Hank Hall Teapots Headed to Houston!

"Frazzled" - ©Hank Hall

Two teapots by 2016 A.R.T.Spirit Lake artist Hank Hall have been accepted into the 10th International Texas Teapot Tournament presented by TEA+ART and C.A.M.E.O in Houston, Texas. Both Frazzled and Tea-Rex are non-functional teapots with acrylic paint over cone 6 stoneware and mixed media embellishments.

The biennial exhibit was juried by Linnis Blanton, adjunct professor of ceramics at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX.

"Tea-Rex" - ©Hank Hall

The show opens with a public reception and juror's talk on Friday, January 6 from 6-9 pm at TEA+ART on 613 1/2 W 19th Street in Houston and closes January 28. More information about the show and its presenters is available at www.teaplusart.com.

Hall creates one-of-a-kind teapots and abstract drawings and paintings in his new home studio and workshop on East Lake Okoboji near Spirit Lake. More information on Hall and his work is posted at https://www.facebook.com/HankHallArt/ on Facebook.

 

Call to Artists!

The 14^th annual Artisans Road Trip (A.R.T.) is looking for artists for the coming year!  The deadline for applications is Friday, January 16^th.  All disciplines and mediums are accepted – painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry, fabric, wood, photography, pottery, and more!

 

 A.R.T. is an open studio tour held every fall during the second weekend in October.  In addition to the October event, participating artists also benefit from year-round advertising with thousands of brochures distributed; a regularly updated blog; 24/7 website; plus group gallery exhibitions from Storm Lake, IA, to Fairmont, MN!

All artists in the region are encouraged to apply for the upcoming 2017 season!  For the artisans involved, the Road Trip is a powerful networking and marketing opportunity.  A.R.T. is organized and run by artists for artists.  Together we work to increase art exposure, introducing new art styles to the community and new customers to local artists.  And we want YOU to join us!

For more information, links to the official A.R.T. blog and current artist biographies, as well as a downloadable .PDF of the 2017 Artist Application & Prospectus, go to www.artisansroadtrip.com. If you have any questions, please contact chairperson Haley Tardiff at d3monicat@gmail.com.

Artisans Road Trip Preparing for 2017 - Call for Artists!

The Artisans Road Trip is now busy preparing for 2017.  Each year A.R.T. opens the organization and "event" up to artists of the region for the next season!  Each year the Artisans Road Trip consists of many events throughout the entire year - scheduled exhibits and the noted Autumn weekend event itself.  Also, member artists are spotlighted weekly for their personal exhibits and artwork through the year, as well as having their own web page for exposure to the public.

A Call for Artists!  Are you, or an artist you may know, interested in taking part in the 2017 Artisans Road Trip?  The Prospectus for the 2017 A.R.T. is now available for downloading and applying to become a part of the 2017 organization and events!  Simply go to the Artisans Road Trip web site (http://www.artisansroadtrip.com/) and scroll down to the Prospectus notice!  Or go directly to the Prospectus right HERE and fill it out and send it in for consideration!  The application fee is completely refundable to anyone who is not accepted for this coming year.

Be a part of a highly regarded group of regional artists and show throughout the year in area exhibits plus the big autumn weekend event!  Make 2017 YOUR Year!


 

2016 A.R.T. Artists to be at Christmas in the Gallery at Arts on Grand!

 Artwork, similar to these, will be on exhibit at AOG

during Christmas in the Gallery - Upper left clockwise -

Timothy Arand McIlrath, Pam Harp, Bruce Morrison,

Lissa Potter and Haley Tardiff - artwork © each respective artist.

Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa will be hosting "Christmas in the Gallery" beginning Tuesday November 15th!  The work in the exhibit includes artwork of several members of the 2016 Artisans Road Trip, including Lissa Potter, Timothy Arand McIlrath, Pam Harp, Haley Tardiff, and Bruce Morrison.  There will be several other artists included as well.

