2025 AOP Program

15TH ANNUAL

ART

ON THE

PRAIRIE celebrating art, music, literature, and the joys of small town living... all wrapped up in a two day event in Historic Downtown Perry, IA.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8 & 9, 2025 10AM-5PM | 10AM-4PM Security Bank Building Hotel Pattee Betsy Peterson Designs Common Wealth Provisions Studio on Second La Poste Myrtle Building Carnegie Library Museum Perry Public Library

www.ARTonthePrairie.org

Welcome to Art on the Prairie in Perry!

More than a Festival in Perry, Iowa: A Rebirth of Culture through the Arts in a Small Town set on the Prairie With its historic downtown at the heart of the community, Perry continues to experience a renewed vibrancy with the growth of its shopping and dining destinations, recreational opportunities, and arts and cultural attractions. From annual pop-up events to permanent art installations, the impact of Art on the Prairie can be seen and felt throughout the year.

Thank you for celebrating 15 years of Art on the Prairie!

48+ Visual Artists LP Featured Artists Pam Dennis & Ryk Weiss LP Sarah Bierstedt LP Sara Burrier MB Nancy Carlson CW Art Ciccotti BP Larry Cook MB Nash Cox LP Maggie Douglas SB Jeff Easley MB Breanna Engelhardt LP Heather English

MB Joani Feiner HP Gary Hoard HP Evan & Summer Hoyt BP Shari Janssen CW Lisa Jontz HP Sara Krause CL Annie Laursen LP Jen Lawler CL Leslie Leavenworth CL Sara Letsch SS Bruce W. Litterer HP Michael Lundberg HP Susan Mohr CL Sergiy Nagorny

MB Mary Nelson MB Kristy Niemeyer CW Louise O’Donnell BP Betsy Peterson BP Eric Peterson MB DeAnn Puente HP Connie Rodgers CL Ruben Ruiz HP Sarah Schroeder SB Rhonda Scott LP Mika Sorak-Weirbach MB Joshua Steele MB Barb Thompson HP Diane Tough

Andy Fleming Friday Night Pickers Jennifer Garman Tyler Gathercoal Joe Gittins Reggie Greenlaw Lincoln Grimes Isaiah Hartog

Steffen Heins Laura Helm Marilyn Jerome Dan Jones Dennis Kain Randy McCaulley Laura McCord Kyle Pape

Janet Carl Suzanna de Baca Diane Glass Vince Gotera

Renee Moenk-Corkery Sabur “C?ue” Muhammad Luke Scott Stringer Dawn Terpstra

LP SS MB SB SS HP

Kate Trimble Betty Chamness Trost Mark True Rick von Holdt Caroline Warren Jess Wisdom & Jesse Richardson CL Jill Woodward HP Mark Yontz MB Robert Zeidler PL

LOCAL ARTISTS & Student Exhibit

36+ Musicians Bryan Baker Shannon & Cindi Bryan John Burns Emery Case Ruby Case Joel DuVall Tim Earp Tina & Brandon Findlay

Asher Palagummi Steve & Sean Parnell Mia Prosperi Pullin’ Strings Sara Routh Rural Acoustic Cooperative Joel Wernimont

14+ Poets Marilyn Baszczynski Kelsey Bigelow Pat Boddy Amber Cannon

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Daniel Umemezie David Williamson PLUS: Lyrical Iowa Winning Poets

Enjoy two full days of visual art, poetry, and music in downtown Perry, IA!

Festival Venues & Activities Saturday, November 8th 10am - 5pm Visual Artist Booths & Acoustic Music @ All Festival Venues 10am - 5pm Student Art Exhibit & Local Artist Booths @ Perry Public Library 10am - 4:30pm Poetry on the Prairie Readings & Workshops @ Perry Public Library 6:00 pm 2025 People’s Choice Award Recipient Announced @ Artist Reception

