Something a bit different this weekend during Art al fresco; refreshing refreshments. "What kind of refreshments?" you are probably asking yourself right about now. Well, stop by and find out.

And while you are enjoying your refreshing refreshment, check out some terrific deals on custom frames, original art and Motawi Tiles.

Leah Lundgaard is the latest 'Art al fresco' artist. We came to know Leah several years ago and have enjoyed watching her grow as an artist over the years. Leah is a full time artist and is both a painter and a potter.

She typically paints with either a watercolor pencil or with oils. A common element in her paintings is a burst of color and activity, i.e., fall leaves or waves crashing on beach rocks.

Her pottery has an interesting pattern of geometry. I see a Fibonacci sequence in her patterns. This is a common sequence found in nature. Sunflower heads, honeybee combs and artichoke flowers are all examples of Fibonacci patterns.

Leah is modest and soft-spoken and a very genuine person. She clearly has an inner voice that she expresses with her art. Visit her website at: www.triple-l-design.com and buy lot's of her art. Right now.

Actually, July is the only month in Minnesota to never have recorded snow. The earliest snowfall in Minnesota was August 31, 1949 (Duluth, MN) and the latest snowfall was June 4, 1935 (Mizpath, MN...which is also interesting because mizpath is Hebrew for watchtower).

The photo on the left was taken this past March 31 from the front shop window. It was the day before the new shop opened and it was one of these last-gasp March snowfalls that we get every year. They are kind of sloppy, but very pretty. The photo on the right was taken moments ago from the same vantage point. The view from the shop is worth the visit alone.

Interesting difference in just three months. Tomorrow I will begin taking exterior and interior shots.

No, not art in the nude (maybe next year), but rather 'art in fresh air'. We are going to try something different this weekend by hosting a mini-art festival in our parking lot. We have this terrific street-side parking lot and the intention is to pop up a tent and host a different artist each weekend.

This is actually the brain child of Ingrid Bjerstedt Rogers from Beldenville, Wisconsin. Ingrid is a veteran of the art fair circuit and it was her suggestion to turn our parking lot into an art venue. And why not? We have this terrific black walnut tree that shades the entire parking lot and it is very pedestrian friendly. Stop by this Saturday and check it out.

Ingrid is our first artist. I would describe her pottery as being both primal and whimsical. It creates a very positive vibe when you experience it and it is very affordable. Good stuff.

I will post the 'Art al fresco' schedule as it evolves. We should have something every week.

This past February, The Red Wing Photography Club kicked off its first meeting. This is a grass roots organization, driven by the common interest of photography. All skill levels are represented and there are several sub-groups focused on wildlife, strobists and special events.

It is fun to be involved with these lively enthusiasts. Several contests are underway and several photography outings are in the works. Mary Ouret and Jeff Marcus provide the energy and the growth of the group is impressive. I think one of the aspects I enjoy the most is how grounded the group is. There is no sense of elitism and all of the support is positive.

Several local businesses have taken note of how popular the photography club is. These businesses are clever enough to understand that if they can provide a venue for the photos, they are ensuring foot traffic for themselves. Smart.

See for yourself. The main group meets once a month (3rd Monday of the month) at the St. James Hotel. The group web site (more of a forum currently) is: www.rwphotoclub.org