October is here!

October has traditionally been the month for the big used book sale at the Fosston Library, and it's here again, even though there are used books available for purchase throughout the year. However, there will be special bargain prices for items the final week of the month. (Not that they aren’t bargains already, as nothing costs more than a dollar.) Stop in and shop.

If you don’t have a library card, which gives you free access to all the bounty of the library, including books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs, sign up anytime before the end of November and receive a free card holder ( and a sticker proclaiming “I Got a Library Card.”) There is no charge for a library card, but you will probably be asked to provide an ID with your local address.

Even without a library card, you can attend some of the free events offered at the library. On Tuesday, October 15, at 1:30 p.m., Minnesota author Leif Enger will talk about his newest book, Virgil Wander, the story of the residents of a small town struggling to revive their community. Enger was raised in Osakis and worked for Minnesota Public Radio for nearly 20 years. Virgil Wander is his third book.

Another author, Wendell Affield, will be at the library on Tuesday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m. Affield, who discovered who his biological father was at the age of 72, will share the story of how he unearthed previously undiscovered family secrets. The local writers’ group will be welcoming him to their meeting, but anyone is welcome to attend. Admission is free thanks to funding from the Minnesota Legacy Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

The Fosston Library Book Club meets on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. This month’s book is The Rules of Magic, by Alice Hoffman. The novel, set in New York City at the beginning of the 1960s, tells the story of the Owens family, victims of a love curse since 1620. Coffee and goodies will be available.

In news from the Fosston Community Library Arts Association, tryouts for its production of Arsenic and Old Lace were held recently. There are still some male roles that need to be filled. Contact Abby Pearson (218-280-0595) if you are interested.

Sarah Steinbrenner is welcomed back to the FCLAA Board of directors. She served on the board several years ago. She and Carrie Carlin are co-chairs for the upcoming Daisy Hagen Auction for the Arts to be held in November.

The FLCAA wishes to express a thank you to all who attended the Farm to Table event. It was a successful evening.

One last note: The library will be closed Monday, Oct. 14, as library staff will be attending a workshop.

Wood Creations in the Gallery

Sheldon Mattson has a variety of pieces on display.

Harlan Haroldson also works with a variety of styles.

It's August!

It’s August, so hopefully there will soon be ripe tomatoes and sweet corn available – one compensation for summer coming to an end. At the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, the Summer Library Experience is coming to an end, too. If your kids are participating, remind them to get those reading logs turned in by August 10.  The major prize is a Kindle, but there are other prizes as well – books, bears, and even a vintage Twins Bobblehead.

The new display going up in the gallery will feature carved wood art by Sheldon Matson and Harlon Haroldson. They have some beautiful, unique pieces.
As August is a relatively quiet month at the library arts center, you are invited to check out a few good books spend some time relaxing on your porch reading, now before the weather forces everyone indoors and the fall rat race starts up again.
Looking ahead to September, there is an extra special event scheduled for Saturday, September 14. The second annual Farm to Table Fundraiser Dinner will begin with a social hour at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6.
Served under the lights at the East Polk Heritage Center shelter and sponsored by the FCLAA, the four-course meal will feature locally-grown seasonal ingredients and wines from Grape Mill Vineyards & Winery, East Grand Forks.
Minnesota author Amy Thielen from Park Rapids, whose recipes will be used for the meal, will be there to give a presentation and to sign books. She is the author of the cookbook The New Midwestern Table and the memoir Give a Girl a Knife.
Thielen currently lives in rural Park Rapids, her home town, with her husband Aaron Spangler, their son, his dog, a bunch of chickens and a huge vegetable garden. She spent some years in New York City working for several celebrated chefs, but moved back to Minnesota in 2008. She hosted Heartland Table on the Food Network and writes about food for several newspapers and magazines.
Proceeds for this event will benefit the FCLAA Theater Accessibility Project. Reservations are required. For more information, contact Bonnie Stewart (435-6119).

Paintings by Pam

Paintings by Pam Kerssen are currently on display in the Sorenson Gallery.

It's July!

It’s July, and I can tell you at least two things about that month: First, once we hit the Fourth of July summer will be over before we know it, and second, the Fosston Library will be closed on the Fourth.

However, there are several happenings at the Fosston Community Library Art Center during the month. The Summer Library Experience continues until August 10, so pick up a reading log and fill it out for a chance at some great prizes for all ages.

