Dakota County arts briefs: For kids and parents, a chance to make Raku pottery

Children 6 and older and their parents can create a Raku vase at a workshop from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Lakeville Area Arts Center.

Participants will glaze a pre-made vase and watch while an instructor bakes it in a kiln fire.

Cost is $28 per child; a parent must attend. The cost includes the vase, hot dogs and s'mores to cook over a campfire. Participants should bring their own beverages. To register, call 952-985-4640.

The next two classes in the Dakota County Library's arts and crafts month are:

• Patterns of Life: Native American Bead Arts from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan. Participants will make a beaded bookmark or pouch.

• Tiny Coiled Baskets — using yarn and cord — will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Pleasant Hill Library, 1490 S. Frontage Road in Hastings.

All classes are for those 16 and older. Registration is required; go to www.co.dakota.mn.us/library and click on the calendar of events.

Themes for this year's exhibit are "New Perspectives of Historic Places in Dakota County" and "Your Favorite Building in Dakota County."

Artists must live in Dakota County. Art must be two-dimensional, and one entry per person per theme is allowed. The deadline is Oct. 5.

The committee will review the submitted artwork and send its recommendations to the County Board, which will make the final decision on the artwork to be displayed.

The six-month exhibit will begin in November; art will be displayed in various county buildings. For more information, call Jean Erickson at 651-438-4286 or e-mail jean.erickson@co.dakota.mn.us

Children and young adults, ages 12 to 18, can create a collage journal at a workshop starting at 2 p.m. Monday at the Wescott Library.

Organizers asked that attendees arrive 5 minutes early in order to guarantee their spot.

The event is sponsored by the Eagan Art House.

Free outdoor concerts on the lawn of the LeDuc Historic Mansion are being held every Sunday evening through August. The shows are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. In case of bad weather, they will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 409 9th St. W., Hastings.

This week, Darlene and the Boys, a country/variety band will perform.

On Aug. 16, guitarist Ron Haugen will play classic country and "a little bit of every kind of music," organizers said.