The entertainment for the event will feature Ray Meyer on the piano, playing Christmas favorites.    Some of the artists will be in attendance to talk about their work.

The exhibit reception will be held at Arts on Grand  in Spencer on Tuesday evening November 15 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.  The public is cordially invited to view the Festival of Trees, lighted and decorated trees, half trees, and wreathes; and all the other artwork by area artists.  

Christmas in the Gallery runs through December 27, 2016 - don't miss out!

2016 A.R.T. Artist David Strom Exhibit - "A Journey..."

Artwork - ©David Strom

"This common shape-triangle over rectangle is the source of my current work. Most of my images are contained within a border of rectangles, a predella format, which was often used in altarpieces
and folk quilts. It is my hope that after seeing these paintings the viewer will become more aware of this universal shape which sits humbly on our landscape, just as it does in other parts of the world."
 
David Strom works out of his studio in Windom MN. He received his BFA in Painting from Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 1973 and also studied at Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, in Skowhegan, ME, in 1972. David has exhibited extensively in Minnesota and Iowa in solo and juried exhibitions. His most recent exhibitions include, Carnegie Art Center, Mankato, MN, (2016); Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, WI, (2014); William Whipple Gallery, SMSU, Marshall, MN, (2014); Nobles County Art Center, Worthington, MN, (2013); SMAC Art Gallery, Marshall, MN, (2012); Pearson Lakes Art Center, Okoboji, IA; (2012); and Arts Center of St. Peter, St. Peter, MN, (2011).
 
Strom has also been the recipient of the Individual Artist Career Grant from Southwest Minnesota
Arts Council, (2004 and 2011).

See "David Strom - A Journey..." at the Carnegie Art Center in Mankato, MN!  Gallery talk and reception - Saturday, November 5th, from 7-9PM.  Exhibit runs from November 3 - 19, 2016.

 

Thank You!

All of the artists of this year's Artisans Road Trip would like to express a big THANK YOU(!) for helping make this year's weekend event as successful as ever!

Be sure and watch for more happening with artists of the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!

Thank you for supporting the arts in NW Iowa!

The 2016 Artisans Road Trip!!!

Just a "Tiny" sampling of 2016 Artisans Road Trip

artists this year during the weekend Studio Tour!

(Artists work from upper left - clockwise)

Barb McGee, MaryJo Daniels, Pam Harp, Hank Hall,

Glenda Drennen, David Strom, Gene Polson, 

Holly Zinn, Connie Hankens and Avis Davis.

(All artwork © the respective artists)

 

It's here this weekend!! Everyone is invited to travel Iowa's scenic byways and back roads looking for one-of-a-kind creations!  The 13^th annual Artisans Road Trip will be held this Saturday, October 8^th from 9:00am – 5:00pm, and Sunday, October 9^th from Noon – 5:00pm. This year we have 41 artists participating from Estherville down to Storm Lake (and all over in between)! The Artisans Road Trip is a self-guided art studio and gallery tour; free for visitors, the Road Trip is a great way to spend a weekend with friends and family exploring the work of local artists.

Participating artists this year include: Joanne Alberda, Tim Arand-McIlrath, Sue Biederman, Kathryn Buckley, Danielle Clouse Gast, Cherie Courter, Crystal Cross, Mary Jo Daniels, Avis Davis, Joleen Dentlinger, Glenda Drennen, Mitch Eveleth, Kathy Evert, Linda Fries, Hank Hall, Connie Hankens, Pam Harp, Ken Harskamp, Judy Hemphill, Linda Hopkins, Tammy Hoppe, William Lieb, Irene McCoy, Barbara McGee, Sarah Morphew, Bruce Morrison, Mel Myers, Ron Netten, Anita Plucker, Perry Polson, Gene Polson, Lissa Potter, Tootie Powers, Lee Rainboth, Karen Ruddy, Marisa Sidles, David Strom, Haley Tardiff, Judy Thompson, Roberta Williams, and Holly Zinn. These artisans will offer a rare glimpse into creative processes as they demonstrate their craft in personal and unique work spaces.

