The next Albert Lea Art Center Godtland Lecture Series program will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Oak Knoll Farms, 1650 Hammer Rd. in Albert Lea. Oak Knoll Farms is owned and operated by Ed and Jean Schlede, who raise more than 80 alpacas for breeding and wool. On site is also a farm store selling products made from alpaca fiber including hats, scarves, blankets and socks.

Alpacas are fiber producing animals originally from the high plains of Peru. Imported to the U.S. in the 1980s, there are now alpaca farms in every state. Alpaca fiber is considered some of the finest and warmest of all natural fibers.

The public is invited to meet at Oak Knoll Farms to meet the Schledes and learn all about their life raising the gentle beasts.

For more information, contact the Art Center at 507-373-5665.