Ready for a road trip, art viewing, and a tour of Pottawattamie County? Hop in your car for the Southwest Iowa Art Tour coming to the county on Saturday, September 15, and Sunday, September 16.
Spend a day (or two!) of your weekend walking amongst art pieces and taking in the beautiful scenery of Pottawattamie. Art from all around the region will be on display, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and more.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet local artists and purchase pieces directly from them. Some of the artists will also participate in demonstrations, showing attendees how they create their work.
Local photographer, Buck Christensen, is participating in the art tour for the third time this year.
“[The tour> has such an air of community, of celebrating local art, and of celebrating the Midwest in general and Iowa in particular,” Christensen says.
Christensen will be displaying landscape photos and floral portraits—many of which he will be debuting for the first time—at the Council Bluffs location, Harvester Artspace Lofts.
A sample of Christensen’s work.
“I always look forward to the opportunity,” Christensen shares. “If I weren’t showing, I’d definitely be attending.”
Tina Bakehouse, outreach and communication coordinator at Golden Hills RC&D—who provides coordination support to the event—says the tour is inspired by the creative work of Southwest Iowa artists.
“[The tour> is a great opportunity to connect communities through art,” Bakehouse says.
The art exhibits will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Pottawattamie County Art Locations:
Harvester Artspace Lofts
Council Bluffs
Penny’s Visions Gallery
Neola
Avoca Courthouse
Avoca
Painted Camel
Macedonia
View a map of art spots throughout all of Southwest Iowa on the Art Tour’s website.
Visitors will definitely want to stop by the Harvester Artspace Lofts location. The Council Bluffs art stop will feature free mimosas and snacks, and kids will have a chance to get creative with free “artist alley” activities.
And the day doesn’t have to solely consist of art, if you have time during your tour, you can make a pit stop at Breezy Hills Vineyard in Minden, Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery in Treynor, or stop for a restful picnic lunch in Arrowhead Park.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also tackle visiting the 10 art stops outside of Pottawattamie County—the weekend is what you make of it!
However you choose to chart your course, the Southwest Iowa Art Tour is sure to set you off on a delightful adventure.
