MASON CITY, IA.–The Charles H. MacNider Art Museum has announced the theme of the annual MacNider Arts Festival and Outdoor Art Market.
This year’s “Super MacNider Art Party” video game theme will encourage children to use their imaginations while creating exciting projects on Sat., June 8 from 9 am – 5 pm. Arts activities for children, an Art Market of talented artists, and live music will all be part of the fun. The free Pancake Breakfast is from 9 a.m.- 10 a.m. or until gone. All events are located on the lawns of the Museum and the Mason City Public Library at 303 2nd Street SE in Mason City. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
The day begins with the Mayor and City Council’s Free Pancake Breakfast at 9 a.m. This free breakfast is one of the most popular parts of the festival, according to facilitators. Starting at 11 a.m. the Museum will sell food for festival goers to purchase, including hamburgers, walking tacos, root beer floats, etc. Proceeds of the food sales benefit the Festival and Museum programming.
Children’s activities will be offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and are free or for a small fee. A variety of projects will be available with volunteers on hand to assist. Children will be able to create and take-home themed art projects like Zelda Potions, Sonic Spinners, Mario/Luigi Hats, Minecraft Bracelets, as well as enjoy the traditional favorites of easel painting, face painting, and stepping stones.
MacNider Arts Festival and Outdoor Art Market
There will be live musical entertainment on the stage in front of Museum throughout the day, including the Mason City Municipal Band (9-10 am), The Swampland Jewels (10:30 am -12:30 pm), Lee Engele with the Donovan Johnson Trio (1 – 3 pm), and Jordan Messerole (3:30-5 pm). Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or use the provided picnic tables and bleachers.
The Art Market will be open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with many fine artists. This creates an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pottery, jewelry, sculptures, glass, and more. By purchasing work from artists, attendees can help boost the local economy. Participating artists are: TC Dakin of Kensett, Bruce Gordon (Artist by Nature) of Grundy Center, Rob Hoffman (Back Shop Creations LLC) of Rockford, Sarah Kargol (Art by Sarah Kargol) of Oskaloosa, Elizabeth Long of Central City, Collette Lorentzen (Collette’s Fine Art & Graphics) of Clear Lake, Bill Mateer of Sheffield, Julie Petit Thomsen (Leather & Gems Juliery) of Austin, Minn,. Susan Roskens of Albert Lea, Minn., Kim Steenstra (Demarcate Designs) of Quasqueton, Meagan Steinberg (Wrist Flair Glass) of Saint Ansgar, Andrew J Wroble of Harpers Ferry; artists from Ames are: Art Ciccotti (Ciccotti Art Glass), and Valerie Williams; artists from Waterloo are: Mickey & Dan Johnson (Lost Loon Studio) and Candida Deree (Blue Lily Creations by Candida); and hometown artists from Mason City are: Janelle Schiltz (Blooming Lotus Pottery), Andreas Soemadi (Artem Mathematica), Mariah Piippo (Piippo Works), DeeDee McCaslin (Inspire Spark Art), Alexa Johnson (Aesthetic Eye Art), Samantha Elmore (The Quilted Cup), Jen Reuter (Tanklady Creations), and Peggy Cornick.
More than 200 people are being recruited to volunteer during the Festival. Anyone interested in volunteering during part of this event is asked to contact the Museum at 641-421-3666.
The 2024 MacNider Arts Festival Sponsors are Bushel Boy Farms, Tierney Development & Construction, Burgmeier Dental, Central Park Dentistry, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, Dental Center of North Iowa, The Electricians, First Citizens Bank, Hank’s Plumbing, Hosmer Toyota, Krisy Marquis Insurance, North Iowa Community Credit Union, North Iowa Eye Clinic PC, NSB Bank, Raymond James, Router 12, Schupick & Associates, Accord Architecture, and the Generous People of North Iowa! Support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
The MacNider Art Museum is free and open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday 9 am – 8 pm; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 9 am – 5 pm; and closed Sunday and Monday. It is located at 303 2nd Street SE, Mason City, Iowa. More information about exhibits, programs, and events can be found at the Museum’s website at www.macniderart.org, on Facebook, or by calling 641-421-3666.
