Exhibit showcases variety of art from local students

The works of art have been hung on the walls, and the Albert Lea Art Center is ready for one of its busiest exhibits of the year.

“Between this and the Festival of Trees are probably our two busiest shows each year,” said Ruth Olson of the Art Center.

Of course, she was talking about the Elementary/Secondary Art Show, which began Wednesday and runs through April 2. The open house is slated for Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

More than 300 pieces of art, crafted by Albert Lea elementary, middle school and high school students, fill the walls of the Storrer, Cruikshank and Herfindahl galleries.

The type of pieces on display spans the imagination of the young students. Pencil sketches, chalk drawings, acrylic paintings and paper collages are just a few of the mediums on display.

But it’s not just drawings and paintings covering the walls. Masks crafted from real feathers, beads, sequins and yarn show skills beyond those of beginners.

The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays until April 2.

Several additional events will take place around the area this weekend, as follows:

Friday

• The Eagles Club will host a Texas hold ’em tournament starting at 7 p.m. Karaoke and a dance with music by Tom Minehart is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday

• A science fair will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northbridge Mall.

• The Full Draw Archery Club will host a 3-D tournament from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The youth program will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. The events will be located at 133 S. Newton, upstairs in the Knutson Building.

• It’s Mardi Gras Night at the Eagles Club. A dance with music by Los Outlaws will start at 7:30 p.m.

• The Northwood special events committee will host its annual lutefisk and meatball dinner at the United Methodist Church in Northwood, Iowa. There will be two seatings: 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Admission is $15 per person. The menu will include lutefisk, meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, lefse, rolls, cranberry relish, coleslaw, assorted Norwegian pastries, rommegrot and coffee. All proceeds will benefit the Founders Day celebration, and other events, in Northwood.

Sunday

• The Eagles Club will host a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• AWAKEN adult drama ministry will appear at the Word of Faith Dominion Church in Lake Mills, Iowa, at 7 p.m.

• The Glenville-Emmons High School senior class breakfast will be from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Glenville American Legion No. 264. The meal includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit and beverages. A donation will be accepted at the door.