Special to the Times Vedette
The Warren Cultural Center presents “Remnants: Piecing Together Memories from the Fair,” a solo exhibit of artwork created from vintage ceiling tiles salvaged from the Iowa State Fair.
In the exhibit, Greenfield resident Deb Houghtaling presents 60 pieces of wall art showing a variety of metalworking and basic woodworking techniques using the salvaged tin and mostly upcycled materials. The tin was purchased last fall at an Iowa State Fair Auction, and while it’s been confirmed that the tiles were salvaged from one of the buildings at the fairgrounds, it’s not clear which one (possibly the Women and Children’s Building which was torn down in the 1980s).
“As someone who has a lifetime of memories from the Iowa State Fair, it’s amazing to think that this tin was part of the fair’s history,” Houghtaling said. “I like the idea that the pieces I create with this metal all have special significance because of that.”
After taking one Chicago Park District metalsmithing class years ago, Houghtaling is a mostly self-taught artist. Her favorite technique is using materials that often would be considered trash and transforming them into wall art, décor or jewelry.
“Working with salvaged and upcycled materials is always a study in ‘figuring it out as you go,’ and this exhibit was no different,” said Houghtaling.
This exhibit is dedicated to her late dad, Bob Houghtaling, who exhibited at the State Fair starting in the 1950s, and her mom, Lois, who provided tireless behind-the-scenes work to make decades of fair visits and memories possible. A portion of the sales from this exhibit will be donated to the Blue Ribbon Foundation in her dad’s name to ensure new generations continue to have the opportunity to make memories at the Iowa State Fair.
The exhibit will run through Aug. 31 and all artwork is for sale through Ed & Eva’s. A reception is planned for Thursday, Aug. 6 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Warren Cultural Center gallery where Christmas items made from the State Fair tin will be introduced to the exhibit. The reception coincides with the Greenfield Farmer’s Market which has a Taste of the State Fair theme that week with fair food items and 4-H and FFA participants displaying their state fair qualifying projects.
About The Warren Cultural Center
The Warren Cultural Center opened its doors in Spring 2012 in the restored 1896 Warren Opera House Building on the town square in Greenfield. The Opera House, with its landmark turret, was restored to its original glory after decades of disuse, featuring a multi-purpose auditorium. The Cultural Center also includes Ed & Eva’s retail store, selling the wide-ranging works of Iowa artisans; lobby/gallery space, displaying rotating exhibits; historic meeting rooms and a balcony bedroom suite. Information about the Center and events there is available at www.warrenculturalcenter.com.