Metal Arts Festival: A Day of Creativity and Community
Mark your calendars for an extraordinary day of art, creativity and community at the 2nd Annual Metal Arts Festival, hosted by the Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance (PRCA)! This vibrant event is set to take place on Saturday, September 7, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at East Side Park in Morris.
With free admission, it’s a perfect way to spend a late summer day with friends and family, all while supporting local artists and the PRCA’s mission to enrich our community.
Metal Art Contest
The Metal Art Contest invites artists, artisans and craftspeople to showcase their unique creations incorporating metal components. From intricate sculptures to innovative mixed-media pieces, the contest promises an impressive display of talent. Attendees have the exciting opportunity to vote for their favorite pieces, with cash prizes awarded to the top three artists ($300 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third).
Are you an artist? Submit your work here.
The “Peoples Choice” Metal Arts Contest is open to any artist, artisan or craftsperson who incorporates any metal component into the artwork. Mixed media, sculpture, welded artworks, used or “found” metal art, garden art, metal jewelry, three-dimensional art, fiber art with metal, and more, are all eligible to compete for $600 in cash prizes.
Live Art Auction
But it’s not just about the competition—it's also about community support. Artists are generously donating their contest entries to a live art auction, which will take place at 2 p.m. This is your chance to take home a unique piece of art while directly supporting the PRCA. All proceeds will help fund the PRCA’s ongoing efforts to connect our community through the arts.
Beyond the contest, the festival offers a full day of activities and entertainment.
Live Entertainment
Live music will fill the air, featuring the captivating sounds of steel drum band Bruce and Tiki D, along with a special performance by the Aztec Dance Group Nahui Ollin, who will bring a vibrant cultural experience to the festival.
Food and drink
And of course, no festival is complete without great food and drink. Enjoy a selection of local foods, food trucks and a variety of beverages, including local wine and crafted beer from Old No. 1's new brea pub in Morris.
Art-Making Activities
For those looking to get hands-on, free art-making activities will be available, making this event fun for all ages. From noon to 3 pm you can try weaving, gel printing, paper making and mandala dot rock painting!
Discover and take home something unique
Browse and purchase works from local artists, who will be displaying and selling their artwork throughout the event. Whether you’re an art collector or simply appreciate creativity, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.
Silent Auction
Additionally, a silent auction will showcase a variety of artworks in different mediums, including pottery, jewelry, textiles, paintings and prints, giving you even more chances to take home a piece of the festival.
Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the arts, support local talent, and enjoy a day of fun and creativity. We can’t wait to see you at East Side Park on September 7th!
Get Involved!
Interested in being a part of this fantastic event? Whether you're an artist, a volunteer, or a business looking to sponsor, the PRCA welcomes your participation. For more information on how you can get involved, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the PRCA at prca@prairierenaissance.org or visit http://www.prairierenaissance.org/metal-arts-festival.