CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Morning Optimist Club Co-President Linda Moore thanks Dr. Robert L. Moore for speaking about the Central Iowa Art Association at a recent club meeting. As acting President of the CIAA Board of Directors, Moore related the history of the organization which has been in existence since 1944.

The Marshalltown Morning Optimist Club held its weekly meeting on Tuesday at The Brew House. Co-President Linda Moore opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of reflection.

Ray Helland reported that the Junior Optimist Club, the Optimist Bobcat Club, has grown to 30 members, and is now officially recognized by Optimist International.

Moore offered to club members free movie tickets for the Orpheum’s summer children’s movies to be shown in July. The club received a quantity of free tickets as donors toward the expenses of showing the movies.

Moore introduced Dr. Robert L. Moore as the guest speaker for the day, representing the Central Iowa Art Association. As acting president of the CIAA Board of Directors, Robert Moore began his slideshow presentation relating the history of the organization. When the organization began in 1944, members first met in the basement of the public library. For a time, the organization struggled financially until Bill Fisher donated generously to the cause. Fisher provided the CIAA a space in the new Fisher Community Center when it was built. Currently, in this space, the CIAA holds more than 200 ceramic pieces donated by former Marshalltown resident Eason Eige, as well as other original art items.

According to Robert Moore, one of the main focuses this time of year is providing opportunities for children, such as the Summer Art Camp. With community support, they are able to offer some free classes. This year they are looking for more steady fundraising streams. He indicated that the CIAA does receive targeted money for programs, but they struggle with money for their operating expenses. Their income sources include contributions, programs, memberships, grants and fundraisers.

The CIAA offerings include other children’s programs such as Art Parties, No School Art Camps and Free Kids Art Studio dates. For adults, there are also Art Party opportunities and Paint Parties, in addition to many specific class offerings. Membership in the CIAA provides such benefits as a 10 percent discount for classes and supplies, studio access during open times, updates to events and classes and much more.

Robert Moore announced upcoming CIAA events which include the Art in Wonderland event, scheduled for Oct. 7, and a Holiday Art Sale in December.

Co-President Moore closed the meeting by leading the recitation of the Optimist Creed. The Marshalltown Morning Optimist Club meets Tuesdays at 6:30 a.m. at The Brew House. Guests are welcome.