Money to be used to promote art in the community

The trust of an Albert Lea artist who died in 2014 has given a total of $150,000 to six local organizations to promote art and art works throughout the community.

The action, approved in Freeborn County District Court earlier this month, was presented last week at The Vitality Center on South Broadway. Senior Resources of Freeborn County was the trustee of the funds of Merna Sunde, who died at 80 on Oct. 26, 2014, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

The following organizations were awarded $25,000 each:

• Albert Lea Family Y

• The Children’s Center

• City of Albert Lea for the art park at the splash pad on North Broadway

• Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

• Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Senior Resources of Freeborn County

Annette Petersen, executive director of Senior Resources, said her organization was asked to oversee the trust in January 2015 after Sunde’s death.

The intent of giving the money to these organizations is that these organizations and projects will give exposure to residents who may not normally have the opportunity to be exposed to and view art and that draw on a demographic of youth and aging people, according to court documents.

In addition to receiving the funds, each organization will be required to prominently display one piece of Sunde’s art with a plaque.

Petersen said an estate sale of Sunde’s belongings brought in $105,000, and her home sold earlier this year.

The remainder of Sunde’s assets, funds and art are being donated to The Albert Lea Art Center.

Sunde previously left The Albert Lea Art Center more than 100 of her original art pieces and more than 1,000 prints. 

Sunde was born in Forest City, Iowa, graduated high school in Kiester, and after graduating from Mankato State University, taught art in Wells, before marrying and moving to California. After retiring, she moved to Albert Lea. She was featured in shows at the Art Center in 1991 and 1994.

While representatives from each organization said they are not completely sure how they plan to use the funds, they did have some ideas they will pursue.

Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said the theme of the splash pad could revolve around one of Sunde’s pieces of art or in an above-ground display.

For the Marion Ross theater, there is a possibility to try to open up the third floor for more usage. Artwork could be on display there, and Albert Lea Community Theatre could host pre- and post-gatherings there around performances.

Sue Loch, executive director of The Children’s Center, said the money could be used for art education or be tied in with technology and art.

Dennis Dieser, director of the Albert Lea Family Y, said the money could be used in an after school program for youth or in a therapy program there.

Petersen said though she has not discussed how the funds should be used with her board members, she is hoping the money can be used for a new art event.