Arts briefs: Art tour covers St. Croix River Valley

The 11th annual artOPENer Studio Tour will be held the first weekend in May, offering an opportunity to visit an eclectic mix of diverse artists' studios and galleries nestled along the scenic St. Croix River.

The tour features fine art and contemporary crafts at studios from Stillwater to Hudson and River Falls, Wis. Visitors can meet with artists working in a variety of mediums.

The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5. The nine studios and galleries and their guest artists produce 19 art styles, working in jewelry, glass, painting, pottery, printmaking and sculpture.

Nationally and regionally recognized artists include Melissa Belanger, Michael Bond, Joe Christensen, Sarah Dudgeon, Gary Rex Erickson, Elaine Frederickson, Kirk Freeman, JD Jorgenson, Tippy Maurant, Paul Randall, Jude Ryan Reiling, Joe Samuelson, Sandra Shaughnessy, Douglas and Renee Sigwarth, Gayle Gentry Singewald, Zac Spates, Marjorie Wade, Rhonda Willers and Lauri Wilson.

The tour will feature artwork for sale as well as glassblowing, potter's wheel and printmaking demonstrations throughout the weekend. New to this year's tour is the addition of a "Young Collector's Corner" at some of the studios, which will offer affordable artwork for younger visitors.

Visit www.artopener.com for details.

Stillwater

Historical Society to host open house

The Washington County Historical Society is holding its annual open house from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, at the Warden's House Museum, 602 Main St. N. in Stillwater.

The event will allow the first public glimpse of the society's new displays.

One showcases the history of photography, including cameras, vintage photographs including daguerreotypes and glass plate mug shots of convicts, and photos taken by Stillwater photographer John Runk.

There is also a display highlighting Adam Marty, a Civil War veteran from Company B, First Minnesota Regiment, and later sheriff of Washington County.

Upstairs is an exhibition of artwork done by Luella Gurney, whose uncle was Henry Gurney of Forest Lake, founder of one of the first resorts there.

One of the most recent donations to the collections, a glass door sign to the general office of the Consolidated Lumber Company, donated by past company President Edgerton Bronson, will be in the lumber room this season.

Guided tours will not be available during the open house, but expert guides will be on hand to answer questions. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

The Warden's House Museum will be open for the regular season May to October. Tours begin on the hour, from 1 to 5 p.m. To schedule a special tour or have questions regarding the open house, contact Sean Pallas at spallas.wchs@gmail.com or 651-439-5956.

Registration open for Stillwater Log Run

Registration is now open for the Stillwater Log Run — 10-mile and 5-kilometer races that will take place in Stillwater at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 20.

This year's course will be changing to accommodate construction in Lowell Park in downtown Stillwater. For a course map or to register, go to www.stillwaterlogrun.com/.

The cost to register online is $40 for the 10-mile, $30 for the 5K and $10 for the Toddler Trot. Runners receive a race T-shirt and bib, water and food, and beverages at the finish line.

Bayport

Chamber cooks up rib-tickling event

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce has unveiled a new event: "Rockin' Ribs on the River."

It will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 15 at Lakeside Park in Bayport. Highlights of the event include smoking hot ribs, live blues music and cold beverages.

Susan St. Ores, mayor of Bayport, said the event will be "a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Bayport and its rich history along the banks of the St. Croix River."

Aside from the variety of barbecued food and various activities, Rockin' Ribs on the River will feature live music from blues bands such as "Mick Sterling and the Irresistibles" and "Crankshaft."

The event is free. For more information, contact Dolly Parker, with the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, at 651-439-4001.

white bear lake

Boat Works history topic of program

John W. Johnson, grandson of Johnson Boat Works founder John O. Johnson, will talk about his family's business and the role it has played in White Bear Lake's history during a presentation at 6 p.m. Monday, April 29, at the Ramsey County Public Library in White Bear Lake, 4698 Clark Av.

The event is free, but donations are welcome. It is presented by the White Bear Lake Area Historical Society. For more information, call 651-407-5327.

forest lake

Construction cancels production of 'Annie'

Due to construction involving the theater area at Forest Lake High School this summer, and after many efforts to locate a suitable alternate venue, the Masquers Theatre Company has reluctantly canceled its planned summer musical "Annie."

Kevin Giles, Jim Anderson