Thursday, December 6, 2012

December at the Arts Center

Ho, ho, ho! It’s December and the Christmas shopping season is here. It’s a time of the year when everything seems to go a little crazy, but the Fosston Community Library Art Center offers several opportunities to take a break and regain some sanity.

On Sunday, December 9, Orland Aspen’s vocal students will present their annual Christmas recital. This is always an enjoyable evening and should help us all get into the Christmas spirit. You don’t have to be a relative of one of the students to attend as this is open to the public. Of course, refreshments will be served.

The new display in the gallery features works by Jessica Pribula. According to her artist statement, her source of inspiration is the fiber arts, especially weaving, although she weaves with paper rather than yarn. The process involves soaking paper with dye and then applying pastels to the paper once it dries. If you attended the grand re-opening of the theater this past Sunday, you may have gotten a chance to meet her and see her art work. If not stop by and spend a few quiet minutes in the gallery.

The Books & BonBons book club will meet Tuesday, December 13, at 7 p.m. This month’s book is The Shepherd, the Angel and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry. I haven’t read it yet but it should be a fun book. We always have an enjoyable time and Tammi makes some great desserts. Anyone is welcome to join the group.

Family Fun time continues to be held on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. There will be a Deck the Halls party on December 5, a make & take holiday craft on the 12th, and holiday BINGO on the 19th.

Remember - the library will be closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but will resume regular hours on December 26.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

In the Gallery

Prints by East Grand Forks artist Jeanne Griffin O’Neil are currently on display in the Sorenson Gallery.


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

November at the Arts Center

It’s November - let us be thankful. Aside from the fact that elections will be over and all those awful attack ads will no longer be airing, I’m thankful for the Fosston Community Library Arts Center and all that goes on there.

On Friday, Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m., author Michael Frickstad will be at the library to sign copies of his newly-published novel, The Storyteller. Frickstad taught English at Fosston High School from 1974 to 1998. During that time, he also coached speech, as well as directing and acting in plays, both at the school and the art center. Following that time, he taught at St. Michael-Albertville High School, retiring in 2009. The Storyteller tells the story of Beecher Jones, a husband, father, high school principal and unwilling messiah. According to Frickstad, "The book started as a love story and turned into a spiritual horror story." It is available from Amazon in both hardcover and Kindle versions.

Wednesday, Nov. 14, is Family Portrait Day at the library. Bring your family to the library and have your picture taken together while enjoying a good book.

Books & Bonbons Book Club meets Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. This month’s selection, In the Lake of the Woods by Minnesota author Tim O’Brien, doesn’t seem to be anyone’s favorite, but Tammi is promising a good dessert.

Here’s another reason to be thankful: the used book sale held during October brought in about $900 - money used to help provide library programs. Thanks to everyone who donated and to everyone who shopped.

Prints by East Grand Forks artist Jeanne Griffin O’Neil are currently on display in the Sorenson Gallery. According to O’Neil, "The images I make are definitions of time and place; as in the changes of light behind bare trees, also the patterns made by prairie grasses and by windrows against the sky… it was not until we moved here to the Red River Valley, where it is so flat, that I began to see the farm houses and barns, sheds, grain bins, rows of evergreens and cottonwoods sitting on the flat line of the horizon as words, as lines of text."

Apparently the end is in sight for the theater remodeling project. A grand re-opening event is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 2, with tours, an artist reception and refreshments. Watch for more details.

The library will be closed in Monday, Nov. 12, in observance of Veterans Day and also on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

October at the Art Center

It’s October, and at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, that means the annual used book sale is in full swing. If you like to shop, you can do it here without blowing your budget. There are books, magazines, videos, DVDs, C Ds - nothing is priced at more than $1. Proceeds from the sale go to support local library programming.

Thanks to funding from the Legacy Amendment, there are two special programs scheduled during the month of October. On Wednesday, October 3, Minnesota musicians Curtis and Loretta will be performing a concert at 1:30 p.m. Folksingers who accompany themselves with a variety of instruments, including Celtic harp, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, to name a few, the duo has been performing together for more than 30 years. They will be performing songs Minnesotans would have been singing in 1858.

On Wednesday, October 10, Minnesota author Lin Enger will be speaking about his book, Undiscovered Country. Enger grew up in Minnesota lake county and now lives in Moorhead, where he teaches English and directs the MFA program at Minnesota State University. He is the brother of novelist Leif Enger, and during the 90s, collaborated with him (as L.L. Enger) on a series of mystery novels for Pocket Books. The program is at 10:30 a.m.

