5/19/2015 10:14:43 AM
It's been 10 years since the Edge Center for the Arts opened in the small northern Minnesota city of Bigfork, population 463.
But the cultural performances held at the impressive, 280-seat center over the past decade, have been big.
"I moved up here seven years ago from the Twin Cities and expected that my husband and I would be fishing, hunting and gardening, said Karen Ferlaak, former chair of the Edge Center for the Arts board and current board member. "Now, I wish everybody in the Twin Cities knew about what's happening up here. The access to arts and the opportunities that would not normally be here has been a tremendous opportunity to families."
Music and theatrical scenes from the center's first 10 years will be back on the center's stage Friday, May 22, Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24 with "The Best of the Players: The 10-Year Reunion Show."
The show starts at 7 p.m. each night. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children.
"It's a compilation of what's gone on here in the last 10 years," said Ferlaak. It's been quite a project and I think we're going to have a good turnout. We'll be attracting people from all over this area and from Hibbing to Grand Rapids to Bemidji."
The non-profit center, which opened in 2005, is connected to the Bigfork School.
Over its 10 years of operation, the center has hosted arts and cultural events conducted by local talent and professional performers.
An art show, featuring the work of Bigfork students, is currently on display. Admission to the art gallery is free.
The center operates year-round, though the bulk of activities are held from spring until fall.
The center, and the wide variety arts and cultural events offered over the past decade, have impressed visitors, said Ferlaak.
"The one word we always hear when people come here is 'Wow,'" said Ferlaak. "The opportunity that we have to offer arts of all kinds that otherwise would not be here is quite amazing."
IRRRB provided a $10,000 Culture and Tourism grant to the Edge Center for the Arts to support its 10th anniversary season with special events, exhibits, and performances.
