Art with a history

Now until July 1 the Clarke Area Arts Council has a free art exhibit available to the public at Lakeside Casino’s Event Center lobby. A co-sponsor in the exhibit is the Clarke County Historical Society. Artists featured in the exhibit are local artists whose works are in the Clarke County Historical Museum’s collection.

Plans include two more displays of historical art throughout the year at the Casino and the Clarke County Historical Museum.

“It is the hope of members of the historical society that with the art exhibit at Lakeside there will be more exposure to let patrons know about the existence of the historical society and museum,” said Marie White, of the Clarke County Historical Society.

This is the first time the CAAC has co-sponsored with another entity. This co-sponsorship benefits the historical society by have a different platform to showcase some of their artifacts. By getting some of the museum artifacts out in a different setting those who may not know of the museum can see a part of what is available.

Viewers will get to see items they may have never seen before or known about. They can also learn more about Clarke County history with an outlet to visit to learn more.

Inquiries about the current art display, upcoming shows or being an exhibiting artist should be made to Mary Ellen Kimball, 641-342-4272 or kimball@iowatelecom.net.

Art by local artists who’s works are in the Clarke County Historical Museum’s collection available for viewing includes:

• “Indian Village” by Harold (Pete) Lewis

• “Iowa Corn & Hills Along Missouri” by Deloris Hoffmann (1949)

• “Fern Under Wood” by Diane Grune (1977)

• “Murray’s Old Train Depot” by J.D. Speltz

• “Dr. Dean House” - photograph

• “Murray School” by J.D. Speltz

• “Poppys” by Diane Grune

• “Clarke County Court House” by Keiburtz

• “Landscape” by Annie Montgomery

• “Leslie by the Railroad” by Harold (Pete) Lewis

• “Garner Hotel” by Ruth Ostrus

• “Bowl of Fruit” by Ruth Ostrus

• “Lemonade Anyone?” by Doris (Haltom) Canavan

• “Landscape” by Helen Ingraham (1909)

• “Dr. Paul in the July 4 Parade” by Harriet Cole

The Clarke County Historical Society has recently received several pieces of art work. The historical society is seeking to expand its art collection by Clarke County artists. Recent donations were pictures done by Reverend Amy Thompson, Alexe Thompson and Melanie Elban. Elban donated two of her animal pictures. If other Clarke County artists would like to donate their work the historical society is open to receiving new pieces.