While there will be no special program on July 3, the week of July 8-13 will feature a space-themed scavenger hunt. Come in during library hours, find all the pictures and pick out a prize.

On Wednesday, July 17, at 2 p.m., children are invited to explore the phases of the moon with Oreo cookies, and I would be willing to bet they will get to eat a few too.

On Wednesday, July 24, also at 2 p.m., there will be a special performance by the Everett Smithson Band, playing music familiar to the Mississippi River region, including rockabilly, blues and more. Plus, a short harmonica lesson with free harmonicas for children will be offered after the show. This event, which will probably appeal to adults as well as children, is offered free of charge thanks to funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

During the week of July 29-August 3, children are invited to visit the library any time to learn about the planets and to create their own planet using a paper lantern and watercolor paints.

The library has a new employee, Caese Haroldson, who will be working part-time as a library assistant. Caese, who grew up in Fosston and graduated from Fosston High School, lived in the Twin Cities for 20 years and moved back to her hometown a couple of years ago. She is the daughter of Sandy and Harlan Haroldson. She worked as a nanny for 16 years and now works as a paraprofessional at the Fosston school. In addition to that, she has a photography business. She is a busy lady, and says that so far, she loves working at the library.

The new gallery exhibit for July will feature Fosston artist Pam Kerssen. Her colorful acrylics include both landscape and still life paintings and maybe a few others as well. Watch for information about an artist reception for Pam.

Deedee Narum's mosaics in gallery

Mosaics made with stained glass pieces - colorful and beautiful

Because it's June. . .

June – and one can finally leave the house without putting on a jacket. Summer must be here, and at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, the Summer Library Experience began on June 1.

Pre-readers and readers of all ages (including adults) are invited to pick up a reading log and keep track of the books they read as well as some other library experiences for chances to win some great prizes. Also (this is just for the kids) find the hidden owl and pick a prize from the treasure chest. The owl moves around from week to week, so come back often.

In addition, there will be special space-themed programs each Wednesday at 2 p.m. On June 12, a naturalist from Itasca State Park will share star stories. For thousands of years, people have grouped stars into patterns called constellations and told stories about them. Here’s your chance to learn about them.

On June 19, the Headwaters Science Center of Bemidji will bring its Starlab inflatable planetarium. Those in attendance can watch stars, constellations and planets as they appear in the night sky, without staying up past your bedtime.

Continuing the space theme on June 26, Cheryl Winkelmann will demonstrate decorating alien cupcakes and launching straw rockets. Cheryl’s food-based crafts are always a big hit.

Preschool storytime will be held every other week this summer on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Dates in June are the 14^th and the 28^th.

The big event for June is the Fosston Community Children’s Theater production of Mary Poppins, Jr. on Thursday and Friday, June 27 and 28, at 7 p.m. Directed by Abby Pearson, the musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International which also supplies all authorized performance materials. You have probably seen the Walt Disney film and maybe even have read the book by P.L. Travers. Using a combination of magic and common sense, everyone’s favorite nanny, Mary Poppins, has lessons for all of us. Now you can see a live performance by area young people. Tickets are available at Generations Clothing in Fosston.

On display in the Sorenson Gallery during June will be mosaics by DeeDee Narum. Watch for an announcement about a reception for DeeDee some time during the month.

 

We Welcome May

After a long, hard winter, I think most everyone is happy to see the calendar turn to May. I’m starting to see a little green grass, and before the month is over, we should have leaves on the trees. However, whatever the weather, I know there are some enjoyable events scheduled at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.

May means recitals by the music students who have been working so diligently since last September. Now is the time for them to show what they have learned. Two recitals are coming up. On Sunday, May 5, the piano students of Molly Peltier and the piano students of Dwana Carroll will perform. On Sunday, May 12, Jeff Menton’s string students will have their turn, along with my piano students. Both programs are scheduled for 7 p.m. and are open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
On Thursday, May 2, there will be a reception at 7 p.m. for the artists and businesses taking part in the Spring Art Crawl. The public is invited to meet the artists, enjoy some refreshments and see the current gallery exhibit “Abigail & Audrey.” In other gallery news, the show going up in May will feature FCLAA’s in-house collection of vintage photographs.
The library book club will meet Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m. to discuss Any DreamWill Do by Debbie Macomber. I haven’t started reading it yet, but it is described as “the story of a woman who is forced to start her life over after finding herself in a dangerous situation.” There are always coffee and goodies as well as some interesting discussions.
Writers’ group will meet on Tuesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m., then will probably take a break for the summer months. New members are always welcome.
Looking ahead to June, the theme for the summer library experience this year is “Explore!” Once again there will be special programs every Wednesday at 2 p.m. The kickoff on Wednesday, June 5, will blast off with a chance to learn about rockets and even launch one. Once again there will be prizes given away at the end of the summer. The big one this year is a Kindle.
Just a reminder: The library will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.

