jody kayser jkayser@messengernews.net EDITOR bill shea bshea@messengernews.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS tom tourville lori berglund hailey brueschke brandon brueschke
COPYRIGHT 2025
Twist & Shout is published monthly by ogden newspapers inc. All content and opinions expressed may not be those of the publishers.
*All photos submitted to Twist & Shout become property of Twist & Shout. We are not responsible for their return.
We
can stop HIV, Iowa—
by using the prevention methods that work best for us!
Find a health care provider you can talk to openly about your sexual health.
If you don’t feel your regular provider can give you the best care in this area, consider finding a second provider for your sexual health care. The best provider for you is one you’re comfortable with.
Make prevention and testing part of your journey.
Getting tested for HIV is the only way to know your status. And knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy!
Practice safer sex.
Condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV and other STIs when used correctly and consistently. You can also choose sexual activities with a lower chance of passing along an infection.
Get in care. Stay in care.
If you’re living with HIV, taking your HIV medication as prescribed helps you stay healthy. It also prevents transmission of HIV to your sex partners.
Scan the QR code or visit stophiviowa.org to learn more
DAYTON RODEO THE 88TH ANNUAL
IS BACK AGAIN FOR LABOR DAY
The 88th annual Dayton Rodeo will ride in again Labor Day weekend on Aug. 29 - Sept 1.
For more than eight decades, the Dayton Rodeo has attracted large audiences from across Iowa to experience bull riding, barrel racing, youth mutton busting, and wild horse races.
Returning this year includes the One-Armed Bandit, along with the 10-time PRCA Clown of the year, Justin Rumford. All weekend there will be city-wide garage sales and vendors in the park.
WEEKEND
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
The top of the hill during the rodeo showcases carnival rides, food trucks, vendors, and the main entrance for the rodeo.
The 2025 Grand Marshal is Paul Erickson. He plays a vital role in keeping the rodeo running smoothly.
“Paul’s dedicated service to both the rodeo and community of Dayton made choosing him as the grand marshal an easy decision,” said Clayton Bills, vice chairman of the rodeo committee.
On Friday, Aug. 29, will be the RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) night. Guests are encouraged to wear red to show support of military members currently serving deployment. Friday is also military appreciation night. Show a military ID to receive a $3 discount. Iowa Central Community College students can also show their ID to get the $3 discount as well. Discounted tickets are only available at the box office.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the gates open at 5 p.m. with the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. After each show will be fireworks and guests are also invited to join the after party at Shed 37 with live music to dance to.
Monday, Sept 3 is kids’ day. Kids 11 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Monday gates will open at 11:30 a.m. with the rodeo beginning at 1:30 p.m. They will also have the annual Labor Day parade at 10 a.m. The route begins at Oak Park, travels through downtown and ends by the Grand View Health Center.
Tickets for the rodeo are $25 for adults and $12 for kids 6-11. Kids 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or skip the line and buy pre-sale tickets online at daytonrodeo.com by clicking the link on the home page.
“This is our 88th year, and it is a family tradition for a lot of people,” said Bills. “The professional rodeos you see on TV is what you will be seeing in the small town of Dayton, Iowa.”
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
FRIDAY - AUG. 29, 2025
5:00 PM Rodeo Arena Gates Open
6:50 PM BRIDGE ENTRANCE GATE CLOSED UNTIL 2nd BOMB
7:00 PM PRCA Championship Rodeo
RED NIGHT - Remember Everyone DeployedWear RED to show your support of military currently serving deployment.
Military Appreciation - Show a military ID to receive a $3 discount- VALID FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY. (Box Office purchase only - not available for online ticket sales). We THANK YOU for your service.
Triton Discount - ICCC College Students get a $3 discount with your College ID. - VALID FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY = Only available at Box Office
After the Rodeo - FIREWORKS Show
Rodeo Dance - @ Shed ‘37 - The Official ‘After Party’ of the Dayton Rodeo
SATURDAY - AUG. 30, 2025
10:00 AM SLACK - Free Admittance
5:00 PM Rodeo Arena Gates Open
6:50 PM BRIDGE ENTRANCE GATE CLOSED UNTIL 2nd BOMB
7:00 PM PRCA Championship Rodeo Community Service Award at 6:40 pm.
