There are a few art icons in Austin, Minnesota and Jim Wegner is one of them. Through countless exhibitions of his own art work and a long teaching career at Riverland Community College (28 years) and at Austin junior and senior sigh schools (10 years), Wegner is very well known and highly respected as an artist and art educator.

Wegner’s extensive education in art has contributed to his reputation and success. He has a Master’s Degree from the University of Minnesota with an emphasis in painting and art history. He has done additional graduate work at the University of Colorado, Mankato State University, and St. Cloud State University. Wegner also studied with legendary masters including Max Weber, Millard Sheets, Dong Kingman, Carl Morris, Richard Diebenkorn, Ralston Crawford and Cheng Kee Chee.

Wegner’s artwork is part of the permanent collections at the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Tweed Gallery in Duluth, as well as the MacNider Art Museum in Mason City. Skilled in many media, Wegner has won awards for his work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and fiber.

Mr. Wegner is one of the most popular instructors at the Austin ArtWorks Center. This spring, he is offering a twist on his usual classes by conducting three lecture-style classes. Come and learn from a master, whether you are an artist or an art appreciator.

The series begins on Friday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. with “An Invitation to See.” Next is “Exploring Creativity with Matisse and Picasso” on Friday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. The final class in the series is “Art of the 1960s” with a film and discussion on May 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Each 90-minute session is $10 to attend and participants may pick and choose among the dates and lectures or attend all three. Find more details online at austinareaarts.org. Wine and beer will be available for purchase for AACA members and their guests.

Coming soon at the Paramount Theatre

•March 17-18: Northwestern Singers: “A Celtic Fantasy,” 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.

•March 21: $5 Movie: “Labryinth,” 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

•March 28: $5 Movie: “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

•April 6: Banjo Hour with Captain Gravitone, 7:30 p.m.

Coming soon at the ArtWorks Center

•March 23: An Evening with the Arts with James Wegner, “An Invitation to See,” 6:30 p.m.

•March 30: ArtRocks Jam Session, 7 p.m.