Inspiring Art in Siouxland, Art Splash, Sioux City

Artist Maria Loh creates an image on the sidewalk at Art Slash, a project of the Sioux City Art Center Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Artist Maria Loh creates an image on the sidewalk at Art Slash, a project of the Sioux City Art Center Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Annually in Siouxland a local Art Center in Sioux City holds an “Art Splash” where juried artists can exhibit their wares or creations along with music and activities for children. Artistic endeavors by various artists range from paintings and photography, jewelry, ceramics, wood carving, textiles and fabrics and more.

Jonathan Metzger and his wife, Allison, work collaboratively to create art at Art Slash, a project of the Sioux City Art Center Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Jeremy Hansen poses on a sunny day in front of one of his art pieces at Art Slash, a project of the Sioux City Art Center Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Todd does some finish work for his paramour Kiara Linda at Art Slash, a project of the Sioux City Art Center Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

It’s always fun and educational walking about the many artists, seeing the work they have done and feeling inspired and sometimes lazy as one sees the amount of art and effort that goes into some of the items created, whether two or three dimensional. If tired from walking about one can always grab a bit to eat and listen to whatever entertainment is happening at the time. The 2-day event gives one a chance to explore and for many an opportunity to add to their own individual collections be it for indoor or outdoor settings.

Art inspires as do the artists who create it.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Sidewalk art created by locals at Art Slash, a project of the Sioux City Art Center Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

People fill a blocked off downtown street to look at various artists’ booths during Art Slash, a project of the Sioux City Art Center Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

People fill a blocked off downtown street to look at various artists’ booths during Art Slash, a project of the Sioux City Art Center Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Children create art on the sidewalk at Art Slash, a project of the Sioux City Art Center Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

People fill a blocked off downtown street to look at various artists’ booths during Art Slash, a project of the Sioux City Art Center Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Performance Art Mezmerises in Siouxland, Sioux City

Performance artist Kelsey Karnival works with a couple of hoops as a young girl watches intensely during the Alley Art Festival in downtown Sioux City, Iowa, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sometimes in life an occurrence happens in a person’s life that may have a profound influence and unbeknownst to them guides them on a path later in life. During a festival in Siouxland recently a young girl stood transfixed as she watches a performance artist dance with a couple of hoola hoops. The young lass stared intensely hardly ever moving her eyes until seeing the dancer so a particular move then looked at her mother to see if she saw.

Performance artist Kelsey Karnival works with a couple of hoops as a young girl looks back at her mother during the Alley Art Festival in downtown Sioux City, Iowa, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Performance artist Kelsey Karnival works with a couple of hoops as a young girl watches intensely during the Alley Art Festival in downtown Sioux City, Iowa, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I remember as a young child looking at a particular Sunday edition of a Chicago newspaper, transfixed by a page or two of feature images that appeared every week. I can remember sitting in a room in my parent’s house just looking over the images. I can’t remember why I was fascinated or how that fascination came about. But sometimes these unexplained occurrences manifests the results later in life, a necessary spark to start one down a particular road.

I have spent a lifetime photographing events and people for a variety of newspapers I previously worked for, and continue while finding images for this blog. The intensity of sole purpose of the young girl standing so still, watching the street performer makes me speculate that somewhere and sometime in the future seeing this person perform gracefully and appearing to enjoy her work might influence this young lass to pursue her dreams and find a way to fulfill a desire to create, no matter the art form or platform through which she gives voice to a future talent.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Performance artist Kelsey Karnival works with a couple of hoops as a young girl watches intensely during the Alley Art Festival in downtown Sioux City, Iowa, Iowa Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Student Art Show in Siouxland, Morningside College, Sioux City

Student art of Morningside College students on display at an Eppley Auditorium gallery, Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Sioux City, Iowa (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

An annual student art show is currently underway at a local college in Siouxland, Morningside College in Sioux City. And I find it fun to visit such shows to see what students are creating through visual arts these days. One can be inspired by what a new generation of artists are creating.