After the Rodeo - FIREWORKS Show
Rodeo Dance - @ Shed ‘37 - The Official ‘After Party’ of the Dayton Rodeo
Sunday - AUG. 31, 2025
5:00 PM Rodeo Arena Gates Open
6:50 PM BRIDGE ENTRANCE GATE CLOSED UNTIL 2nd BOMB
7:00 PM PRCA Championship Rodeo | COWBOY UP FOR CANCER Night PINK NIGHT - Flood the Hill with PINK to show your support for breast cancer awareness and prevention!
After the Rodeo - FIREWORKS Show
Rodeo Dance - @ Shed ‘37 - The Official ‘After Party’ of the Dayton Rodeo
MONDAY - SEPT. 1, 2025
KIDS DAY Kids 11 & Under FREE with paid adult!
10:00 AM Annual Dayton Labor Day Parade- Parade Route begins at Oak Park, traveling through downtown Dayton and ends by Grandview Health Care Center.
11:30 AM Rodeo Arena Gates Open
1:25 PM BRIDGE ENTRANCE GATE CLOSED UNTIL 2nd BOMB
1:30 PM PRCA Championship Rodeo Special Presentation begins at 1:10 pm
The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge is once again inviting families to the annual Back-to-School Block Party from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 5 at 126 N 10th St.
“We are holding this during National Health Center Week, which takes place Aug. 4-10,” said Regina Suhrbier, the center’s outreach coordinator. “This event highlights our mission to provide accessible, affordable care, while also helping kids get ready for the school year with our health services, school supplies they may need and of course fun.”
This free event is part of the celebration for National Health Center Week, which is a nationwide initiative to honor the work of community health centers in delivering care to underserved populations.
The Community Health Center will provide well child checks, immunizations, sports physicals, and dental exams inside of the building. The health care services will start before the block party with appointments being available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walkins are welcomed during the party from 5 to 8 p.m. To schedule an appointment in advance call (515) 576-6500.
To help make check-in quick and easy, registration can be completed online in advance by looking for the link at chcfd.com.
“During our block party we will also be giving away backpacks and school supplies, but this will be limited to local students only,” said Suhrbier.
BLOCK PARTY SET FOR AUG. 5
ANNUAL EVENT IS SPONSORED BY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
By HAILEY BRUESCHKE
The backpacks and school supplies are limited to Webster County students. There is an advanced application required via Upper Des Moines Opportunity. To apply please call (515) 576-7774 or by visiting at 704 Central Ave, Suite 200.
Along with all the health care services and school supplies giveaways, families can come enjoy a full evening of community fun and support in the parking lot behind the Health Center.
There will be free socks through the “Socks for Sole” dive.There will be a free pork burger meal grilled by the Webster County Pork Producers and provided with support from Fareway, HyVee/FritoLay, Pelhams Blue Ribbon Water, and Northern Lights Distributing.
There will be games, inflatables, and booths hosted by local businesses and organizations.
“This is more than a celebration, it is a one shop stop for families,” said Suhrbier. “Whether you need school supplies, health services or just want to enjoy the night out with the family, this event is for everyone.”
For updates or a list of participating organizations, visit Back-toSchool Block Party Event on Facebook.
For more information, please contact the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge at (515) 576-6500.
PRAIRIE RIVERS TRAIL RIDE
GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
The Prairie Rivers Trail Ride is a bike ride on the hard surface trails around Fort Dodge that includes lots of fun stops along the way.
This year the ride starts and ends at Amigo’s, 282 N First St. The ride is approximately 26 miles, or if participants want to add more miles to make it 34 miles they can add the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park loop on the way back to Amigos.
All the money raised this year will be donated to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at the Fort Dodge Middle School.
The motto of the Prairie Rivers Trail Ride is, “Giving back and honoring our community one bike ride at a time.”
The ride will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9 and will depart from Amigo’s at 9 a.m. Registration will be available the morning of the ride at Amigo’s.
Donations and sponsorships can be made to Fort Dodge Community Foundation, 24 N Ninth St, Suite B, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501.
For more information follow on Facebook at Prairie Rivers Trail Ride or email at prairieriverstrailride2021@gmail.com
Good Eats &Drinks
FAst-Food:
Burger King....................... 2814 5th Ave. S.
Casey’s Carry-Out Pizza 2007 N.15th St. 2206 2nd
dining:
716 Main Humboldt
Amigos 280 N. 1st St.
Applebee’s 2810 5th Ave. S
Bloomers on Central 900 Central Ave.