The Mission of the Artisans Road Trip is to promote a venue for established artisans to demonstrate their skills, exhibit and sell their original fine art via a self-guided studio tour through scenic Northwest Iowa, thereby encouraging education, diversity, tourism, economic growth, and art appreciation.

Don't miss out on that great Autumn air and sights - take the roads less traveled and even those well traveled ones too - enjoy a day (or two!) out and take in the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!  For more information, pick up a brochure at one of many local businesses, libraries, galleries, or art studios – or check out the official website and blog 24/7 at www.ArtisansRoadTrip.com.

 

 

Pearson Lakes Art Center Exhibiting Artists of the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!

Many artists will be represented at the

Pearson Lakes Art Center's 2016 Artisans Road Trip

Exhibit - here is just a sampling!

(Artists work from upper left - clockwise)

Linda Fries, Timothy J. Aarand-McIlrath, Joanne Alberda,

Judy Thompson and Kathy J. Evert.  Center - Karen Ruddy

(All artwork © the respective artists)

The Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji, Iowa is hosting an exhibit of artists from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip! This special exhibit will run from October 6th through November 27th with the evening artist's reception to be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 6th.  The public is cordially invited to come and meet some of the artists and view this wonderful show!  

Come and see a great representation of the works of many of this year's Artisans Road Trip artists - don't miss out!

Arts on Grand Exhibiting Artists of the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!

Many artists will be represented at the

Arts on Grand 2016 Artisans Road Trip

Exhibit - here is just a sampling!

(Artists work from upper left - clockwise)

Barb McGee, Marisa Sidles, Pam Harp, 

Anita Plucker, Hank Hall, Linda Hopkins,

Linda Fries, Timothy J. Aarand-McIlrath, 

Judy Thompson and Danielle Clouse Gast

(All artwork © the respective artists)
 

 Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa is hosting an exhibit of artists from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip! The Artisans Road Trip exhibit runs from September 13th through October 29th with the evening artist's reception to be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 22nd. There will be hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. The public is cordially invited to come and meet some of the artists and view this wonderful show!  Come and see a great representation of the works of many of this year's artists - don't miss out!

2016 A.R.T. Artist Judy Thompson's Homestead Series!

 "Prairie Schoolmates"

artwork ©Judy Thompson

 

The Homestead Series on the Road Again. 

Judy Thompson's Homestead Series, will be on exhibition at the Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center for the months of September and October.  The Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center is a multifaceted arts and community center that which provides programming in the visual arts, dance, music, theater, and special interest areas.

The Homestead Series was created during an artist's residency at the Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, NE and celebrates the the Western Movement of the United States through the signing of the Homestead Act of 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln. In addition to the 12 original watercolors in the series,Silver Lake Reflections will also be, the cover image for the national best seller, Pioneer Girl, the Annotated Autobiography by Laura Ingalls Wilder, published by the South Dakota Historical Society Press.

 Official Cover Art 

artwork ©Judy Thompson

Judy is also excited to announce that she has just completed the cover art for another SDHSP book: Pioneer Girl Perspectives: Exploring Laura Ingalls Wilder, edited by Nancy Tystad Koupal.  This volume explores Wilder's legacy and her creative process and will be available the spring of 2017 to celebrate Laura Ingalls Wilder's 150th birthday.

Tim Arand-McIlrath - "A Fiberartist Journey- 50+Years of Making Fiberart"

Tim Arand-McIlrath has an exhibit of his work currently on view at the Clear Lake Arts Center, Clear Lake IA. The exhibit "A Fiberartist Journey- 50+Years of Making Fiberart" will be on view through Oct.3, 2017. 

Fiberart has been my artistic expression for most of my life. Color, texture and the "feel" of fabric have always been important to me. In an undergraduate printmaking course, I was first exposed to the idea for printing on fabric. My graduate study led to exposure to many possibilities for making fiberart. My skills as a print and dye artist developed, as well as being exposed to the creative uses of crochet. 

