Paintings by Ivy Bailie in the Sorenson Gallery

Paintings currently on display in the gallery

Because it's June...

It’s June and what could be better? With green leaves, flowers, warm temperatures and all sorts of enjoyable events at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, this month is a winner.

Summer means the summer reading program, which is already underway. It’s not too late to sign up for it. It’s for all ages.  Pick up a reading log, read or listen to at least four books, and you will have a chance at some very nice prizes. The theme this year is “Build a Better World.”

As part of the summer reading program, there are special programs every Wednesday at 2 p.m. There will be a door prize drawing each week for a Dairy Queen treat. On June 7, local 4-H members and adult leader Marlys Balstad will be on hand for games and projects. On June 14, there will be a kids’ singalong with Larry including songs from around the world that are filled with actions and excitement. Those in attendance on June 21 will have a chance to create their own birdhouse using a plastic bottle. Make a little house and recycle at the same time. On June 28, a park naturalist from Itasca State Park will tell about the animal builders and lead a building activity. The Kindness Rock project is coming up on July 5. Decorate a rock with a positive uplifting message and place it in a random spot in the community or give to someone in need of encouragement.

Yoga for kids led by JoAnn Papke will be held Monday, June 19, at 3 p.m. and Friday, June 23, at 1 p.m. Kids of all ages are invited to bring a yoga mat (if they have one), a water bottle, and a friend. This activity will be outdoors if the weather permits.

Fosston native Gary Vikan will be at the arts center on Monday, June 26, for a presentation on his book, Sacred and Stolen: Confessions of a Museum Director. A 1964 graduate of Fosston High School, Gary received his PhD from Princeton University. He was director the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore from 1994 to 2013 and now lectures and teaches. I’m not sure on a time for this yet so watch for more information.

The children’s theater production of “Wizard of Oz” will be performed Friday, June 23, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 24, at 2 p.m. Director is Christy Johnson.

And while we are the subject of theater, unfortunately there will be no summer theater production this year. However, there will be a teen talent show on Thursday, July 13. It will be directed by Jenny Burnside. Watch for more information.

Also, remember there is preschool storytime each Friday at 10:30 a.m.