Buffalo Wild Wings 2909 5th Ave. S.
CasaBlanca Steak House Hwy 169
Ardys Mae Coffee and Dessert 14 S. 14th St.
Chick-fil-A 2818 2nd Ave S.
Community Tap & Pizza 2026 5th Ave. S.
Peking Garden 510 5th Ave. S.
Hacienda Vieja 1518 3rd Ave. NW
Godfather’s Pizza ....................... 3232 1st Ave. S.
Ja-Mar Drive-In ............................. 329 S. 25th St.
Lizard Creek Ranch .................1762 Johnson Ave
The Stadium...............................2001 2nd Ave. N.
Lomitas Mexican Restaurant ...... 2223 5th Ave. S.
Mineral City............................... 2621 5th Ave. So.
Ninja Sushi Steak House .............. 407 S. 25th St.
Perkins 511 S. 32nd St.
Pizza Ranch 3311 5th Ave. S. 1317 Central Ave.
A Pinch of Love Cafe 850 S. 18th St.
Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Ave. 2021 6th Ave. S. 2707 N. 15th St.
Tom Thumb Drive Inn 1412 A. St. 3521 5th Ave. S.
Tropical Smoothie 2813 1/2 5th Ave. S. 2002 N. 15th St.
Domino’s Pizza ..................
Dunkin’
AUGUST 1
Pulse THE
S & H O U T !
AUGUST LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
Paintings by Alexis Beucler at The Blanden Memorial Art Museum
Friday, August 1, 2025 8:00 AM - Saturday, October 18, 2025 5:00 PM
East Gallery • Blanden Memorial Art Museum 920 3rd Ave S
“In Absentia” Curated by Angela Ayala at the Blanden Memorial Art Museum
Friday, August 1, 2025 8:00 AM
- Saturday, October 18, 2025 5:00 PM
‘In Absentia explores the lasting impact of decisions made without our awareness or consent, in highlighting the absence of color, voice, rights and safety.
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 920 3rd Ave S
Vineyard Vibrations- Lojo Ruso at Soldier Creek Winery
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of a free-spirited blend of rhythm and roots with Lojo Russo! Soldier Creek Winery • 1584 Paragon Avenue
Ramblin’ Ryne LIVE at O’Goodies Irish Pub
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
O’Goodies Irish Pub
16 N. 7th Street
Stadium Dr. Album Release Party at Eagles Hideout Lounge
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Stadium Drive is releasing their second masterpiece!
Eagles Hideout Lounge
1018 1st Avenue North
AUGUST 2
Tee’d Off Against Violence Golf Tournament
9th Annual Tee’d Off Against Violence Golf Tournament. Fort Dodge Country Club.
9am Fort Dodge Country Club 370 Country Club Drive
Guided Blanden Tour at The Blanden Memorial Art Museum
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free 45 minute tour of the Blanden collections hosted by Angela Ayala
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 920 3rd Ave S
AUGUST 2
Taste Test at the Fort Dodge Public Library
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Fort Dodge Public Library • 424 Central Ave.
AUGUST 3
BINGO! at Soldier Creek Winery
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery • 1584 Paragon Avenue
AUGUST 4
First Monday of the Month Vinyl Night at Shiny Top Brewing
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing • 520 Central Avenue
AUGUST 7
Downtown Clean Up
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 24 N 9th St STE A
Fred Love LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing 520 Central Avenue
AUGUST 8
Vineyard Vibrations- Dirk Quinn Band at Soldier Creek Winery
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery • 1584 Paragon Avenue
AUGUST 9
A Walk in the Winemaker’s Shoes
- Tour the Wine Making Facility
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery • 1584 Paragon Avenue
AUGUST 11
DIY Spa Day at the Fort Dodge Public Library
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Fort Dodge Public Library
424 Central Ave.
AUGUST 11
Glow Golf Night - Day’s Live Music w/ Day Ashworth
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fort Frenzy • 3232 1st Ave S
Open Mic Night at River Hops Brewing
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM 1014 Central Ave
AUGUST 12
TUNESday Hotel Hangout w/ Bugz
Benson at Crossroads Hotel & Event Center
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Crossroads Hotel & Event Center 1518 3rd Ave NW
AUGUST 13
Fort Dodge Area Quilters monthly meeting
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Trunk Show featuring Connie Lovelady former Off The Rails employee. Come and check it out! Visitors are Welcome!
