Through its 45-year history, the Albert Lea Art Center has entertained and provided a place for individuals to know, practice and enjoy the visual arts through exhibits, classes, and community involvement. Each year, more than 3,000 visitors view the exhibits in the art center’s gallery and participate in classes, workshops and special events.

But like many nonprofit organizations, the Albert Lea Art Center is undergoing some tough financial times. Support from the city as well as financially-strapped arts organizations has dropped off over the years.

As it did when it opened its doors, the Albert Lea Art Center is looking for community support. It’s asking people who were once members to become members again, or to consider becoming members if they never have been.

Memberships don’t have to be expensive. For senior citizens, they’re $20 per year. For individuals, they’re $25, and for families, $35. People can also increase their support by becoming a friend for $50, a patron for $75, a sustaining member for $100, a gold member for $250, or a sponsor for $500. Those who hold memberships are entitled to discounts on classes, and if people take a few classes during the year, the membership easily pays for itself.

And if money is a problem, there are many other ways to help. The art center can always use volunteers to help at special events, staff the gallery, or even teach classes.

Arts organizations like the art center enrich people’s lives and can be a deciding factor in whether people choose to locate in a community. The art center’s continued success is important to our community as a whole.

Let’s all support the Albert Lea Art Center and make sure it’s here for at least another 45 years.