Art by the River Fine Art Festival & Workshop this Saturday, June 3
Generous sponsorships from local businesses allowed Guttenberg Gallery & Creativity Center to advertise this Saturday's art festival in print, television, radio, and three billboards placed in Guttenberg, Holy Cross, and Dyersville. (Press photo by Molly Moser)
By Molly Moser
Guttenberg Gallery & Creativity Center will hold the first annual Art by the River Fine Art Festival & Workshop this Saturday, June 3, at Ingleside Park in Guttenberg. The free event will showcase the work of area artists and will offer workshops, live music and food all day long. Billboards, television and radio ads have been visible throughout the month of May, and organizers expect a good turn out on Saturday.
The weekend begins with the June 2 premier of the 2017 River of Music Concert Series, coordinated by Umbrella Arts. Local musicians from The Side Project will play from 6-8 p.m. in the band shelter north of Clayton Ridge Elementary.
Kicking off the art festival on June 3 is a free yoga class in the park at 9 a.m., taught by long-time instructor Caroline Rosacker. The class is for all levels and will emphasize a colorful practice. Three remote-control fish blimps will be floating through the sky.
White tents will line the sidewalk along the Mississippi River as artists from around the region display their work from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Selected artists will also offer demonstrations throughout the day.
Exhibiting artists are expected from Guttenberg, Elkader, St. Olaf, Strawberry Point, Mt. Vernon, Monona and Harpers Ferry; Winter, Wis., and St. Charles, Ill. These include photographers; jewelry, wood and fiber artists; ceramic artists and those who specialize in drawing and painting. Over 20 artists will display their work throughout the day.
The work of many of the artists is currently on display at Guttenberg Gallery, and those interested in a preview can visit the gallery Wednesday from 1-7 p.m., Thursday or Friday from 1-5 p.m.
Youth art activities will be offered at no cost from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the pavilion. Workshops for adults include 11 a.m. watercolor led by Esmann Island artist Cindy Lynch, 12:30 p.m. river chimes led by Creativity Center volunteers, 2 p.m. zentangles led by Clayton County artist Ann McCullough, and opportunities to experiment with wheel pottery from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festival attendees can observe or join plein air painters scattered through Ingleside Park as they capture the beauty of the Mississippi River vista.
Live music starts at 10 a.m. with vocals and keys by Sophia Landis, followed by Jon Stravers at 1 p.m. Bruce Bryant as Carpe Diem will play from 3:30-5:30 p.m., and Darrell & The Georges will headline the event, playing from 6-8 p.m.
Lynn Moser, a popular vendor at Guttenberg’s summer events, will provide festival fare including cotton candy and funnel cakes. After giving local restaurants the opportunity to participate, organizers also received commitments from Bakers Sweet Treats of Garnavillo, serving cupcakes, and Brainfreezers Sno-cones.
Art by the River Fine Art Festival & Workshop is provided at no charge to attendees thanks to sponsors Alpine Communications, Clayton County Foundation for the Future, Fidelity Bank & Trust, Kwik Trip, Peoples State Bank, and Umbrella Arts, as well as hospitality sponsors Eagle Ridge Independent & Assisted Living and Kaffee 1858.
“We hope that community members will attend this festival full of activities for children and adults, to listen to the music, eat a funnel cake or a sno-cone, and look at some fabulous art,” said Guttenberg Gallery and Creativity Center Director Cindy Olsen.