Morningside College studen art work on display at an Eppley Auditorium gallery, Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Sioux City, Iowa (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Morningside College studen art work on display at an Eppley Auditorium gallery, Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Sioux City, Iowa (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

And for the first time that I was aware, I was able to see some of the permanent collection of artwork on display in an adjacent gallery that the school owns. Even on a very cold day, spending time indoors looking at art is a good pastime.

Permanent works on display in a gallery at Eppley Auditorium on the campus of Morningside College, Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Sioux City, Iowa (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Permanent works on display in a gallery at Eppley Auditorium on the campus of Morningside College, Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Sioux City, Iowa (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The school also has an installation piece hanging in a hallway leading to a performance center in Eppley Auditorium’s building, which just brightens one’s view as you enter the building. And while nature recently has been dazzling the Siouxland residents with its own display of nature and winter, I personally don’t mind spending my time indoor and just looking out to see art too.

 

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

An art installation hanging inside the foyer of Morningside College’s Eppley Auditorium where student art is on display in a gallery, Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Sioux City, Iowa (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Art work stands in the snow in a courtyard behind an art gallery where Morningside College student art work is on display in a gallery inside Eppley Auditorium, Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Sioux City, Iowa (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Artists on View in Siouxland, Le Mars Arts Council

In another week or so I and some other area artists will put our work on view at the Le Mars Arts Council Art Center. I have not participated in such an endeavor since the mid-1990’s when a gentleman I knew invited me along to show some work in Lake Tahoe, California during an art show there. My work pales in comparison with a lot others work I have seen and see. The tempting thing about exhibiting in Lake Tahoe was that I had a day off and went hiking up into one of the high peaks and hung out at a crystal clear lake.

But in November those interested can view a variety of work at the Art Center’s open house. I feel very humbled to be able to participate.

The Le Mars Arts Council art center Le Mars, Iowa Tuesday Oct. 17, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Pastel prints on display at the Le Mars Arts Council art center in Le Mars, Iowa Wednesday Oct.12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A photograph on display at the Le Mars Arts Council art center in Le Mars, Iowa Wednesday Oct.12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The person putting this all together is the center’s administrator Judy Marienau. A wonderful woman who is excited about seeing everyone’s work.

Le Mars Arts Council administrator Judy Marienau working at the Art center in Le Mars, Iowa Tuesday Oct. 17, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I have been through a lot of art centers as I have lived in various parts around the country when I previously worked for newspapers. And I enjoy it immensely looking at the work and getting a chance to talk with the various artists.  There is no limitation to some of these people’s imagination and their skill in the chose medium they work in. Even if one is not “rich” enough to take away a couple of pieces to later enjoy in one’s own abode, you are enriched by viewing and admiring the work of these artists.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Display of an artist’s work at the Le Mars Art Council’s art center in Le Mars, Iowa Tuesday Oct. 17, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Display of artists’ work at the Le Mars Art Council’s art center in Le Mars, Iowa Tuesday Oct. 17, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Display of artists’ work at the Le Mars Art Council’s art center in Le Mars, Iowa Tuesday Oct. 17, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Pastel prints, Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday Oct.12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Pastel prints, Sioux City, Iowa Wednesday Oct.12, 2017. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Siouxland Art in Latham Park, Sioux City

I visited the local park in Sioux City, Iowa, recently, called Latham Park. It is public, but privately funded and maintained. According to the organization’s website posting the park “is a traditional, residential area of the Morningside section of Sioux City, Iowa, and occupies almost a full acre of ground, is home to an endless variety of flowering plants, warbling songbirds, a wonderful fountain, quiet sitting areas, and one or two friendly squirrels. We invite you to take a stroll through the park ….. feel your mind ease and your spirits soar. The Latham Park site was originally the home of Miss Clara Latham. Upon her death in 1937, the property passed into a charitable trust established for its perpetual maintenance. ” But as life goes on and expenses get more expensive, the supporters of Latham Park hold various fund raisers each year to help with maintenance, buying more plants and keeping the space looking wonderful and inviting. This past weekend as the annual “Art in the Park” fundraiser which showcases various artists throughout Siouxland and gives browsers and those inclined a very relaxed atmosphere to look around and just enjoy. A couple of acoustic ensembles played during part of the day which was a nice addition. More photos here.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa