Art Center gears up for its annual Christmas tree exhibit

A taste of Christmas will be offered Saturday at Northbridge Mall.

The Evening of Dazzle, a fundraiser for The Albert Lea Art Center, will feature Christmas trees decorated by local artists and businesses, live music and food.

Tickets for the event, which runs from about 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., are $20. Hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served.

Tickets to the event are limited.

Forty decorated trees will feature seasonal decorations and messages. Some of the decorators are McDonald’s, the Humane Society of Freeborn County, Joyce Nixon, Carol Wolters, Beth Thostenson sand Diane Westland.

Ken Bertelson and Jared Dawson and the Albert Lea High School Caroliers will perform Christmas music.

Two trees will be for sale, and door prizes will be available.

“It’s just a nice way to begin the Christmas season,” said event co-chairwoman Darlyne Paulson.

The event is a part of the broader event, Home for Christmas, which lasts from Sunday through Dec. 23.

The exhibit will be open to the public from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of Fridays, when the exhibit goes from 1 to 7 p.m.

This is the second year of The Evening of Dazzle.

“Everybody enjoyed last year and can’t wait for it to come back this year,” Paulson said.

Tickets are available at The Albert Lea Art Center, Addie’s Floral & Gift, Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hy-Vee and MarketPlace Foods.

The Art Center promotes art through several facets, such as through high school scholarships, painting classes and lecture series.

Paulson said Christmas trees show a reason for the season.

“That’s what a Christmas tree is,” she said. “It stands for Christ. That’s what it’s all about.”

Tickets, please

What: The Evening of Dazzle

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Northbridge Mall

How much: $20, purchased at the Art Center, Addie’s Floral & Gift, Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hy-Vee and MarketPlace Foods.