East metro arts briefs: Bike race to spin through Stillwater

The North Star Grand Prix (formerly Nature Valley Grand Prix) pro stage bike race will be held in five cities in Minnesota and Wisconsin June 11-15, with its final stage running through Stillwater beginning at 10:30 a.m. June 15.

The race, which opens in St. Paul, also will run through Cannon Falls, Minneapolis and Menomonie, Wis. It offers fans an opportunity to see pro cyclists compete, as well as to participate in a free festival that features expos, kids' races and family-friendly activities and entertainment.

The Stillwater Criterium is noted for weeding out the field, which features a 24-degree climb up Chilkoot Hill — the steepest in North American racing. The route features a series of high-speed, downhill, 90-degree turns throughout the city's historic neighborhoods and Main Street area.

Fan Zones set up at each stage include food vendors, stunt riders, live music, bike and fitness expos and a free Tour de Kids fun race open to children 12 and under.

For a detailed schedule of events visit www.northstarbicyclefestival.com.

"Blurred Visions and Last Forms," a collection of mixed media watercolor paintings and ceramic vessels by artists Edie and Richard Abnet, is on display through June at the Stillwater Public Library Art Gallery, 224 N. 3rd St. An artist reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. June 12 in the gallery area.

Accompanying Edie Abnet's paintings are the last forms of her late husband and fellow artist, Richard Abnet. The forms are unadorned bisque pottery created before his death in 2011.

Those interested in showing off a vintage car — as well as those interested in looking over the hot rods — will gather at Lowell Park, behind the Water Street Inn, 101 S. Water St.

For more information, call Scott at 651-494-8657 or John at 651-439-5718, or go to: www.facebook.com/pages/Cruisin-on-the-Croix …/88830038621.

A fly fishing workshop will be presented from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 7 at William O'Brien State Park, 16821 O'Brien Trail N. Join the National Park Service and individuals from the Fly Fishing Federation, Trout Unlimited and the St. Paul Fly Tiers for a day of fly fishing at the park.

Morning classes (9 a.m.-noon at the visitor center) cover fly fishing fundamentals (history, lore and theory), equipment and fly tying. The afternoon sessions (1-3 p.m. at the picnic grounds) feature casting demonstrations, with hands-on instruction in small groups with an instructor. Participants can bring their own equipment or use what is provided at the workshop.

For more information, call 651-433-0500.

The 10 plays that will be presented at each performance were selected from hundreds of submissions from around the world, and include two by Minnesota playwrights: "The Wager," by William Sikorski, of Birchwood Village, a story about a chance meeting in a park that leads to an interesting wager; and "Sleeping (or Something like That) under the Stars," by Greg Abbott of North Mankato, which tells the story of a couple's plan — and differing views — for a romantic evening of camping by the river.

Tickets are $16, $14 for seniors and students (some plays may not be suitable for younger audiences.) For information, go to www.lakeshoreplayers.com/tickets.html.

Washington County's annual "Explore Your Parks" day takes place June 7. Admission to all county parks is free.

The main event will be at Lake Elmo Park Reserve's swim beach area starting at 9 a.m. with free race registration for a 1K kids run followed by a 5K family fun run. The parks department has lined up a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities, demos, arts and music. Other parks and events include stand-up paddleboarding from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Square Lake Park and a trail yoga meeting at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve's Nordic Center (fee and preregistration required at www.rei.com/outdoorschool).

More information is available at www.co.washington.mn.us/parks.