The gallery's favorite potter-neighbors to the north ship some of the best in Canadian functional ceramics across the border for a late summer showcase.

Iowa Artisans Gallery hosts an exhibit of paintings by local gallery artist Suzanne Aunan, her mother Ellen Bowen, and her grandmother, Johanna Berger. Aunan describes her art as a “hobby gone wild.” She is known for her detailed scenes of the life around her as well as iconic landscapes of Iowa City. Her love of detail results in paintings that resemble jigsaw puzzles in their complexity and take up to six months to complete. The Gallery sells limited edition lithographic prints of Aunan's original paintings; however this exhibit includes some of her original paintings as well.

Aunan’s maternal grandmother, Johanna Berger, came to the US from Germany in 1926. She was artistic and enjoyed sewing, embroidery, and painting. Aunan recalls, “I remember her visiting us on the dairy farm in NY when I was quite young, and she would paint Tyrolian-style cottages with hollyhocks and beautiful flowers. I was astonished by what she created on scraps of brown paper bags.”

Aunan describes her mother Ellen Bowen as the only "trained" artist in the family, having taken art classes at Brooklyn’s well-known Pratt Institute after high school, as well as other classes in later life. Aunan says that as a child, she took art classes at Yard School of Art and the Montclair Museum of Art in NJ. “I was hooked. Encouraged by my mother, I kept painting as she fed me ‘real’ art supplies, and I continued to paint for fun during breaks from school or work.” Aunan started a home-based business in 1983, painting hearts and furniture for art fairs. The Last Ride In, created in 2000, was Aunan’s first limited edition print; 2010 marks her 10th Anniversary creating limited edition prints.

The Iowa State Fair is her current project. Begun in August 2010, she hopes to complete it by May 2011. Aunan says, “My family has always given me encouragement and feedback on my work. After a painting is completed, and family comments and critiques have been made, friends are asked to comment and examine paintings for feedback. I call this ‘the public comment period.’ “ She credits her husband Tom with being her “utmost supporter” and business manager through the years.

Iowa Artisans Gallery is open daily: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 10am - 6pm. Thursday's "Downtown Shopping Night" 10am - 7pm. Saturday 10am - 5:30pm. Sunday 12 - 4pm.
 

Ticketing:
$5 General Admission at the door only.

Audience enters the theatre through the back alley entrance. Seating will be on-stage only.

Local jazz-horn combo playing original compositions with a strong be-bop and ‘60s jazz influence

Make two bracelets using a variety of beads. You will learn about two different stringing materials and when you might use each. Learn how to professionally add a clasp. No previous experience necessary. Instructor: Mallory Zapf or Niki Frese.  Class fee of $54 includes all instruction and materials.

For those also taking Basic Wirework that day, pay a discounted class fee of $100 for both classes.

Register in person, over the phone, or on-line at www.beadologyiowa.com

Justin Roberts is truly one of the "all-stars" of the indie family music scene. He logs thousands of miles on the road each year, leading some to call him the hardest working man in children's show business. With numerous national awards and recognition and a devoted fan base, Justin and The Not Ready for Naptime Players dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents.

Justin's latest CD Jungle Gym ascends through the collective memories of childhood: from the joys of trick or treating and gym class parachutes and sleepovers to the magic stillness of snow days. The recording takes listeners on a journey through iconic experiences that kids will relate to and parents will remember. It's an often funny and rocking ride: from magic moments sailing on a moonlit cardboard box, through the temporary trauma of getting lost, to the anticipation and wonder of a school fire drill. Giant pounding drums, vintage electric guitars, strange and fanciful time changes, soaring vocals and elegant French horns conquer the heights of the jungle gym.

This seventh family music CD from Justin Roberts continues a hot streak that started in the early 1990s. Roberts began his music career in the Minneapolis-based indie-rock band Pimentos for Gus. He decided to moonlight (during the day) as a Montessori preschool teacher. It wasn't long before Justin began writing and singing songs for a new generation of fans: his students. The kids immediately responded and inspired Justin to record some of his new songs and send them out to a few friends for Christmas. One of the gift recipients was Liam Davis, a college pal and music producer, who suggested that they record the songs professionally.

