that we don’t always appreciate,” she said.

 

More about the event

Entertainment at Celebrating the Arts & Artists includes Gary Schindler and Steve Bowron as masters of ceremony, Norrine Jensen on piano and Bill Beuge and friends singing Tuscan favorites. Butler will also be painting at the event so people can see how she creates her works of art.

There will be wine tasting from regional breweries sponsored by Fountain Lake Liquor, a silent auction, appetizers and a cash bar. The public is invited to attend.

Tickets are $20 and are available at the Art Center or at the door.

The Albert Lea Art Center’s mission is to create, educate, promote and showcase the arts. The goal of the fourth annual Celebrating the Arts & Artists event is to promote artists in the community and encourage public participation in the Art Center.

 

If you go

What: fourth annual Celebrating the Arts & Artists

When: 5 p.m. Friday

Where: Wedgewood Cove Golf Club

How much: $20; tickets can be purchased in advance at the Art Center