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!