Column: Eye on the Arts, by Rosalie Truax

After Memorial Day, summer officially begins, although it’s been warmer than usual the past two months. For those looking for arts experiences, school and church events are winding down in favor of outdoor festivals and music.

The Freeborn County Historical Museum will be part of the upcoming Eddie Cochran weekend, with the Eddie Cochran exhibit on display both Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Root beer floats will also be on sale. There will be a concert at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, featuring Endless Summer, a fundraiser for the museum.

On June 23 the museum is sponsoring another fundraiser that promises to be great fun. “Fashions Through the Years” is a style show and brunch to be held in Bethany Hall of First Lutheran Church. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at the museum.

June 24 features a special informational program at the museum called “Preserving Freeborn County Photos,” to be at 2 p.m. and sponsored by a Legacy grant.

The Albert Lea Art Center will hold an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. June 14 to kick off its wildlife exhibit. It is focused on hunting and fishing in Minnesota.

The exhibit will run from until July 28.

On June 21 the Godtland Lecture Series will offer a program on “The Art of Making a Clock” with speaker Ron Widenhoefer.

The annual Unique Junque Sale to benefit the Albert Lea Art Center will be at 1206 W. Richway Drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9. Items to be donated may be brought to this address on June 7 and 8.

The Lighthouse Event Center, 621 Marshall St., will also celebrate the legendary Eddie Cochran with its first “Tribute to Eddie Cochran” on Saturday and Sunday, with performances at 3 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

All these arts events are an enjoyable way to bring community together and celebrate our local heritage.

 

Rosalie Truax is the co-president of the Albert Lea Community Theatre.