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First Friday Art Crawl promotes Elkader art scene

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Guest artist Alexis Schramel painted during the First Friday Art Crawl event at The Collective on July 2. As part of the cultural initiative, a featured artist or exhibit will be at either The Collective or Sharp Art Gallery in Elkader from 5 to 7 p.m. on the first Friday of every month through November. (Submitted photo)

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

 

It’s something that happens in other small communities around the country, so why not bring it to Elkader? That’s the thought Jillian Webb Herrmann and The Collective had when they started the First Friday Art Crawl in May, as a way to promote art, the community and participating businesses. 

 

The concept is simple: a local art gallery or shop invites a guest artist or hosts a featured exhibit on the first Friday of every month, while participating local business are encouraged to stay open from 5 to 7 p.m. to draw visitors and tourists to the town and boost the local economy. 

 

“It’s something fun to do and something to look forward to,” Jillian said. 

 

This isn’t the first year an art crawl has been attempted. But the COVID-19 pandemic put a full stop to it, until things began opening up again this year. As a result—and with the newly opened business, The Collective, in concert with the Sharp Art Gallery—there is an earnest effort to bring the event back and make it successful. 

 

Since May, the Sharp Art Gallery has hosted watercolor artist David Prehm, while The Collective recently welcomed abstract artist Alexis Schramel. In June, they housed a special exhibit that focused on Elkader-themed artwork to support the city’s 175th celebration. 

 

“It is a big vision and it has to start somewhere. Why not here?” Jillian said. 

 

Now, the event is in the early stages of development, and Jillian admitted they’re “just trying to get it started and are relying heavily on word of mouth and Facebook to advertise and promote the events.”

 

“So far, a few businesses have remained open, but the real selling point, at the moment, is the chance to meet the artist, to view them working in their element and to experience the creation of art,” she said. “There are also plans of hosting live music, poetry readings and other feature artists. There are plans to have musician Sophia Landis perform in the fall and, on Aug. 6, internationally recognized artist and Chariton resident Nash Cox will be the guest.” 

 

Between 10 to 15 people have come out for the events so far. But every crowd, regardless of size, achieves the overall goal, which is gaining exposure for the artists, who, according to Jillian, “are generally excited by the opportunity to be a featured artist.” 

 

These events, among other factors, have been great for business, as Jillian asserted The Collective has “sold a lot of artwork,” which helps bring artists like Cox to Elkader and into the gallery. It’s success that is shared by everyone in the community.  

 

“It’s just about everyone working together to grow the art and the artistry,” Jillian said. 

 

In an effort to remain a non-profit, The Collective relies on donations from the community and its members for funding, while also seeking out sponsorships from local businesses as a way to expand events, especially in adding music. 

 

When it comes to finding artists, there is no shortage of willing guests. The networking, increased exposure, possibility of a sale, adding another gallery to the resume and having work displayed for an entire month are all alluring prospects. New locations allow people to see the art in a new space, in a new light and, potentially, in a new way. 

 

Jillian said there’s also an element of validation when a gallery seeks out an artist and chooses to display their work. The only challenge appears to be prior commitments and timing, when other events and art shows are happening at the same time. 

 

As for the future, Jillian has discussed the possibility of more cross-promotion with interested merchants. She expects continued growth as the entire art scene expands around northeast Iowa with festivals, quality exhibits and community support. 

 

Why is it important? Because art is not just colors on canvas. It’s also a way to communicate and connect with people. Or, as Jillian succinctly put it, “art is life” and there is great art right here, in our own backyard. One doesn’t have to travel to the city to have that experience.

 

For those who want to experience it, there will be a featured artist or exhibit at either The Collective or Sharp Art Gallery  in Elkader from 5 to 7 p.m. on the first Friday of every month through November.

 

The local art galleries and the artists featured in them are, as Jillian put it, “grateful for the support.” 

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