Art on Iowa

Gallery Stroll is definitely something to be looked forward to. On the third Friday of each month, various galleries around the city display the works of artists of all sorts. Winter walks are nice, but Spring really tends to up the ante, luring the community out to enjoy a shared experience along with the warming weather. The other night Kelli and I were lucky enough to be invited to play some music during Art on Iowa's gallery showing.

Camille and Tim, the beautiful hosts of the evening, turned their charming home into a gallery to, for this round, showcase the incredible hand drawn landscapes of Michael Ryan Handley.

We were honored to play and impressed by the number of those in attendance. After wrapping up our second set, I enjoyed spending time looking around not only at Michael's art, but also at some of the items around the home. Really, it was one of those types of places that just inspires creativity, that reveals so much about the essence of its inhabitants. Oh, and I would be remiss if I failed to mention Rita, one of the best dogs I've ever made the acquaintance of.

We had a wonderful time playing, and had some time to enjoy ourselves as well, you know, 'off the clock'.  I especially enjoyed having the opportunity to speak with Michael and learn about his process for the series of landscapes he had created. Tim also offered up some spontaneous Elliott Smith covers that we enjoyed singing along to.

Oh, and one of my favorite things happened before the night had even started. Here is how The Pickpockets were described on the invitation:
The Pickpockets aren't actually pickpockets, but you might want to keep an eye on your watch fobs just in case. They are Kelli Moyle and Heather Leeflang, and their voices, two vibrant contraltos, mix perfectly with acoustic guitars into lovely, minimalist two-part harmonic waltzes and down tempo arpeggios. We're very excited to have them play for us. -Art on Iowa

I can't wait to discover the artist that will be presenting at Art on Iowa's next installment.

-Eightch