Take a leap off the beaten path and discover an art gallery without walls at the Clinton Community College Bickelhaupt Arboretum during Arts at the Arb 2018.
The Clinton community is incredibly fortunate to have an annual art event that brings art into our lives in such an accessible way. Arts at the Arb 2018 will be held from dawn to dusk, starting Wednesday, August 1, through Friday, August 31, 2018.
The third annual Arts at the Arb will feature works by artist Kristin Garnant. A Garden Party to celebrate artist Kristin Garnant will be held on Thursday, August 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Meet Kristin, enjoy the music, and learn more about her steel artwork, as you stroll the peaceful grounds of the Bickelhaupt Arboretum. Refreshments will be provided.
In her biography, Garnant shares that she is a native Iowan commenting, “I grew up on a farm outside of Cedar Rapids, where my parents still live and my brother still farms. Perhaps the close proximity to metal objects taught my eye to find the inherent beauty in steel, be it rusted to a fine patina, or shimmering like the large, shiny, plow blades that I once scraped and oiled, as an annual rite of spring. I am sure that rolling hills of pasture and finely-planted rows of corn also had an impact on my sensibilities.”
With her background in graphic arts and photography, Garnant eventually moved into offset printing, books, journals, and eventually welding. When she encountered the possibility of creating large objects out of steel, Kristin felt the familiarity with her surroundings, similar to the tool shed of the farmyard–metals, oils, tools, clutter, odds, and ends. From those surroundings, Garnant has created her exhibit of metal pieces for Arts at the Arb 2018.
In the previous two years, more than 5000 people per year have wandered through the public display. In 2017, portrait photographer Jean Black displayed 130 unique portraits of area children. They were printed in large format on weatherproof Tyvek and displayed throughout the grounds of the Arboretum.
In 2016, artists v. skip willits and Robyn Smith partnered, to exhibit ten sculptures and 17 paintings throughout the Arboretum grounds. This encouraged visitors to wander the 14 acres looking high and low to enjoy their works.
The Clinton Convention and Visitors Bureau has been a partner in planning this annual opportunity to view unique art on the beautiful grounds of the Bickelhaupt Arboretum.
Join us at the CCC Bickelhaupt Arboretum during Arts at the Arb 2018.
For more information, contact the CCC Bickelhaupt Arboretum at 563-242-4771.