Student artwork will be the focus of two displays at the Austin ArtWorks Center.

The first is the Youth Art Show, whose official opening will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. The opening, originally set for Feb. 24, was rescheduled due to bad weather.

The show highlights art from youth in first through eighth grades from all four elementary schools along with art from I. J. Holton Intermediate and Ellis Middle School. Refreshments and live music will also be provided.

Accompanying the show is a display of photographs featuring puppets created by local youngsters who participated in Z Puppets Rosenschnoz workshops, which focused on combining science with art. Some puppets glow in the dark; others are made of recycled material. All are “really cool,” says Kelsey Ritchie, office manager of the ArtWorks Center.
The displays will remain in place until April 1, following the Z Puppets Rosenschnoz’ black light performance of “Cellula,” on Saturday, March 25, also at the ArtWorks Center.

Friday

•Second Floor Art Gallery Grand Opening – Z Puppets Rosenschnoz and Youth Gallery, 5 to 7 pm. Opening celebration featuring artworks from local youth and Z Puppets. (See above)

•Knights of Columbus Friday Fish Fry during Lent, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the 211 First St. SW hall. Meals will feature broiled or batter-fried haddock served with a potato and salad bar.

•CRC 6th annual Rummage Sale, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Austin Holiday Inn. CRC employees join together to sell gently-used items for a great cause – raising funds for the Austin Police Department K-9 Unit.

•Austin Bruins vs Bismarck Bobcats, 7:05 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins!

Saturday

•2nd Floor Gallery Show – Z Puppets Rosenschnoz and Youth Gallery, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gallery show featuring two shows: Photography of Z Puppets and Youth Art Show (see above)

•Feeling History by CLIMB Theatre: African Americans’ Reach for Equality, 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. A deeply interactive performance that explores America’s history of racism and how it continues to shape the experience of Black Americans. Free and open to the public, appropriate for seventh grade to adult audiences. Seating is limited to 100 people so free tickets will be issued at the ArtWorks Center. Funded by the Minnesota State Arts Board.

•Austin Bruins vs Bismarck Bobcats, 7:05 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins!

•Austin Artists Series: Acoustic Eidolon, 7 p.m. in Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School. Seventy-third concert series. New this year – reciprocity with not only Mitchell County Concert Association in Osage, Iowa, but also Albert Lea Civic Music Association. This concert features a charming and personable Colorado-based duo formed in 1998. Joe plays the 14 string Gitjo—a double-necked banjo/guitar combination, and sings. Hannah plays the cello, and sings. For tickets go to www.austinartistseries.org or call 507-437-2065.

Sunday

•Public Skate, 3:45 to 5 p.m. at Riverside Arena. $4 to skate and $1 to rent skates. For more information, call 507-433-1881

Monday

•Read Any Good Books Lately?, 10:30 a.m. at the Austin Public Library. Coffee, treats, and an informal book discussion based on the question, “Have you read any good books lately?” For more information, call 507-433-2391.

•Ahockalypse in Austin Filming, noon to 9:45 p.m. at Riverside Arena.  Looking for 15 – 30 extras as hockey fans – bring two outfits suitable for attending hockey games (no logos). If interested, send a snap shot of yourself, phone number, and when you would be available. Send to info@nicolefae.com.

•History Happy Hour: Southern Minnesota Railroad History – Development of the Lyle Gateway, 5:30 p.m. at the Hormel Historic Home. Presented by Paul Spyhalski. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m.; presentation at 6 p.m. Refreshments available. Free for members of the HHH, Friends of the Library, and Mower County Historical Society; $5 for non-members. For more information, call 507-433-4243.