Timothy J Arand-McIlrath's "A Fiber Artist's Journey, 50 Years of Making Fiber Art" at Arts on Grand!

All Artwork illustrated ©Timothy J Arand-McIlrath

"A Fiber Artist's Journey, 50 Years of Making Fiber Art" . 2016 Artisans Road Trip Artist Timothy J Arand-McIlrath's exhibition featuring artwork from his longtime love affair with fiber, will be at Arts on Grand in Spencer IA, Dec 28, 2016 through Jan 28, 2017. Everyone is invited to an opening reception on January 5^th  from 5:30pm to 7:00pm.  Tim will give an artist talk about the different phases and approaches he has explored.

Tim is planning to relocate to Tucson, Arizona, so it is a bittersweet time for the art community.  He has been a longtime member of the Artisans Road Trip and has been involved in activities Pearson Lakes Art Center, and he has exhibited at Arts on Grand in the past.  The show affords a great opportunity for people to purchase a piece of Tim's work, a tangible memory of his time in NW Iowa.

"Throughout my 50 years as a professional artist I have produced and exhibited my artwork in national/international juried, regional, state and local exhibitions. I have had an incredible "love affair" with fiber and fabric and see myself keeping on creating new artwork as long as possible."

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!

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 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.  

"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 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 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. 

2016 A.R.T. Artists Cherie Courter and Ron Netten!

Acrylic Paintings © Cherie Courter

Paintings by Cherie Courter are on exhibit at the Clear Lake Arts Center from April 3 through May 14.  Featured works depict a variety of landscape compositions inspired by different landforms observed across the state of Iowa.  Cherie’s works are done in acrylic paint on canvas and emphasize such elements as color, texture, pattern, and light.  They range in size from 11”x14” to 24”x30”; are framed in oak; with most pieces available for sale.

 Stoneware © Ron Netten

Ron Netten and Cherie have also recently installed an  exhibition in the windows of what is known to Storm Lake residents as the “Old Montgomery Ward Building” in downtown Storm Lake.  This building did, in fact, once house a Montgomery Ward Store, but is now used for storage.  When asked by the owner about the possibility of displaying their work in the front window areas the two artists jumped at the opportunity to make their art more visible in the community.  The exhibit consists of ceramic pieces by Ron and paintings by Cherie and is located east of Vista Theatre on Lake Avenue.  Pieces are available for sale by contacting artists directly and contact information is provided at the site.  The works in the space will rotate due to the demands of other exhibitions and art fairs, but Ron and Cherie will keep pieces on display as consistently as possible.

The artists have received many favorable comments about how the exhibit “dresses up main street”.  Be sure to stop by for a look if you are in the area!
 

2016 A.R.T. Artist Judy Thompson's Badlands Watercolor Workshop!

Artwork - © - Judy Thompson

Throughout the year many artists participating in the Artisans Road Trip, offer classes or workshops in their areas of expertise.  We're going to try and advertise these opportunities for the public and other artists as best we can this season, and one we just recently learned of looks like a great deal of fun - out in the Badlands of South Dakota with Judy Thompson!

Judy was invited to Badlands National Park in 2013 as an artist in residence to paint the landscape and she has returned every year since.  She is inviting everyone to share this beautiful Dakota country with her and practice and learn watercolor techniques at her watercolor workshop based at the Circle View Guest Ranch, just outside Interior, SD and minutes away from Badlands National Park!

The Badlands Workshop isn't until May (May 13-16, 2016) but the registration deadline is April 20th - and if you register before March 31st you'll get a $50 discount!

For more information on Judy Thompson's Badlands Workshop - contact Judy at  

29judyt@gmail.com 

or visit her web site at 

 http://www.judythompsonwatercolors.com/badlands-workshop.html#.VvBIB3rO65I

Get in on great instruction and a great time!

Be sure and check back again for more from the 2016 Artisans Road Trip!

The 2016 Artisans Road Trip - Ready for a Great Year!

New, and some returning past members, will make up a very 

diverse 2016 A.R.T.!  From upper left - clockwise - 

Tootie Powers, Avis Davis, Crystal Cross, Kathryn Buckley, 

Judy Thompson, Anita Plucker, Pam Harp, Mary Jo Daniels, 

Lissa Potter, and Linda Hopkins. 3 center - from left to right - 

Lee Rainboth, Tammy Hoppe and Roberta Williams.

(All artwork copyright by respective artists.)