Festival Venues PL LP MB CW SS HP SB CL BP

Sunday, November 9th

10am - 4pm Visual Artist Booths & Acoustic Music @ All Festival Venues 10am - 4pm Student Art Exhibit & Local Artist Booths @ Perry Public Library 10:30am - 4:30pm Poetry on the Prairie Readings, Workshops & Poetry Slam @ Perry Public Library 1:00pm “Iwo Jima Flag Raising” Mural Dedication @ 1221 1st Ave PLUS:

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Perry Public Library La Poste Myrtle Building Common Wealth Provisions Studio on Second Hotel Pattee Security Bank Building Carnegie Library Museum Betsy Peterson Designs

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SCAN FOR MORE INFO & DIGITAL PROGRAM

Extended Hours & Holiday Open Houses @ Area Businesses

SATURDAY, NOV. 8TH

10 AM

SUNDAY, NOV. 9TH

2025

10 AM

11 AM 12 PM 1 PM

BP

CL

CW

HP

Mia Prosperi

John Burns

Tim Earp

Randy McCaulley

Tina & Brandon Findlay

Joel Wernimont

Kyle Pape

Steffen Heins

Laura Helm

Friday Night Pickers

Emery Case

Shannon & Cindi Bryan

2 PM 3 PM

Joel DuVall

12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM

Joel Wernimont

Ruby Case

4 PM

11 AM

Lincoln Grimes

Ruby Case

Tim Earp

John Burns

Andy Fleming

Steffen Heins

Bryan Baker

Joel DuVall

(Cellar) LP (Gallery)

John Burns Sara Routh Dennis Kain

Steffen Heins

Rural Tyler Joe Gittins Acoustic Gathercoal Cooperative Steve & Sean Parnell

Dan Jones

Marilyn Jerome

MB

SS

Joe Gittins

Jennifer Garman

Isaiah Hartog

Ruby Case

Rural Acoustic Cooperative

Dan Jones

Bryan Baker

Marilyn Jerome and Hannah Jones

Shannon & Cindi Bryan

Dan Jones

Laura Helm

Dennis Kain

Asher Palagummi

Ruby Case

SB

Reggie Greenlaw

Dennis Kain

Reggie Greenlaw

Laura McCord

Learn more about all our artists, musicians, and poets at www.ARTonthePrairie.org

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Featured Festival Activities - 1221 1st Ave Iwo Jima Flag Raising Mural Dedication Sunday, November 9th at 1pm To commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps (1775–2025) and honor the legacy of all veterans, VFW Floyd Foster Post 2060 has lead a community mural project depicting the iconic flag raising at Iwo Jima during World War II. The mural, painted by Iowa artist Shawn Palek, will serve as a lasting public tribute to the honor, courage and commitment of the U.S. Marine Corps and all who have worn the nation’s uniform.

Located near the Raccoon River Valley Trailhead at Caboose Park, the mural is within walking distance of downtown Perry. Creating an intersection of art, history, and community pride, a Mural Dedication will take place during the festival at 1221 1st Ave on Sunday, November 9th at 1 pm Community members, veterans, and visitors are encouraged to attend and celebrate this meaningful milestone in Marine Corps and American history.

To bring that spirit to life, the mural will feature a real American flag mounted above it, raised for the first time during the dedication ceremony.

“This project is personal,” said Eddie Diaz, one of the organizers and a prior-service Marine. “The flag raising at Iwo Jima captures the spirit of teamwork, sacrifice, and courage. As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps across the country, this mural will remind future generations that freedom comes at a heavy price, and it’s our duty to honor those who paid it by not taking those freedoms for granted.”

Matt Bramer - VFW Post 2060, Dick Cone - USMC Veteran, Eddie Diaz - USMC Veteran, Shawn Palek - Artist

Matt Bramer, Junior Vice Commander and Post 2060 Commander, emphasized the community’s role in the effort. “This mural represents more than history; it's a way for Perry to say ‘thank you’ to every veteran and service member. We’re proud to have partnered with several organizations - including Art on the Prairie - and individuals to help bring this vision to life in the heart of Perry.”