Books and BonBons book club meets Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. Selection for October is American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin. Set at the turn of the 20th century, the novel tells the story of Cora Cash of Newport, R.I., who marries the most eligible bachelor in England. There will be dessert.

Writers’ group is scheduled to meet Thursday, October 25, at 7:30 p.m. If you think you may be interested, you may just show up. No cost - no contracts - no obligation to come again - but you may want to.

In conjunction with Teen Read Week, there will be a 3-day Pirates of the Caribbean marathon, October 17, 18, and 19. Four movies will be shown and those attending are invited to bring a blanket or sleeping bag and/or pillow, as well as snacks and beverages. I think they have to go back home when the library closes for the day though.

The theater renovation project is still going on - not sure what when it will be completed. I hear lots of noises when I’m in the basement giving piano lessons though.

Monday, September 3, 2012

September is here

I’m seeing colorful leaves and children heading off to school. Whether we like it or not, September is here, when the pace picks up and there are lots of activities scheduled at the Fosston Community Library Art Center.

While there have been some guitar and violin lessons continuing throughout the summer, piano and voice lessons will resume this month. If you or your child are interested in lessons, please contact one of our instructors:

Eric Olson (guitar, bass and drums) - pastorericolson@gmail.com or 218-694-2687; Jeff Menten (violin, viola, cello,
 mandolin, upright bass) jeffmentenmusic@hotmail.com or 218-255-5218 or -5184; Orland Aspen (voice) - musicman56@gvtel.com or 435-6791; Kay Carlsen (piano) - aagekay@gvtel.com or 435-6710; Lora Lee Saeter (piano) saeter@gvtel.com or 435-1422.

Thanks to funding from the Legacy Amendment, there will be three exciting programs at the arts center during September.

On Wednesday, September 12, Minnesota mystery writer Gerald Anderson (definitely a Minnesota name) will be here at 10:30 a.m. to talk about his mystery novels set in Fergus Falls, Bemidji and other Minnesota sites. Anderson, who lives in Moorhead, is a professor of British and European history at NDSU. The following Monday, Sept. 17, Minnesota oral historian Barbara Sommer will give a presentation about the Minnesota CCC camps back in the Depression-era. Her book about the subject is titled Hard Work and a Good Deal. Then on Monday, September 24, genealogist Rick Crume will be here to tell us about the 10 best Web tools of the past 10 years. If you are interested in doing research on your family tree, be sure to attend.

Also in September, the Books and Bonbons Book Club will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. This month’s book is The Latehomecomer by Kao Kalia Yang. Yang came to St. Paul at the age of six. In the book, she describes her family’s escape from Laos, life in a refugee camp and their adjustment to life in America.. Remember - there will also be dessert.

Wait, there’s more. Resuming after a summer hiatus, the writer’s group will meet Thursday, Sept. 27. Anyone with an interest in writing is welcome to attend. Contact Alison Opdahl at 218-289-4969 with questions.

Plans are in the works for a Kid Jam guitar concert on Sept. 21. Watch for more info.

One last thing: September is Library Card Sign-up Month. If you don’t have a library card, you are missing out on the best bargain of all time - free access to thousands of books, magazines, and DVDs. The library card is free also - with no hidden fees. See you at the library.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

August at the Art Center

After a little reprieve from the excessive heat, the high temperatures and matching humitity seem to be coming back.  If you're  sweltering again, remember that the air conditioning at the Fosston Community Library Art Center has been working well, so it’s a good place to come in the month of August.

While you’re there, you’ll want to view the paintings currently on display in the Sorenson Gallery. The artist is Therese Masters Jacobson of Alvarado. Originally from Chicago, Jacobson says, "I have been an artist my entire life." She has studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and has degrees from Bemidji State University in art education. She is currently director of the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council. Her paintings depict a number of familiar scenes - harvesting, clothes drying on a line, a cat looking out the window.

The summer reading program continues through the month of August so it’s not too late for your child or teenager to qualify for the end- of-the-summer prize drawings. They need to get going on that soon, however.

There are still four Wednesday afternoon programs to be held in August. On Wednesday, August 1, there is the opportunity for kids to help create a crazy quilt work of art. Join Tammi at the library at 2 p.m.

On Wednesday, August 8, also at 2, giant bubbles are on the agenda. All children are welcome, and if some of you older folk have a hankering to create big soap bubbles, you're welcome too.

