Art in Central Park set for Sunday

BY PCC STAFF

FORT MADISON - Ft. Madison Area Arts Association (FMAAA) celebrates a decade since Art-in-Central was resurrected in a new format from the history of “Weekend in Central Park”. The event runs on Sunday the 17^th from 10am-4pm. As always the sidewalks will house plenty of visual artists, displaying their wares. Several diverse mediums including both stained and blown glass, spinning, metallic sculpture, painting, photography, wood turning, jewelry, pen&ink and more will await the journey. Music performances begin at noon in the gazebo. BBQ and Lost Duck Brewery in the shelter house. The playground area will be abuzz with Kid's Art Activity Zone. FMAAA thanks event sponsor Axalta Coating Systems for their support in this full utilization of Central Park. The visual artists will by vying for Purchase Awards from Ft. Madison Partners, FMAAA, and Fort Madison Rotary. Also as before FMAAA will provide booth awards that will be juried by overall design and impression. 1^st Place will again feature the Governor’s Suite from The Kingsley Inn, pretty nice digs!

The Kid's Activity Zone will feature Sweet Mimi the Balloon Clown. It is only coincidence that our neighbors at Fox Theater have “IT”. Potentially you could take in both good clowns and bad clowns within a block of one another on Sunday! Other arts activities will be available around the playground as well, including popular ceramic glaze station, offering plenty of Halloween figurines that was a hit last year.

Musical performances begin at noon in the gazebo. Fox River Fields is an acoustic duo covering country and classic rock. This father/daughter duo is comprised of Steve Brecount, Sr. and Chris Fields. They love many genres so you may hear Merle Haggard followed by Kiss! From 1:00-3:00 Travis Reid Band will headline the festival with guitar slinging blues. Travis is a blues aficionado reared in West Burlington who was heavily influenced by national touring Michael Burks. Travis attributes his ability to perform to is deceased mentor. Look for high energy from this band who performed at Mississippi River Valley Blues Festival this year in Quad Cities. 3:00-4:00 will feature some of the guitar students of Jesse Mazzoccoli. FMAAA offers guitar lessons on Wednesdays and will strive to offer some other instruments on differing days. Lucas Henderson, Noah Fedler, and Ike Thatcher will share what they are learning! Thanks to music sponsors Jim Baier INC, MidWestOne Bank, and Catfish Bend Casino for the beats.

FMAAA thanks the following companies for providing ongoing services to this event as well: MidAmerican Energy, EI Dupont, The Kingsley Inn, FMAAA Board of Directors, Lost Duck Brewing, and Matt's Greenhouse. FMAAA is proud to bring the region this family fun event that is one of the best utilization's of the entire Central Park on any given year. Enjoy the quality events that occur in your backyard every fall.