ARLINGTON — Laura Kuhl had to clean up Monday to attend the Arlington Garden Club luncheon.

The vice president of the Arlington Arts Council, Kuhl was covered with mud, as she was busy throwing pots for the upcoming Art in the Barn art show June 27.

A ceramic artist, or “potter,” Kuhl accepted the Myrtle Ruckert Award on behalf of the AAC, with AAC treasurer Jean Olson presenting the award on behalf of the garden club.

Olson just finished her term as chair of the Ways and Means Committee of the garden club and she is a founding member and treasurer for the AAC.

“It’s really an honor to receive this award,” Olson said on behalf of the arts council. She told the garden club about the new sculpture installed recently.

“It is so much fun,” Olson said.

“If you’ll meet me there, I’ll show you how to climb on,” Olson said, describing the sculpture of a bicycle made by Lance Carleton out of found metal objects.

“But that’s just one of many sculptures and murals around town,” she added.

In its 10th year, the Myrtle Ruckert Award is named after a member of the garden club who served as treasurer for more than 70 years, and who is turning 100 years old in September this year.

Ruckert was not at the meeting because she did not feel up to it, said long-time garden club member Gloria Carlson.

The award is presented to individuals who have contributed to the beautification of Arlington.

“This is a huge honor,” said Kuhl, while acknowledging that the garden club has a similar mission as the arts council, although the medium is different.

Carlson also swore in the new officers for the year ahead, with Bea Randall at the helm. Tina Wilson will continue in a new position of past president.

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