Lincoln Hwy. Arts Fest set for Sept. 27
September 17, 2008 · Dave Morris

Thirty-two Iowa artists will be featured at the Lincoln Highway Arts Festival, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, on First Street in uptown Mount Vernon.

"The festival continues to grow," said Galen Lacey, a member of the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council.

"It's a good opportunity for people to find a wide range of fine art," Lacey said, noting that oil paint, acrylics, sculpture, wood, fiber, pottery and jewelry are among the media used by the artists. "This is not a craft show. It's a wonderful opportunity to expose people to art who would not ordinarily go into an art gallery. It's a wonderful opportunity for Mount Vernon to showcase itself."

Arts Council president Mark Benesh echoed those sentiments.

"You get to see all kinds of different art from all around the area. It's just a nice time to walk around the street," he said. "The art is really spectacular."

Paul Imholte of St. Cloud, Minn., will return to the event this year, performing on dulcimer and other stringed instruments as he strolls through the event.

Food vendors include the United Methodist Church, a kettle corn stand and Vernon Inn-The Greek Place of Cedar Rapids.

Site of the festival will be on First Street on the two blocks west of Hwy. 1. Artists will be set up in tents along the street. The event is free and open to the public.