Have talent? Enjoy the outdoors?

Combine the two and take part in the second run of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center’s Art Show and Nature Talent Show on Saturday, Aug. 18 at the nature center.

“We had pretty good participation our first year,” said nature center naturalist Luke Riess. “ It was fun seeing the different ways nature inspires art.”

Last year’s art show brought in around 30 pieces and the variety spanned the mediums. However, the show was limited to the center’s classroom. This year organizers are hoping to fill all parts of the nature center.

“We put it out there that if we get enough art we’ll have every room of the nature center filled with art work,” said Maria Anderson, who is helping organize the event. “It would be exciting if we could use all of our space.”

The idea of melding nature, art and talent was a pretty easy connection to make as staff of the nature center pointed out and started with last year’s intern, Savanna Dahl.

“I thought it was great,” Riess said. “(Savanna) really got it going. She had a passion blending art and nature together. It’s a wonderful thing.”

“Nature is pretty influential in a lot of art,” he added.

A particularly alluring part of the event is making use of the patio behind the interpretive center for the talent show portion.

Usually the space is used for classes, but with the sunset and the performers, it made for special evening.

“Last year it worked out perfectly,” Anderson said. “I’m really hoping it goes well again. We liked being able to use the space like that. It connected everybody more closely to nature. Being outside, the nice sunset as the show was coming to the end. It was a cool vibe I think.”

The staff is also hoping for even more participants in the talent show.

“Last year a lot of people that came out to enjoy the show, they were in the audience,” Anderson said. “They came and looked at the art, but it would be really fun if some of those people were involved. Submitted an art piece or shared something at the talent show.”

How to share your art and talent

Art Show

•Open to all ages

•One piece per person

What type of art will be accepted

•Must have a nature theme from the Midwest

•Fiber work

•Small sculptures,

•Must be physical copy (no digital files will be accepted)

•For drawings, paintings and photographs, thick yardstick or framed is preferred, though not required.

How to Submit

•No RSVP needed

•Drop off at the nature center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

•Must fill out a card while dropping off art that includes name, city, age (for kids submissions), title of the work and medium it was created in.

•All artwork must be picked up between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday. If it’s not picked up it will become nature center property, unless the arrangements are made in advance. Photo ID must be shown at the time of pick up.

Where will art be displayed?

•Depending on the number of entries, various rooms within the Interpretive Center will have different themes corresponding with the art submitted.

•Sculputres will be displayed on tables.

•Drawings, paintings and photographs will be displayed on easels or hung on the walls.

•Other art types will be assessed and displayed appropriately.

Natural Community Talent Show

Who can perform?

•Limited to the first 12 submissions.

What kind of performances?

•Must be nature themed

•Small music ensembles, dancers, etc.

•Limited to five minutes per performer.

How can you apply?

•Application must be received via email (intern@hormelnaturecenter.org) or phone (1-507-437-7519)

•Must submit the name of the performer(s), city, age (for the kids), type of talent, name of song (if applicable).

Where will the performances be held?

•The performances will be outside on the patio behind the Interpretive Center.

•In case of inclement weather, a backup indoor location will be chosen.

•Electric plug-ins will be available.

•Lights and microphones will be provided.

When will the performances be held?

•The performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18

•Performers will arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

•A program order will be printed prior to the performance date.

If you have any questions email intern@hormelnaturecenter.org or call 1-507-437-7519