The Metropolitan Ballet's fall session of classes begins Sept. 11, with classes from beginner to professional. For schedules, go to www.metroballet.org/academy/schedule.htm.

The Ballet also is preparing for its production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Oct. 7-10 at the Hopkins High School Auditorium, 2400 Lindbergh Drive in Minnetonka. This ballet features music by Mendelssohn and is based on Shakespeare's tale of romantic misadventures influenced by the King and Queen of the Fairies. Productions are scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 7-9 and 3 p.m. Oct. 10.

The Metropolitan Ballet and the Hopkins Dance Center also will present the Nutcracker Dec. 2-5.

CHANHASSEN

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is sponsoring a lineup of Saturday gardening classes for those who want to get as much time as possible in the garden before warm weather is a memory.

Here's a sampling:

• Apples for Minnesota gardens. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 18. Learn the basics of growing apples in Minnesota from Peter Moe, horticulturist, former orchard owner and current director of operations at the Arboretum.

• Trees and shrubs selection. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 25. Learn which trees and shrubs can thrive in Minnesota gardens from instructor Jeffrey L. Johnson, an Arboretum horticulturist.

• Growing grapes. 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Oct. 2. Learn about grape-growing in Minnesota from instructor Sue Riesgraf, former vineyard manager.

• Bulbs: Fall Planting for Spring Color. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 9. Learn which bulbs are hardy enough for Minnesota gardens from Shirley Mah Kooyman, a botanist, teacher and gardener.

The cost of each of these classes is $30 for Arboretum members and $40 for non-members. To register or find out about other classes, go to www.arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx or call 952-443-1422. The Arboretum is located at 3675 Arboretum Drive in Chanhassen.

ELK RIVER

A fundraiser featuring oil paintings of the 1860s Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River is scheduled for Labor Day weekend.

Fifty paintings will be on display and offered for sale to raise funds for the Friends of the Oliver Kelley Farm.

The event is set for Saturday-Monday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. The farm is located at 15788 Kelley Farm Road, about 2.5 miles southeast of Elk River near Hwy. 10.

The Friends support and promote the farm. Part of their work is providing scholarships to needy students to tour the farm.

Artists whose works will be featured are Mary Jo Burk, Frieda Bruck, Roxanne Current, Nancy Gongoll, Mark Haglund, Sara Hartman, Shirley Hove, Mary Olson, Joan Ruprecht and Sue Wipf.

Contact Mark Haglund with any questions at 763-257-6165.

STAFF REPORTS