"Life's Textures: Plants and Minerals," a joint exhibition of works by three artists exploring details that often go unnoticed in our everyday life, will be on display through April 13 at both the Stillwater Library and the St. Croix Galleries at ArtReach St. Croix in Stillwater.

Joseph Samuelson, a retired Stillwater Area High School art teacher, creates large-format multimedia paintings with a sense of mystery to his pieces. His handcrafted pottery, meanwhile, shows the subtle effects of firing with wood.

Samuelson's pieces will be displayed alongside watercolor paintings by his wife, Myrlah Olson. In addition, macro-photography images by Minneapolis artist Greg Foley will be part of the exhibit.

The St. Croix Galleries, 224 North 4th St., are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Stillwater Public Library is at 224 Third St. N.

woodbury

Professor to discuss Easter and culture

Since when do Easter bunnies lay eggs?

Find out when Bruce David Forbes, professor of religious studies at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, discusses some of the extra-cultural features that have become attached to Easter, explaining their origins.

Sushi Plate, by Joseph Samuelson

What does the word "Easter" mean? Most important, what do all of these things, from Easter bunnies to Easter parades, have to do with the special Christian meaning of the day?

The community is invited to the free discussion at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive, Woodbury. For more information, contact Trudy Cowman at potznpanz2@aol.com or the church office at 651-738-3110.

Messiest Art Camp offered at break

With spring break right around the corner for the South Washington County School District, Woodbury's Parks and Recreation Department is offering kids a chance to take their mess out of the house.

The Messiest Art Camp gives kids a chance to paint with plaster, sculpt with gooey gunk, make papier-mâché dragonflies and fling paint like Jackson Pollock.

The class is geared for kids ages 4 to 9 and will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday and Friday, March 14 and 15, at Evergreen West Park, 1033 Tamberwood Trail. Cost is $58. To register, go to the city's website at www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/.

lake elmo

Library to host class on computer basics

The Lake Elmo Public Library, 3537 Lake Elmo Av., is offering free beginning desktop computer lessons from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 16.

At the end of the lessons, students can expect to know how to use a search engine, find an Internet address and type a letter.

The class is open to all ages, but space is limited and registration is needed. Following the group class, 30-minute individual free tutoring sessions are available for basic computing, e-mail and Facebook. Those needing assistance with e-readers and tablets can also receive help, but need to bring their own device to the library.

Registration for all classes and tutoring can be made by calling the library at 651-773-4926. For more information, see lakeelmopubliclibrary.org.

St. Croix Valley

Beekeepers to meet, discuss research

The St. Croix Valley Beekeepers will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, at Peace Lutheran Church, 2084 County Road N. in Baldwin, Wis.

After a business meeting, Matt La Forge, manager of Dadant & Sons Inc., will give a presentation aimed at beginning beekeepers on how to set up hives and properly feed honeybees. Kim Mogen, professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, will discuss research on virus studies in honeybee colonies. The public is invited.

For more information, contact Paul VanDenMeerendonk at 715-781-0640.

jim ANDerson