Farmers State Bank features Rick Mammel as guest artist during Lens & Shutter Club’s March show, “Doors.”

Most of Mammel’s works tend to be ceramic figurative narratives, intended to remind audiences of its follies, an appeal for people to strive to become what they claim to be, hope to be or what they are becoming.

This past year he received an original works grant through the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council. Mammel suggests other artists and art organizations contact the council and also apply for grants.

He was born in Fargo, N.D., finished his undergraduate work at Minnesota State University in Moorhead and his master of fine arts degree at the University of Montana in Missoula where he studied under Rudy Autio, internationally famous for ceramic arts and clay sculpture.

Mammel, professor of art and art history, retired after 30 years in that field and moved to Albert Lea in 2007. His last professorship was at Quincy University, a private college in Illinois, which offers extensive fine arts opportunities.

Mammel has shown in various national and regional competitive and invitational shows along with solo exhibitions.

His work on display at Farmer’s State Bank during the month of March, along with the gallery filled with photos of “Doors,” includes paintings and ceramic sculptures.

Farmers State Bank is again hosting its monthly open house an wine-tasting at thei West Main Street bank in Albert Lea, on Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.