The top 10 artists to see at the Iowa Arts Festival this weekend

Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen
Updated ·4 min read

The Iowa Arts Festival returns for its 41st season June 7-9 in downtown Iowa City. The event will feature performances by dozens of local musicians, more than 100 artists, and numerous food vendors.

The action begins at 5 p.m. Friday with the art fair followed by musical performances at 6 and 8 p.m. The festival returns at 10 a.m. both on Saturday and Sunday. The main musical stage will be stationed near the corner of Iowa Avenue and Clinton Street.

Here are 10 artists to check out this year:

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Joel and Karma Brokaw woodworking booth specializes in wood art and home goods for everyday use.
Joel and Karma Brokaw woodworking booth specializes in wood art and home goods for everyday use.

Joel and Karma Brokaw

Art isn't just for walls. It can also be incorporated into everyday life. This is true of Joel and Karma Brokaw's woodworking. From wearable jewelry to cutting boards and other housewares, the family's booth is a must-stop. The items are a perfect gift for hosts, recent grads moving out of state to start their next adventure or a great new addition to any kitchen.

Drew Mounce is a surrealist artist from Iowa City whose work is playful and humorous but evokes a wide range of emotions by tapping into the fantastical.
Drew Mounce is a surrealist artist from Iowa City whose work is playful and humorous but evokes a wide range of emotions by tapping into the fantastical.

Young Mounce Studios

Drew Mounce started as a surrealist artist in Austin, Texas and now lives in Iowa City. Mounce's work is playful and humorous but evokes a wide range of emotions by tapping into the fantastical. Mounce keeps the style alive by putting his own spin on it through creativity and traditional techniques.

Sally Gierke is potter and muralist whose work is rooted in functional and decorative pottery, often with various clay types, from porcelain to stoneware.
Sally Gierke is potter and muralist whose work is rooted in functional and decorative pottery, often with various clay types, from porcelain to stoneware.

Sally Gierke

Sally Gierke has been a potter and muralist for 30 years. She finds inspiration from natural elements, which influence her pottery. Her work is rooted in functional and decorative pottery, often with various clay types, from porcelain to stoneware.

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Subatlantic

Subatlantic, an indie-rock band from the Quad Cities, stands out for its catchy melodies. Since its inception in 2008, Subatlantic has forged a distinctive identity, seamlessly blending elements of experimental rock with pop techniques. The band's latest album, "Say It Again," is a testament to their artistic evolution. The group is comprised of current or retired teachers and professors.

Subatlantic will take the Iowa Arts Festival main stage at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.

Lydia Shepard, a dynamic Chicago-based artist, seamlessly blends the crafts of mosaics and textiles to create captivating mixed-media pieces.
Lydia Shepard, a dynamic Chicago-based artist, seamlessly blends the crafts of mosaics and textiles to create captivating mixed-media pieces.

Lydia Shepard

Lydia Shepard, a dynamic Chicago-based artist, seamlessly blends mosaics and textiles to create captivating mixed-media pieces. Her innovative work ranges from stylish home décor and wearable mosaic jewelry to striking wall art, each piece reflecting her unique artistic vision.

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As a pop artist, Glen Lowry boldly blurs artistic boundaries with vivid, bright colors and a playful touch of irony.
As a pop artist, Glen Lowry boldly blurs artistic boundaries with vivid, bright colors and a playful touch of irony.

Glen Lowry

Glen Lowry is deeply engaged in every step of his artistic journey, from the initial spark of inspiration to the final framing. As a pop artist, he boldly blurs artistic boundaries with vivid, bright colors and a playful touch of irony. Lowry will be at the Iowa Arts Festival selling both original pieces and re-prints.

Singer-songwriter and producer Alysha Brilla will take the Iowa Arts Festival mainstage at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.
Singer-songwriter and producer Alysha Brilla will take the Iowa Arts Festival mainstage at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.

Alysha Brilla

Singer-songwriter and producer Alysha Brilla will take the Iowa Arts Festival mainstage at 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. Brilla is known for her eclectic blend of genres, taking inspiration from folk to jazz and the blues.  With more than 40,000 listeners on Spotify, Brilla is a growing artist and a can't-miss show at the festival.

Kristin Christopher uses traditional metalworking practices and semi-precious gemstones to create wearable art.
Kristin Christopher uses traditional metalworking practices and semi-precious gemstones to create wearable art.

Kristin Christopher

Kristin and Christopher Cooper met as students at the University of Kansas. Since then, the couple has been traveling the world selling their one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. They use traditional metalworking practices and semi-precious gemstones to create wearable art.

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American bluegrass band from Minneapolis, Pert Near Sandstone, will take the main stage at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 7.
American bluegrass band from Minneapolis, Pert Near Sandstone, will take the main stage at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 7.

Pert Near Sandstone

Minneapolis American bluegrass band Pert Near Sandstone will perform on the main stage at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 7. The group is known for its high-energy performances and traditional yet innovative approach to bluegrass music.

Sorak-Weirbach is keen on the whimsical, ethereal garden figures that ignite the imagination, a top selling item is the stain glass butterfly.
Sorak-Weirbach is keen on the whimsical, ethereal garden figures that ignite the imagination, a top selling item is the stain glass butterfly.

Thymelyglass Studio

Mika Sorak-Weirbach is the creative mind behind Thymelyglass Studio and specializes in copper, metalworking, and glass making. Sorak-Weirbach is keen on the whimsical, ethereal garden figures that ignite the imagination, but also makes pieces to go inside the home that will make your home a secret garden.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Find out what's happening at the 41st Arts Festival in Iowa City

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