Local artist and community organizer Jenny Eklund added, “Art has the power to tell stories that words can’t. This mural blends art with remembrance, connecting Perry’s creative community with those who have served.” Artist Shawn Palek shared that creating the piece was both an honor and a responsibility. “The Iwo Jima image is one of the most powerful and recognizable moments in U.S. history,” Palek said. “My goal was to capture not just the image itself, but the emotion and grit of service members.”

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Perry’s art scene continues to grow each year with new public art installations and special activities during annual art events, like Art on the Prairie!

Perry Public Library - 1101 Willis Ave Poetry on the Prairie The Iowa Poetry Association, Poetry Palooza, and Beaverdale Books are proud to once again be part of Art on the Prairie. Poetry has always been a part of the festival, but with these key partners, it has become a festival within a festival, and now in a new location!

Activities include poetry readings by some of Iowa’s leading poets, poetry slam and open mic opportunities for poetry lovers, and workshops for poets.

All activities take place at the Perry Public Library Community Room and are free and open to the public.

Saturday, November 8th 10:00 am - 10:30 am | Coffee Networking 10:30 am - 11:30 am | Poets in the Wild Workshop with Pat Boddy & Diane Glass 11:30 am - 1:00 pm | Lunch Break 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Poetry Workshop with Vince Gotera 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Feature Readings (emcee Dawn Terpstra) Amber Cannon Renee Moenk-Corkery Daniel Umemezie Sabur “C?ue” Muhammad Janet Carl Suzanna de Baca Vince Gotera Luke Scott Stringer 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm | Open Mic (hosted and music by "Pullin' Strings" -- David Williamson & Pat Boddy)

Sunday, November 9th 10:30 am - 11:00 am | Coffee Networking 11:00 am - 12:30 pm | Lyrical Iowa Winning Poets Readings (emcee Marilyn Baszczynski) 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm | Lunch Break 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Spoken Word Workshop with Kelsey Bigelow 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm | Poetry Slam & Open Mic (emcee Kelsey Bigelow)

NOTE: Schedule is subject to additions and other edits.

Learn more at poetryamp.org

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Featured Artists in The Cellar at La Poste Live Music at this Venue (Downstairs) Saturday 10am Tina & Brandon Findlay 12pm Friday Night Pickers 2pm Shannon & Cindi Bryan 3:30pm Sara Routh Sunday 10am Steffen Heins 12pm Rural Acoustic Cooperative 2pm Marilyln Jerome

Pam Dennis & Ryk Weiss began decades ago building willow furniture and baskets, their folk art evolving over time from functional to fine art wall pieces combining willow, pit-fired or raku clay, and copper. Their 25+ year career of fine art shows and teaching has also included creating large commissioned installations for the past 15 years. Find their work at places like Reiman Gardens, Jester Park, and Boone County Hospital.

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A Balance of Two Paths Through both the making of individual artworks, and the interaction with the public through teaching and collaborative works, Pam and Ryk hope to evoke a higher awareness of the rich diversity of nature through the sculptural stories we all tell, celebrating the life of the Midwest.

Their large installations often incorporate individual components created by community participants, contributing to something outside themselves while also making a personal connection to the artwork resulting in a strong sense of ownership and pride.

Check out the collaborative installation on 3rd Street near the parking lot of La Poste, created by Pam & Ryk with components made by festival-goers in 2014!

La Poste - 1219 Warford Street Visual Artists at this Venue in the Upstairs Gallery (left to right from top) Mika Sorak-Weirbach, Kate Trimble, Sara Burrier, Jennifer Lawler, Sarah Bierstedt, Heather English, and Maggie Douglas

Live Music at this Venue (Upstairs in Gallery) Saturday 10am Joe Gittins 12pm Ruby Case 2pm Bryan Baker

Sunday 10am Shannon & Cindi Bryan 12pm Laura Helm 2pm Asher Palagummi

La Poste is named as a tribute to its original use - a Post Office - built in 1915.

Renovated as a cultural arts and events center, La Poste is now a social gathering place.

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Myrtle Building - 1020/1024 2nd Street Visual Artists at this Venue (left to right from top): Nash Cox, Mary Nelson, Kristy Niemeyer, Breanna Engelhardt, DeAnn Puente, and Mark True

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Art on the Prairie has a tradition of “popping up” in empty buildings and underutilized spaces, making each festival unique with different venues over the years!

