Fairfield Art Association

P.O. Box 904


Fairfield, IA
52556

Contact: Suzan Kessel

Tel 1: 641-472-5374
Tel 2:
Fax:
Email:

HISTORY of ORGANIZATION

The Fairfield Art Association begins its 45th year - being formed in the early spring of 1966, as a civic organization to foster art in Fairfield and the surrounding area.

The FAA's original home was in the Carnegie Library, made possible by a generous $30,000 gift to the city from  Mr. & Mrs. Charles Herring, designated to build an art gallery/studio.

During the early years, the visual arts flourished under leadership of founding members Bob Glocke, Nan Cameron, Don Kremer, Dorothy Bell, Mark Shafer, Marty Taylor and others. The first exhibit featured the valuable Schram Collection and guards were posted over night. Classes were held every day of the week for all ages. There were art lectures and trips, art exhibits from across the country with beautiful catalog brochures, big art auctions and famous Beaux Art Balls that decorated to the hilt. The FAA was known throughout Iowa for being an avant-garde organization.

Many noteworthy events have been sponsored by the FAA over the years. Dorothy Bell imitated the annual Garden Tour - now named after her and in its 24th year. The Holiday Art Fair was held 25 years by originator Suzan Kessel, and Christmas Express started by Kathy Tollenaere was co-sponsored with 1st National Bank for over quarter of a century. The first Art Camp was planned by Nancy Horras and goes on after decades. There have been Teas, Style Shows demonstrations, Very Special Arts Festivals, Fall Festivals, an original Art Walk, art garage sales, hosting of Iowa Artists competitions, and partnering with the Chamber, Schools, Trails, Art Walk, Airport, FPAC TV, Beautification Commission, Library and many others.

Three major art commissions have been placed in the community by the FAA. These include "William Coop & Friend" a bronze by Christopher Bennett in the Fairfield Square, the "Leapfrog" bronze sculpture on the Carnegie lawn by Bennett, and "Imagine A Water Journey" fabric mural by Jodi Kanter at the indoor Aquatic Center. The Senior Center houses another mural "Fairfield Square 1800s" by Mark Shafer & Art Association members.  In addition, contributions have been made for two Trails art projects by Judy Bales, and the mural on the back of Sondheim Theatre.

The FAA has a nice sized permanent Collection featuring well known Iowa Artists from the 1960s to present day, and includes two Mauricio Lasanskys, Art Benoit, Anne Hovey, Ray Frederick  and others. Portions of the collection have been loaned in the past to the library and hospital.

Scholarships have been awarded and in 2009 Don Kremer was honored with the naming of the award for his over 40 years as FAA Exhibition Chairman.

Until 1997, an Art Center with a studio space and gallery was located in the basement level of the Fairfield Public Library. At this time when the new library was built & opened, the city determined Indian Hills Community College would operate out of the Carnegie Building. The  FAA moved all of its belongings to the top floor's Adventure Room, and shared the level with the museum.  Activities were very limited during this time, and our monthly exhibits were held in local bank lobbies. A few classes were held in church basements and events in homes.

It was with the loss of a permanent home for the FAA, that former FAA president & artist Suzan Kessel was inspired & teamed up with Sally Neff (both on Fairfield Area Community Theatre board, with performances in outdoor livestock arena) to pursue the dream of a real Arts Center for Fairfield.  From 1996 to 2007 many dedicated community members helped shape and realize this dream. The FAA has played a big part in this challenge - contributing over $40,000 and years of its members' time.

The FAA now resides in the new Fairfield Arts & Convention Center building at 200 North Main Street. It has a full sized studio for classes & workshops, an area for a member's Sales Gallery. The Permanent Collection now resides in the Corridor Hall Gallery, and a Main Gallery features changing exhibits of Iowa, Midwest, Regional & National artists. The Executive Conference Room holds the "Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Portraits" by Mark Shafer and a display of Ben Taylor art.

Since settling in our new home, the past 2 years have seen class activity resume and a new concentration on art for the community. The studio was used in 2008 by artists to refurbish the down street banners with original paintings.  In 2009 a very successful art installation of "My Fair (field) Ladies" mannequins created by local artists, graced the new downtown streetscape garden nodes, and was featured in Iowan Magazine.  In 2009 the FAA invested over $4000 to install 24 permanent underground bollards and removable poles with bases for future art exhibits. That summer all the poles were filled with "Birdhouse Art" works by artists that were auctioned at the end of summer. During the holiday season 4 original art Gingerbread Houses were installed, with a plan to add several each year until the 24 poles are filled. Look for a unique "Chairs" exhibit downtown in summer of 2011.

An all inclusive Website for the FAA is now being constructed! It will offer its members many exciting new opportunities, including selling their artwork online, adding a thumbnail picture of their work, short bio & link to their own website. Business members can add their logos & links. Classes & memberships can be registered for and paid online.  FAA opportunities will extend regionally and beyond.   Check it out soon - www.fairfieldartassociation.org

The FAA is a non-profit organization supported by memberships, memorials & donations. Select a category and join today! Send Tax Deductible membership to PO Box 904, Fairfield, Ia. 52556.

Benefits to members include: 

* Lower class fees & preferred status if class is limited

* Participation in annual Membership Exhibit in Main Gallery of FA&CC 

* FREE use of FAA's new mat cutter in our studio

* Receive FAA Newsletter and/or postcards announcing activities

* Sales Gallery privileges to sell your work

* NEW on-line Art Sales for artists

* NEW option to include info on FAA Membership List - thumb nail picture of your art, short bio & contact information & link to your own website

* Volunteer opportunities

This listing is in the following categories:
Art /
Civic & Community Organizations /