And October

October is here. The temperatures maybe unseasonably warm, but the leaves are turning (and falling) and the light is waning. The Aurora Center for the Arts has just hosted a successful Lit Fest with several Minnesota authors. Coming up this month isa stained glass mosaic class with JoAnn McFarlin on Thursday, Oct. 9. Attendees will learn glass cutting, proper adhesives, grouting and color composition. Ten people are enrolled. . Information for a couple of upcoming classes, one in November on making a marbleized journal and one in December on micro mosaics, can be found at auroracenterforthearts.org. Coming to the Sorenson Gallery in October is a display of pottery by Betsy Saurdiff. She is from Grygla, and her pottery pays homage to her grandmothers and mother. The winner of numerous awards, Saurdiff is influenced by her rural roots, including sewing, berry picking, hunting, fishing and working on the farm. Meanwhile, at the Fosston Library, on Friday, October 24, at 1:30 p.m., author Christopher Lehmanwill discuss his book It Took Courage: Eliaz Winston’s quest for Freedom. The book is the story of a woman who escaped slavery by petitioning a judge in Minnesota. He will talk about his inspirations for writing the book, methods of research and the people and places involved. It should be an interesting presentation. Book club meets Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 2 p.m. This month’s book is Maria by Michelle Moran. A novel based on Maria Von Trapp, heroine of “The Sound of Music,” the book is an attempt to tell the real story behind the movie. I’m looking forward to reading it. If you are interested, contact the library to obtain a copy of the book. Bingo for the kiddos is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, at 3:15 p.m. Always a fun time. Everyone likes to win a prize. One last reminder: The library will be closed on Monday, October 13, for a staff workshop. (That’s Columbus Day and/or Indigenous Peoples’ Day.)

September is here

September is here, school has started, and activities at the Aurora Center for the Arts will be in full swing. Music lessons will again be available. Jeff Menten (218-255-0077) teaches violin, fiddle, guitar, including classical guitar, mandolin and cello. He is also available for on-line lessons (and yes, that is a thing – works well). Eric Olson (218-358-0605) teaches guitar (acoustic or electric), bass guitar, drums, vocal and songwriting. Check out his Website – thespawnpoint.com. Kay Carlsen (218-435-6710 or 218-289-3968) (that’s me) will continue to teach piano. I can also be reached at aagekay@gvtel.com. There are still open spots available for the 3-day acrylic class with Pamela Edevold to be held Friday-Sunday, Sept. 19-21. Students will learn to use Golden Open Acrylics to paint portraits. To sign up e-mail hello@auroracenterforthearts.org or go online at bit.ly/AuroraArtClass. She does incredible work. The current exhibit in the Sorenson Gallery features the work of Ruth Ann Nordlund. Titled “A Reflection of Scandinavia,” this display features still-life paintings of Nordic heirlooms. There will be an artist’s reception on Friday, Sept. 19, from 5-7, with a talk by the artist at 5:30. Dates for the Up North LitFest are September 25-26. Meet authors from all over Minnesota. Participate in breakout sessions and meals with keynote speakers Jean Cooney and Will Weaver. Ticketing options have been expanded. You may now choose à la carte sessions or opt for the complete program at a discounted rate. This event highlights the talents of Minnesota's vibrant literary community. For more ticket info, please visit https://auroracenterforthearts.org/shopdonate Starting this month, the open hours for the Fosston Library have changed slightly. New hours are 9-5 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 12-7 on Tuesdays, 12-6 on Thursdays, and 10-2 on Saturdays. On Friday, September 12, author Eric Dregni will be at the library at 2:30 to talk about his book, Vikings in the Attic. In the book, he explores significant historic sites, tales and traditions of Scandinavians in the Midwest. I have heard him speak, most recently at a Sons of Norway meeting, and he is quite entertaining. The library book club resumes meeting on Tuesday, September 16, at 2. This month’s book is Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate. Contact the library if you need a copy. One more exciting event for this month: On Tuesday, September 23, artist Dorothy Hoover will help participants decorate a plate with Telemark rosemaling. The class is scheduled from 1-6. All materials are provided and there is no charge for the class. However, preregistration is required. You may call the Fosston Library at 435-1320 to register or go to larl.libnet.info/event/14387106. Wow! That’s what I call a full month. Don’t complain that there’s nothing to do in Fosston.

August already

Oh, no- it’s August already. It seems as if summer has just gotten started, but before you know it, it will be back to school and farewell to the lazy, hazy days of summer. (Although I could do without the hazy days of Canadian wildfire smoke.) However, there are plenty of activities planned for August at the Aurora Center for the Arts. “Space Pirates,” directed by Kirby Vossler, will be performed August 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and August 9 at 3 p.m. Twenty-five students in grades three-six are featured. Some of them presented a sample of their talents at the theater revue on July 24. Tickets are available online at auroracenterforthearts.org or at Nord’s. Want to learn how to knit and embroider your own hat? You probably won’t need to wear it this month, but winter will be here before you know it. Stephanie Anderson, an accomplished fiber/textile artist with a background in knitting, quilting and Viking age textiles, will be teaching a class on Tuesday, Aug.19, beginning at 6 p.m. To sign up e-mail hello@auroracenterforthearts.org or go online to bit.ly/AuroraArtClass There is a fee. No fee to visit the Sorenson Gallery to view the still life paintings of Ruth Ann Nordlund. Her work will be on display beginning August 22, with an artist’s reception on Sept. 19 from 5-7. The week of August 18-22 Aurora will be hosting a drama camp for students doing the “Wizard of Oz.” Directed by Abby Pearson, students will learn basic theater directions, costuming, and set making They will put on a show for the public on Friday, August 22, at 6 p.m. Coming up in September: Pamela Edevold’s acrylic class still has openings. Dates are September 19-21, 5-9 Friday, and 10-4 Saturday and Sunday. Students will learn to use Golden Open Acrylics to paint portraits. To sign up e-mail hello@auroracenterforthearts.org or sign up online at bit.ly/AuroraArtClass There is a fee charged for this class. Pam Edevold does incredible work. If you can learn to paint even half as well as she does, it will all be worth it. Registration is now open for Up North LitFest, a two-day celebration of books, storytelling and creativity on Thursday and Friday, September 25 & 26. Presenters include Jeanne Dooney, author of the Hotdish Mystery series, and Minnesota writer Will Weaver, as well as Kristen Eggerling, Dawn Duncan and Sheila Packa. You can sign up online at auroracenterforthearts.org. Just a little reminder – the Fosston Library/Aurora Center will be closed on Labor Day, September 1.