APRIL EVENTS AT CRESTON ARTS

March 31, 2025. CRESTON, IA — Another month of fun classes, helpful workshops, and a student art exhibit with Creston Arts this April.

Visible Mending

This workshop celebrates the art of visible mending, turning flaws into features and wear into wearable art. With any piece of textile, participants will learn to make repairs that highlight, rather than hide, the story behind the piece. Participants can bring a textile they’d like to mend or use the supplies provided to practice a variety of mending techniques. No prior experience is necessary. All skill levels and ages are welcome in this class, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 5th. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

Junk Journaling

In this workshop, participants will explore a meaningful way to document thoughts, sketches, and memories! They will learn to craft a personalized journal using repurposed materials like vintage papers, fabric scraps, and postcards. Supplies are provided, but participants can bring their own if they would like. No prior experience is necessary. All skill levels and ages are welcome in this class, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 5th. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

Snippets & Scraplets

In this beginner-friendly class, participants will learn the art of storytelling through paper and design. Supplies will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own photos, mementos, or even their favorite stickers and paper. Whether new to scrapbooking or looking for inspiration, this class is the perfect place to start a creative journey! All skill levels and ages are welcome in this class, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 6th. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

Needle-Felted Wool Eggs

Discover the art of needle felting and transform soft wool roving into beautifully decorated eggs. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will use a lightweight foam egg as your form, and then learn how to carefully layer and sculpt colorful wool fibers around it with a felting needle. Our experienced instructor, Kristina Anderson, will guide step by step, demonstrating techniques for shaping, blending colors, and adding decorative touches. By the end of class, participants will leave with one or more unique felted eggs perfect for springtime displays or year-round décor. All skill levels and ages are welcome in this class, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 12th. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

Watercolor Workshop

In this workshop, participants will learn techniques for blending, layering, and creating stunning effects with washes and textures. This class is perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their skills. All skill levels and ages are welcome in this class, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1th. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org. 

Open Studio

Open Studio is for creatives of all types! This month two Open Studios will be offered. On Thursday, April 10th  and 24th from 5:30 to 8 p.m., artists and crafters are invited to bring their own projects to work on at the Creston Arts Center amongst other creatives. For those simply seeking a creative and social space, drawing and watercolor supplies will be provided. RSVP at www.crestonarts.org. 

Application to Exhibition: Mastering Art Submissions with Leo Bird

Artists aspiring to exhibit are welcome to join us for a free hands-on workshop with artist Leo Bird. Learn the ins and outs of submitting art for exhibitions, from crafting the perfect application to preparing work for display. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to take their art submissions to the next level. Learn to write artist statements, get insider information on what galleries look for in applications, and see examples of Leo's own applications. This workshop is suitable for aspiring and seasoned artists alike! 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12th. Online RSVP is required at www.crestonarts.org. 

Kickstart Your Substack with Sarah Scull

In this one-hour workshop, participants will learn how Substack can help start, grow, and monetize newsletters or blogs. Whether for a writer, creator, or industry expert, Substack offers a straightforward platform to publish and distribute content to one’s audience. We’ll cover the essentials—from setting up an account and customizing a newsletter layout, to developing engaging posts and building a subscriber base. By the end of this workshop, participants will understand how to navigate the platform’s features, share their work effectively, and start reaching eager readers. 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 27th. Online RSVP is required at www.crestonarts.org. 

Paint with Melissa! Four Seasons

With guidance from Melissa Raddatz, participants will use acrylics to paint a tree throughout the seasons. All skill levels and ages are welcome in this class, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 26th. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

Poetry Club

Poetry Club will take place on Monday, April 28th from 6 to 8 p.m. Designed for both new and seasoned writers, this free workshop offers writing prompts, guided exercises, and collaborative feedback to help you explore different poetic forms and refine your voice. Embrace the beauty of language, nurture your creative process, and connect with fellow poets in a supportive environment that encourages experimentation and growth. This event is free but RSVP is required at www.crestonarts.org. The event is for those ages 15 and up. No experience is necessary!

‘CCHS Senior Art Show’

This show consists of artwork from 12th Grade Students taking Independent Art classes. In Independent Art I and II, students create their project proposals, focusing on the mediums of their choice. Some explore new mediums not offered in other classes, while others delve deeper into those they have enjoyed previously. This show will be up until April 21st as the students will be setting up for the Hawkeye 10 Art Show on April 23rd. The public is invited to an artist’s reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 4th, at Creston Arts Depot Gallery, 116 West Adams Street. Light refreshments will be served.

About Creston Arts

Creston Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served the Creston Area since 1977. Our mission is to enrich the lives of Southwest Iowans by bridging the community to the arts through coordination, advancement, promotion, and administration of all phases of the arts in Creston and the surrounding area. For more information, a calendar of upcoming events, or to make a donation to further our mission, visit www.crestonarts.org or call 641-351-7634.

April Calendar

All Month (Until April 21st) CCHS Senior Art Show at the Creston Arts Depot Gallery. Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. All ages.

April 4 CCHS Senior Art Show Opening Reception - Free event. 6 - 8 p.m. at the Creston Arts Depot Gallery. Light refreshments will be available. All ages.

April 5 Visible Mending - 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Class is capped at 15 participants. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

April 5 Junk Journaling - 5 - 7 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Class is capped at 20 participants. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

April 6  Snippets & Scraplets - 4 - 6 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Class is capped at 8 participants. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

April 7 Creston Arts Monthly Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. 

April 10 Makers’ Night Open Studio -  5:30 - 8 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Free will donations are encouraged. All ages. Online RSVP is required at www.crestonarts.org.

April 12  Needle-Felted Wool Eggs - 1 - 4 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Class is capped at 15 participants. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

April 12  Application to Exhibition: Mastering Art Submissions with Leo Bird - 6 - 7 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Online RSVP is required at www.crestonarts.org.

April 15 Watercolor Workshop - 6 - 8 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Class is capped at 20 participants. All ages. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org. 

April 24  Makers’ Night Open Studio -  5:30 - 8 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Free will donations are encouraged. All ages. Online RSVP is required at www.crestonarts.org.

April 26 Paint with Melissa! Four Seasons - 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Class is capped at 20 participants. All ages. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org. 

April 27 Kickstart Your Substack with Sarah Scull - 2 - 3 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Online RSVP is required at www.crestonarts.org.

April 28  Poetry Workshop - 6 - 8 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Class is capped at 20 participants. Ages 15+. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.