The 2016 Artisans Road Trip is geared up and ready for another great year!  This year finds 41 artists - many of whom are new to the organization and several returning from a hiatus of past years, as well as many other long time returning members!

Introducing 2016 members: 

Avis Davis, Spirit Lake,IA

Barb McGee, Peterson, IA

William Lieb, Spirit Lake, IA

Joleen Dentlinger, Storm Lake, IA

Haley Rothstein, Lakefield, MN

Glenda Drennen, Sioux City, IA

Perry Polson, Spencer, IA

Holly Zinn, Spirit Lake, IA

Connie Hankens, Cherokee, IA

Anita Plucker, Terril, IA

Gene Polson, Marcus, IA

Danielle Clouse Gast, Spirit Lake, IA

Sarah Morphew, Estherville, IA

Mel Myers, Spencer, IA

Mary Jo Daniels, Estherville, IA

Tootie Powers, Spirit Lake, IA

Sue Biederman, Everly, IA

Marisa Sidles, Terril, IA

Mitch Eveleth, Estherville, IA

Lisa Potter, Spirit Lake, IA

Lee Rainboth, Marcus, IA

David Strom, Windom, MN

Ken Harskamp, Ida Grove, IA

Tammy Hoppe, Arnolds Park, IA

Judy Thompson, Orange City, IA

Kathy Evert, Okoboji, IA

Pam Harp, Alton, IA

Linda Hopkins, Arnolds Park, IA

Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath, Spirit Lake, IA

Cherie Courter, Storm Lake, IA

Hank Hall, Spirit LAke, IA

Judy Hemphill, Spencer, IA

Ron Netten, Storm Lake, IA

Roberta Williams, Arnolds Park, IA

Karen Ruddy, Emmetsburg, IA

Crystal Cross, Lake Park, IA

Bruce Morrison, Hartley, IA

Joanne Alberda, Sioux Center, IA

Irene McCoy, Milford, IA

Linda Fries, Peterson, IA

Kathryn Buckley, Spirit Lake, IA

Looking forward to the Artisans Road Trip events of 2016!

2016 A.R.T. Artist Marisa Sidles Exhibiting at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji!

Artwork © Marisa Sidles

As Marisa Sidles paddles her kayak, the nature around her fills her with artistic inspiration. "I get this up-close and personal view," she said.  Acrylic paintings of sloughs, found metal sculptures of insects, collages of birds --- Sidles will display "Birds, Bugs and Wetlands" themed art in the eARTh exhibit area February-April at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji.   

"I think the nature center and what I'm working on lately go together," the Terril artist said. "I thought it would be a great honor to display my vision at the nature center and share with people my vision of nature in the area." The exhibit will have a variety of acrylic on canvas, found metal sculptures, collages and mixed media pieces done in fanciful colors. "I want people to see the nature around us here in a more whimsical way and speak to the child in us," Sidles said.
 

 Artwork © Marisa Sidles

Her newest work is a continued exploration of the creative nature she has had her entire life. Her family helped foster an appreciation for art at a young age, and she dabbled in everything from painting to metal sculpture. Eventually she made a career out of graphic design while spending her free time with other artistic endeavors. "I just love creating new things and experimenting with different materials," she said.
 

A reception will be held in Sidles' honor 5:00 – 7:00pm Thursday, February 11, at the Dickinson County Nature Center. She will be on hand to discuss her pieces and how she created them. Art lovers will have the opportunity to ask questions, to sample delicious hors d'oeuvres and to even purchase a piece of the collection. Pieces range in price from $100-$400.
 

Sidles will also share her newest passion of collage with art students 9:00am-noon Saturday, February 27, at the nature center. During her class she will help people create animal silhouettes out of paper and cloth scraps. "They can then take that home with them to create more," Sidles said, adding that her students can even take their newfound skills home to teach their friends an art form that doesn't need expensive supplies. "I just want them to have fun and say they enjoyed themselves for a little bit of time."

The February 27 collage class costs $30, including supplies. Participants need only bring an inspirational photo to use as their subject and copies of pictures or magazine clippings to use in the collage. Students of all ages may pre-register with Sidles by calling 712-363-1307 or e-mailing mreynolds@terril.net.
 

View Sidles' exhibit at the nature center through April during open hours 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Friday.
 

For more information, visit www.dickinsoncountynaturecenter.com or call 712-336-6352. You can also keep up with what's happening at the nature center on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.