Art museum

The Fern River Institute of Art — commonly known as the Fria — is a public art museum and theater at the west end of the riverfront Promenade in Fern River. It is housed in a large neoclassical building clad in locally-quarried dolomite, which sparkles in the afternoon sun. Atop its single dome stands a gilded nude statue of Venus wearing a crown of myrtle, whom the museum workers refer to fondly as “Our Lady of the Nice Butt.” She’s a landmark visible from all over town.

The galleries hold a modest collection of regional and international art, mostly from the 19th century forward. The present curator, Yvette, takes a particular interest in nude and erotic art and has transformed the Fria into a destination for devotees of both subjects. A few of Lena’s nudes hang in the galleries, along with ceramic pieces by Asami.

Around the side of the building closest to the river, tucked in beside the sculpture garden up from the River Steps, there’s a small café run by college students and teenagers. They are given free reign to host events as they please, and weekends typically see a punk show, a reading, maybe a dance party or workshop. Janie works at the café, and Nora, Luc, and Em drop by frequently.