Mark
your calendar for November 3rd - 4th, 2012 10am-5pm for the FALL MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY
ART DRIVE. Join artists within 100 miles of the Mississippi River along the river valley for a fun filled weekend
of art. You are invited into their homes, private studios, art functions and galleries to see where the creations
originate and take shape. View the work of more than 400 artists at 40+ sites, 2 days, twice each year in
the Mississippi River Valley.
.
Within this
website you will find a Weekly Blog listing current art events throughout the Mississippi River Valley. Other pages include:
artists photo gallery, a directory of all art locations organized by region with links to their web-pages,
a list of art galleries and home based art studios participating in the Spring and the Fall Art Drives with a corresponding
map, (the annual Spring MRVAD drive is the weekend before Mother's Day and Fall drive is the first weekend in November), there
is also a printable map, a journal of the day trips taken by Diane and Rhonda, as well as an "in the news"
listing of recent articles about MRVAD drives, artists and activitites. The "Join the Directory" page
is an application form for artists and art galleries wishing to be included in this website and map listings.
Please feel free to share this site with your friends and family.
The Mississippi River Valley is saturated with
quality fine ART. Promoting that art, the artists and communities that support their artists through one organized internet
directory and a bi-annual self guided art tour is our goal.
Please join us in celebrating art in the Mississippi River Valley area.
If
you would like to join please see the "Join the Directory" tab and be a part of a growing opportunity in the
Mississippi River Valley.
ART
EVENTS CALENDAR: TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM DATES
AND TIMES. 2012
MAY
April 15 - June 3, 2012 The Muscatine Art Center The Kaddish Series:
Prints by Mauricio Lasansky In response to the recent death of internationally known master printmaker, Mauricio
Lasansky, the Muscatine Art Center will host an exhibition of his art from the permanent collectin entitled, "The Kaddish
Series" .
May 4 - 19, 2012 (MRVAD MEMBER) Galesburg Civic Art Center, 114 E. Main St., Galesburg, IL 61401
info@galesburgarts.org Exhibition: Sacred Art Exhibition: an
exhibition of works about and inspired by spirituality
May 4 - June, 2012 Outside the Lines Art Gallery (MRVAD MEMBER) Will host an artist’s reception to celebrate new work by Gordon Kellenberger
and Tom Kelly. This show will be on display in the gallery’s featured artist space through June, 2012.The
reception is free open to the public.Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages are offered.
Amana, Iowa artist, Gordon Kellenberger draws
inspiration from that which he knows best: the landscape of the upper Midwest region, offering an endless variety of changing
light, color and countryside.He simplifies his subjects and infuses them with bright and fresh colors.
The resulting intensity and richness convey his delight in painting and desire to express “something good about
rural life.”Kellenberger’s pastel on paper paintings begin as a simple, solid sketch with a strong focal point
with patterns and shapes that are repeated throughout the arrangement. He places warm colors against cool, soft edges against
sharp edges, and organic against geometric shapes. The familiar features that emerge are vividly colored compositions pared
to their basic forms; vibrant landscapes that he hopes will give the viewer an experience that is “familiar in a
new way.” Paired with Gordon Kellenberger’s paintings are the folk
art carvings and paintings of Mineral Point artist, Tom Kelly.They will capture your attention, your imagination,
your sense of humor, and then your heart.Kelly was destined to become an artist.Fond
memories of walking through the woods with his grandmother as they gathered plants for dying her hand-spun wool established
his lifelong love affair with color.Kelly’s bright palette is playful and innocent.Expect to find sheep flying through a starry sky, trilling birds perched atop an assortment of iconic objects such
as strawberries, pears, houses, pigs and onions. His trademark images will pull you into his canvas and take you on adventures
you thought you’d left to your childhood.During April, May and June, Galena, Illinois artist, Beth Bird will be the
featured artist at the NICC Downtown Center for Professional Development located at 6th and Main Streets.She will be exhibiting her series of hand painted etchings that tell the story of Hans Christian Anderson’s,
The Ballad of the Red Shoes.This is only the second time the entire series has been shown in
Dubuque.This exhibit is available for viewing during regular school hours and will be available through
the end of June, 2012.Contact the gallery for more information. Bird’s hand painted etchings and
giclée reproductions of The Ballad of the Red Shoes as well as her other works are available for sale through
the gallery.Outside the Lines Art Gallery is located at 409 Bluff Street in historic Cable
Car Square. Featuring the art of local and near-regional artists, the gallery offers fine art, jewelry, ceramics, and sculpture
and more.Business consultations, installations and private showings are available.The
gallery offers a wish list program and bridal registry for gift giving. GALLERY HOURS are Monday through Saturday: 10 – 5, January
through May.For more information please call: 563-583-9343, or visit their website: www.otlag.com.
