2022 Mixed Media 3D
Lacy Jennings | Van Meter
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Lacy Jennings is a 5th Generation resident of Van Meter Iowa who attended The University of Northern Iowa on a Department of Art Full Tuition Scholarship and received a B.A. in Art Education in 2004. Lacy taught high school visual art at Perry Community School and Adel Desoto Minburn Community school for 13 years before leaving teaching to pursue her interest in studio art. Her experience teaching art lead to a diversity of interest in media and concept.
I am curious about a great many things and find that all are connected rather then compartmentalized as current culture teaches us. Media is simply the vehicle through which concept is communicated. I choose the media that best suits the concept. Currently I am interested in and capturing and creating opportunities to experience real moments. I create Kinetic Quilts inspired by the mobiles of Alexander Calder and expanding on the idea by utilizing the patterns and colors of quilting fabrics, stitching abstracted leaf and feather shapes and connecting these forms to create precarious compositions. Powered by natural air movement, my kinetic quilts create a meditative moment as they slowly rotate and change form. Observers take pause and enjoy the focused moment as they watch the floating forms take on new compositions. |
Katie Jensen
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Drake graduate and Des Moines Native Katie Jensen expresses her creativity through multiple mediums including but not limited to painting, drawing, fiber arts, and 3D art made from found objects. The name Nostalgic Creative stems from her passions for creating retro inspired artwork as well as an infatuation with vintage patterns and antique objects. The Midwest's rolling hills, fields of flowers and lush forests remain a constant source of inspiration for Katie and she has formed a deep connection to nature within her work. As a collector at heart, she is in constant discovery mode, combining mediums and reclaiming materials from the past. It is her desire to project onto the viewer a cathartic connection that is reminiscent of childhood innocence and realigning one's connection to nature.
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Brad Kiefer | Ogden
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As long as I can remember I have enjoyed working with diverse and varied building materials. In the summer of 1978, I was beginning my senior year of high school, my parents decided to build a log home. We spent the summer building the log shell of the cabin, at the end of this we concentrated on the interior. My parents graciously gave me their trust and artistic license to build kitchen cabinets, doors, a kitchen light and stain glass window. I believe this was the start of my interest with material use and design.
In early 2000 my wife and I started plans to build our own home in rural Boone County. The entire project from design to building the structure was a family project. One of the prime interests I developed during the building of our home was my fascination with material texture, and the use of natural and artificial light. I learned how I could use the two to create a mood and an aesthetically pleasing environment. Copper is such a wonderful material to use to create art in its way it responds to heat and manipulation. Learning its secrets is where I find the most creative path. |
Betsy Peterson | Perry
Betsy Peterson Designs
FB: Betsy Peterson Designs
IG: BetsyPetersonDesigns
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Art has always been a part of Betsy, with early expression naturally spilling out as she experienced the world around her. Following a formal art education at University of Iowa, Betsy taught elementary art before home-schooling her two sons. Inspiration was everywhere and Betsy continued to express what she experienced in soft-sculpted figures with twig limbs, paintings and drawings.
With bright colors, whimsical figures, and meaningful words, Betsy’s art draws from her soul. Her love of words, color, and childlike spontaneity pour into each piece creating art that inspires generosity, gratitude and joy. Beyond the gallery, Betsy has created award-winning pieces, commissioned work, and public art with the talent and heart that are a part of each project she pursues. |
Betty Chamness Trost | Des Moines
Three Smooth Stones
FB: Three Smooth Stones
IG: ThreeSmoothStones
*2021 People's Choice*
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Betty Chamness Trost of Three Smooth Stones is a Des Moines, Iowa artist. She is known for her hand painted stones in vibrant colors and complex designs. Her stones are stunning art objects that you can hold in your hand and caress with your fingertips.
I work with smooth stones for their weight and warmth, which inspires meditation, making them the perfect medium for exploring color and texture. Using acrylic paints and tools I layer dots to create optical illusions and textures that echo the natural mandala designs of flowers. |
Rachel Weber | Ankeny
A Little Eggstra
FB: A Little Eggstra
IG: a_little_eggstra
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At a Little Eggstra, we write pysanky, or Ukrainian eggs. This ancient art utilizes a batik/wax-resist method to elaborately decorate eggs with intricate designs, patterns and motifs. Pysanky is thought to be the precursor to modern Easter eggs.
Traditional versions of these designs are loaded with ancient symbolism to wish good will, health, and prevent against evil. More modern versions utilize bright colors and modern cultural symbols. |