Visitors and residents alike can feel the ongoing rebirth of culture in a prairie town this weekend at the seventh annual Art on the Prairie festival in Perry, where more than 100 Iowa artists, musicians and poets are gathered in Perry’s downtown Cultural and Historic District.
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“This nonprofit, juried arts festival is a collaboration of creativity that layers art, music and words from a foundation of small-town community spirit and ingenuity,” said Mary Rose Nichols, one of the event’s founders.
“It’s free to the public and facilitated by a dedicated volunteer team,” Nichols said Saturday.
Art on the Prairie, continuing Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is spread over eight buildings within easy walking distance of one another in downtown Perry.
Visitors to the seventh annual Art on the Prairie festival in Perry Saturday and Sunday may choose their favorite art and artist by filling out a small form.
All the artists are from Iowa, and they work in a wide variety of media, including pottery, painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, fiber arts, letterpress, glass, wood, folk art and others.
Many of the venues feature ongoing demonstrations of artists in action throwing pots, painting, spinning yarn, weaving and creating letterpress prints and lampwork glass beads.
Some 30 musicians fill the exhibitions spaces with acoustic music, and the Poets’ Corner, located of the lobby of the Hotel Pattee in the Nicolette Room, offers poetry readings by Iowa poets.
A number of downtown retailers are also having their annual Holiday Open House this weekend, with treats and drawings. Ben’s Five and Dime are hosting a face painter, and Perry Paint and Design are featuring photographic art.
“We’ve had a good, steady stream of people all morning,” said Pat Snyder of Perry Paint and Design, with her cheerful helper Betty Thomas looking on.
Tari Mason, owner of the Perry Perk coffeehouse, said she was also please with this year’s traffic at the art fest. Her hand-pulled cappuccinos and lattes kept the people perky.
The full schedule and detailed information regarding artists, musicians, the Poets’ Corner and numerous youth activities are available at the Art on the Prairie website.
Art on the Prairie hostess Cindy Sohn
Des Moines graphic artist Jennifer Mally
Pies and pulled pork at La Paris est. 1869
Mary Laborde, right, and Jenny Eklund, center, work hard for Perry.
The newly opened Scottish Fox pleased visitors.
Art in the Towncraft Building
Newton sculptor Rick Stewart chats with visitors.
Spring Valley Ballroom art in the Hotel Pattee
Spring Valley Ballroom art in the Hotel Pattee
Art in the Carnegie Library Museum
Art in the Carnegie Library Museum
Jacqueline Riekena, owner of La Paris est. 1869 LLC, sold pulled pork and pies at 1102 Second St.
Ignacio “Nacho” Calderon served tasty tacos behind La Poste.
Art in the refurbished Citizens State Bank building
Art in the Mary Rose Collection
Art in the Towncraft Building
Hometown Heritage Executive Director Bill Clark, right, hosted Newton sculptor Rick Stewart, seated.
Visitors to La Paris est. 1869 enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches and pie while hearing an announcement from La Paris owner Jacqueline Riekena.
Ben’s Five and Dime hosted a face painter.
Tari Mason, center, served her refreshments at the Perry Perk coffeehouse.
Pat Snyder, right, of Perry Paint and Design, greeted a steady stream of visitors Saturday.
Pleasures for the eyes were found on every hand during the seventh annual Art on the Prairie festival Saturday. The event continues Sunday.
Betsy Peterson Designs drew a large crowd of art lovers Saturday.
Betsy Peterson Designs drew a large crowd of art lovers Saturday.
Perry Paint and Design hosted a photographic artist.
Glass-making art in the Security Bank Building
Fabric art in the Security Bank building
Musical art in the Security Bank building
A quilt raffle at the Perry Public Library
Art at the Perry Public Library
A discriminating shopper inspects the goods at the Perry Public Library Saturday during the seventh annua;l Art on the Prairie festival.
Art at the Perry Public Library
Art at the Perry Public Library
Handmade wooden art at the Perry Public Library
Make-it-yourself heart art at the Perry Public Library.
Beautiful hearts gathered at the Perry Public Library.
Hello. I would be interested in attending this festival next year. Do you take Native American artists from out of state?
Thank you for your message. Your question would be best addressed to the Art on the Prairie Committee. Here is a link to their website: http://www.artontheprairie.org/contact-us.html