The Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center (MACC) will be the site of a special event by the Iowa Arts Council when its 2025 Artist Fellows will be on hand for an exhibition and showcase October 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation to follow at 7 p.m. in the Monet Reception Hall.

“The Iowa Artist Fellowship provides support to individual artists who demonstrate exceptional creativity in the arts and a commitment to contributing to the vitality of the arts in Iowa. The program advances the artistic careers of Iowans through funding and professional development,” according to its website.

MACC Events Coordinator Madisun VanGundy said the showcase gives the community a chance to experience artistic talent up close.

“I think that it’s a rare and exciting opportunity to see this level of artistic talent right here in Marshalltown. These artists’ work has been recognized on an international scale. If people attend the event, they get to meet the artists in person and see their art, and then each artist will also give a short presentation on their art as well,” she said.

The following artists will be featured.

• Eloy Barragán — A well-known ballet instructor, choreographer and filmmaker living in Iowa City, he blends classical and contemporary dance. Originally from Mexico City, Eloy is an associate professor of dance at the University of Iowa where he’s been teaching since 2005.

• Nicholas Cladis — He is an artist and educator whose work focuses on community-centered installations and the traditional craft of hand papermaking. Based in Iowa City, he has taught at the University of Iowa and Fukui Prefectural University (Japan) and has been a visiting artist at several other universities, non-profits and craft schools all over.

• Kelly Devitt — Based in Creston, she is a ceramic artist who mainly creates sculptures depicting emotions physically expressed through the human body. Raised in central Iowa, she got her BFA in integrated studio arts from Iowa State University in 2017 and her MFA in ceramics from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2022. She teaches art at Southwestern Community College.

• Susan Metrican — She is an artist and professor whose work reimagines historical decorative arts by manipulating painted canvas with techniques borrowed from sewing and upholstery. She is based in Fairfield and serves as assistant professor and Wege gallery director at Maharishi International University.

• Jason Snell — He is described as having emerged from the 1990s rave scene in Cedar Rapids and has spent three decades as an electronic music producer, daily meditator and computer programmer. He combines these disciplines to create sound performances using brainwave and heartbeat sensors, exploring themes of vulnerability, entrainment and synchrony.

“The Iowa Artist Fellowship recognizes Iowa artists who demonstrate exceptional creativity and a commitment to expanding the vitality of the arts in Iowa. Since it was launched more than a decade ago, the program has helped advance the artistic careers of 60 Iowa artists through funding and connected professional development opportunities,” said Elizabeth Ferreira, grants and operations manager with Iowa Economic Development Authority. “We’re excited to celebrate their work while also contributing to the vibrant arts and cultural community within Marshall County.”

Light refreshments will be served in the lobby, with beverages available to purchase. It’s free and open to the public. Artwork will be up for one night only.

“October 17 will be a big night for arts and culture in our community — a celebration of creativity, connection, and the incredible talent we have right here in Iowa. As past chair of the Iowa Arts Council, I’ve seen firsthand how the arts strengthen our communities and inspire pride in place. I encourage everyone to come out, experience the showcase, and take pART in the vibrant creative spirit that makes our state so special,” said Amber Danielson, executive director, Arts + Culture Alliance, past chair, Iowa Arts Council.

The Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center, formerly known as the Fisher Community Center, is home to the Fisher Art Museum, Martha-Ellen Tye Playhouse, and spaces for public and private events.

Funding for the program is made possible by an annual appropriation by the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and by the National Endowment for the Arts.

“This event is definitely a great way to continue Marshalltown’s strong tradition of supporting the arts,” VanGundy said.

For more information, VanGundy may be reached at: 641-758-3005 and info@maccia.org.