| If you are an artist in Carroll or Crawford counties, we’d love to talk (see below.) |
- Link to 2026 PDF map with addresses and QR codes.
- Link to 2026 PDF printable poster.
Who?
Our focus is on visual arts because those with studios are easily assembled into a tour. The hope is the numbers and the different types of practices will grow.
What?
Loosely defined, it’s “Iowa Artists of Carroll and Crawford Counties Iowa” and we feature a tour of artist work spaces, or in some cases, just displays of work. The public picks from a map, or this website, what looks interesting to them, and drive there for a visit.
When?
One day only, Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10am to 4pm.
Where?
Iowa counties of Crawford and Carroll, so from the Denison area to Arcadia to Carroll.
Why?
Living in rural Iowa, we artists are scattered and isolated. Some of us have our networks, others do not. This is an opportunity for connecting with other artists, exposing our work and processes to the public who might not otherwise know about us, and otherwise shine a light on creativity and add our unique stories to the commentary of why the arts are important. For everyone.
How?
If you are an artist interested in opening your workspace up to the public for the next event, don’t waste any time in reaching out to any of our members, if you already know some of them.
Otherwise contact Lee Shiney at or via Facebook @shiney and he will get back to you)
Does it cost anything?
As artists, we are doing what we do best…creating something from nothing, from sweat and experience. We may ask artists to contribute to cover costs of poster printing, etc., but for now, there are no dues.
I’ve never done something like this! Can you help me?
Sure. For the tour, we say “you do you,” whatever you are comfortable with. This can run the gamut of artwork displayed for sales, opening the doors where you work, having actual work in the process of creation, inviting visitors to actually pick up a tool and try something themselves, or showing them an educational video you maybe have created. You get to create the experience yourself.
Beyond that, we will help with some directional signage and a map to your place. Consider having an extra person to greet people and direct them to where you are, if you are not set up where they enter. Refreshments are optional, as are business cards, brochures, etc. of what you do. Just remember that this is your opportunity to really shine a light on what you do.