Myrtle Building - 1020/1024 2nd Street Visual Artists at this Venue (left to right from top): Barb Thompson, Joshua Steele, Joani Feiner, Robert Zeidler, and Nancy Carlson

Live Music at this Venue Saturday 10am Jennifer Garman 12pm Rural Acoustic Cooperative 2pm Marilyn Jerome & Hannah Jones Sunday 10am Dan Jones 12pm Dennis Kain 2pm Ruby Case

Utilizing what was most recently a law office and now a space in transition, the Myrtle Building is a new addition to the festival - thanks to Rainbow Restoration!

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Common Wealth Provisions - 1215 2nd St Live Music at this Venue Saturday 10am Tim Earp 12pm Steffen Heins 2pm Joel Wernimont

Sunday 10am Joe DuVall 12pm Tyler Gathercoal 2pm Steve & Sean Parnell

Visual Artists at this Venue (left to right from top): Louise O’Donnell, Art Ciccotti, and Lisa Jontz

Perry: Culture & Community Thrive Here!

Perry is a resilient community, continuing to change and grow.

This year, we welcome new businesses downtown: Century Farm Books & Brews Courtyard Cafe The Farm Store & Bakery The Hangout Diner Misfits & More TCG Planet

Common Wealth Provisions is a space currently in transition, in partnership with

10 The Proletariat next door, which hosts live music, trivia, and comedy shows!

Studio on Second - 1218 2nd Street

Live Music at this Venue Saturday 10am Isaiah Hartog 12pm Dan Jones 2pm Dennis Kain

Visual Artists at this Venue (left to right from top): Bruce W. Litterer, Caroline Warren, and Betty Chamness Trost

Sunday 10am - 4pm Reggie Greenlaw

We are so thankful to community supporters that open their spaces for the weekend, including Studio on Second, a small event venue with simple yet elegant features.

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Hotel Pattee - 1112 Willis Avenue Visual Artists at this Venue (from top to bottom): Gary Hoard, Michael Lundberg, and Susan Mohr (right): Connie Rodgers

2024 People's Choice Award: Connie Rodgers In 2024, festival-goers selected Connie Rodgers for the People's Choice Award.

As tradition, the honor is rewarded by the selected artist choosing their booth space at the next year's festival. Find Connie and her jewelry at Hotel Pattee.

Be sure to cast your vote for this year’s People’s Choice on Saturday!

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Known as one of the Finest Historic Boutique Hotels in the World, the Hotel Pattee is a Destination unto itself, with 40 individually decorated and themed guest rooms.

Hotel Pattee - 1112 Willis Avenue Visual Artists at this Venue (left to right from top): Sarah Schroeder, Mark Yontz, Diane Tough, Evan & Summer Hoyt, Sara Krause, and Jess Wisdom & Jesse Richardson Live Music at this Venue Saturday 10am Randy McCauley 12pm Laura Helm 2pm Emery Case 4pm John Burns Sunday 10am Dennis Kain 12pm Joe Gittins 2pm Dan Jones

Don't miss the dining destination of Pattee Café inside the Hotel Pattee, as well as the new Courtyard Café featuring coffee, a full bar, and fine chocolates!

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Security Bank Building - 1102 Willis Ave Live Music at this Venue Saturday 10am - 5pm Reggie Greenlaw Sunday 10am - 4pm Laura McCord

Visual Artists at this Venue (left to right from top): Rhonda Scott, Jeff Easley and Rick Von Holdt

Artist Demonstrations During the Festival at this Venue and Others!

In addition to visiting with artists and shopping, be sure to take time to enjoy artist demonstrations during the festival: Security Bank Building: Rhonda Scott - lampwork glass beads Betsy Peterson Designs: Shari Janssen - floor loom weaving Carnegie Library Museum: Leslie Leavenworth - painting Sara Letsch - wire-wrapped jewelry Hotel Pattee: Diane Tough - painting

Stepping out of Security Bank Building, take note of the sculptures on Willis Avenue - each

14 paying tribute to Perry's historical ties to the railroad, agriculture, industry, and the Arts.

