Some people love visual art and like to view artwork that engages their senses in new ways. Some people love classical music and seek out the soothing tones of string instruments. Some people love to take in the achievements of youth and admire the accomplishments of young people in our community. Some people will get to do all three of those things at our Gallery Opening on Friday evening.

Join us from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the ArtWorks Center to celebrate the grand opening of two gallery exhibits: Youth Art Show in the emerging gallery and Photography of Z Puppets in the professional gallery.

The Youth Art Show highlights art from youth across Austin Public Schools from grades first through eighth. It includes a selection of art from all four elementary schools along with art from Holton Intermediate and Ellis Middle School.

The Photography of Z Puppets is an exhibit of photographs showing Austin area students with puppets that they created. Students were photographed during a puppet lab workshop conducted by Z Puppets Rosenschnoz and the ArtWorks Center and at Holton Intermediate. Puppet lab workshops use the scientific method (research, hypothesis, experiment, data collection, etc.) to teach puppet making skills. Z Puppets also use glow-in-the-dark materials and shadow puppetry to expose students to art and science.

Music will be performed at the gallery opening by Ellis Middle School Orchestra musicians in small groups. Please consider stopping by the event to take in the artistic talents of Austin area youth. The event is free and open to the public.

The exhibit will remain on display through March 31 and can be viewed during ArtWorks Center hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday

Z Puppets will also present a show at the Historic Paramount Theatre on Saturday, March 25 called “Cellula” which is a joyful glow-in-the-dark puppetry performance of cellular mitosis featuring live a cappella music. Tickets are available now for two performances: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $10 adult, $5 student.

Z Puppets Rosenschnoz programming is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board grant thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund and by the support of sponsors and private donors.

Coming soon

Paramount Theatre

•Northwestern Singers: March 4 and 5

•Feeling History by Climb Theatre: March 11

Cellula by Z Puppets Rosenschnoz: March 25

ArtWorks Center

•Gallery Opening: 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 24

•Layl McDill Polymer Clay Class: 10 a.m. Feb. 25

•$5 Kids Studio: Feb. 25 (sold out)

•$5 Kids Studio: Watercolor Portraits: 10:30 a.m. March 4

Find out more at www.austinareaarts.org