Groups, artist collaborate to raise awareness

A love of animals has prompted the new show at The Freeborn County Arts Initiative in downtown Albert Lea.

Julie Fakler, an Owatonna artist who works at the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault, will showcase “Animals on Chairs,” which features paintings of house pets on some of their favorite places — comfy chairs.

An animal advocate, many of the animals Fakler depicts are shelter-adopted animals. Fakler uses rich colors to illustrate the animals mostly sitting, resting or sleeping.

“The paintings are expressive, relaxing and humorous,” according to the Arts Initiative.

Fakler will greet visitors during an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the historic Bessesen Building, 224 S. Broadway Ave.

Susanne Crane, local artist and member of the Arts Initiative, described Fakler as an excellent painter who has a “sensitive touch” in her work.

Fakler is partnering with the Freeborn County Humane Society for the show, and photos of several animals available for adoption — taken by local Humane Society volunteer Michaela Tews — will be on display.

Donations will be accepted for the organization.

“Let’s show the Humane Society that we care and tell them they’re doing a great job,” Crane said.

It will also be an opportunity for people to view recent renovations made to the gallery.

Crane said the gallery has new paint and a floor, which give the room a new feel. Other renovations have been made throughout the building.

“We have been very fortunate to have a passionate group of supporters that has really helped to get us off the ground,” she said.

She thanked all the people in the community who have contributed to the Arts Initiative in the past six months since it was initiated.

“There’s just so much to see and fun people to meet,” she said. “It’s all about community.”

The show is free to the public and will continue through the end of April.