Often, the Editor receives “tips” from local citizens that become features on thecity1.com. On Sunday, July 15, 2018, this one came as a Facebook share from my sister-in-law’s daughter, who lives in Norwalk, IA. She wrote, “Stephanie, My favorite artist is coming to your town!”
Artist Jeff Tadsen lives in nearby Indianola, IA. I wondered why a man living in central Iowa would hold a two-day art show, at a private residence, in Morrison, IL. Therein lies the tale.
He is a native of Morrison and has cousins to visit: Curt Williams and Abby Williams Bush. The weekend art event will be showcased at Bush’s home, 303 Sycamore Street, Morrison:
- Friday, July 27, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, July 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tadsen’s parents, Richard and Emily, lived in Morrison; his father was employed by General Electric Appliance Control Department. After its opening in 1949, the company grew dramatically, reaching peak capacity of nearly 2700 employees in 1972. That year, GE purchased a 134,000 sq ft manufacturing facility–also on U. S. Route 30–in Carrol, IA. Richard Tadsen transferred there. Nicknamed “The Jolly Green Giant,” the satellite plant took production of two former Morrison lines: range and minute timer products; current type motor starting relays. The Carrol plant was closed in 1998.
During a telphone interview, the artist described his art work as “whimsical and decorative” paintings “on old barn wood and farmhouse windows.” He sells wood blocks with messages and door hangers. Because he holds a Morrison show only once a year, Tadsen mentioned he “will bring a variety of seasonal and holiday pieces, too.”
Stop at Cousin Abby’s to meet, or reconnect with, a “long distance” Morrison artist, Jeff Tadsen.
Click here to view Tadsen’s Facebook page and artwork.