My journey as a fiberartist has had four sections.  I began my creative exploration using photographic images and repeat pattern to screen print textiles. My artistic output included primarily yardages, hangings and quilts. 

The need for more dimensional work led me to feltmaking. My use of feltmaking included felting wool fiber unto wool fabric, producing highly textured surfaces because of the shrinkage. The concept of layering and exposing under layers was a major part of my journey with felt. 

Initially, my interest in building three dimensional forms came from the need to learn basketmaking for my teaching. I began building forms, then began inhabiting the forms with crocheted webs and eventually incorporating found objects. 

Upon retirement I took a break from art making but eventually my artistic nature led me to begin again, starting with painting but quickly led to using crochet to embellish the painted surface. Eventually I began revisiting my screen printed fabric and adding crocheted surfaces to create new artistic exressions. I found myself being really attracted to the many different approaches that are used to create fabric for clothing. This led me to recycling fabric from garments as backgrounds and creating new environments using crocheted yarn over the fabric backgrounds. 

I have had an incredible "love affair" with fiber and fabric and see myself keeping on creating new artwork as long as possible.

"Connecting With Nature Through Sculpture" Exhibit by 2016 A.R.T. Artist Bill Lieb!

 
Bill Lieb has a one-man exhibit of his work at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji, Iowa.  The exhibit, titled "Connecting With Nature Through Sculpture", is on display until the end of September. It includes photos and models of six of his large site-specific public sculptures located throughout the Iowa Great Lakes Region and Spencer.
 
Also included as part of the exhibit are photos of his most recent 'Bird Series' kinetic sculptures, each over ten feet tall with three moving parts activated by the wind.  One of these sculptures, Bird Series No. 3, has been installed on the hillside just south of the Nature Center. Two other 'Bird Series' sculptures are displayed and available at Art on 16th gallery in Spirit Lake and Bijou Gallery in Okoboji.
 
Bill is a long-time member and treasurer of the Artisans Road Trip. He is a retired architect who has completed more than 200 sculptures and paintings over the past 13 years. He can be contacted at 712.330.7295. His work will be on display during the 2016 Artisans Road Trip at his home.

2016 A.R.T. Now Showing at the Red Rock Center for the Arts!

Just a sampling of the artwork exhibited at the Red Rock

Center for the Arts in Fairmont, MN during the month of August -

top center (clockwise)  Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath, Hank Hall, Cherie Courter, 

Linda Fries and Haley Tardiff

(all artwork © property of respective artists)

The artists of the 2016 Artisans Road Trip are having an exhibit of recent works at the Red Rock Center for the Arts in Fairmont, Minnesota during the month of August!  This is one of several exhibits that A.R.T. has been featured in this spring and summer - each one unique.

 

This is the first time A.R.T. has shown at the Fairmont Red Rock Center for the Arts, and just the second time A.R.T. has had an exhibit in Minnesota!   An artist's reception is planned at the Red Rock Center for the Arts this coming Thursday - August 4th, from 5:30-7PM, and is open to the public.

 

Red Rock Center for the Arts is located at 222 Blue Earth Ave in Fairmont; they can be reached at (507) 235-9262 for more information, or visit their web site at www.redrockcenter.org.

 

 

2016 Artisans Road Trip Artist Pam Harp at the Le Mars Art Center in August!

Artwork ©Pam Harp

Local watercolor artist, Pam Harp is excited to present her first solo exhibition, "The Earth Laughs in Flowers" A Collection of Floral Watercolors by Pam Harp. Her work will be on display at the Le Mars Art Center for the month of August. The public is invited to meet the artist at a gallery reception on Thursday, August 4 from six to eight p.m.

Pam is a Contemporary Realist fascinated by the intricate detail she observes in her floral subjects. From the lacy petals of a peony to the folds of a rose, her tightly rendered watercolors capture their exquisite beauty.