Carnegie Library Museum - 1123 Willis Visual Artists at this Venue (left to right from top): Jill Woodward, Sara Letsch, Ruben Ruiz, Annie Laursen, Leslie Leavenworth, and Sergiy Nagorny

Live Music at this Venue Saturday 10am John Burns 12pm Kyle Pape 2pm Lincoln Grimes 4pm Ruby Case

Sunday 10am Tim Earp 12pm Andy Fleming 2pm Bryan Baker

Still a working library, the collection at the Carnegie Library Museum includes many of its original 1,000 titles as well as special collections that can be checked out by patrons.

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Betsy Peterson Designs - 1121 2nd Street Live Music at this Venue Saturday 10am Mia Prosperi 12pm Joel Wernimont 2pm Joel DuVall Sunday 10am Ruby Case 12pm John Burns 2pm Steffen Heins

Visual Artists (from top): Betsy Peterson, Eric Peterson, Shari Janssen, and Larry Cook

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Special Holiday Feature A special collection will be on display and for sale at Betsy Peterson Designs: Marge Wedge Mable’s Santa Collection.

Marge was an Art Educator at Johnston Community Schools and business owner of Folk Art in Valley Junction for 28 years. She developed an original driftwood Santa, as well as followers that collected them. Each piece is signed and dated on the bottom and many are numbered per year.

Since her passing in 2011, her family has been planning to prepare the remaining collection of Santas to be available for purchase.

“The time has come to share these gifts of love and pass them on to you to treasure for generations to come.”

--Betsy Peterson, daughter Find Marge’s Driftwood Santa Collection at Betsy Peterson Designs during the festival and through the month of December!

What once was a JCPenney department store and then later a shoe store, is now home to art gallery and studio for local artists Betsy and Eric Peterson.

Celebrating a Milestone - 15 Years!

Art on the Prairie Partners with Local Artists This is a year of celebration - our 15th Annual Art on the Prairie Festival! On this milestone, we celebrate the artists, musicians, and poets who gather in Perry for the event, but most of all we celebrate the impact the tradition has made on the Perry community, all thanks to the generous supporters and volunteers who help make it all happen. We are proud that the Arts continue to thrive in Perry - from public art to private businesses - and the efforts that foster successful activities and events, all helping revitalize our downtown area.

Since our first Art on the Prairie Festival in 2010, we have showcased a total of 289 visual artists. Some of these artists were emerging artists who later opened studios of their own.

Others were professional artists who took a leap of faith to join a newly formed arts festival.

While each festival includes new artists, many artists have become ‘regulars’ and return year after year! We are so proud to have grown the festival over the years, attracting talented artists from all across the state to showcase their artwork, right here in Perry!

We also celebrate our performing artists whose music in each venue adds another layer to the festival. Once again, while new musicians join us, returning musicians often tell us that Art on the Prairie is one of their favorite events of the year.

Additionally, thanks to a partnership with the Iowa Poetry Association and Beaverdale Books, we continue to celebrate the written and spoken word with Poetry on the Prairie, including poetry readings and workshops!

Returning to the festival this year are handmade commemorative pieces, made especially for Art on the Prairie by local artists, including limited edition linocut prints, illustrated cards, hand-poured candles, ceramic dishes, t-shirts, and more, all for sale at the Myrtle Building.

Limited Edition Linocut by Jill Sneed (only 15 available!)

Experience the magic of multi-layer block printing with a multi-station hands-on activity during the festival to create your own mini version of the 15th Anniversary linocut print! Stop by the Security Bank Building, Carnegie Library Museum, Myrtle Building, Common Wealth Provisions, and The Cellar of La Poste to complete your print!

Jill Sneed works in many mediums such as painting, printmaking, and mixed media. Currently, she is creating art using relief printmaking and watercolor illustration. She loves to take everyday objects and present them in a new way. One of her favorite things is hearing the emotions and memories these works bring up for the viewer.

