By Henry Rohlf 

Beginning today is a brand new gallery exhibit at The Albert Lea Art Center titled “Art Works from Our Travels.”

Chosen as the follow up to last year’s “My Favorite Things” gallery, “Art Works from Our Travels” gives members of the Art Center and local artists a chance to display pieces of work they created while on a trip, but also displays artwork that was purchased by travelers on their vacations, as well.

Joyce Purdy, the Art Center’s office manager, described the gallery exhibit as an opportunity for something new, but also to expand the number of exhibitors from the usual members. Displayed in the gallery exhibit will be 20 works of art including paintings, pottery, photographs and handmade sculptures, among others. Printed below the art will be a short commentary from the artists describing the story behind their art and why they chose to display it. One of the works displayed will be a piece of Armenian pottery from Jerusalem — a piece symbolizing the return of pottery-making to Jerusalem.

The Albert Lea Art Center is at 226 W. Clark St., and will have “Art Works from Our Travels” on public display starting today and continuing through July 9. The open house is from 1 to 3 p.m. today.