Pam's passion for flowers inspire her watercolors. "Have you ever stopped to really take in the amazing detail offered in a flower garden? It seems the closer you look, the more you see. It's my hope to capture that detail in a way that allows you the opportunity to enjoy that incredible array with me."

Pam Harp is an Alton based artist whose work is currently represented at the Le Mars Art Center as well as the Summerwind Gallery in Arnold's Park. Two pieces of her art have been juried into the 2016 Iowa State Fair in August, and she is among the artists selected for this year's Artisans Road Trip, an open studio tour of Northwest Iowa artists on October 8 and 9. 

Her work has also appeared at the Orange City Art's Regional Exhibition at the DeWitt Theatre Arts Center at Northwestern College, an  A.R.T. Group Exhibition at Witter Gallery in Storm Lake and The Denver Discovery at Highlands Ranch Mansion in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

For more information on the exhibition, contact Judy Marienau at 712-546-7476 at the Le Mars Art Center - www.lemarsarts.com.  Artisans Road Trip information can be found at www.artisansroadtrip.com.

2016 A.R.T. Jewelry Artist Kathy Evert Hosting 6th Annual Okoboji Bead & Jewelry Splash

Jewelry designs  ©Kathy Evert

Local jewelry artist and 2016 A.R. T. participant, Kathy Evert, is once again hosting the annual Okoboji Bead & Jewelry Splash; this is the 6th year.  Jewelry artists from Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin will be joining her again for a weekend show on July 23-24 at the Dickinson County Community Building in Spirit Lake.  Show hours are 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. both days and is open to the public.  Admission is $2.  

Evert has been creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces for 14 years and focuses on wire and wire-wrapping and precious metal clay (PMC) in her jewelry with semi-precious stones. Some pieces also include re-purposed items such as scrap copper, old foreign coins and more.  She has also begun incorporating the Japanese braiding known as Kumihimo into her necklaces. 

"I enjoy finding unique and beautiful stones and accenting them with wire.  I also enjoy working with wire and creating other pieces such as bangles and earring jackets.  Precious metal clay (PMC) is still my favorite; it has so many applications and can be as creative as I want to be!"  Evert and all of the vendors will be exhibiting and selling their jewelry creations during the weekend.  

2016 Artisans Road Trip Artists Juried into the 2016 Iowa Watercolor Society Exhibition!

Work of two of three Artisans Road Trip artists to be included in the IWS exhibit.

top two -  Anita Plucker and bottom - Linda Fries

(Artwork copyright property of respective artists)

The Iowa Watercolor Society has announced the artists accepted into the 39th Annual Iowa Watercolor Society juried art exhibit; 3 of which include artists from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip! The honors this year go to Ken Harskamp, Linda Fries and Anita Plucker!   

 

The exhibit will be held at the LaPoste Building 1219 Warford Street, Perry, Iowa, and is showing from July 7 - September 11. 

 

There will be an opening reception for IWS members and the public on July 7 at 4:30 pm.

 

The 39th annual luncheon and award ceremony will be held on August 28, 2016.

 

The 2016 juror and instructor for the annual exhibit and workshops is renowned artist Sterling Edwards. 

 

Congratulations to everyone selected!

"From the Ground Up - Paintings by Danielle Clouse Gast"!

 Oil paintings on canvas by artist Danielle Clouse Gast

can be seen at the artist's solo exhibit at the 

Pearson Lakes Art Center
artwork © Danielle Clouse Gast

"From the Ground Up", an exhibit of new work by Spirit Lake artist Danielle Clouse Gast, will be on view in the Goodenow Gallery of the Pearson Lakes Art Center (Okoboji, Iowa) June 30th - August 13th. An artist reception will be held on Thursday, July 7th, 5 - 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. 