 

In the Sorenson Gallery

Abstract acrylic by Abigail Anderson

Acrylic painting by Audrey Siverson

Work by Audrey Siverson

April fool!

It’s April, and while much of the landscape is still white, the snow piles are getting smaller, I’ve seen some robins, and I hear the geese flying overhead. Spring is coming, although at a slow pace. At the Fosston Community Library Arts Center, there several enjoyable activities coming up.

On Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6, author Brent Olson will be in residence in Fosston. Olson who lives near Clinton, Minnesota, writes a weekly column intitled “Independently Speaking”, which is syndicated around the world. He has published several books, The Lay of the Land, Letters for a Peasant, Still Whistling, Papa, and the Inadvertent Café. During the day Friday, he will be at the English classes at the Fosston High School. At 7:00 p.m. Friday evening, the public is invited to attend an evening of storytelling and conversation at the FCLAA theater followed by a reception. On Saturday morning Olson will lead a writer’s workshop at the arts center from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Registration is required for the workshop. Check the FCLAA website for details.

The Fosston Library book club will meet Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. to discuss The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens. Set in Minnesota, the book tells the story of Joe, a University of Minnesota freshmen who begins interviewing Carl Iverson (There’s a Minnesota name for you.), a convicted murderer who has been medically paroled to a nursing home. Joe discovers that things are not always what they seem and works to clear Carl’s name while dealing with his own chaotic home life. It was a good read, and of course, there will be coffee and goodies.

Writers’ group will meet Tuesday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. I missed the last meeting because of a scheduling conflict, but I understand there was a great turnout, with several new attendees. If some of are inspired to attend the workshop on April 6, you can follow that up by coming to writers’ group.

The Sorenson Gallery will feature acrylic paintings by Audrey Siverson and Abigail Anderson during the month of April. Award winners at the March Madness Juried Art Show were Debbie Aune of Gatzke, first place for her painting, and  Ella Carlin of Fosston, second place for her drawing. Patricia Lovegreen of Leonard ( woven wall hanging) and Ivy Bailie of Fosston ( painting) tied for third place.

Ah, March!

Ah, March – a month associated with lions and lambs. This year, however, I think the month has come in like a polar bear. Hopefully, by the time April comes around, the weather will be more like spring, but there are no guarantees. However, I can tell you about some interesting events going on at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center.

The March Madness Juried Art Show will be on exhibit in the Sorenson Gallery throughout the month with a wide variety of art submitted by several area artists. If you wish to meet the artists, there will be reception on Thursday, March 28. Watch for information about the time for this event. On a related note, the FCLAA gallery committee has a new member – Abigail Anderson.

The third annual “Cans” Film Festival will be held Sunday, March 10, beginning at 2 p.m. with family friendly films suitable for all ages. Admission is a food item to be donated to the Loaves & Fishes Food Shelf.  On Monday, March 11, the films will be shown the Magelssen Elementary students at the Fosston Theater. The students are also asked to bring an item for the food shelf. The event coincides with the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign.

The library book club will meet Tuesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. to discuss the book The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See. Set in a remote Chinese mountain village, the book tells the story of two women, a mother and daughter, separated by circumstances, culture and distance. I’ve just gotten started reading it, but I think it will be a good book. There are refreshments and some good discussions.

Writers’ group will meet Tuesday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. Despite the snowy weather this last month, we had a good attendance. New members are always welcome. Feel free to come and see what we do.

The FCLAA is pleased to announce that the arts center has a new piano, which was dedicated at the recent Harmony Concert event. A generous gift from Daisy Hagen’s sister, Camille, Claudia, Geni and Kathy served as a grant match to the Northwest MN Arts Council and FCLAA funds. Thank you to the Hagen family!

