To encourage people to look around to really see the art and architectural beauty of our city, the Albert Lea Art Center is sponsoring a special Art Awareness Week in September, culminating on Saturday, Sept. 24, during the downtown Fall Festival on Broadway.

“Look Up, Look Down, Look Around” will feature area architectural paintings and drawings by adults and students in Art Center galleries Sept. 20-24; a program on historic architecture by Tribune columnist Ed Shannon on Sept. 24; a clothesline of building search photos by Sara Aeikens; classes on architectural image transfer by award winning artist Bonnie Broitzman; and an art and architecture hunt sponsored by the Art Center and the Lakeside Café and Creamery.

For the hunt, brochures featuring detailed photos taken by Bev Jackson Cotter of 10 unique, local art and architectural details can be picked up prior to the event at the Lakeside Café and Creamery, Addie’s Floral, Doyle’s Hallmark Store, and the Art Center. It is hoped that parents and/or grandparents will encourage their children to participate in the hunt, learning to appreciate the visual beauty of Albert Lea. Once completed, the brochures may be turned in to the Art Center in exchange for a coupon good for a free ice cream cone at the Lakeside Café and Creamery.

For more information, call the Albert Lea Art Center at 507-373-5665, or check the website at www.thealbertleaartcenter.org.