On Wednesday, August 15 (once again at 2 p.m.) staff from Itasca State Park will be at the library to present a program about animals after dark. No word as to whether they will have any actual animals with them, but I’m sure it will be interesting.

And finally, on Wednesday August 22, the grand finale - the dream big & splash big pool party. Check at the library for information on this; I think perhaps permission slips are required.

One final note - the theater renovation project was postponed from July until sometime in August. Watch for more information.

Friday, July 20, 2012

New in the Sorenson Gallery


The new display in the Sorenson Gallery showcases works by Theresa Masters Jacobson of Alverado. Jacobson is originally from Chicago. Most of the pictures in this show are acrylic on canvas. She has been commissioned to do a series of mayoral portraits for the city of East Grand Forks in connection with their 125th anniversary.

July at the Art center

It’s July, and there is good news and bad news at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center. First the bad news:

There will be no theater production this summer, which is a disappointment to all of us who have enjoyed the plays and musicals presented almost every year since the FLCAA was founded. However, the good news is there will be extensive renovations to the theater area, with most of the work scheduled to be done this month. Volunteer help may still be needed; if you are interested, contact one of the theater committee members: Wonell Miller (435-2845), JoAnn Papke (218-694-2448), Scott Wilson (435-6753) or Michelle Marx (435-1014).

More good news includes the art works currently on display in the upper gallery, where you may see pastel still-life pictures of fruit by artist Jessica Pribula.

And, there is still more good news: The summer reading program, "Dreamin’ Big, READ!" continues. It’s not too late for your child to sign up. Every child who reads for 15 hours or completes 15 books and submits a completed reading log will receive a prize and be eligible for weekly prize drawings, as well as the grand prize drawing to be held in August.

Also, the Wednesday afternoon programs continue, with dreamy desserts with Cheryl Winkelmann on July 25. The program is at 2 p.m.

The last bit of good news is this: It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy, and if the fish aren’t jumping, it might be the perfect time to check out a good book or two from the library, sit out on your porch and read while sipping a glass of iced tea. There are plenty of books available at the library, but you’ll need to provide your own beverage.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Jessica Pribula Display in Upper Gallery




Still life pictures of fruit done in pastel by Jessica Pribula are currently on display in the upper gallery at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

June at the Library Arts Center

Graduation is over, Memorial Day is past, and now it’s time for the lazy days of summer. It’s not so lazy at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center though, as there are plenty of activities scheduled this month.
I’m sure things are hopping in the theater where director Kristi Noel is currently rehearsing 43 second-through-sixth graders for a performance of “Back to Summer” written by Wade Bradford. The characters will be traveling through time to such diverse locations as New York in the 1800s and ancient Egypt. The performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, June 8. Kristi does have the assistance of a few older students - with a cast of 43, I’m sure that’s a good thing.
There will also be two Legacy Fund events in June. On Thursday, June 14, at 7 p.m., The Fargo-Moorhead Opera will present “The Face on the Barroom Floor.” If you’re not sure about opera, this is maybe a good place to start - it’s short and it’s in English, with a kind of dramatic storyline which moves between present-day Colorado and the 19th century.
On Thursday, June 21, Norse fiddle player Karen Solgard will present a concert at 1:30 p.m. Solgard, who plays the Hardanger fiddle, appeared at the Embassy several years ago with a very interesting presentation. She grew up near Crookston but has performed all over the United States. You won’t want to miss this concert.
The Dream Big - READ! summer reading program is under way, and there’s still time for kids to sign up for a chance to win some great prizes by keeping track of the books they read. There are several special Wednesday afternoon events conjunction with the reading program. On June 13, kids will have the opportunity to work on the Dream Big Paper Mural project. On June 20, Cheryl Winkelman will be there to help everyone make a dream catcher, and on June 27 staff from the Headwater Science Center in Bemidji will be there with a Starlab Planetarium, a portable planetarium where people can observe the night sky at any time of the day. All these programs are at 2 p.m.
One last thing - volunteers are needed for the theater renovation project scheduled for July. New carpeting will be going in and the main theater will be painted. Help is needed to move the seats out, tear out the carpet, lay the new carpet, and reinstall the seats. If you can help, contact one of the theater committee members: Wonell Miller (435-2845), JoAnn Papke (218-694-2448), Scott Wilson (435-6753) or Michelle Marx (435-1014).

Friday, May 18, 2012

May at the Library Arts Center



It’s May - time for May baskets, May flowers, and May music recitals, at least at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center. On Sunday, May 6, at 7 p.m., Orland Aspen’s vocal students performed. Singers of a variety of ages soloed and also took part in ensembles for an enjoyable evening of entertainment. The following Sunday, May 13, also at 7 p.m., my piano students presented their recital.

