On July 19th the senses will be ignited with the vibrant sights and sounds at the Waukee Arts Festival. Hosted by the Waukee Area Arts Council the event will converge with Jazz in July and Sundays in Centennial. Artists of all mediums—taste, handiwork, performance, creativity, instrumental—will highlight the rich variety of arts and culture from across the metro.
Waukee Area Arts Council board member and festival artist and musician coordinator, Cody Kilgore said that the growing community of Waukee is poised well to host this type of event.
The Waukee Area Arts Council has been looking for a signature event we could create which would show more support for the visual arts in our community and contribute to the thriving culture of the Waukee area,” Kilgore said.
Just about any visual artist is welcome, Kilgore said.
“This first year is a non-juried show, and we have had a goal of making it accessible and available to a wide variety of artists,” Kilgore explained. “Making this an artist-friendly event is what will also give people attending a wide variety of art to browse, shop, and enjoy.”
At noon the first musician will take the spotlight, each act with an hour to perform. With a full agenda to come artists will include singer/songwriter Dan Medeiros and fellow singer/songwriter Jess DeWitt.
Among others, Moar Tacos, Agri-Cultured and Fresh Mediterranean Express will be selling delicious bites. Moar Tacos—recently an attendee at the Des Moines Social Club Food Truck Throw Down—features Korean-infused tacos (think beer battered tofu, kimchi salsa, and spicy pork). Agri-Clutured is all about handcrafted, fermented kombucha, sauerkraut, natto-hummus, salsa and other gut-positive foods. They have a food stand that incorporates these elements into specialty sandwiches like grilled cheese. Fresh Mediterranean Express serves up sandwiches like falafel, fresh salad, sides with fresh hummus, meat and veggie kabobs as well as delicious desserts like baklava.
Little ones will love the chance to run around like a tiger or butterfly after visiting the Queen Bee Face Painting stand.
Kilgore said the Waukee Area Arts Council would like this to evolve into an annual regional showcase for artists and music.
“Certainly we’d like to see everyone in the local community there to enjoy and support it, but we think the art and music that we’ll have there that day will certainly be interesting to people across the metro and surrounding area,” Kilgore said about the draw of the lively event.
Tying up the night will be the rousing jazz sounds of the John Morgan Big Band from 6:30-8 p.m. Grab a spot on the lawn with a blanket or chairs, bring the entire crew and lest we not forget carry-in beer and wine are permitted.
Kilgore said that while the event will be just one day this year, they hope to expand the event with even more music and arts into a two-day festival.
Interested in joining the event and sharing your skills? Contact Kilgore at 515-490-8669 or via email at blackcapphotography@gmail.com.
All artist applications, found online at waukeearts.org must be received no later than July 4, 2015
Waukee Arts Festival
When: Sunday, July 19, noon-8 p.m.
Where: Centennial Park, 1255 S. Warrior Lane, Waukee, Iowa 50263
Price: Free, food and drink for purchase
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