Brightly decorated Christmas trees will again line the galleries of the Albert Lea Art Center this holiday season.

Saturday, November 13, 1999

Brightly decorated Christmas trees will again line the galleries of the Albert Lea Art Center this holiday season.

The Albert Lea Art Center will hold its opening reception for the annual Festival of Trees from noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at 224 S. Broadway Ave. The Art Center will present the trees and other decor from Nov. 21-Dec. 23 during gallery hours: Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Admission is free, however donations to the Albert Lea Art Center are greatly appreciated.

The trees, wreaths and other holiday items are being supplied by organizations and individuals. Currently the list includes: Azteca Club, Albert Lea Community Child Care Center, Albert Lea Community Education, Calico Hutch, Elaine’s Doll Works, Carole Eggum, Freeborn County Historical Society, Freeborn County Quilters, Albert Lea Public Library, Diane Landaas, League of Women Voters, Edna Mostrom, Murtaugh Extension Club, Grace Skaar, St. Theodore’s Catholic School, Story Lady Doll & Toy Museum, Traditions, Vintage Rose Floral Shop at Alden, Wa-tan-ye Club, and Woman-in-the-Shoe Doll Club.

Landaas’ tree is decorated with sheep, which she has collected for many years.

&uot;I think it stems from Shari Lewis,&uot; Landaas said, adding she was always a big fan of the woman and her puppet, Lambchop, and remembers watching them on television.

&uot;Besides, I find sheep kind of cute,&uot; she added.

The sheep Landaas has on the tree are only a &uot;dent&uot; in her collection. She gotten many as gifts, especially in the years she worked at the Albert Lea Community Child Care Center, and has purchased a number herself as well. Some once belonged to her grandmother.

She has sheep not only from the U.S., but also New Zealand, Australia, Denmark and Ireland. They range in size from about 1 inch high to nearly life size.

They’re everything from pewter, glass, ceramic and cloth. Landaas also has jewelry and clothes with sheep on them.

Skaar has decorated her tree in a &uot;Twelve Days of Christmas&uot; theme. She said since her children have all grown, she’s grown to enjoy smaller trees with a theme.

&uot;And I like folk art,&uot; she said of her ornaments.

Musicians will be featured throughout the opening reception in the hallway area of the Art Center. Tone Music Co. will supply a keyboard for the use of participants. These people include: Norene Jenson, the Kindred Spirits group with Suzie Chrz, Joyce Slegh, and Kleone Wangen; the Hat Band group with Sara Aeikens, Lucy Truesdell, and Gail Thurnau; also Bruce Stolaas and Julie Wallin, with more expected to perform.

The gift shop, Art on Broadway, will also be open with works by local artists on display as well as other interesting items for sale.

All visitors to the open house are invited to have refreshments in the Christmas Tea Room which has been decorated by Les Schroader and the Shades of Jade Regional Garden Club.