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.