A new exhibit opening at the Freeborn County Arts Initiative this week aims to take viewers to places across the world from the comfort of Albert Lea.

Titled “Going Places,” the mixed-media, juried exhibition includes artists from Albert Lea, the region and around the country. It will run from Tuesday through Feb. 27.

“The theme is travel and adventure, which is very fitting for a time when many of us in Minnesota find ourselves struggling to stay warm amid subzero temperatures,” said Elisha Marin, president of the Freeborn County Arts Initiative. “Our goal is to provide a respite from the winter winds in a warm, friendly environment and allow our visitors to feel as though they’ve been transported through the power of visual art.”

Artist Susanne Crane, who helped in founding the Freeborn County Arts Initiative, said the show is intended for all the people who are not snowbirds, who wait out the winter in Minnesota and who keep things running after the others have fled the cold.

“We (the Freeborn County Arts Initiative) wanted to give people an imaginary trip to many fantastic places, both real and imagined, all without having to leave town and in the warmth of our new gallery,” Crane said.

While there are artists included in the show from across the nation, the show includes images from the whole world. The show has work from several disciplines: photography, oil and acrylic painting, digital collage and graffiti, to name a few.

Local artists such as Donavan Skinner and Julie Bronson will be included in the exhibit, along with national artists Cassidy Kristiansen of Connecticut and Jennifer Mowry of New Hampshire.

“‘Going Places’ is a great opportunity to both attract artists to our community and invest in the culture of southern Minnesota,” Marin said.

The gallery, at 224 S. Broadway, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

An artist reception is scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 13.

People are encouraged to draw or write down their favorite places to visit on a  piece of paper and place the paper in an open suitcase in the gallery.

“Let’s all dream together and have an interesting conversation about somewhere special,” states a sign near the entrance.

The show comes as the Freeborn County Arts Initiative has obtained legal 501(c)3 status.

“We could not be more happy,” Crane said.

If you go 

What: “Going Places” exhibit

When: Jan. 19-Feb. 27, open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. An artist reception will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 13

Where: Freeborn County Arts Initiative, 224 S. Broadway