The artist explains that in recent years, views from the Gast family’s 1946 Cessna 140 airplane have become a point of reference for a series of large scale works. This perspective on the Iowa Great Lakes and the surrounding areas has opened up into fresh compositions while emphasizing the style most associated with her work: organized, geometric shapes and lines (now referencing planned groves and fields, repetitive docks, and scattered, playful boats). The result is an abstract blend of inviting landscapes that has also provided new challenges and opportunities as a painter – becoming vital to continued growth in Danielle's studio practice.  These land areas that once were familiar from the ground have become new painting territory for the artist; over the past year, this has been the focus for a body of work designed for the Pearson Lakes Art Center’s exhibit.   

More of the artist's work can be found at Summerwind Gallery in Arnolds Park and at Danielle's studio in Spirit Lake by appointment (which is also a stop on the 2016 Artisans Road Trip). Learn more about Danielle's work at Facebook.com/Clousestudios.

2016 A.R.T. Artists Exhibit at the Witter Gallery in Storm Lake!

Examples of the artwork and a small selection of the artists

  represented at the Witter Art Gallery's Artisans Road Trip exhibit! 

Artist's work from upper left - clockwise - 

Connie Hankens, Bruce Morrison, Ron Netten,

Cherie Courter, Lee Rainboth, and center - Marisa Sidles.  

All artwork is copyright property of the respective artists. 

 

The Witter Art Gallery in Storm Lake, IA is hosting an exhibit of the 2016 Artisans Road Trip during the month of June!  This year's A.R.T. membership is higher and more diverse than in many past years, and promises to be the best year yet!

The Artisans Road Trip is a year-around event.  Although well known for its weekend studio tour in the early autumn, it holds exhibits at various gallery/art center venues throughout the year.

The Witter Gallery exhibit will have an opening reception on Friday, June 10, 2016.  The reception will be from 5:30-7p.m. - the public is invited free of charge!  The exhibit will run through June 29 and the hours at the Witter Gallery are Tues-Wed 1-5p.m., Thurs 1-6p.m., Fri 1-5p.m. and Sat 10a.m.-2p.m.   The Witter Gallery is located at 609 Cayuga Street in Storm Lake, IA - in the south wing of the public library.  You can call the Gallery at (712) 732-3400 or e-mail them at wittergallery@yahoo.com for further information.

2016 A.R.T. Artist Mel Myers Featured at "Pots and Pictures"!

Pottery of Artist Mel Myers will be featured at Arts on Grand's

"Pots and Pictures" Exhibit through June!

Arts on Grand is holding an exhibit this month featuring the long time Artisans Road Trip artist Mel Myers!  The former art teacher from the Spencer High School is being showcased with his many extraordinarily beautiful hand-carved fine clay pots, platters, bowls, plates, vases, casseroles and urns.

Mel's hand thrown, hand carved, kiln fired/glazed pottery has always drawn a crowd as well as his devoted returning collectors awaiting to see what new creations he has added to his work!

Myers will be joined with a compliment of art work from other artists represented in Arts on Grand's Gallery Shop - many of which include more artists from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!

An artists reception will be held at Arts on Grand Thursday evening June 2nd from 5 through 7 p.m.  Refreshments will be served.  The reception is free and open to the public.

Look  forward to this great show - hope to see you there!

2016 A.R.T. Artists Showing at Summerwind Gallery's "Farm and Field"!

 

Three of the four artists from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip at the Summerwind Gallery's "Farm and Field".   Upper left - clockwise as follows: Anita K. Plucker, Judy Thompson and Bruce Morrison.

(All artwork copyright property of the respective artists.)

The Summerwind Gallery in Arnolds Park, Iowa will be featuring a showing of several artists  - four of which are artists from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!  The showing titled "Farm and Field" opens on Tuesday June 1st and runs through June 15.

Featured Artisans Road Trip artists include Anita K. Plucker, Bruce Morrison, Judy Thompson  and Roberta Williams.  Other artists are showing as well.

The Summerwind Gallery, owned and operated by artist Roberta Williams, carries artwork from across Iowa and is a unique addition to the Iowa Great Lakes - a "must see" destination!

