PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTIN POLLEY The back patio of The Outlet Co-Work and Space, located at 119 E. Main St. in Marshalltown, will be the site of the first of the Arts+Culture Alliance’s two “Summer Artist Series” events on Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Arts+Culture Alliance will host the first of two Summer Artist Series programs Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at The Outlet Co-Work & Space, 119 E. Main Street.

Free and open to the public, the aim is to get people together to enjoy an evening of art, music, food and drink.

“This is really in alignment with the Arts+Culture Master Plan on how we continue to build and create an arts ecosystem in Marshalltown — how we support our artists and give opportunities for the community to connect with the arts in unique ways, and give opportunities for our artists to show off their talents and share their work with the community,” Alliance Executive Director Amber Danielson said.

Local artists Will Hildebrandt and Molly Frese will have their work on display inside (available for sale), with live music from Marshalltown’s own Buz Owen outside. Food will be made by Missy Sharer-Pieters, and wine and beer available to those ages 21 and older, all refreshments free of charge.

Artist Josh Cox served as curator for the exhibit.

“Through the Summer Artist Series, the Arts+Culture Alliance is highlighting some of the best artwork being created here in Marshalltown. These exhibits, through partnering with important local business partners, will present great local art and artists to the community in a really fun, engaging, empowering way,” Cox said. “Not only will these Marshalltown artists have the chance to sell their artwork, but through sharing their artwork, the artists get to share themselves with the community, telling us about themselves and their identities as active artists working within a small rural town. We hope that will be an inspiring message to local art-lovers and other artists in the area.”

Danielson noted that The Outlet is the ideal venue because it’s an event space with an outdoor patio.

“We are excited about the opportunity to have pop up events like this in kind of unconventional spaces — not a typical gallery or museum setting — partnering with downtown and really elevating some of the really unique and amazing businesses we have in Marshalltown,” she said.

Bringing foot traffic into the downtown and giving the public a fun, free evening out is a win-win, Danielson added.

She approached The Outlet owners, Kristin and Kurt Polley, about the possibility of hosting the series in their space. They readily agreed.

“We hope people will tour the space while they’re there,” Kristin said. “I just hope Marshalltown will embrace a new opportunity because it seems like we wait a long time for something new and different, and hopefully the people will come out and enjoy it.”

The Outlet offers a variety of workspaces, private offices, meeting rooms, high-speed Internet, printing facilities and communal areas, to appeal to remote workers and freelancers alike.

A second Summer Artist Series will take place August 2 at the same location and time. It will have a similar format and feature artwork by Kelly Schwartz and Lisa Cantrell, curated by Josh Cox. Music will be provided this time by Matt Nevens and food again by Sharer-Pieters. More details to come.

“The series exposes the community to lots of different forms of art, all the way from visual arts and music and also food,” Danielson said. “The thing that I think we’re most excited about is that because of support we’ve received for implementing the Arts + Culture Master Plan from many different partners in the community, we’re able to offer this completely free to the community. It will be family-friendly. We’re excited to cross promote and cross partner with other amazing organizations and businesses in the community.”

For more information, Danielson may be reached at: director@artsandculturealliance.org or 641-752-2787.