May 5 & 6, 2012 Mississippi River Valley Art Drive sponsors this self-guided tour twice each
year. Join artists 100 miles either side of the Mississippi River Valley in their private galleries and home studios for a
personal look into their art and their motivations. Some of these studios are only open to the public for this drive. Some
of the galleries will have artists at work. Visit the "Spring Art Drive" Page on www.mrvad.com for a detailed listing of
all artists.
May
5, 2012 Bucktown Center for the Arts (MRVAD MEMBER) Annual event: Venus Envy (free admission, donations encouraged) It's a celebrations
of women in the arts featuring performers, artists and musicians from around the region. See www.venusenvyqc.com for more information
May 5 & 6,
2012
The Illinois Gourd Society sponsors the NW Gourd Festival each year. This is the second
year at the Barn of the Historic Hill Train Station, 6521 North Hill Road, Scales Mound, IL ~just 8 miles north of Galena,
IL. This festival features live music (pm), historic buildings to explore, the bluff, the old mill, a winery tour close
by, gourd art, gourds, gourd classes and great food! (815)777-2711 Sat & Sun 10am-5pm For class
sign-up: cjvan@hotmail.
. May 6, 2012 1314 Mulberry Avenue, Muscatine, IA 52761 563-263-8282
www.muscatineartcenter.orgCONTACT:
KATY DOHERTY, PROGRAM COORDINATORThe public is invited to join the Muscatine Art Center in welcoming Muscatine native JohnDuggleby, writer and musician,
as he presents a program based on his book, Artist in Overalls:The Life of Grant Wood. This event will take place Sunday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. in the MuscatineArt Center’s Music Room
and is free and open to the public. There will be copies of JohnDuggleby’s book to purchase at this event.John has written several books
for young people, including biographies on musicians JohnLennon, Ray Charles, and artist Jacob Lawrence. Artist in Overalls, one
of Duggleby’s eightchildren’s books, has received several distinctions including the National Association ofChristian Schools’ Children’s
Crown Award and the Parents Council Seal of Approval. Hisbook, Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence, was honored by the
National Council forSocial
Studies as the Elementary Book of the Year.Artist in Overalls reveals Grant Wood’s story to audiences of all ages in a fun and interactiveway. Dressed like the famous
farmer in Wood’s American Gothic painting, Duggleby shows howWood’s Iowa childhood observations and resolve
to follow his instincts resulted in fame that hasendured through this American cultural icon.EVENT DETAILS:What: “Artist in Overalls: The Life of Grant
Wood”Who:
John DugglebyWhen:
Sunday, May 6Time:
2:00 PM Where:
The Muscatine Art Center’s Music RoomAdmission to these programs is FREE. . May 12 &
13, 2012 Beaux Arts Spring Fair Figge Plaza Davenport, IA Rhonda LeMar-James (MRVAD MEMBER) both # 41
May 18, 19, 20, 2012 Quilt Show- Hankies, Houses & Holiday Bishop Hill, Illinois www.bishophill.com
May 19, 2012 Main Avenue Craft Show Clinton,
IA
May 20th - June 30th, 2012 DeWitt, IA (MRVAD MEMBER) Diane Michele Volrath DeWitt Opera House Theater Photography showing "From Around
the World" www.cupandgallery.com
Thursday, May 24: Henri
Matisse: Early in life using Fauvism style creates beautiful interiors, rapturous color images, and oases of pleasure. Later
he turns to brilliant cutouts with joyous dancing figure. Matisse becomes the world's major sensual colorist. Enjoy the background
for The Open Window, The Lady with the Hat, Dance I, Dance II, and The Moorish Screen. The Wonderful World of Color offers a break from the dull days of winter. If you want more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with
Carol Ehlers or Katy Doherty, please call Katy Doherty at (563) 263-8282 or e-mail kdorty@ci.muscatine.ia.us. Please include
images for March 22 Renoir program on the following page if possible. Muscatine Art Center 1314
Mulberry Avenue Muscatine, IA 5276 (563) 263-8282 Contact: Katy Doherty FOR IMMEDIATE
RELAEASE Telephone: (563) 263-8282 Email: kdorty@ci.muscatine.ia.us
May 25 - June 23, 2012 (MRVAD MEMBER) Galesburg
Civic Art Center,
114 E. Main St., Galesburg, IL 61401 info@galesburgarts.org Exhibition: Joanne Goudie Memorial, an exhibition
celebrating the life and work of Joanne Goudie.
May
26 - 27, 2012 St. Charles, IL St. Charles Fine Art Show 2012, St. Charles, IL The
St. Charles Fine Art Show is presented by the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, an Illinois Main Street revitalization group.
Organized and run by volunteers, the show is held along the banks of the Fox River in the scenic downtown district of St.
Charles, Illinois. The award-winning, highly regarded show features the work of 100 juried artists in various mediums including
watercolor, oil, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, wood and glass, which are exhibited and available for sale
during the event. http://www.dtown.org/events/fine_art_show.asp
June . June 1, 2012 Deadline As part of the East-West Riverfest celebration of arts, culture and heritage
in the Quad Cities, Sept. 7-16, 2012, the Rock Island Public Library will host a showing of river-themed art in the Main Library’s
2nd’Floor art rotunda during September. The Main Library is located at 401 19th Street, Rock Island.
This is a non-juried show, open to creators of the visual arts, including paintings, sculpture and textile- works. There is
no cost to enter. The Rock Island Library art committee reserves the right to decline submissions that are not appropriate
for the gallery area. Work must be framed, mounted or otherwise prepared
for hanging on the hooks available. Display walls and display cases are available. No modification of the library facility
will be permitted for the installation of art. ·Artists are responsible for hanging their own work, during library
hours, at mutually-agreeable time. The space will be available after the Jasper/Knanishu art exhibit is removed, most likely
around August 30. We would like the show to be available for viewing by Sept. 5. The library assumes no liability or responsibility
for displayed art. Artists
are welcome to place a business card or cards in the display area. The artist or artists must handle all sales. The library
will not act as the artist's agent in the sale of his or her work. Works should be removed by Friday, September 28,
so the October show can be installed. If you are able to participate, please contact publicity liaison, Lisa Lockheart,
at Lockheart.Lisa@rigov.org. If you
have questions, you may call 309-732-7303.
June 2 - 3, 2012 Edina, MN Edina Art Fair 2012 - The Edina Art Fair is celebrating its 46th year as
one of the most prestigious outdoor fine art fairs. The Edina Art Fair is first outdoor fine art fair in Minnesota and is
held annually in the streets of 50th & France, the pre-eminent shopping destination in the Twin Cities. http://www.edinaartfair.com
June 1-3, 2012 Join us for the 2012 Iowa Arts
Festival on June 1 - 3 in the heart of downtown Iowa City! This juried fine arts show features approximately 125 of the nation’s
best artists. Categories like jewelry, painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, sculpture, metal, wood, and mixed media are
featured. http://www.summerofthearts.org/top-menu/artists.aspx
June 3, 2012 Grand Wood Art Festival Anamosa, IA
June 9, 2012 Art in the Park Clinton, IA
June 9 - 10, 2012 Chicago, IL Old Town Art Fair 2012 The Old Town Art Fair, which takes place in the historic landmark
district of Chicago's near north side Old Town Triangle, is considered one of the oldest outdoor juried art fairs in the U.S.
Among outstanding art and craft shows, it is highly ranked in Chicago and nationally. Held annually since 1948, the Fair always
takes place during the second full weekend of June. Each year some 40,000 potential art purchasers attend this premier fine
art fair to view and buy two- and three-dimensional work from 260 artists who have been juried into the Fair by panels of
local art experts. http://www.oldtowntriangle.com/
June 10, 2012 Rockford, IL Art
on the Lawn 13th Rockford Collete art fair Rhonda LeMar-James (MRVAD MEMBER)
June 29 - July 28,
2012 (MRVAD MEMBER) Galesburg Civic Art Center, 114 E. Main St., Galesburg, IL 61401 info@galesburgarts.org Exhibition: Paintings by Lisa Mohr of Galesburg,
IL. and Mixed Media Sculpture by Steve Carleson of Bishop Hill, IL.
JULY
July 14, 2012 22nd Annual Country
Anqtique MarketMidsommar Music Festival Bishop Hill, Illinois www.bishophill.com
AUGUST
August
3 & 4, 2012 Celebrate Tipton Hardacre Film Festival 15th Annual showcase of independent fil makers Tipton
Square, Tipton, IA
August 4 - September 1, 2012 (MRVAD MEMBER) Galesburg Civic Art Center, 114 E.
