Clear Lake Arts Center By Beth Ann Chiles, It’s Just Life
Located just off Main Avenue’s beaten path, the sculptures and interesting building design of the Clear Lake Arts Center, located on South Fourth Street, is a place that will catch your eye and encourage you to come inside. Visitors of all ages are greeted warmly and invited to wander through the Center and take time to view the amazing artwork and exhibits that change frequently. Step into the Center and the senses are visually stimulated with the unique and interesting displays that are creatively arranged throughout the gallery spaces. Perhaps the best part about the Center is that it is always evolving. The Hanson and Stanton Gallery have rotating exhibits which change every 4-8 weeks, so with each new visit there are fresh and exciting displays and artists to discover. On one occasion, the visit may include viewing collages made by local Opportunity Village clients or perhaps a walk amongst pottery crafted by local potters. Paintings of all varieties are on display year round with different themes, and at times there are displays of textile sculptures, quilts or even pressed flowers. The Anne T. Riley Gallery will host theme-based exhibitions throughout the year, and quilters will delight in discovering the Lake Quilters Guild who will be displaying a different quilt every month in the Winga Library. A favorite trend recently is repurposing ordinary items to be used in art pieces. Recycled art exhibits are always popular events at the Center. It is inspiring to see items that are normally destined to be trash be recycled into fun and whimsical art pieces like quilted headboards, furniture, outdoor décor and wall art. Creativity knows no limits when it comes to art made from vintage items, and the Center is the place that artists who specialize in this type of offering can showcase their talent.
Cornstalk panels hang from the ceiling. Photo by Audrey Kletscher Helbling, Minnesota Prairie Roots. The Clear Lake Arts Center has a full range of classes to offer to all ages from children to adults, and it is a popular spot to spend some time learning how to do a new craft or learn a new skill. Creative Kids Programs are offered year round with plenty of options for area children to join in to help spur on their creativity. Regular weekly programs include an open time for experiences with Painters and Jewelers as well as a Sit and Knit open session. As a hub of the creative community, the Center hosts open studios for several art forms including music, painting, knitting and a networking group for those in creative fields. They also host many special events including Arty Parties, Meet the Artists, plus themed exhibits and activities that align with signature Clear Lake Events throughout the year, in addition to a variety of classes for all age groups. The works of more than 100 area artists are housed in the Clear Lake Arts Center Gift Shop with 2-D and 3-D works — paintings, prints, pottery, mosaics, jewelry, fiber arts, as well as a unique collection of greeting cards, boxed cards, children’s art supplies, books and more. There is something for every price range, and CLAC memberships and event tickets can also be purchased here as well. Arts Center hours (from Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend) are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Summer hours (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon - 4 p.m. Tours and presentations of the facility are available upon request. Facility rentals are also available. Visit the event calendar for the 2017 lineup.
Steve Johnson pottery is a popular feature at the arts center. Photo by Clear Lake Arts Center. www.clearlakeiowa.com
Beth Ann Chiles is an avid reader and lover of travel who has found herself living in many different places over the years and currently calls Brevard, NC her home. She loves to connect with all kinds of people who share her zest for life. Her blog — It’s Just Life - Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary — highlights her passions of writing, travel, food and her ever growing teapot collection. Her monthly feature, Comments for a Cause, highlights a new charity monthly. Beth Ann looks at life through a full glass and tries to pay it forward every chance she gets. Destination Clear Lake 2017
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