In the Sorenson Gallery

Sweater, hat and mittens knitted by Steph Anderson

Flower Patch  pieced by Connie Strom, quilted by Collette Fish

Desert Sky pieced by Connie Strom, quilted by Collette Fish

February events

Now that the polar vortex has moved back north and February is here, we should be able to think spring in another six weeks or so. Whatever the weather, there are always good things to be had at the Fosston Community Library Arts Center. The Book Blizzard adult reading program continues through the month so keep on reading for a chance to win a prize. You can still sign up at the library or at larl.org.

Abby Pearson was elected to the FCLAA board at the annual meeting. Many of you are already familiar with Abby as she has been active in the theater here for the past 10 years, both acting in numerous productions and directing at least 15, including children’s summer theater, high school one-acts and several community theater musicals. You may also know her as a massage therapist, working out of her home. Originally from Gillette, Wyoming, she graduated from Wadena High School and has lived in this area since 2002. Her family includes three daughters, ages 13, 10 and 2, and her husband Josh Pearson, who is the industrial technology (shop) teacher at the Fosston High School. In addition to theater, Abby’s hobbies include horseback riding and scrapbooking. In becoming a member of the board, she hopes to pursue a vision of expanding the theater area, both the stage and the seating.

Tickets are now on sale (at Generations) for the Annie Fitzgerald concert scheduled for Saturday, March 2, at 7 p.m. She is a singer/songwriter in the pop/rock genre. Her most recent album is called “You & Me & and the Sun.”

The Sorenson Gallery exhibit this month will feature works from various fiber artists. Watch for more info.

The library welcomes monetary donations which will go towards purchasing books and other materials for its collection. Donors who give $20 or more during February will receive a gift.

Book club will meet Tuesday, February 12, at 7 p.m. This month’s selection is The Witness by Nora Roberts. When a young girl gets tired of living by her mother’s strict rules, she finds herself witnessing a murder, which leads to many complications. Come for the discussion; enjoy the coffee and treats.

Adult coloring club will meet Tuesday, February 26, at 7 p.m. and writers’ group will meet that same evening at 7:30 p.m. You may attend either or both if you really want to make a night of it.

If you need them, Federal tax forms are available at the library. State tax forms are available on-line.

Monday, February 18 – Library closed in observance of Presidents Day

 

 

 

The Metal Heads in the Sorenson Gallery

Ryan Stewart

 

 

                   Jeff Halland

 

 

Jeff Olson

Happy New Year!

Happy 2019! Once again I am absolutely dumbfounded by what year it is. Wasn’t it just a couple of years ago that everyone was fretting about Y2K? At any rate, it’s definitely winter with a possible blizzard in the forecast.

At the Fosston Library, there will be a blizzard all through January and February, a Book Blizzard, that is. You may sign up for the reading program for adults either at larl.org or by coming into the library. Track your reading or complete some other reading challenges for a chance to win prizes.

The Fosston Community Library Arts Association and its board of directors oversees the theater, gallery and music programs that take place at the art center. If you are interested in learning more about the FCLAA, the group will be having its annual meeting on Wednesday, January 9, at 7 p.m. in the Sorenson Gallery. Everyone is welcome.

Perhaps by then the Metal Heads exhibit will be on display. Local metalworkers Jeff Olson, Tony Roed, Jeff Halland and Ryan Stewart will all have items in the show.

The library book club will meet Tuesday, January 8, at 7 p.m. to discuss the book A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. The local curmudgeon finds his life changing when a new family moves in next door. Join us for an informal discussion of the book, coffee and some treats.

On Tuesday, January 22, adult coloring club will meet at 7 p.m. If you got some new markers or colored pencils for Christmas, bring them along; if you didn’t, supplies will be provided.

Also on Tuesday, January 22, at 7:30 p.m. writers’ group will meet. If you’ve been meaning to write your memoirs, or if you just want to try something new, here’s your chance. You may bring a work in progress to share or just come and listen.

In case you didn’t know, the library offers wireless printing. You can send your documents to the library’s printers from anywhere using your phone, tablet or computer. Visit larl.org/wirelessprinting for more information or stop by and ask your friendly librarians.

The library will be closed on Monday, January 21, for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.