MAY EVENTS AT CRESTON ARTS

April 30th, 2025. CRESTON, IA — Painting, Journaling, Pottery, and more art activities at the Creston Arts Center this May.

Raku Pottery Workshop

In this workshop, participants will learn about the Japanese pottery firing technique of Raku. Raku pottery celebrates the unpredictable nature of the firing process and the unique beauty that results from embracing imperfections and chance. Participants will choose from premade pottery pieces to glaze and fire those pieces together in a fast-fire outdoor gas kiln. Participants will be able to take home their pieces that night! All skill levels and ages are welcome in this class, from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 1st. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

Art Journaling

In this class, participants will be given a prompt and 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, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 9th. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org. This event is sponsored by Crossroads Behavioral Health for Mental Health Awareness Month.

Watercolor Workshop

At the watercolor workshop, 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. This session, we will be painting a scene featuring beautiful flowers with a mountain landscape in the background. All skill levels and ages are welcome in this class, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20th. 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, May 8th  and 22nd 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. 

Paint the Past: Paint the Past: A Preservation Month Celebration in Uptown Creston

In celebration of National Preservation Month, Creston Arts and the Creston Historic Preservation Commission have collaborated for a free community plein air event from 1:00 to 3:00  p.m. Sunday, May 25th, in Uptown Creston. Participants can meet at 12:30 p.m. at Creston Arts Center to gather supplies and materials. This event will be guided by Kelly Devitt, Instructor of Art at Southwestern Community College. All ages welcome. No experience necessary. Participants may also submit their finished work to be part of a community exhibition at the Creston Arts Gallery in October. Registration is at www.crestonarts.org. For more information, contact Sarah Scull at 641-344-0403 or info@crestonarts.org. 

Poetry Club

Poetry Club will take place on Monday, May 26th  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!

Paint with Melissa! Wooden Signs

With guidance from Melissa Raddatz, participants will use acrylics to paint signature wooden signs for any occasion. All skill levels and ages are welcome in this class, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 31st. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

‘In the Making: SWCC Student Art Exhibition’

In the Making is a celebration of creativity, exploration, and growth. This student art show offers a unique glimpse into both the finished works and the artistic journeys behind them. From first sketches and experiments to final polished pieces, the exhibition highlights not only what has been made—but how it was made. This is an all-media show that will include painting, ceramics, drawing, computer animation, graphic design, and paper works from Southwestern Community College Art Students. SWCC Art Instructor Kelly Devitt has curated the exhibit. An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, May 3rd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. 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 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.

May Calendar

All Month In the Making: SWCC Student Art Exhibition at the Creston Arts Depot Gallery. Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. All ages.

May 1 Raku Pottery Workshop - 6 - 8 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Class is capped at 15 participants. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

May 3 In the Making: SWCC Student Art Exhibition Opening Reception - Free event. 6 - 8 p.m. at the Creston Arts Depot Gallery. Light refreshments will be available. All ages.

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

May 8 Makers’ Night Open Studio -  6 - 8 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Free will donations are encouraged. All ages. Online RSVP is required at www.crestonarts.org.

May 9 Art Journaling - 6 - 8 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Class is capped at 20 participants. Online registration is required at www.crestonarts.org.

May 20 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. 

May 22  Makers’ Night Open Studio - 6 - 8 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Free will donations are encouraged. All ages. Online RSVP is required at www.crestonarts.org.

May 25  Paint the Past: A Preservation Month Celebration - 1 - 3 p.m. at the Creston Arts Center. Free will donations are encouraged. All ages. Online RSVP is required at www.crestonarts.org.

May 26  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.

May 31 Paint with Melissa! Wooden Signs - 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.