Art Center hosts holiday art show in place of Festival of Trees

 

Downtown Albert Lea is getting into the Christmas spirit, and The Albert Lea Art Center is no exception.

After putting on its annual Festival of Trees each year for some time, the Art Center decided to try something new this year.

“Celebrating the Art of the Season” opened at the Art Center on Nov. 8, and will stay open through Dec. 28. It showcases a number of different pieces from Art Center members that coincide with the cooler seasons and the holidays in a variety of mediums — wreaths, ornaments, centerpieces, swags, quilts and aprons — even a set for a child and their doll, to name a few.

“We decided to try something different this year,” Art Center President Darlyne Paulson said.

“We’re always looking for something new and different,” Art Center Artistic Director Beth Tostenson added.

The show has been a success so far, Paulson said, as the Art Center has received numerous compliments and more people coming in to look and purchase some of the items.

The Art Center isn’t just about painting, Paulson said, and the “Celebrating the Art of the Season” show embodies that.

This being the second holiday season the Art Center will spend in the 101 S. Broadway location in downtown Albert Lea, both Paulson and Tostenson said there have been more people stopping in than they would have seen at the Art Center’s former side-street location.

“We feel fortunate to be able to have such a wonderful venue for being a part of the community,” Tostenson said.

Girl Scouts were set to serve hot chocolate Thursday at the Art Center during the Holiday Bazaar, and a large frame with festive scenery that has been available in the past is set up for visitors to take pictures with.

“Celebrating the Art of the Season” can be seen at the Art Center when it’s open to the public through Dec. 28: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

 

If you go:

What: The Albert Lea Art Center’s “Celebrating the Art of the Season” show

When: through Dec. 28; Art Center hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Albert Lea Art Center, 101 S. Broadway in downtown Albert Lea

How much: admission is free