To see top professional artwork of the region and state - be sure and take in this wonderful showing!  The gallery is located at 28 Allen Avenue in Arnolds Park, Iowa (the former location of Side Street Art and Framing).  
Gallery hours are Monday - Saturday 11-7 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Find more information by contacting the Summerwind via phone at 712 332-5906 or check it out on the web at - www.summerwindgallery.com!

2016 A.R.T. Artists Showing at Summerwind Gallery's "Bulbs to Blooms - A Floral Show"!

Five artists from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip at the Summerwind Gallery's

"Bulbs to Blooms - A Flora Show".   Upper left - clockwise as follows:

Linda Hopkins, Roberta Williams, Judy Thompson, Bruce Morrison and Pam Harp.

(All artwork copyright property of the respective artists.)

The newly opened Summerwind Gallery in Arnolds Park, Iowa will be featuring a showing of several artists  - five of which are artists from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!  The exhibit will  feature "Bulbs to Blooms - A Floral Show", and will open on Tuesday May 17th and run through May 31st.

Featured Artisans Road Trip artists include Pam Harp (watercolor), Linda Hopkins (acrylic), Bruce Morrison (oils and color pencil), Judy Thompson (watercolor batik) and Roberta Williams (watercolor batik).  Other artists will be featured as well!

The Summerwind Gallery, owned and operated by artist Roberta Williams, carries artwork from across Iowa and is a unique addition to the Iowa Great Lakes - a "must see" destination!

To see top professional artwork of the region and state - be sure and take in this wonderful showing!  The gallery is located at 28 Allen Avenue in Arnolds Park, Iowa (the former location of Side Street Art and Framing).  

Gallery hours are Monday - Saturday 11-7 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Find more information by contacting the Summerwind via phone at 712 332-5906 or check it out on the web at - www.summerwindgallery.com!

2016 A.R.T. Exhibit at the Nobles County Art Center!

Examples of the artwork and a small selection of the artists

that will be represented at the Nobles County Art Center's

Artisans Road Trip exhibit! Artist's work from upper left - clockwise - 

Joanne Alberda, Judy Hemphill, Kathryn Buckley, Marisa Sidles,

Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath, and Bruce Morrison.  All artwork

is copyright property of the respective artists. 

The Nobles County Art Center in Worthington, MN is hosting an exhibit of the 2016 Artisans Road Trip during the month of May!  This year's A.R.T. membership is higher and more diverse than in many past years, and promises to be the best year yet!

This will be the first time that the Artisans Road Trip has made the trip across the Iowa border into Minnesota and we are looking forward to more Minnesota shows in the future!

The Artisans Road Trip is a year-around event.  Although well known for its weekend studio tour in the early autumn, it holds exhibits at various gallery/art center venues throughout the year.

The Nobles County Art Center exhibit will have an opening reception on Sunday, May 8 2016.  The reception will be from 2-4pm - the public is invited free of charge!  The exhibit will run through the month of May and the Art Center's hours are weekdays Noon -2:30pm.  The center is located at 407 12th Street in Worthington, MN - in the lower level of the public library.  You can call the center at 507 372-8245 or e-mail them at noblearts@vastbb.net for further information.

2016 Artisans Road Trip Artist Timothy J Arand-McIlrath Receives "Best in Show" Award for Mixed Media Fiber Artwork!

Timothy J Arand-McIlrath with his "Best in Show"

mixed media fiber artwork "Breezy"

(Artwork ©Timothy J Arand-McIlrath) 

 

The Jurors for the Fifth Artists' Showcase: Orange City Arts' Regional Exhibition chose " Breezy" mixed media fiber by Timothy J Arand-McIlrath (Okoboji) as "Best in Show"Award.

