Arts briefs: Llama magic takes cover Washington County Fairgrounds

It will be all things llama and alpaca next weekend at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo, which is the site of the annual Llama Magic and Shepherd's Harvest.

The 18th annual fete runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday and includes a llama cart-driving clinic, children's llama walks, a youth llama and alpaca show, a variety of classes, and spinning and knitting demonstrations. Llamas and alpacas also will be for sale, as will fiber in the forms of yarn, roving, carded batts and raw fleece.

Admission to the event at 12300 N. 40th St. is free. For more information, call 1-715-246-5837 or go to www.llamagagic.com.

Student picked for study abroad Anna Peterson, a 2010 graduate of Stillwater Area High School and currently a student at Augsburg College, was recently selected to participate in the 50th anniversary of the IES Abroad Center in Paris.

Peterson, who plays the oboe, will study at the Vienna Conservatory in June, said her parents, Brent and Christine Peterson. Anna will return to Augsburg in the fall to continue her studies in music performance and French.

Formerly known as the Institute of European Studies, IES is a third-party study abroad provider and has been providing opportunities for students since 1962.

Fashion show benefit for Dawn's Closet Clear Channel radio and KARE-TV personality Lee Valsvik will be the emcee for a spring fashion show and fundraiser for Dawn's Closet, a program of Valley Outreach which provides clothing, accessories and household essentials to people in need.

Tickets are $35 each or two for $60, and include brunch, raffle and a cash bar. For more information, call 651-430-2739.

Friday is last day to apply for ADA grants Arts organizations in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area have until Friday to submit applications for the next round of ADA Access Improvement Grants.

VSA Minnesota, the state organization on arts and disability, will award grants up to $15,000 to nonprofit arts groups that want to upgrade facilities or programs to improve access to the arts for artists, audience or staff with disabilities.

The money can be used for things that will provide a long-term benefit, such as installing a ramp or lift, adding a Braille guide or docent, or providing assistive listening devices.

Applications are available at www.vsamn.org. Click on the Grants tab.

This year, vases, stoneware, glasses and other work by 49 potters will be on view from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. next Sunday.

A map with locations of the studios of seven host potters is available at www.minnesotapotters.com.

TIM HARLOW