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©)

Learning About Art in Siouxland, Sioux City Art Center, Sioux City

Sioux City Art Center curator Mary Anne Redding talks with members of the Sioux City Camera Club at the center about current exhibitions and the importance of photography, Thursday evening, Nov. 12, 2020 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The enjoyable aspect about “art” is that it never gets old, there is always something new to see, and the learning never stops. Recently members of the Sioux City Camera Club in Siouxland spent an evening with the Sioux City Art Center curator Mary Anne Redding as she talked about art, its significance and how shows are curated.

Sioux City Art Center curator Mary Anne Redding talks with members of the Sioux City Camera Club at the center about current exhibitions and the importance of photography, Thursday evening, Nov. 12, 2020 in Sioux City, Iowa (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sioux City Art Center curator Mary Anne Redding talks with members of the Sioux City Camera Club at the center about current exhibitions and the importance of photography, Thursday evening, Nov. 12, 2020 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Ms. Redding explained how shows are put together, the importance of themes and the thinking behind curators and museums or art centers in wanting to educate the public. The club currently has a show exhibiting at the art center with a variety of images depicting the theme “Solitude”. Different people, different interpretations and plenty of images for contemplation and reflection.

Sioux City Art Center curator Mary Anne Redding talks with members of the Sioux City Camera Club at the center about current exhibitions and the importance of photography, Thursday evening, Nov. 12, 2020 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Sioux City Art Center curator Mary Anne Redding talks with members of the Sioux City Camera Club at the center about current exhibitions and the importance of photography, Thursday evening, Nov. 12, 2020 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The Museum also currently has an exhibit dealing with interpretations concerning the West. Images ranging from the late 1800’s into 2020. A number of photographers doing various personal projects and images culled to give a look about the west and people’s fascination both positive and negative. While many in the early years of the United States moved west for new opportunity and destiny, others lost their heritage and land. People suffered brutally trying to get there and survive while others suffered brutally at the hands of those who felt ordained to wrest away this land to give to other, “more civilized” folk. Interestingly and sadly done in a barbaric way or through deception in the name of progress and government.

But no matter one’s interpretation or attitude about the land and its acquisition, there are many images for contemplation and reflection.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Sioux City Art Center curator Mary Anne Redding talks with members of the Sioux City Camera Club at the center about current exhibitions and the importance of photography, Thursday evening, Nov. 12, 2020 in Sioux City, Iowa. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Angles and lines in Siouxland, Sioux City Art Center

I like visiting art museums. Everyone of them offers something to a person, at different times, depending on the current exhibit. And there are a few throughout Siouxland. The Sioux City Art Center like many of its counter parts also provide a visual feast if a person takes the time to enjoy the surroundings as well as the art within the facility. And it’s probably with purpose that many museums are built, to reflect a community or vision of the founding personages responsible for the push to include an art center within a community. Although the history and initial reason for a particular design may get overlooked or even forgotten after a few decades as people come and go, including museum personnel. But the visual eye candy is still apparent and changes daily, especially if the play of light and the sun is involved.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Seeing shapes and patterns during on a sunny day at the Sioux City Art Center Wednesday, April 25, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Seeing shapes and patterns on a sunny day at the Sioux City Art Center Wednesday, April 25, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Shapes and patterns during a sunny day inside the Sioux City Art Center Wednesday, April 25, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Shapes and patterns during a sunny day inside the Sioux City Art Center Wednesday, April 25, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Celebrating Art in Siouxland, Sioux City Art Center

I recently attended a reception for area artists, some professional, others students and still others falling somewhere in between, at the Sioux City Art Center. It’s always a pleasure to attend art functions in Siouxland, as it seems art always gets the short of the stick and little recognition for those producing it. The reception was for the Briar Cliff Review, a literary publication produced by Briar Cliff University located in Sioux City. An entire exhibition hall was filled with art and probably 100-120 people attended to see the work and to also listen to some readings produced by writers who are published in the magazine. Area residents are asked to submit work for inclusion and an exhibit is held to celebrate that.

An artist makes a statement about his work during a reception for the Briar Cliff University Review art exhibit in the Sioux City Art Center Thursday evening, April 19, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Visitors enjoy a reception for the Briar Cliff University Review art exhibit in the atrium of the Sioux City Art Center Thursday evening, April 19, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

A couple gentlemen I know who belong to the Sioux City Camera Club also had work included in the publication.

Doug Conrad stands in front of his two photographs during a reception for the Briar Cliff University Review art exhibit in the Sioux City Art Center Thursday evening, April 19, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Randy Williams stands next to his print at the Briar Cliff University Review art exhibit in the Sioux City Art Center Wednesday, April 25, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

I always find it fun to walk around and view the work. And many times will go back when it is less crowded to spend some time and look over the art that somewhat runs the gamut of media. And people attending reveled in the chance to see their work celebrated and to share that with friends or document their participation.

