ACA hosts 25 artists at first monthly gathering | News, Sports, Jobs

The Arts + Culture Alliance, located at 126 W. Main St., is dedicated to offering Marshall County artists support in the form of events, shows, programs, grant opportunities and providing space for networking and making connections. Thursday night it hosted its first monthly gathering, drawing 25 artists whose mediums range from photography, painting, fiber art, digital and graphic design, music, writing and more.

“We work with and support visual artists (photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, graphic design, textile and fiber), performing artists (theater, dance, music), as well as writers, chefs, gardeners, woodworkers, and more. We value artists across all practices, environments and communities,” said Alliance Executive Director Amber Danielson.

Josh Cox and Kim Hanken came up with the monthly gathering concept. They’re two of the 39 artists whose work is currently on display at the Alliance office, now through March 28.

The Alliance is creating an artists directory, and used the event as an opportunity to collect contact information from attendees. Artists Julie Rohrdanz and Hallie Crouse spoke about their experience attending the recent Business of Art Conference in Ames — an opportunity paid for by the Alliance.

Local artists Kim Hanken and Josh Cox pose for a photo with Arts+Culture Alliance Marketing and Program Coordinator Shannon Johnson and Executive Director Amber Danielson during the inaugural artist meet up at the organization’s new space on Thursday evening. Cox is an ex-officio member of the ACA’s board of directors.

“(Speaker Chris Vance) said trends are important to follow because that’s where people are — that’s what they’re looking for, that’s what they want,” Rohrdanz said. “Not that you have to do everything exactly to trends, but I guess it makes sense if that’s what people are looking to hang on their walls at that time. It’s something to pay attention to and be aware of anyway.”

Crouse noted that learning more about Megan Hammer’s felt landscapes at the conference inspired her to try to incorporate the technique into her own teaching at East Marshall High School.

“She does flat landscapes. I’ve never thought of felting that way. I have a class that I do with a felting unit and I never thought about doing it flat,” she noted.

Danielson said the Alliance has in its budget funding to send local artists to conferences and educational events.

“Anytime artists are going out and doing professional development with the Alliance, we’re welcoming them coming back and sharing,” she said.

“Bright New Day” by Julie Miller, a mixed media creation, is one of many pieces currently on display inside the Arts+Culture Alliance space at 126 W. Main St.

But she points out, not every gathering will necessarily feature guest speakers as the year progresses.

“Each gathering will be different. We will be constantly shifting and changing and evolving, based on what we’re hearing artists wanting us to feature,” she said.

The Alliance is launching three grant programs. Its first grant, open to artists living or working in Marshall County, was unveiled at the gathering. Artists can apply for up to $3,000. More details will be finalized in the coming weeks. Artists are required to pay themselves as part of their budget.

“Right now, our focus is the Arts and Culture Master Plan — it talks about how we can continue to make Marshalltown unique and distinct. We really believe that artists and our creatives are at the core of making Marshalltown vibrant and something really special,” Danielson added. “We would love to see the activations take place all year long, and we have kept our calendar open.”

Several artists in attendance outlined some ideas they had for potential projects such as art and language classes, billboards featuring portraits of local people, mobile studios, canvases and easels on the courthouse lawn, and more.

“One idea is using my practice and work to create a public program, and the other would be to create exhibit or space activations with other artists,” Cox said.

The only requirements are the concepts are available to the public to view or experience and be completed by Dec. 1. Husband/wife Troy and Amber Cannon, who have art on display at the Alliance, were excited to attend this first gathering.

“I’m trying to be less of an introvert and get out and meet people,” he said. “It’s hard around here finding people with similar interests, but it’s nice to see so many people here. It’s relieving that we’re not alone here.”

Amber Cannon added that she looks forward to seeing how the Alliance will use the office space in the future. She would love to see it offered to writers for author book talks and signings too, in addition to artwork on display.

Danielson said the pieces on the walls would be rotated often, and added that art that’s created will not all be confined to the walls of the office.

“We certainly don’t think that all arts and culture and vibrancy will only happen in this space. There’s lots of opportunity out in the community, in your neighborhoods, downtown, the 13th Street District, schools, you name it,” she said.

These gatherings will be hosted the second Thursday of every month with the next one slated for 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 10. Light refreshments are served. The Alliance office is open to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m.