The Artist's Showcase is an art exhibit sponsored by Orange City Arts in conjunction with the Northwestern College art and theatre department. The Artists' Showcase: Orange City Arts Regional Exhibition offers an opportunity for artists to exhibit their work April 22-30, 2016 at the Northwestern College DeWitt Theatre Arts Center in Orange City IA, in conjunction with the production of Rabbit Hole. Regional artists (from Iowa or within a 350-mile radius of Orange City, IA) were invited to submit work to the juried exhibition. 

The Artist Reception and announcement of awards was Saturday, April 30 before the final performance of The Rabbit Hole.  Jurors for the exhibit were artists Matthew Drissell of Sioux Center and Linda Porter of Hospers.

2016 A.R.T. Artists at the 5th Annual Artist's Showcase in Orange City, IA!

 Artwork by 2016 A.R.T. artists (left - clockwise) Joanne Alberda, Judy Thompson, Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath and Pam Harp.  All images © property of the respective artist.

 

2016 Artisan Road Trip artists, Jo Alberda, Pam Harp, Tim Arand-McIlrath and Judy Thompson will be exhibiting artwork at the 5th Annual Artist's Showcase in Orange City, Iowa.

The Artist's Showcase is an art exhibit sponsored by Orange City Arts in conjunction with the Northwestern College art and theatre department. The Artists' Showcase: Orange City Arts Regional Exhibition offers an opportunity for artists to exhibit their work April 22-30, 2016 at the Northwestern College DeWitt Theatre Arts Center in Orange City IA, in conjunction with the production of Rabbit Hole. Regional artists (from Iowa or within a 350-mile radius of Orange City, IA) were invited to submit work to the juried exhibition. 

The Artist Reception will be from 6:00-7:00 pm. Saturday, April 30 before the final performance of The Rabbit Hole.  The art reception is open to the public.  Tickets for the Rabbit Hole can be reserved/purchased at:   boxoffice@nwciowa.edu

2016 A.R.T. Artist Hank Hall in National Ceramic Competition!

"Parade Ready"

(wheel-thrown and altered/mixed media teapot)

©Hank Hall

Hank Hall's "Parade Ready" teapot has been selected for the bi-annual 21^st San Angelo National Ceramic Competition hosted by the San Angelo Museum of Fine Art (SAMFA) in San Angelo, Texas. Hall's piece is one of 115 chosen out of 721 submitted works from across the U.S. and Canada. Juror Christy Johnson, retired Director of the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona, CA, will speak about the exhibit and present awards at the opening reception on April 15 at SAMFA. 

Hall's "Parade Ready" has already received regional attention after being juried into the River to River Ceramic Exhibit at Coe College as part of the third bi-annual Iowa Clay Conference in Cedar Rapids in 2015 and the "Best in Show" award at the Iowa Crafts: 42 Exhibit at the Charles H. MacNider Museum in Mason City, Iowa, also in 2015.

"Parade Ready" is a wheel-thrown and altered teapot with a mixed media lid and handle, painted metal wheels, and a wooden ramp base. The non-functional teapot is made of bisque-fired cone 6 stoneware sprayed with green glitter paint on the outside and glazed inside. Hall says he likes to "break all the rules for making traditional teapots" and tries to "satisfy his own aesthetic" when creating a new piece. He adds, "If others get a kick out of my work, then it doesn't get any better than that."

Hall will attend the opening reception in San Angelo with the added benefit of participating in a day-long ceramic workshop with acclaimed ceramic artist Ron Meyers from Athens, Georgia. Meyers' workshop at the Old Chicken Farm Art Center in San Angelo will focus on wheel-thrown and altered clay. Other activities for selected artists include a Clay Symposium at Angelo State University that weekend.

Hall, an Artisans Road Trip participant, creates his one-of-a-kind clay, drawing, and mixed media pieces in his home. His work is represented at Art on 16th in Old Town Spirit Lake and at Summerwind Gallery (former location of Side Street Art and Framing) in Arnolds Park opening May 1. More information on Hall's work and artistic process can be found on Facebook at Hank Hall.