In 1998, Justin released his first CD, Great Big Sun, and the critics took note. Justin's music was soon being compared to everyone from Elvis Costello and Fountains of Wayne to Paul Simon, ELO and Nick Lowe. By 2001, Justin had hit the road full time, doing what he loves most: playing music for appreciative crowds. Kiddie mosh pits broke out, word spread and shows started selling out. He has played at such renowned venues and festivals as NYC's Symphony Space, DC's National Geographic Live, LA's Getty Museum, Seattle's Moore Theater, Lollapalooza and Chicago's Ravinia.

Justin has performed in front of millions of people on The Today Show, he's featured on Nick Jr. TV, and his song "Get Me Some Glasses" was featured on a World Series broadcast. He's also garnered kudos and raves from national media including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, People, Entertainment Weekly, and the Chicago Tribune.

Once again, Justin Roberts raises the bar for family music with a playground full of bright new songs for parents and kids to enjoy together. Whether you're playing the familiar game Duck Duck Goose ("We Go Duck") in a new way or saying a wistful goodbye to your trusty bed as you leave for "Sleepoverland," Jungle Gym provides a memorable soundtrack for the way families live today.

http://www.justinroberts.org

Tickets:

$12 General Admission

Family Pack:
Families of four or more may purchase tickets at the discounted rate of $10 each.
Please call or stop by the box office to receive discounted tickets.

Explore wire techniques incorporating attractive beading components. Solid instruction on the use of jewelry tools will assist you in making three pairs of earrings. You will receive encouragement in discovering simple yet elegant earring designs. No previous experience necessary. Instructor: Karen Kubby.  Class fee of $55 includes all instruction and materials.

Registration is ONLY through Kirkwood Community College Continuing Ed program at

http://kirkwood.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1070 and look for Beadology Iowa under the instructor search.

The Englert joins forces with the Iowa Women's Music Festival to kick-off this year's event with an awesome show featuring Leslie & the LY's, Bitch, and Caroline Smith & the Goodnight Sleeps!

Leslie & the LY's, led by Leslie Hall (Mother Gem), are an Ames glam/dance band. They recently returned from a highly successful US tour which saw them crisscrossing the country with their wild and energetic live show. Always a must-see event, Leslie and the LY's return to the Iowa Women's Music Festival to get the weekend started right.

Bitch's musical journey has taken her from classical-violin training in the suburbs to experimental flicks in NYC. After leaving the outskirts of Detroit for the artier charms of Chicago—Bitch's unconventional and outspoken approach to performance caught the attention of a number of indie luminaries. She took fiddling lessons with Andrew Bird, serendipitously stumbled upon future co-conspirator, Animal at acting school, moved to New York to make their own 'theater' (Bitch and Animal) and recorded and toured with Ani DiFranco (who released Bitch and Animal's records on Righteous Babe). Bitch's out-of-the-ordinary message has resonated with a generation of gender non-conformists, attracting the likes of New York theater legend John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), who tapped her star power for his Cannes Fest favorite, Shortbus. She went on to release her first solo album on the legendary Kill Rock Stars label, entitled Make This/Break This. Bitch's latest record, Blasted! (release date spring 2010), is an outgrowth of her creative spirit, a real labor of love and her strongest solo album to date.

The striking Caroline Smith and her Goodnight Sleeps have gained much momentum behind their sharp songwriting and tight dynamics. The hook is Caroline Smith's impressive voice and the anchor is the strength of her nuanced band mates. Their debut record Backyard Tent Set is an underrated indie-pop gem.

Explore wire techniques incorporating attractive beading components. Solid instruction on the use of jewelry tools will assist you in making three pairs of earrings. You will receive encouragement in discovering simple yet elegant earring designs. No previous experience necessary. Instructor: Karen Kubby.  Class fee of $55 includes all instruction and materials.

Registration is only through Kirkwood Community College via http://kirkwood.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1070 and look for Beadology Iowa under the instructor search.