Local Artists Will Have More Opportunity To Grow

Oskaloosa, Iowa – An opportunity for artists and art fans to be more creative and have a studio away from the basement or garage is just around the corner.

Fine Arts & Cultural Events [FACE] of Mahaska County will soon be opening Oskaloosa Art Center & Studios. FACE will be giving a sneak peek of the location on Friday, March 7th from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday, March 8th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The location is on the south end of the former Heartland Square Mall, located at 1701 3rd Ave E, Suite 3.

Members of FACE have been planning and looking for a location to hold their dream, when the former Farm Bureau location at the old Heartland Square Mall came to their attention. The offices within the suite work perfectly as studios, as well as a large open area for workshops and classes.

FACE member Matt Kargol said that an upcoming class will feature artist Benjamin Victor, who was the sculptor of the Norman E. Borlaug statue that is being installed in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Victor has visited Oskaloosa in the past, when he discussed the process that went into creating the statue.

Curated shows are also in the plans for the facility. This could help facilitate shows that may focus on pottery or sculpture. The curator would then choose the artists to be featured for the show and could even include a theme.

“Now the arts can grow out of this,” said Kargol on the new location. Kargol added that it was difficult before to identify FACE and it’s mission. This will give the group a home, and enable people to better identify with the group.

If you would like to know more about the location, you can visit the site on the above mentioned times this upcoming weekend, or the groups website www.faceofmahaska.com or via email at faceofmahaska@gmail.com