The Mower County Historical Society is holding its final event for the 2018 Lunchbox History Series, “The Vietnam Experience,” at noon on Thursday, Oct. 25, in the Pioneer Building near the fairgrounds at the Mower County Historical Society in Austin.

“The Vietnam Experience” will be presented by local artist Al Smith from Owatonna.

Smith was born, raised and educated in Austin. He studied at the Minneapolis School of Art and worked in several leading art studios and advertising agencies in Minneapolis before he launched his own advertising/marketing agency.

Last October, he rediscovered the joy of pencil drawing. He drew a portrait of a friend, who was a veteran of the Vietnam War, and was motivated to spend many months drawing soldiers and capturing vivid aspects of their experience in the face of war. He completed nearly 40 poster-sized pencil drawings in four months.

Smith will share a collection of his pencil drawings at the presentation. This program and display represents his personal dedication and honor to all those who served in the Vietnam War.

Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for this free event. Everyone is encouraged to bring a lunch and a friend to learn about history.

For more information call 507-437-6082.