Natural talents; Nature Center to host community art, talent shows

Published 8:30 am Friday, August 18, 2017

Jay C. Hormel Nature Center intern Savanna Dahl pushed a cart covered with pieces of artwork into the classroom of the center’s new interpretive center. In the back were several tables covered in artwork.

The pieces were being moved in preparation for the Nature Art Show, to be held from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.

“I have an art and music background with my natural resources and biology background, so for me trying to find ways to incorporate both is something I’ve been doing since college,” Dahl said.

Jay C. Hormel Nature Center intern Savanna Dahl begins arranging artwork Thursday for the center’s upcoming community art show on Saturday. Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Email newsletter signup

“I also have done a lot of work with science art and conservation activism art and I’ve been wanting to find ways to incorporate that into teaching as a means of reaching a different audience.”

Earlier this week, members of the community submitted artwork to the center for the show. The rules required the work have a Midwest nature theme. People were allowed to submit photographs, drawings, paintings, sculptures and fiber work.

Dahl said they received 25 submissions. Center staff will also submit artwork of their own.

The center will also host the first Natural Community Talent Show at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Like the art show, talent show acts have to have a nature theme. Acts are limited to five minutes and space is limited to 12 acts.

“We have quite a few vocalists with guitar, a small band, and a comedy improv group so far,” she said.

She also said she would be participating.

A tree frog shows up in some of the art to be displayed in the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center’s community art and Saturday.

The talent show will take place outside on the patio behind the interpretive center, although a back-up location will be chosen in case of inclement weather.

Dahl said a few spots still remain open. Anyone interested in participating should submit their name, city, age (kids only), type of talent and name of song (if applicable) to intern@hormelnaturecenter.org or by phone at 507-437-7519. Participants must get there no later than 6:30 p.m.

Dahl said the art and talent shows are for fun only and will not be judged and no prizes will be given.

“It’s just a different way to enjoy the Nature Center,” she said. “This community loves the Nature Center so much and it’s a different way to get involved and get engaged in thinking about nature in a different way. We can see how we express ourselves through song and other forms of art to enjoy our surroundings.”

For more information, call 507-437-7519.