http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-904861.mp3
Fort Madison, IA – The Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer travel season. Organizations in Nauvoo and Fort Madison hoped the Art-ssippi Art Crawl would attract both tourists and residents.
Eight businesses in Fort Madison and eight in Nauvoo agreed to let a local artist display and demonstrate their works during the special event on Saturday, May 29.
The participating artists and businesses include
Nauvoo
George Gaudette - Photography - The Mayfly
Tom Brown - Ceramics - Nauvoo Mill and Bakery
Kevin Condron - Colored Pencil - The Allyn House
Sarah Clendening - Tatting - McKee's Celtic Kitchen
Linda Hardy - Cartooning/Jewelry/Spinning - Fudge Factory
Sam Nicol & Dan Rector - Woodcarving - Baxter Vineyards & Winery
Irene Tukuafu - Music - Nauvoo Glassworks
Eric Ludy - Bead Making - Nauvoo Glassworks
John Hasek - Scrimshaw - Nauvoo Grand Bed & Breakfast.
Fort Madison
Carroll Michalek - Pastels - The Wild Whisk
Bonnie Wilkerson - Weaving - The Schnitzelbank
Paula Howard - Painting - The Bookmark
Ray McKee - Pencil Drawing - Angel Scent
Jerry Granaman - Photography - Studio 61&The Funky Cowgirl
Linda Ross - Clay - Ivy Bake Shoppe & Caf
Jim Knapp - Pen/Ink - Pendemonium
Carlene Dingman Atwater - Painting - Kinglsey Inn
Art-ssippi did not end on May 29, though, as the works will be on display through June 5. Customers can take a "passport" to each business during the next week.
Those who visit every property in a town are eligible for a grand prize drawing of items from either Nauvoo or Fort Madison.
Fort Madison Area Arts Association Director Brian Riggs says the goal of Art-ssippi was to promote local businesses and showcase the economic potential of the arts.
You can hear Jason Parrott's full report by clicking the audio link above.