AUGUST 14
Neil Anders LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Description Indie folk-rock artist. New single “In Between’ out now on all platforms! Shiny Top Brewing • 520 Central Avenue
AUGUST 15
Vineyard Vibrations- Ryne Doughty at Soldier Creek Winery
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery • 1584 Paragon Ave
AUGUST 16
The Blanden Collective
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Blanden Memorial Art Museum 920 3rd Ave S
AUGUST 17
BINGO! at Soldier Creek WinerySalvation Army Food Pantry
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery • 1584 Paragon Ave
AUGUST 18
Board Game Night at the Fort Dodge Public Library
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Fort Dodge Public Library
424 Central Ave.
AUGUST 19
Small Business Task ForceQuarterly Educational Sessions
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Engage in conversation with local entrepreneurs, and learn how to create a thriving environment for your business! Images Event starts at 5:00 Location TBD
TUNESday Hotel Hangout
w/ Lee Klett at Crossroads Hotel & Event Center
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Crossroads Hotel & Event Center
1518 3rd Ave NW
AUGUST 21
Rod Johnson LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing • 520 Central Avenue
AUGUST 22
Vineyard Vibrations- Andrew Hoyt at Soldier Creek Winery
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Soldier Creek Winery • 1584 Paragon Ave
AUGUST 23
Vintage in the Vines: Tractor Show
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
This one-of-a-kind event invites visitors to stroll the vines while admiring a full display of antique and classic tractors. Soldier Creek Winery • 1584 Paragon Ave
AUGUST 28
Forrest McCurren LIVE at Shiny Top Brewing
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Shiny Top Brewing • 520 Central Avenue
AUGUST 29
Liv McNair LIVE at O’Goodies Irish Pub
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
O’Goodies Irish Pub • 16 N. 7th Street
SEPTEMBER 4
2025 Growth Alliance Golf Outing
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Join us for an exciting day of networking and golf at the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Golf Outing, set to take place on September 4 at the picturesque Fort Dodge Country Club. Fort Dodge Country Club 370 Country Club Drive
KEEP A SHOVEL AND BUCKET OF WATER NEARBY TO EXTINGUISH YOUR CAMPFIRE
KEEP A SHOVEL AND BUCKET OF WATER NEARBY TO EXTINGUISH YOUR CAMPFIRE
shiningstar
What activities are you currently involved in?
I’m currently involved in my school’s fall musical, spring play, jazz band, jazz choir, band, choir, solo/ensemble contest, individual speech, large group speech, and National Honor Society.
How did you become interested in music?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been interested in music. I’m told that before I was even two, I would crawl over to the CD player and sing along with Glee, or sit and try to play the piano to Elton John.
What, or who, inspired you musically and why?
My experience as Belle in my middle school’s production of Beauty and the Beast is what inspired me to improve myself musically. This production is how I found what
Aurora Dencklau
Age: 16 • School/Grade: I will be a junior at Southeast Valley High School
Hometown: Callender
I’m so passionate about and love the most, which is performing. I found my home, the stage, and became so inspired to perform music to a higher and more professional degree.
What are your musical goals for your remaining years in high school?
The two biggest goals I have for the rest of my high school career are to make the Triple Threat Program in the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards and to make the Iowa All-State Choir.
What is the most challenging part for you when it comes to performing?
The biggest challenge for me when it comes to performing is the audience’s reaction. It’s sometimes hard for me because everyone has such big expectations, and I always feel the need to perform at 100% for them, but that’s just not the reality of performance. Learning to be okay even when I have an off day and be proud and confident regardless of what anyone says is so hard, but so important.
Do you come from a musical family? If so, in what ways?
I do come from a musical family, in particular my mother’s side of the family. My mom loves to play the piano, sing, and act, all of which she passed down to me. Most of my close family members sing to some degree, and I inherited my grandpa’s saxophone playing skills.
Will music be a part of your life in 25 years? If so, how?
Music will absolutely be in my life in 25 years. I hope to be performing musical theatre or opera professionally and participating in community bands. In addition, I’d also like to be a vocal coach to share my passion for music with others.
What are your plans after high school?
After high school, I plan to attend a college in a big city where I’d like to double major in musical theatre/vocal performance and library sciences. From there, I would like to move to New York City to perform theatre professionally.
