Newsletter February 2024

In This Issue

February Events: Something for Everyone to Enjoy
February Classes Teach Knitting, Dyeing, Baking
AOTL Expands Into Creative Arts Center
Studio Tour Scheduled - Registration Now Open
Help Wanted: Teaching Artists, Education Coordinator
What Classes Do you Want to See Offered by AOTL?
Loose Ends Finishes Unfinished Craft Projects
​Members In The News

---

February Events:
​Something for Everyone

We've got such an exciting slate of artistic and social events lined up for you this month!

• Feb 3 - Hearts on Main. FREE family fun. Valentines, garlands, cookies, photos, and even a dance party!
• Feb 11 - Regional Makers Showcase ends. An exhibition of work featuring the amazing talents of our local and regional residents.
• Feb 15 - Monroe Wright III. A superb crowd-pleasing vocalist in a high-quality Las Vegas style show. Nightclub seating, non-alcoholic wines available.
• Feb 16 - Fiber Expressions, an exhibition of fiber art begins.  Reception in the Gallery Feb. 17 4pm.
• Feb 17 - Whatever Happened to Warren? A poignant comedy about aging, friendship and family.

Details & Tickets

---

February Classes Teach
​Knitting, Ice Dyeing, Baking

Make the most of this month by learning new skills!

• Feb 5 - Knitting for Beginners, second class session. Heidi Hull teaches you how to knit and make your own cowl (infinity scarf) in this fun class.
• Feb 23/24 - ​Ice Derby Dye Party with Kristi Kuder. Explore the exciting world of dyeing with ice to create mesmerizing designs!
• Feb 25 - Sourdough Basics 101 with Kate Mudge. Kate will demystify the entire process and get you "started" on your sourdough journey.

Info & Signup

---

AOTL Expands Into
The Creative Arts Center

112 Main Street West
​Battle Lake, MN

Art of the Lakes has added to its Battle Lake footprint by moving into the former Lutheran Church/LACC building at 112 Main. Thanks to the Blandin Grant, we’ve signed a one-year lease to launch our new Creative Arts Center there! 

​The CAC will allow us to expand our programming with spaces for performing, creating, gathering, and exhibiting. It’s exciting, but it’s also going to require help from you. Look for more info about work days when we plan to combine teamwork with fun.

AOTL will continue to operate its Gallery on Lake Avenue in addition to the new CAC.

Funky Seating Wanted
We need funky patterned couches, tables, and chairs for the CAC. We can add dedication plaques to them so people will know whose grandma's couch or table they’re using. Contact Donna at 218-864-8606.

Ceramic Studio Underway
Beginning next week, the floor in the new Ceramic Studio in the CAC will be redone down to the cement. Shortly after, we plan to add a kiln, ventilation and worktables.

---

Studio Tour 2024
​Registration Now Open

Held each year on the third weekend of July, this year's 2024 Studio Tour will take place July 19, 20 and 21.

Registration to participate in the Tour is now open, with a registration deadline of March 15. Mark your calendar!

The Art of the Lakes Studio Tour is a scenic, drive-yourself tour through beautiful countryside with hills, lakes, valleys and small towns. Dozens of artists open their work spaces to visitors, creating a unique opportunity to purchase art while mingling with the art-makers.

Register Now

---

Help Wanted: Teaching Artists,
​Education Coordinator

Art of the Lakes has openings for talented and dedicated people to help us in our growing education pursuits.

Three Teaching Artists are needed on a project basis to teach visual art forms to about 100 elementary students  for four weeks this Spring. You'll help 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade students apply the creative process in a cross-cultural theme.

A part-time Education Coordinator is needed to plan and manage multiple educational classes serving both youth and adults.

If you're interested in learning more about these paid positions, please contact Kristi Swee Kuder.

---

What Classes Would You Like to See Offered by AOTL?

Shari Prigge is interested in hearing your thoughts on new classes you'd like to see offered by AOTL.

Some of the ideas being considered:

• Carve and paint a traditional Swedish Dala horse
• Carve a fish, such as a crappie, from a rough cut
• Create a succulent arrangement in a tree or flowerpot shape

A survey about potential classes will be emailed soon to members and non-members. Please watch for it.

​If you'd like to share your ideas directly with Shari, contact her by email.

---

"Loose Ends" Finishes
​Unfinished Craft Projects

When a crafter dies mid-project, or is no longer able to complete handiwork, what can be done?

A unique organization called Loose Ends matches unfinished projects to volunteer finishers, who complete and return garments, blankets and more to their loved ones.

​Learn more here.

---

Members In The News

Here's what some of our talented member artists have been up to lately.

Della Conroy and Phyllis Joos just completed an exhibit at the Willmar Education and Arts Center titled A Visual Duet. 

---

Grace Haverty received an Honorable Mention for her watercolor painting The Bikers in the Glendale Arts Council 60th Annual Juried Fine Art Show.

---

Got AOTL news? Please send stories and images to Tom Kuder, [email protected]