By Adam Pulchinski

Marketing Coordinator Austin Area Commission For the Arts

There’s the old saying about if the mountain won’t come to you, you go to the mountain, or something to that effect.

There happens to be another old saying by a man with a candy factory in which we strike that, and reverse it. Meaning, if you can’t get to the mountain, the mountain needs to come to you.

That is what we’re doing this summer for kids in Austin and surrounding communities.  If you can’t get to the art, we bring the art to you.  Specifically, it’s the return of the Mower County Traveling Art Studio.  It’s back by popular demand (I should know, I get the e-mails!), and the Austin Area Commission for the Arts is happy to be a part of this awesome project.

Obviously we aren’t alone. Riverland Community College and local libraries are also a big piece of the artistic pie in bringing this creative trailer to children who might not otherwise get the opportunity to take part in polymer clay, painting, and Mandalas.  That last one has become a generic term for geometric shapes. It started off representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism. Don’t worry, I had to look it up, too.

The great thing about these classes, besides being taught by awesome, creative, intelligent people, is that they are free.  All you need to do is contact your local library to register, and the child is as good as creating and having fun. Best part?  The traveling studio starts Monday, June 13, at the Austin Public Library, and continues the following two Mondays with a break for Independence Day, wrapping up there July 11. The kids won’t have a chance to get bored after the school year.

The Brownsdale Public Library gets the studio Tuesday Mornings, with it swinging into Lyle Tuesday afternoons. Next is Wednesdays in LeRoy, and Fridays in Grand Meadow (again with parade breaks the week of July).  Not only are these wonderful towns getting some art action, but the studio will be trekking to other libraries for week-long stays.

The trailer already made its first stop on the tour in Zumbrota last week, stops in Wabasha July 18-22, and goes to Lake City Aug. 1-5.  That’s going to be one busy studio. Contact your local library for more details on times, classes, etc, and don’t hesitate to ring us down at the ArtWorks Center, either. We’re ready and waiting to get those artistic muscles moving this summer.

As always, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this entire venture is made possible with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the people of Minnesota for Library Legacy activities.