SHORTS

Cartoonist Seibel to speak at JAC

AITKIN - The Dialogue with the Arts series will present Emmy-winning cartoonist Joel Seibel at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Jaques Art Center in Aitkin.

Admission is free.

Raised in Burbank, Calif., Seibel began his animation career at age 19. Four years later, he began work at Hanna Barbara Studios, where he stayed for 28 years working on "Scooby Doo," "The Smurfs" and "Droopy." Later, he worked for Warner Bros. Studios as a storyboard artist on "Pinky & the Brain" and "The Sylvester & Tweety Pie Mysteries."

Braud to display watercolors in Nisswa

NISSWA - Watercolorist Kathy Braud will display her work from 4-6 p.m. June 27 at the Path Less Traveled gallery in Nisswa.

Admission is free.

Braud is a member of the Red River Watercolor Society, Minnesota Watercolor Society, Northstar Watercolor Society, Central Minnesota Watercolorists, Artists of Minnesota and Artists del Norte. Her work has received national awards and is often displayed in solo exhibits.

She has been the recipient of four Five Wings McKnight Individual Artist Grants and was juried to the Minnesota Arts Board Arts in Education Roster for 2007-08. Braud teaches watercolor in the Brainerd area.

In her artist's statement, Braud wrote: "I am moved by color and interested in shapes and design. Seeking the strongest values, I organize all the pieces of this puzzle to paint from my life experiences and my photo references. I feel successful and pleased when the painting is somewhat abstract and stands out with authority."

For more information, call (320) 632-5653 or visit www.mnartists.org/ kathy_braud.

Linda Nelson's handcrafted jewelry will be featured from 4-6 p.m. Friday at the Path Less Traveled.

MUSIC

Mortensen next in organ series

Gayle Mortensen will perform in the Summer Organ Series at noon Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church, 220 N. Eighth St., Brainerd.

Admission is free.

Mortensen has served as the director of parish music at Zion since 1985. She received her bachelor's in music education from Mankato State University, with a major in piano and trumpet.

BOOKS

Watson to speak at Brainerd library

Catherine Watson, author of "Home on the Road: Further Dispatches from the Ends of the Earth," will speak at noon Monday at the Brainerd Public Library as part of the Brown Bag Speakers' Series.

Admission is free and visitors may bring a bag lunch.

Watson is a nationally known travel writer, photographer and teacher. She was the first travel editor for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and was the chief travel writer and photographer from 1978-2004. She has written six books and has taught writing at the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas and the Loft Literacy Center.

For more information, visit www.catherine watsontravel.com.

Staples library offers summer programs

STAPLES - The Staples Public Library is offering the following summer programs.

Summer Reading Program, Monday through Aug. 16. The theme is "Look What's Cookin' at Your Library." One component is for ages 0-3 and another is for ages 3-12. Children will earn credits on a reading chart by reading and using library materials. They also will have a chance to win prizes. To register, visit the library during open hours (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays, 2-8 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays, 2-8 p.m. Thursdays, 1-5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays).

Teen Summer Program. The program, themed "Feed Your Mind," is open to any teen entering grades 6-12. Teens will keep track of the time they spend reading or doing reading-related activities using the coupons provided. Coupons may then be used for prize drawings.

Stories with Tammi, 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 13 (except July 2), for children. Attendance limit is 25 and pre-registration is required at (218) 894-1401.