2025 Art on the Prairie
Activity Schedule
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Saturday, November 8th
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Sunday, November 9th
Extended Hours & Holiday Open Houses at Area Businesses! |
2025 Festival Features:
Featured Artists: Pam Dennis & Ryk Weiss
Exhibit at The Cellar at La Poste | 1219 Warford St
We began decades ago building willow furniture and baskets, leading to feature articles and commissions for Better Homes and Gardens. This folk art evolved from functional to fine art wall pieces combining willow, pitfired or raku clay, and copper. We marketed at high end art festivals nationally for 25 years, winning many awards, as well as teaching numerous workshops. With Pam on the IAC Artists in the Schools roster 25+ years, Ryk joins her conducting 6-8 residencies per year which culminate in a permanent work for each community. Also on the Public Artists Roster, we've collaborated on larger outdoor public projects the last 15 years beginning with "Vision Sculpture Park" for the Blanden Museum- six willow horses and riders based on Marino Marini's work, and the "Moby Dick Garden Seascape" at Reiman Gardens (ISU) in 2008. “Plant 9” and “The Aviary” were chosen for Reiman Gardens Peoples Choice Awards in 2014 and 2015. Murals like the Wetzler Memorial Tree at the Boone County Hospital, as well as many school and community collaborations are built on metal frames, utilizing permanent materials to withstand our winters. In conjunction with artist Barb Vaske “Hearts and Hands” was a clay mural installation at Miracle Park in Ankeny, IA (2017). For Jester Park in Polk County, a large wall mural was purchased for the new Nature Center, and the Osprey Tree was built and then refurbished to provide several more years of use and enjoyment (2013-20). In 2025 a permanent prairie mural was purchased and installed at Reiman Gardens
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Our career has been a balance of two paths- the making of individual artworks, and interaction with the public through teaching and collaborative works. Our process of having participants make individual components that are incorporated into the whole leads people to contribute to something outside themselves, as well as form a very personal connection to the work. This spreads through their families and community, resulting in a strong sense of ownership and pride. The themes we pull from the natural world and the clients vision of the site give the audience a familiar way to enjoy and understand their environment. We hope to evoke a higher awareness of the rich diversity of nature through the sculptural stories we tell celebrating the life of the midwest.
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NEW Mural: "Iwo Jima Flag Raising"
Located at Caboose Park on the south wall of Perry Washall - 1221 1st Ave
Dedication on Sunday at 1pm at Caboose Park
To commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps (1775–2025) and honor the legacy of all veterans, VFW Floyd Foster Post 2060 is leading a community mural project depicting the iconic flag raising at Iwo Jima during World War II. The mural, painted by Iowa artist Shawn Palek, will serve as a lasting public tribute to the honor, courage and commitment of the U.S. Marine Corps and all who have worn the nation’s uniform.
Located near the Raccoon River Valley Trail and Caboose Park Trailhead, the mural is within walking distance of downtown Perry. Its dedication will coincide with Perry’s annual Art on the Prairie festival, creating an intersection of art, history, and community pride on Nov. 9th at 1 p.m.
“This project is personal,” said Eddie Diaz, one of the organizers and a prior-service Marine. “The flag raising at Iwo Jima captures the spirit of teamwork, sacrifice, and courage. As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps across the country, this mural will remind future generations that freedom comes at a heavy price, and it’s our duty to honor those who paid it by not taking those freedoms for granted.”
To bring that spirit to life, the mural will feature a real American flag mounted above it. “We were inspired by a similar mural and thought a real flag at the top of the building would just set the mural off,” Diaz said.
Matt Bramer, VFW Junior Vice Commander and Post 2060 member, emphasized the community’s role in the effort. “This mural represents more than history; it's a way for Perry to say ‘thank you’ to every veteran and service member. We’re proud to have partnered with several organizations and individuals to help bring this vision to life in the heart of Perry.”
Local artist and community organizer Jenny Eklund added, “Art has the power to tell stories that words can’t. This mural blends art with remembrance, connecting Perry’s creative community with those who have served.” Artist Shawn Palek shared that creating the piece was both an honor and a responsibility. “The Iwo Jima image is one of the most powerful and recognizable moments in U.S. history,” Palek said. “My goal was to capture not just the image itself, but the emotion and grit of service members.”
The mural’s unveiling and dedication will take place during the Art on the Prairie weekend. Community members, veterans, and visitors are encouraged to attend and celebrate this meaningful milestone in Marine Corps and American history. Donations are being accepted for VFW mural projects and can be made by sending a check to VFW Foundation, P.O. Box 232, Perry, Iowa 50220.
Located near the Raccoon River Valley Trail and Caboose Park Trailhead, the mural is within walking distance of downtown Perry. Its dedication will coincide with Perry’s annual Art on the Prairie festival, creating an intersection of art, history, and community pride on Nov. 9th at 1 p.m.
“This project is personal,” said Eddie Diaz, one of the organizers and a prior-service Marine. “The flag raising at Iwo Jima captures the spirit of teamwork, sacrifice, and courage. As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps across the country, this mural will remind future generations that freedom comes at a heavy price, and it’s our duty to honor those who paid it by not taking those freedoms for granted.”
To bring that spirit to life, the mural will feature a real American flag mounted above it. “We were inspired by a similar mural and thought a real flag at the top of the building would just set the mural off,” Diaz said.
Matt Bramer, VFW Junior Vice Commander and Post 2060 member, emphasized the community’s role in the effort. “This mural represents more than history; it's a way for Perry to say ‘thank you’ to every veteran and service member. We’re proud to have partnered with several organizations and individuals to help bring this vision to life in the heart of Perry.”
Local artist and community organizer Jenny Eklund added, “Art has the power to tell stories that words can’t. This mural blends art with remembrance, connecting Perry’s creative community with those who have served.” Artist Shawn Palek shared that creating the piece was both an honor and a responsibility. “The Iwo Jima image is one of the most powerful and recognizable moments in U.S. history,” Palek said. “My goal was to capture not just the image itself, but the emotion and grit of service members.”
The mural’s unveiling and dedication will take place during the Art on the Prairie weekend. Community members, veterans, and visitors are encouraged to attend and celebrate this meaningful milestone in Marine Corps and American history. Donations are being accepted for VFW mural projects and can be made by sending a check to VFW Foundation, P.O. Box 232, Perry, Iowa 50220.
Art on the Prairie Partners with Local Artists
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Returning to the festival this year are handmade commemorative pieces, made especially for Art on the Prairie by local artists, including limited edition linocut prints, illustrated cards, hand-poured candles, ceramic dishes, t-shirts, and more, all for sale at the Myrtle Building.
Experience the magic of multi-layer block printing with a multi-station hands-on activity during the festival to create your own mini version of the 15th Anniversary linocut print! Stop by the Security Bank Building, Carnegie Library Museum, Myrtle Building, Common Wealth Provisions, and The Cellar of La Poste to complete your print! |