The other FCLAA piano teacher, Lora Lee Saeter, whose talents extend beyond the musical arena, has a display in the Sorenson Gallery. Several years ago, she began restoring ripped, torn and faded family photos to their original condition. She has expanded beyond her own family’s photos to doing similar work for others. Come and see what she’s done (and maybe what she can do for you).

Books and BonBons book club met Tuesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. This month’s book is The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. The narrator is a dog, so it was an interesting book. The dessert was puppy chow.

Writers’ group will meet Thursday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. You don’t have to be published or even to have aspirations in that direction to attend. We’re an informal group and welcome new members. Call Alison Melgren Opdahl at 218-289-4969 for more information.

Looking ahead to June, the 2010 summer reading program, "Dream Big - READ!" begins Monday, June 4, with a pajama party that lasts all week. Professor Marvel’s Dream Machines Magic Show will be presented at 1:30 p.m. On Wednesday, June 6, there will be an extra special pajama party - everyone who wears their P Js will be eligible for a door prize. Of course, your children will want to pick up a reading log - every child who reads 15 hours or completes 15 books during the program will be eligible for weekly prize drawings.
One last reminder - the library will be closed on Monday, May 28, for the Memorial Day holiday.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Festival of Tables

The 11th annual Festival of Tables was held Saturday, April 14. Once again it was a great success.
Table themes included "Does everything really have to match in life? (Kristi Noel and her daughter Teegan), the auction sale (Gerry LaVoi), springtime tea (Ann Offerdahl and Paula Swanson), John Deere meets Tupperware (Terisa Vig), "Dream Big - READ" (Tammi Jalociec), the ties that bind (Gloria Steinbrenner, Mary Steinbrenner and Dorothy Killian), the Polk County Fair: 111 years of family fun (Carrie Welin, Gladys Nephew, Brenda Miller, Sue Halstensgard, Norma Nephew & Darlene Nephew), American Girl! (Lauren Sekely), for the love of gardening (Lillian Sullivan with assistance from Judy Lindseth), tattered elegance (Kristen Hemmingsen), sisters! (Bonnie Stewart and Jo McFarlin), the Christmas stag (Carol Danielson & Mary Welin), flowers and flour (Valerie Brekke), the life of a ragdoll (Lisa Rosendahl), and the 3 R's: red, rust and recycled (Meghan & Pat from The Red Poppy). Piano music was provided by Alyssa Dalen.

















Saturday, April 7, 2012

April at the Library Arts Center

by Kay Carlsen
April is here, and with it spring, Easter, and National Library Week, which is April 8-14.
This year’s theme is "You belong @ your library," so come to the Fosston Library and check it out, as well as checking out some books, CDs, or DVDs. There are several special programs throughout the week, beginning with an eBook reader basics class on Monday, April 11, at 11 a.m. Learn how to use your new Nook, Kindle, or other e-reader. Remember, the library does have e-books that can be downloaded free.
Tuesday is Library Workers’ Day, and at 6:30 p.m. there will be a read-to-me hour. Children may bring along a parent, grandparent, sibling or stuffed animal to read to; or read a book to one of the librarians. There will be a reward for everyone who reads a story aloud.
The Gowns & Glamour Gala is scheduled for Thursday, April 12, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Girls from grades 7-12 are invited to watch the makeover team demonstrate hairstyles, makeup tips and accessory ideas for prom or other dress-up events. Makeover models will be chosen from the audience.
Also coming up in April is the Festival of Tables, that wonderful annual fund-raiser for the FCLAA. The date is Saturday, April 14, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fosston. There will be 15 beautifully-set tables and a delicious lunch. Tickets are available from Kim Wilson (435-6753), Joan Dufault (435-6986) or the Fosston Library (435-1320).
The current art display in the upper gallery features works by Fosston High School junior Rebecca Sistad. This talented 16-year-old plays volleyball and basketball, enjoys reading and country music, and does some awesome painting and drawing. Be sure to take a look at her work when you’re in the library.
On Friday, April 27, at 2 p.m., Vickie Wendel will be at the library with a presentation entitled "Fact, Folklore and FABRICation." She will reveal the real stories behind the history of quilt design and construction. If you’re a quilter, you won’t want to miss this, and even if you’re not, it should be interesting.
The Books and Bonbons Book Club meets Tuesday, April 10, at 7 p.m. The book is The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks. As for the dessert, you need to come there to find out what that is. It’s always good though.
Last but definitely not least, the second annual Fosston writers’ conference is coming up April 21 and 28. For two consecutive Saturdays, award-winning author Jamie Lee will be here to offer advice on getting started writing and on getting published. Register for either of the two dates or for both. Contact Bonnie Stewart (435-6119) for more information.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