Main St., Galesburg, IL 61401 info@galesburgarts.org Exhibition: Members & Friends, an
annual exhibition of works by Art Center members and artists living within a 50 miles radius.
August 10-12, 2012
Come
join us in downtown Iowa City August 10 - 12, 2012 for Sand in the City! Sand in the City is a wonderful late-summer
event to bring out family and friends to downtown Iowa City for a weekend of free entertainment. Giant sandboxes filled with
fantastical sand sculptures will line Iowa Avenue (from Clinton Street to Linn Street). http://www.summerofthearts.org/festival-menu/sand-in-the-city/about.aspx
August 18, 19, 20, 2012 Clay and Fiber Fest Bishop Hill, Illinois www.bishophill.com
August 18, 19, 20, 2012 4th Annual Gardenstock Art & Music Festival Distinctive Gardens, 2020 Lowel Park Rd, Dixon,
IL 815.285.0014 Distinctive Gardens.com
August 22, 2012 Watercolors with Bonnie Jones
She has a unique approach to painting on rice paper.
Cost: $60 per Left Bank Art League Member, $65 per non member
www.leftbankartleague.org August 23-25, 2012 Watercolors with Tom Jones
Tom Jones taught a class last year in August through the Left Bank Art League
and the attendees enjoyed and learned so much, they are bringing him back again this year. These are the comments received
from last year's attendees: He teaches several techniques; He teaches with beginners, intermediates as well as accomplished
artists in mind; We finished a painting a day; It was a full day, every day, 9am to 5 pm; He is so generous with
his time, talents and materials; He provided some signed prints; He is fun to learn from; I am attending again
as he will teach new techniques. $160 for the three days for Left Bank Art League Members, $170 for non members. www.leftbankartleague.org
September
September 7 - October 6,
2012 (MRVAD MEMBER) Galesburg Civic Art Center, 114 E. Main St., Galesburg, IL 61401 info@galesburgarts.org Exhibition: Mixed Media Mosaics by Gwen Kaitis
of Joliet, IL and Paintings by Mary Phelan of Chicago, IL.
September 8, 2012 (MRVAD MEMBER) Art in the Park Art Fair 9am -
4pm in Standish Park in downtown Galesburg, IL
September 8 & 9, 2012 Beaux Arts Fall Fair Figge Art
Museum plaza Davenport, IA
September 22, 2012 A "Gourd"eous Day in the Country Orion,
IL Rhonda LeMar-James (MRVAD MEMBER)
October
October 12 - November 10, 2012 (MRVAD MEMBER) Galesburg Civic Art Center, 114 E. Main St., Galesburg,
IL 61401 info@galesburgarts.org Exhibition: Photographs by Robert Radin of
Venice, CA .
Oct.12, 13 & 14, 2012 15th Annual Northeast Iowa Artists’
Studio Tour
10am to 5pm. Free. 53 Artists at 43 locations.
Self-guided driving Tour all within 35 miles of Decorah.
October 20, 2012 A Gathering of Authors Bishop Hill, Illinois www.bishophill.com
November
November 3 & 4, 2012 Mississippi River Valley Art Drive sponsors
this self-guided tour twice each year. Join artists 100 miles either side of the Mississippi River Valley in their private
galleries and home studios for a personal look into their art and their motivations. Some of these studios are only open to
the public for this drive. Some of the galleries will have artists at work. Visit the "Fall Art Drive" Page on www.mrvad.com for a detailed listing
of all artists
November
16 - December 31, 2012 (MRVAD MEMBER) Galesburg Civic Art Center, 114 E. Main St., Galesburg, IL 61401
info@galesburgarts.org Exhibition: A Round Town: an exhibition of
round artwork inspired and created by the community.
December
December 1 & 2, 2012 Julmarknad - Christmas Market Bishop
Hill, Illinois www.bishophill.com
December 5 through January 10 DeWitte Opera House Lori Miller
(MRVAD MEMBER)
Purpose: Mississippi River Valley Art Directory is a
website to promote 400 miles of art along the Mississippi River. The goal is to create one website organizing
all forms of art so potential clients can easily locate you, your website and your place of business.
From the start of the Mississippi River to the mouth.
Check weekly for new items, sales and open houses in the Mississippi River Valley Art
Directory world.
For questions please inquire at:
Mail@MRVAD.COM or phone 563-343-2765 or 563-508-1853.
