CONTRIBUTED PHOTO - Tim CastleÕs Marshalltown Community College photography students gather at Grimes Farm and Conservation Center, where their 43-piece photo display is now ready for viewing. Back row, from left: Shelly Adelmund, Jill Allen, Jazmyne Roberts, Angel Cuellar, Melynda McCord, Angel Lares, Ben Oxley, Castle. Front row, from left: Kylie Swan, Caela Price.

There’s a new art display up at Grimes Farm and Conservation Center courtesy of a group of local students.

Marshalltown Community College art faculty member Tim Castle said the students worked hard on the project. He said the photos on display were “chosen to mostly fit the purpose of the nature center” and the students were allowed to get creative with the types of shots they took.

Marshall County Conservation naturalist Emily Herring said there is a lot to enjoy about the 43-piece display.

“Some of them are of people, some are of plants, there’s an insect or two in there, some of them are water and raindrops and bubbles,” she said. “There’s a really cool one that’s like a hand going through water. There’s also one that has bubbles on the ground and it’s kind of iridescent.”

She said the photos range from “literal” to “abstract” in nature. Castle said that variety was part of the class project goals.

“Students are encouraged to experiment broadly while learning the mechanics of their digital cameras,” he said. “The class is fine arts based, as opposed to commercial photography, and allows students to explore their own ideas as well as those of the class goals.”

Herring said the nature center features a rotating series of art displays from Iowa natives and groups. She said this display is special because it is locally-based.

“It’s really just a way to showcase artists in our area,” she said. “We’re always looking for new artists.”

She said the nature center is a perfect setting for people to come appreciate art.

“In my mind, nature and art just go hand-in-hand,” she said.

The MCC student display will be up until Dec. 31. For more information or to ask about displaying art at the nature center, call (641) 752-5490.

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Contact Adam Sodders at (641) 753-6611 or asodders@timesrepublican.com