Support Art on the Prairie and local artists with the purchase of this year’s commemorative merchandise at the Myrtle Building.

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The Art on the Prairie Committee Thanks You! A look back at when it all began...

Some original Art on the Prairie Committee Members - Mary Rose Nichols, Carolyn Guay, Jenny Eklund, and Jen Heins - are pictured here celebrating at Casa de Oro after the very first festival in 2010.

Many others have been a part of the planning committee over the years, dedicating their time and talents to carry on the tradition of celebrating the Arts in Downtown, Perry... Thank you!

The 15th Annual Art on the Prairie Festival would not be possible without the generous support from the following individuals and community partners:

City of Perry Hotel Pattee La Poste MidAmerican Energy

Perry Hospitality Inc. Perry Public Library Betsy & Eric Peterson Raccoon Valley Bank

Rainbow Restoration Dan & Sally Spellman The Proletariat Anonymous

Shannon & Cindi Bryan Teena Case Dirk & Carol Cavanaugh Scott & Christy Coffman Mark & Karen Einck Beth Gittins Brent & Brenda Halling

Todd & Cindy Jafvert Vicki Lage Alan & Kathy Lenz Dan & Emily Leslie Mary Rose Collective Robin & Jim McCauley Mary Rose Nichols

Lynsi Pasutti Jan & Pay Pattee Monica & Alan Peitz Deborah Repp Ann Sackett Julie & Chuck Scheib Bethany Wicks & Family

John & Linda Andorf Susan Andrews Beaverdale Books Judy & Bill Boorn Kay Bullock Carol & Fred Eiteman Finneseth, Dalen, & Powell Elizabeth Garst Lori & Bob Gilroy Scott & Sandy Grubbs

Stephanie Hansen Mary Laborde Jan & Marvin Shirley JoAnn Harmelink Mike & Shirley Lickteig Cindy Sohn Lois & Lou Hoger Dr. Randy & Marsha McCaulley Dean Stumbo Dar & Kathy Hoskinson Larry Meachum Janice & Dave Summerson Iowa Poetry Association Perry Greenhouse & Supply Jackie Svetly Marlene Johnson Poetry Palooza Lynn & Dave Ubben Ned & Janice Johnston John & Kathy Powell Joyce Conklin-VanKirk Mike & Denise Kealhofer Kent & Cheri Scheib Van Wall Equipment Shirley & Dick Kiefer Chuck & Katie Schott Jim & Julie Walstrom Larry & Pearl Laborde Lori Seeley Margie Worrell Plus COUNTLESS Volunteers!

18 Donations to Art on the Prairie - a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization - are tax-deductible.

... More than a Festival

MORE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE

THE ARTS DURING THE FESTIVAL

& YEAR ROUND...

Galleries Atelier at 1109 1109 2nd Street Tues-Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-3 Betsy Peterson Designs 1121 2nd Street Tues-Sat 11-5 Mary Rose Collective 1215 Warford Street Thurs-Fri 11-4 Sat 9-4 • Sun 11-4 Public Art

SAVE THE DATE: 16TH ANNUAL IN 2026

ART

ON THE

PRAIRIE SATURDAY & SUNDAY NOVEMBER 14 & 15 10AM-5PM | 10AM-4PM

Sculptures Big Bike Sculpture Boulevard Sculptures Reconfiguration Arches Perry Community Schools Murals Art on the Prairie El Puente / The Bridge Honor NEW: Iwo Jima Flag Raising Prairie Lane Sinclair - Memory Lane Perry Your Journey Starts Here Installations at La Poste Perry Public Library Soumas Court Permanent Collections at Hotel Pattee Perry Public Library Perry High School Annual Events Fiber Festival of Perry 2nd Saturday in May Art Harvest Tour Last Full Weekend in September Art on the Prairie Festival 2nd Full Weekend in November

Stay connected with Art on the Prairie on Facebook @ArtonthePrairie www.ArtonthePrairie.org | PO Box 733, Perry, IA 50220

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Explore the Downtown Perry Historical & Cultural District

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