Friends, family and interested parties attended a reception for the Briar Cliff University Review art exhibit at the Sioux City Art Center Thursday evening, April 19, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A visitor for the reception for the Briar Cliff University Review art exhibit takes a photo of one piece of art at the Sioux City Art Center Thursday evening, April 19, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Even in small communities there are most times a vibrant art scene, that maybe, just not seen. But people can still go out and celebrate the work, the artists and community that surrounds it.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Attendees listen to artists talk about their work during a reception for the Briar Cliff University Review art exhibit at the Sioux City Art Center Thursday evening, April 19, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A visitor stops and contemplates a piece of art during a reception for the Briar Cliff University Review art exhibit in the Sioux City Art Center Thursday evening, April 19, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

Artist Mark Kochen, right, talks with Sioux City Art Center director Al Harris-Fernandez at the Briar Cliff University Review art exhibit during a reception, Thursday evening, April 19, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Exploring Siouxland in Winter, downtown Sioux City

After being snowbound and wanting to avoid below freezing temperatures, I finally exited my home to explore a bit of Siouxland via downtown Sioux City. Previously I had been out for a walk when temperatures were milder and the temps in a reasonable 30 degree range. And it was nice to look at some sculpted art pieces that sit next to the Sioux City Art Center.

Two sculpted art pieces sit outside the Sioux City Art Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

A sculpted piece of art sits outside the Sioux City Art Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

But this last walk downtown was after a 12 inch snowfall and temperatures that again reached into the teens with overnights near or below zero. A blue, sunny sky added to the Art Center’s sculptures that sit on its grounds. On the overcast day which I later chose to walk about downtown enhanced these less colorful pieces of art that adorn the downtown streets. And in a way the colorless sky and overcast added to the effect of these pieces by helping declutter the background for the most part and let the pieces stand alone to be admired.

jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Art sculpture displayed in downtown Sioux City, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

 

Art sculpture displayed in downtown Sioux City, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

 

Art sculpture displayed in downtown Sioux City, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

 

Art sculpture displayed in downtown Sioux City, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

 

Art sculpture displayed in downtown Sioux City, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

 

Being Inspired in Siouxland, Oaxacan Wood Carvings, Sioux City

Recently I saw an exhibit at the Sioux City Art Center of Oaxacan wood carvings from Mexico, commissioned by the University of Iowa Museum of Art.

An exhibit of Oaxacan wood carvings brought an unique perspective and stylized art works to the Sioux City Art Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

It’s nice to be able sometimes to be inspired by art and not have to travel too far within Siouxland, Information provided says wood animal and figurative sculptures have been made for more than 2,000 years from clay and stone. This folk art is attributed to people with no formal artistic education and previously was anonymous and made by indigenous folk and crafts people from small towns and villages. It was in the 1950’s and ’60’s that the creation of wood sculptures was for pure artistic pleasure rather than as objects for the Catholic Church or for religious celebrations.

Rabbit Nahual, 2005 by artist Manuel Jimenez and sons Angelico and Isaias of Oaxaca, Arrazola, Mexico is an example of the exhibit of Oaxacan wood carvings at the Sioux City Art Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

An artist responsible for popularizing these wood sculptures is Manuel Juan Jimenez Ramierez. He was from the small town of Arrazola in the foothills near Monte Alban. After the popularity took off and other villagers and people from neighboring communities saw the potential from buying tourists and art collectors, more people began creating these fantastical wood sculptures. Sometimes created by one individual and sometimes by groups of people, to the point where it became a family affair. All members doing their part in either making the sculpture or painting them. Information provide states that 80 families along in Arrazola create alebrijes. The sculptors use wood mostly from the copalillo tree, carving while the wood remains wet, then left to dry, which can take weeks or months and finally adding a base coat of paint before applying the final painting scheme.

An example from the exhibit of Oaxacan wood carvings at the Sioux City Art Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

It’s amazing to see the different creations up close and personal, and to enjoy these creations without traveling very far. It’s said that inspiration can come from anywhere, anytime. Being inspired by seeing art done by others certainly gives me goose bumps and makes me want to pause, take stock and see what I might be able to do myself down the road.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

An example from the exhibit of Oaxacan wood carvings at the Sioux City Art Center in Sioux City, Iowa Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga)

Sioux City Art Center Art Splash

This past weekend the Sioux City, Iowa, Art Center held its annual Art Splash festival which is a yearly event that helps raise money for the center as well as gives artists, locally and across the region, an opportunity to sell work to those attending. This year marks the second time the event is held at Grandview Park. It was moved to that location last year after the Missouri River flooded the Sioux City river front, a location that Art Splash graced for several years.

Art Splash gives local art lovers a chance to see a variety of medium, involving various painting genres, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, wood working, photography, glass, and there are a number of food vendors and activities for children as well as different performance acts that can include music, comedy, skits and audience participation. This is a small look at the annual festival and something worth the time and $5.00 entrance fee to spend a few hours forgetting about current events and enjoying the visual beauty that is art. Reprints are available here.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa