Arts briefs: Author Garth Stein to discuss latest book at Galaxie Library

Garth Stein will discuss his most recent book, "A Sudden Light," on Monday at Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Av., Apple Valley.

The book is "the story of a family's long-buried secrets and of forgiveness and redemption," according to a library announcement of the event. Stein, also the author of "The Art of Racing in the Rain," will talk about his writing and inspiration. He will also sell and sign copies of his books. The free event starts at 7 p.m.

Sonia Nazario, author of "Enrique's Journey," will be at Lakeville Area Arts Center for the One Book, One Lakeville celebration Saturday.

The event from 7 to 9:30 p.m. will feature a reading by Nazario, music by the world music ensemble Robert Everest Expedition and refreshments. "Enrique's Journey" is about an 11-year-old Honduran boy who travels to the United States in search of his mother.

Admission is free, but tickets are required. Pre-order tickets at www.lakevilleareaartscenter.com, or call the arts center at 952-985-4640. The center is at 20965 Holyoke Av., Lakeville.

Native Pride Arts will perform modern and traditional American Indian dances Thursday at Pleasant Hill Library.

The performance from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. will be in the meeting room at the library, 1490 S. Frontage Road, Hastings. Native Pride Arts' mission is to "educate, inspire, motivate and empower diverse communities to bridge cultural gaps through indigenous traditions."

Mecca Page has decided on a different location for the Breakaway Arts Center and Café. Originally planning to purchase a building on 2nd Street, she instead recently bought the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce building for the future arts cooperative. The site, at 111 3rd St. E., will serve as a "fitness center for creativity," said Page. Users of the center will pay a monthly fee in return for access to arts supplies and workshop space and free and reduced classes.

Page said she and her business partner hope to have at least the workshop area open for tours by Memorial Day.

The city of Hastings is seeking people to serve on a new public art grant task force. According to City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee, the task force will be in charge of creating the framework for the public art grant program, for awarding public art grants and for making recommendations to the City Council. Upcoming projects will be connected to the Riverfront Renaissance, said Lee, but future projects will extend beyond that. Public art could be performances or temporary or permanent installations.

"We're trying to be as wide open as possible," she said.

The city is looking for up to seven task force members, and Lee said the main qualification is a passion for the arts.

The Dakota Valley Symphony will play its final concert of the 2014-15 season April 26 at the Ames Center.

The orchestra will perform Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," Sibelius' Symphony No. 5 and Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1, Third Movement. The piece by Chopin will feature 18-year-old pianist Jonathan Mattson of Rochester.

The concert begins at 3 p.m. at the Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Av. S., Burnsville. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased through the Ames Center box office, through Ticketmaster online or by phone at 1-800-982-2787.

Staff reports