Nearly 80 artists will set up on the grounds of the Lakeville Area Arts Center for the 11th annual Lakeville Art Festival next weekend.

The free festival is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Sunday.

This year's event also features the unveiling of a new book by a local author. Nancy Nolan will introduce her newly published children's book, "Mr. Munson's Itvice," with readings and activities both days.

Artists will demonstrate their techniques, and attendees will be invited to take part in community art projects for adults and children. There will also be performing artists, food, and a wine and beer tent.

The arts center is at 20965 Holyoke Av.

For more information, see www.lakevilleartfestival.org or call the arts center at 952-985-4640.

BURNSVILLE

Short plays focus on past and future

Two winners of last year's new play contest will comprise the Chameleon Theatre Circle's One-Act Showcase next weekend at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center.

In "A Brief History of Mah Jongg" by Faye Sholiton, three women gather for one last game of mah jongg in their friend's honor, but soon learn that what they thought they knew about their own past was wrong. Chameleon's production is directed by Emily Gill and features performances by Andrea Boe, Marybeth Redmond, Lisbeth Peacock, Nikki Laliberte and Cindy Schmidt.

"Failing Consumption" by Lauren and Mark Arnest takes place in a future where consumption is mandatory, surveillance is constant and a family struggles to hold onto what's really important. The play will be directed by Alissa Blaeser and it features Amy Shomshak, John Adler, Matt Ouren, Ali Close, Megan Dowd, Katie Adducci and Bill Studer.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. next Sunday in the Black Box Theatre of the center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for students, seniors, Fringe button holders and groups of eight or more. For information, see www.chameleontheatre.org.

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