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By Ayanna Eckblad

The Freeborn County Arts Initiative is currently hosting a new art exhibition through Oct. 26. The exhibition, titled “Renewal,” features six regional artists: Theresa Harsma, EJ Hood, Carole Wilson, Andrea Blackmon, Elisha Marin and Susanne Crane.

All types of different art mediums are featured from paint and sculpture to mixed media and digital art.

The exhibition came about in a somewhat unique way as it was not scheduled several months in advance like the Arts Initiative typically plans events. Instead, it was created in the span of about two weeks after a different artist needed to pull out of their scheduled show. The organization needed something to fill that gap, and thus, “Renewal” was born.

Gallery committee member and featured artist, Susanne Crane, said the Arts Initiative always has a few exhibit ideas on standby in case of a gap such as this one. Typically the organization would host a meeting and vote on an exhibition idea. However, due to the short timeframe, committee members cast a digital vote. When the vote affirmed that the Arts Initiative could do the show, it was time to get to work.

Crane said she sent out messages to regional artists that she knew would have pieces correlating to the show’s theme of restoration and rejuvenation. Some artists submitted pieces that make a social or political statement while others made work appealing to people’s sense of humor.

“I’m really impressed with what the gallery committee was able to achieve on short notice,” said program director and featured artist, Elisha Marin, in a press release. “It demonstrates how strong our regional artistic connections are and gives us a chance to show off a bit. I’m very pleased with the outcome.”

Crane said they have rising amateur artists all the way up through pro artists.Many of the artists featured in “Renewal” previously had or are trying to have their own solo shows.

Marin said these multi-artist shows are a great way for emerging artists to get their foot in the door and work with experienced people in the craft.

Crane herself has pieces in the show that will later be used in her solo exhibition. She said the pieces in “Renewal” are a teaser for what is to come.

A reception for the “Renewal” art exhibition will take place on Oct. 26 at the Freeborn County Arts Initiative gallery at 224 S. Broadway Ave. Crane said receptions with multiple artists are always a lot of fun as visitors can hear from many different types of creative minds. The event will be catered and is free to attend.

Marin said one of the main goals for the show is to bring fresh programming to the city of Albert Lea. Crane hopes it can go even further and become a show that goes all over Minnesota, as some Arts Initiative exhibitions have in the past.

Regardless of the result, both Crane and Marin are pleased with how “Renewal” has come together.

These types of shows are always a challenge to put together but are very rewarding, Crane said.

“We’re really, really happy with this, and I hope a lot of people come and see it.”