Many types of art are on display at Art on State.
The Guthrie County Arts Council currently has about 130 members and roughly 30 contributing artists, with most from Guthrie County.
By Rich Wicks | Guthrie Center Times
Most every community strives to foster an environment in which the arts are celebrated and where residents and visitors have plentiful opportunities to experience art. Art on State is the name of the storefront operated in downtown Guthrie Center by the Guthrie County Arts Council, and it is working to excel in that effort.
“It is a retail outlet for artists to sell their creations,” volunteer Ruth Owen said. “It’s staffed by volunteers and supported by the Guthrie Center Development group.”
The Kids Corner is a popular area at Art on State.
“Rather than artists having to, every weekend, pack up their art and go to a show somewhere, it’s kind of like a 12-month art show,” Menning said. “Their work is consigned, and we have no paid employees except one student intern.”
The Guthrie County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The overhead and other expenses are paid through a $35 annual membership fee and the consignment revenues at the store.
Menning pointed out that the store has a “Kids Corner,” in which the artwork of elementary students is displayed. The store also offers coffee and treats for art lovers to enjoy while browsing the displays, which include paintings, pottery, candies, soaps, baskets, furniture, honey and more.
“I would like to get some of the high school students’ art here, too, because they do amazing work,” Owen said.
Phyllis Wakefield, who also volunteers at Art on State, told of a significant achievement by the Arts Council.
“One of the biggest things that we did was the Freedom Rock. I had read in the paper about an artist who was doing a rock in every county in Iowa… but you had to pay him $1,000 to hold your spot,” Wakefield said. “We didn’t have $1,000, but we got it.”
The Guthrie County Arts Council currently has about 130 members and roughly 30 contributing artists, with most from Guthrie County. The current storefront, 320 State St., has been in use for the past seven years.
“We always welcome new artists and new volunteers and new members,” Wakefield said. “And you don’t have to be an artist to be a member.”
Displays change with the seasons at Art on State.