March at the Fosston Library Arts Center




Winter is here, but hopefully just in time for spring. After all, it is March. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. While you’re waiting for the season of green grass and long daylight hours, take advantage of some of wonderful happenings at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.
Jerry Frasier, comic magician, will present a program at the Fosston Library on Tuesday, March 27, at 4 p.m. Frasier is described as “impressive, unique and unforgettable.” The show includes audience participation, clean comedy, and mystifying magic tricks. Come and bring the kiddies.
Pam Robinson’s “Flotsam & Jetsam” show is currently on display in the gallery. I was a little confused last month when I wrote that “her works were paintings. Wrong, wrong, wrong! She says, “I practice an art form that requires an up-to-date tetanus shot.” Her creations are assembled from rusty metal, broken glass, driftwood, rocks, bones, old jewelry - anything she might find during walks in the woods, strolls along the beach, or rambles at garage sales. Colorful and imaginative, this is an exhibit you won’t want to miss.
March is National Craft Month, and there will be make and take crafts every Wednesday at 4 p.m. This family fun time lasts for an hour, and will feature St. Patrick’s Day crafts on March 14 and springtime crafts on March 21, as well as “Out like a Lamb” (we’re all hoping for that) on March 28.
The Books and BonBons Book Club will meet Tuesday, March 13, at 7 p.m. This month’s book is Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo. We always have a good time as well as enjoying some kind of yummy dessert. Come and join us.
Looking ahead to April (I like the sound of that), the FCLAA is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Writers’ conference on April 21 and 28. The conference will be offered in two levels, the level one, “I Always Wanted to be a Writer” workshop, and the level two, “Self-Edit your Way to Success” workshop. The presenter is Jamie Lee, a published, award-winning author and teacher. Her first novel, Washuja - Bear Dreamer won a Ben Franklin Award for Best New Voice in Fiction. Individuals will be able to register for either one or for both days at a cost of $55 for one or $90 for both. For more information, contact Bonnie Stewart at 435-6119.

Monday, January 23, 2012

At the Sorenson Gallery

Take a trip down memory lane. The current display at the Sorenson Gallery includes posters created by Ric Sorenson for shows that have appeared at the gallery over the past eight years. There is quite a variety of artists and media.



Sunday, January 8, 2012

January at the Fosston Library Arts Center

Happy New Year - 2012! I’m not sure how that can be, but I guess I’ll believe the calendar. The burning question is: Will this mild winter continue or are we going to pay for this with subzero temperatures and feet of snow continuing through April? Only time will tell.
I can tell you though that there are some interesting programs planned at the library for 2012 as the Lake Agassiz Regional Library presents The Sugarbeet Series, sponsored with money from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
As part of this series, on Wednesday, January 18, harpist/vocalist Chris Ward will present a concert at 7 p.m. at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center. Ward is from the Twin Cities and has appeared at the Guthrie theater, as will as performing for the kings of Sweden and Norway and the prime minister of Iceland. I’m listening to some of her music as I write - very enjoyable.
January also brings the Hot Reads for Cold Nights adult reading program, which will run January 3-February 29. Pick up an entry blank at the library, then read (or listen to) four books for a chance to win a prize. Make one of them The Memory Quilt: a Tale of Friends & Family Lost & Found in the Great Cloquet Fire of 1918 by Pamela J. Erickson, this year’s community read selection. Then make plans to come to the grand finale on March 6 to meet the author.
You’ll also want to read Rosamunde Pilcher’s Winter Solstice, which is the January selection for the Books and BonsBons Book Club, meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10., at 7 p.m. I haven’t read it yet, but it tells the story of five very different people who find themselves together in a dilapidate estate house in northern Scotland. Sounds intriguing.
The Fosston Community Library Arts Association annual meeting will be on Wednesday evening, January 11. Anyone is welcome to attend - watch for the official notice.
The local Poetry Outloud contest will be held at the arts center on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m. The public is welcome - it’s nice to know that students are still learning poems.
Writers’ group will meet Thursday, January 26, at 7:30 p.m. If your New Years resolution is to do some writing, meeting with a group of like-minded individuals may be just the motivation you need. You can just show up, with or without something to share.