AUGUST EVENTS AT CRESTON ARTS

July 30th, 2025. CRESTON, IA — Live music, two exhibits, and fun workshops at the Creston Arts Center this August.

Weary Ramblers Performance 

Creston Arts will host Iowa-based folk duo, Weary Ramblers, at Rainbow Park (500 S. Vine St., Creston) on Thursday, August 28th from 5 to 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Guests are asked to bring their chairs and blankets for seating for this performance. Free-will donations are encouraged at the event. This event is sponsored by Iowa State Savings Bank. 

Rural Imaginarium

Creston Arts bridges urban to rural areas with a new exhibit titled, Rural Imaginarium, at Mainframe Studios (900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines). This exhibit aims to bridge the urban to rural communities by showcasing the diverse talent within our region, specifically highlighting artists from the Creston area and Creston Arts and partnering organizations. The opening reception will be held during Mainframe’s First Friday on August 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors can find the exhibit on the Third Floor. Learn more about the event and parking at www.mainframestudios.org.

Art Journaling with Becky

Led by BHIS Specialist Becky McGuire on August 8 from 6 to 8 p.m., participants will be provided reflective questions to write about in their journals, which they can then embellish with paint, drawings, and collage. Materials will be provided. No prior experience is necessary. All skill levels and ages are welcome in this class. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

Reverse Tie-Dye

Artist and upcycling enthusiast Miss Elainious will lead a bold and colorful workshop in reverse tie-dye on Thursday, August 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Participants will learn how to transform ordinary dark clothing into one-of-a-kind statement pieces using bleach and creativity. No experience is needed. Some textiles or a shirt will be provided, but participants can bring their own. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org. 

Mini Masterpiece: Preserve Creston

Held on Saturday, August 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Creston Arts will host a Mini Masterpiece workshop where participants can work in any medium, from paint to fabric, to create a story of Creston on a small canvas. This workshop is a part of the continuation of the Preservation Month project. These works of art will be installed for an exhibit inside the depot for the month of October. No experience is needed. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org. 

Watercolor Workshop

At the watercolor workshop held on Tuesday, August 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Creston Arts Center, participants will learn techniques for blending, layering, and creating stunning effects with washes and textures. Ideal for beginners or those wanting to enhance their skills. All skill levels and ages are welcome in this class. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org. 

Paint with Melissa! Summer Theme

Participants can join Melissa for a fun summer-themed painting class on Saturday, August 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. This is an easy-to-follow acrylic paint class where people of all skill levels are invited. The workshop is designed to be a fun and relaxing experience, where participants can unwind and express their creativity without the pressure of perfection. All materials will be provided. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org. 

LUSTER (Loess-ter)  by Emily McQueen

The LUSTER (Loess-ter) Collection is a body of work by Emily McQueen depicting the land and sky of the Loess Hills, a unique landform that distinguishes the region's vibrant landscape. ​A Closing Reception will be held on Friday, August 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

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 the 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.

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August Calendar

All Month LUSTER (Loess-ter)  by Emily McQueen at the Creston Arts Depot Gallery. Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. All ages.

August 1 Rural Imaginarium Opening Reception - 5 - 8 p.m. at Mainframe Studios. Free. All ages.

August 4 Creston Arts Monthly Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. 

August 8 Art Journaling with Becky - 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.

August 14 Reverse Tie-Dye with Miss Elainious - 5 - 7 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Class is capped at 20 participants. All ages. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org. 

August 16 Mini Masterpiece: Preserve Creston - 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. All ages. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org. 

August 19 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. 

August 28 Weary Ramblers Performance - 5 - 7 p.m. at Rainbow Park. Free. All ages.

August 29 LUSTER (Loess-ter)  by Emily McQueen Closing Reception - 6 - 8 p.m. at the Creston Arts Depot Gallery. Light refreshments will be available. Free. All ages.

August 30 Paint with Melissa! Summer Theme - 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.