Who do you look up to and why?
I really look up to Lucy Diggerson. She is a young opera singer, and I find this so motivating to me as someone who is interested in pursuing a career in opera, which is often thought of as an “old person thing”. I love listening to her and aspire to be like her in the future. Her voice is just so beautiful, and I love to see young people thriving in the classical industry because you don’t often see that.
You have 2 tickets to go to anywhere in the world. Where would you go? Who would you take with you? Why? If I had two tickets to go anywhere in the world, I’d go to Italy with my mom. I’ve always wanted to visit Italy because I hear the food is amazing and it’s just so beautiful; it would also be really fun to watch live opera in what is essentially its birthplace. I would take my mom with me because she is in desperate need of a break after dealing with all my extracurricular activites and crazy schedule for years.
A look bAck
By Tom Tourville
“I CONFESS” THERE WAS NO OTHER GROUP LIKE THE NEW COLONY SIX - RE-VISITED
When it came to the “Windy City” Chicago sound of the 1960’s, no single group quite defined the sound as well as Chi-Town’s New Colony Six. This sextet, along with the Buckinghams, Cryan’ Shames, Shadows of Knight, American Breed, Chase and Ides of March jointly defined Chicago ‘60s rock and roll.
The New Colony Six were a recording and hit making machine. In total they recorded for such labels as: Mercury, MCA, Sunlight, Sentar, Polydor and Centaur Record labels. They charted TWENTY-ONE singles on Billboards charts, while releasing four amazing albums. These guys really did rock the Windy City!
The band’s stage attire began in the mid ‘60s with all the guys dressed in short red coats, white pants and knee high black boots. What a way to get instant rock band attention. Soon they would evolve into what was the coolest and modern ‘60s dress of the day. Most other groups on the Chicago ‘60s rock scene, always tried to keep up with the New Colony Six and their sense of fashion.
The original line-up for the band included: co-founders and vocalists Ray Graffia and Pat McBride, Chic James-drums, Craig Kemp-keyboards, Wally Kempbass and Jerry Van Kollenberg-guitar. Later they would add the highly talented Ronnie Rice-guitar & vocals, and still later Chuck Jobes-keyboards, Les Kummel-bass, Billy Herman-drums and Bruce Matty-guitar. Members of bands were always fluid.
The time-line for this powerhouse band started in 1964 and lasted all the way until 1974. A decade of Windy City rock. After a brief retirement, the band found an all new life on the Chicago area festival circuit, so they came back and have evolved again on Chicago’s music scene to this very day.
When I describe this band as a “hit making machine,” that is not an over statement. Look at this list. Here we go: “I Confess”-1964, “I Lie Awake”-1965, “Love You So Much,”-1966, “I’m Just Waiting”-1967, “I Will Always Think About You”-1968, “Can’t You See Me Cry”-1968, “Things I’d Like To Say”1968, “I Could Never Lie To You”-1969, “Barbara, I Love You”-1969, “Roll On”1971, “Never Be Lonely”-1971, “Someone, Sometime”-1974. I guess you could describe this list as chart success. Both Sundazed & Rhino Records have been aggressive over the years in re-issuing the New Colony Six on CD and vinyl.
Today, Ray Graffia is still active in helping the New Colony Six be a part of the Chicago area music scene. Most recently, they have been a part of the very successful “Cornerstones of Rock” shows and tours with members from the Buckinghams, Shadows of Knight, Cryan’ Shames, American Breed, Chase and Aliotta, Hayes and Jeremiah, along with the original Ides of March anchoring these shows and tours.
They were frequent visitors at our area ballrooms. Such venues as: The Roof Garden-Okoboji, IA, Surf Ballroom-Clear Lake, IA, Cobblestone Ballroom-Storm Lake, IA, Danceland Ballroom-Cedar Rapids, IA, Valhalla Ballroom-Slayton, MN, Kato Ballroom-Mankato, MN and our PlaMor Ballroom here in Fort Dodge. They were true top draws on the local and Midwest music scene.
In 2002 I sponsored the New Colony Six for induction in the Iowa Rock & Roll Music Association’s Hall Of Fame. It was a prideful moment for me. The group was playing at a festival in a Chicago area suburb on the afternoon of IRRMA’s show. When their show was over, they chartered a plane on their own dime and flew to Spencer, IA to make the Hall of Fame show. They landed about 40 minutes to spare still wearing their revolutionary stage outfits. They played a 45 minute set and brought the house down.
