Summer of the Arts

October 29, 2024

Hello Lisa,

Happy Halloween week! We're happy to share some information on upcoming events that celebrate Halloween and the arts in our community in this week's newsletter.

Be sure to purchase your tickets for the Disco Ball in advance to save $5! Tickets are just $20 per person in advance, and they include a free beer, wine or soda, selfie station and a guaranteed good time. Don’t miss out on this groovy celebration!

The Disco Ball is a fundraiser to support our 2025 programming. Since our events are free to attend, we need community support to keep bringing you week after week of live music and arts-focused events. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at any time.

Click HERE to make a donation today. You can also give through Venmo: @SOTAIC. Thank you!

Lisa J. Barnes, Executive Director

Celebrate Our 20th Year With Us!

The countdown to our grooviest celebration begins! The Disco Ball is just 18 days away!

Early Bird Special tickets: Tickets are $20 now and $25 at the door
🎟️ VIP Tables going fast - only 2 left! (includes private table for 8, bottle of champagne, personal server and one reserved parking space outside the club!)

What's your favorite disco song? Order it below (under the ABBA video!) for a chance to hear it at the party with your personal dedication!

Join us for an evening of celebration, music, and joy.

Reserve your tickets now and let’s make some memories together while supporting our free community programming for next year!

BUY TICKETS

Celebrate 20 Years With a Song!

Join us in making our 20th year Disco Ball even more special by dedicating a song!

For a $20 donation, you can choose a track from our playlist and send a personal dedication to DJ Doctor E. Whether you want to celebrate a friend, commemorate a moment, or simply share your favorite tune, we’ll recognize your dedication when your song plays!

Help us cover the costs of our programming while bringing your favorite disco vibes to the dance floor. Order your dedication below and let’s make this a night to remember!

CHOOSE YOUR DEDICATION

Holiday Thieves Market December 7-8

Artist Spotlight: Sara Krause

This year's Holiday Thieves Market will not only feature many of your regular favorite artists but also 25 new artists!

We’re excited to introduce Sara Krause, a talented ceramic artist from Marion, Iowa. Specializing in handmade porcelain pottery, her functional pieces — mugs, plates, bowls, and vases— are not only beautiful but also food, dishwasher, and microwave safe.

In addition to her functional works, Sara also explores decorative techniques, producing stunning pieces using horse hair Raku and American Raku. Her innovative approach to pottery not only showcases her skills but also invites viewers to appreciate the intricate process behind each creation.

You can view her stunning works and get a glimpse into her artistic process on her Instagram here. We’re thrilled to welcome Sara to the Holiday Thieves Market and can’t wait for you to experience her art firsthand!

Participating artists will be added to the website soon.

Upcoming Community Events

Lights-On Salon Series

When: Tuesday, October 29 | Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: 1019 E Washington St, Iowa City

Dive into a vibrant discussion on writing as curating with IWP Writer Putra Hidayatullah and Jennifer Colville.

This salon series is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow writers, artists, university students, and community members over light snacks and wine.

Come share your thoughts, exchange ideas, and be part of a lively conversation that celebrates the literary arts!

Learn more HERE

Halloween in Iowa City: A Celebration of Community Spirit

As we approach Halloween, let’s take a moment to appreciate the vibrant traditions that bring our community together!

🎃 Did you know? The annual Halloween Storytime and Trick or Treat Cart Parade at the Iowa City Public Library has become a beloved tradition, delighting families and children for years. This festive event not only offers a chance to enjoy spooky stories but also showcases the creativity of our local libraries and their commitment to community engagement.

Join others on October 31, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM in Meeting Room A at the Iowa City Public Library for a morning of fun and festivities!

We invite you to share your favorite Halloween memories and traditions! How do you celebrate this spooky season in Iowa City? 🌟

Dia de Los Muertos Community Gathering

Join Alicia Velasquez and the community for a heartfelt gathering to honor loved ones who have passed. This joyful event invites everyone to share in remembrance and connection.

📅 When: Saturday, November 2

🕕 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM

📍 Where: 327 Kirkwood Ave, The House of Dotl’zihi, Iowa City

Flowers and cards will be provided for you to write your loved ones’ names and messages. Let’s come together to celebrate life and remembrance. Everyone is welcome!

Learn more HERE

It's easy to set up monthly donations to Summer of the Arts through our donation portal! Just select recurring monthly when you make your donation.

These regular investments make a HUGE difference to the sustainability of our organization!

You can also donate through Venmo: SOTAIC

Thank you!

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors!

SUMMER OF THE ARTS www.summeroftheARTS.org