The Albert Lea Art Center presents Lila Aas, as this month’s speaker at the Godtland Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday. Aas’ presentation is titled “An Evening with Mark Twain.” She will talk both about Twain’s life and his writing.

Aas taught the works of Mark Twain almost every year during her teaching career. She loves the strong sense of storytelling that Twain uses but also enjoys the rather acerbic critiques he sometimes incorporated in his works. One of Aas’ favorite memories from her youth was viewing Hal Holbrook’s one man show “Mark Twain, Tonight.” Ernest Hemingway said that all American literature began with “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Aas is a graduate of Luther College and taught English at Albert Lea High School for over 30 years. Together, with her husband, Gordon, they directed many plays and musicals over the years. Aas is an active community volunteer in the areas of music and education. She has also ridden in the Habitat 500, a 500-mile bike ride to raise funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity, for the past 16 years.

The Godtland Lecture Series is every third Thursday of the month at the Art Center and features local and visiting artisans showcasing their talent. Additional information on the lecture series may be found at www.thealbertleaartcenter.org.

The Albert Lea Art Center is at 224 S. Broadway Ave. Art Center hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Art shop and gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.