This band was the benchmark for Chicago rock and roll in the Midwest and in many cases still are.
artistspot
Skylar Berdaus
Age: 30 • Hometown: Littleton, CO • Occupation: Art Studio Owner Artistic Medium: Glass, Ceramics, Painting, Wire wrapping, Resin, Alcohol Ink, Digital Design, Sewing, Crocheting & more. I love ALL things art.
Were you involved with creating artwork throughout your childhood?
Yes, all throughout my childhood I was exposed to art and allowed to do art in many forms. My parents helped to put me in instructor lead art classes for drawing & painting from a very young age and I took every art class or camp I could in my freetime. Most of my after school hours in middle/highschool were spent obsessing on art class homework or creating art of my own.
What made you decide to go into your profession?
I’ve always had a serious passion for the Arts and have been involved in volunteering to teach them for many years now. Like the 6 week stained glass program I did for the Art Club at Fort Dodge Senior High. Or helping out with community art projects and events which led
me to being involved in the Fort Dodge Fine Arts board for a little over 3 years. So I was actually working in Insurance for the last 5 years when I had the opportunity to take over Studio Fusion in Fort Dodge from Heather Applegate and be mentored by her in the process. I had to jump on this once in a life-time opportunity when she asked me. It had always been a dream of mine to own and operate an art studio and I knew this was my chance, my calling to teach and do art for a living. As of January 2025 I’ve been full time at the Studio as part owner learning from Heather, and teaching most of the after-hours classes & camps. With the opportunity to be buying her out coming towards the end of this year so the legacy of Studio Fusion that she has built and grown over the last 12 years can continue in our community. It is my “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” opportunity. I got the Golden Ticket and I am so thankful and appreciative of Heather for considering me for this position.
What inspires you as an artist and why?
I really admire all artists, but for something like glass art there are a few people. One gentleman I’ve followed for awhile is Nate Snipes. He is always pushing the boundary on glass art. Another is the Owner of Colorado Glass Works. I haven’t been able to make it out to see her Studio in person or meet her, although I have tried several times it just didn’t work into the schedule, but I’ve connected with one of her previous employees through glass art and have followed her Studio since I began doing stained glass 7 years ago. Her Studio in Colorado is what I strive for our studio to be one day. She mainly uses Dichroic glass which is beautiful glass, but she also teaches hundreds of students a week in glass art and more and I just hope one day I can achieve that level. Sharing my love of glass art with people is really what drives me to keep creating and teaching.
What do you enjoy about the art scene in Fort Dodge?
I think what I love most about the art scene in Fort Dodge is the diversity. We have music, plays, art education, art events, and so much more. You can do or see art at any time or day in this town even if you aren’t trying. Seeing the love some community members have for it and the passion to share and spread the love of the arts is really great. Being a part of the growing art scene here has been a really cool learning experience. The people that are a part of the art scene are just all so kind, caring, and willing to share their resources with others so we can all be successful and I just really love that.
What do you most enjoy about Studio Fusion?
My favorite part is opening the kilns everyday and seeing all of the finished projects. 5 people can paint the same item, but they all paint it differently, with their own unique vision and it’s just incredible to see the diversity between each individual’s mind.
What would you like people to know about Studio Fusion?
Studio Fusion is fun for everyone. Young kids, teens, adults, all genders. It’s a safe and supportive space where you can be yourself and create beautiful art for yourself or someone else. Creating is so important for everyone’s mental, emotional and physical health, especially in the world we are currently living in. We’ve seen it help so many individuals through good & bad times and good and bad heath. So to know that there is a place in Fort Dodge you can go at any time to let go and get creative is the best thing about Studio Fusion and everyone should know they are welcomed with open arms to learn and create, and we promise it’s not as scary, and so much easier then it may seem. You just have to come in and try something, or come in and chat with us first and feel it out.
What’s your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is actually heading to Europe to do an art excursion. From the enormous stained glass windows everywhere, to the smaller glass producers studios. I am also a huge fan of architecture so being able to see all of the old buildings, sculptures, fountains and churches, made so beautifully and maintained would just be the best time of my life. Checking out the STRAAT museum in Amsterdam, the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Murano Glass Factory in Venice, and everything in between. I love to travel, so to immerse myself in other countries’ arts, music and food would be my dream.
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