Biz briefs: Stillwater's Alesci Gallery will close in May

Alesci Gallery, the downtown Stillwater art gallery well known for its handmade furniture and Peruvian textiles, will close in mid-May after a seven-year run, owner Scott Zahren recently announced.

Zahren originally opened the gallery on Chestnut Street but moved it to a larger space at 116 S. Main St. two years ago to give local artists more room to display their pottery, lamps, paintings, soaps and furniture.

"Scott really had what it takes to put together one of the Twin Cities' finest art galleries," oil painter Mary Jo Van Dell said. "I will really miss this place."

Along with exhibitions, the gallery also held special events throughout the year, including potters' shows and wine tastings. Zahren also was a founding member of Art on Main: Stillwater's Fine Art Walk.

Zahren said economic factors did not figure into his decision to close Alesci. "Seven years is long enough," he said.

Woodbury Days meeting for business owners The Woodbury Days Council will host informational sessions for business owners looking for opportunities to promote their products and services during the city's annual summer festival.

Representatives will talk about the four primary ways to gain exposure: participating in the festival's promotional events, the "Button of Savings" book, sponsoring an activity and volunteer gift donations.

Employment law breakfast for business owners Tammy Friederichs will address some of the most common mistakes small business owners make and how to avoid them when she speaks as part of "Hot Topics in Employment Law" at 7 a.m. Thursday at the Sheraton Hotel Woodbury, 676 Bielenberg Drive.

Friederichs, co-founder of the Friederichs and Thompson law firm, will talk about fair labor requirements, exempt vs. non-exempt status, pitfalls in the termination process and the Family Medical Leave Act during the breakfast meeting sponsored by the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce. The cost is $15. For more information, call 651-480-1414.

Remodeled salon adds spa services Trendi Salon and Spa has a new look and new services now that a $42,000 remodeling and expansion project is nearing completion.

The salon, at 1705 Weir Drive, added spa services to its offerings, which include haircuts, hair styling, pedicures, skin care and nail services. Spa options include Swedish massage, hot stone massage and deep tissue massage.

Trendi also carries professional beauty and hair care products, handcrafted jewelry and accessories. For more information, call 651-578-7779.