BY BRIAN RIGGS
FORT MADISON AREA ARTS ASSOCIATION
FORT MADISON - No foolin’ - Expressions Art Auction takes place April 1st at 6:30 p.m. with wine tasting at Comfort Inn & Suites in Ft. Madison. The live auction begins at 7:30 p.m. and hor d’oeuvres plated all evening. Expressions is the main annual fundraiser that allows non-profit Ft. Madison Area Arts Association (FMAAA) to churn out a grand menu of regional programs and events all year long. Many new arts and cultural experiences have been intermixed with the expected line-up of fantastic regional artwork paired with amazing vacation packages. The entire auction line-up can be accessed at www.fmaaa.com .
New this year is a focus on enticing experiences. Silent auction viewers can bid on a Glassblowing Class at Nauvoo Glassworks. A tasty pairing of downtown Ft. Madison neighbors, Artisans and Simple Table, delivers the goods with Delicious Art-Beautiful Food combination for four. Sushi, dessert, and drink wrapped in a 3 hour mixed media art class! How about this for team building? Baker’s dozen Horsehair Raku party at the Works. Group has option of creating their raku hand-built or wheel-thrown piece at FMAAA gallery to prepare. Once fired the date gets set for outdoor adventure, whereby the party finalizes horsehair raku pottery at Southeast Iowa Works outdoor campus with FMAAA providing the gnosh under the shelterhouse.
Feel like a proper pampering? FMAAA offers VIP Parade of Lights treatment, offering heated hospitality with high backed chairs for cozy comfort for the Ft. Madison annual. Or take the Lost Canvas treat for 6 with wine, dessert, and a painting class in the eclectic atmosphere of the bistro gallery in Keokuk. Silent auction beckons you to The Stag for Massage, Manicure, and Spray Tan…or treat your dawg to Dawgs&Divas Pet Package. Even more enticing, take 4 VIP Tri-State rodeo tickets at silent auction!
Want to get-a-way? Thanks to Dave&Jane Bartlett take 14 to Myrtle Beach with 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, and private pool. Martha’s Vineyard, donated by the Marshall family, has become a fan favorite at Expressions with availability for 13. This destination has garnered 5 star ratings from past visitors! Or escape to the Captain’s Quarters at 10 Acre Treehouse in Nauvoo. This Swiss Family Robinson type experience sleeps 4 to 6 in pristine privacy thanks to Bob Hopp!
Tis but a sampling of the offerings available, but the lifeblood of Expressions is the regional artisans. So much talent, so many mediums……wood both turned and carved, jewelry, photography, painting, sculpture, pottery, glass both stained and blown, and pastel. Tim Laffey of Carthage is the Cover Artist this year with his Best of Show win at the 2016 Annual Member Artist Exhibition with “Romantic Landscape”. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at FMAAA gallery and Dana Bushong Jewelers in Ft. Madison or Weird Harold’s in Burlington. Also, available at the door of Comfort Inn&Suites that evening.
Cannot attend but like what you see? Set a bid with an FMAAA Board Member for silent or live auction items. You can purchase event and raffle tickets from them as well: Angela Sodey, Teresa Dearing, Becky Carlsen, Mary Brockman, Coni Graber, Jerry Granaman, George&MaryAnn Gaudette, Gary&Anna Grinestead, Kathy McCracken, Linda Marshall, Cindy Roberts, Dorothy Kramer, Kelly Peters, Dr. Tim Benson, Pam Perdue, and Mio Santiago.
Cattermole Library watercolor by James Dow
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