Lauren Bonney judges Fine Arts Show

CRESCO - Lauren Bonney is judge for the 57th annual Cresco Fine Arts Show, which takes place Sunday, Aug. 5 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Beadle Park in Cresco.

Bonney is an illustrator and designer whose whimsical, colorful style is inspired by fairy tales, mythology, and children’s stories. Her design work promotes small businesses and farms across the United States.

In 2016, she worked with ArtHaus of Decorah to create a coloring book featuring landmarks of Northeast Iowa. 

She lives along the Canoe Creek with her husband and daughter, where she enjoys growing and cooking her own food, redecorating her house, and reading.

The Cresco Fine Arts Council has hosted the event, one of the longest-running outdoor art shows in Iowa,  since it was established in 1961.

Artists from around the Midwest gather at Cresco’s Beadle Park each year to showcase and sell their work.

Children’s activities, artist demonstrations,  and wine tasting are among the featured events. Local high school students will display their artwork. 

The public may sign up for the ‘Creative Cash’ drawing and use the money toward an art purchase of their choice; participants must be present to win.

The art show also features guest musicians performing throughout the day. Local foods such as hamburgers, bratwurst, potato chips, coffee, pop and water are available.

Attendees to Cresco’s Fine Arts Show are invited to stop at the Cresco Chamber Flight Breakfast at Ellen Church Field south on Highway 9 West in Cresco from 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. for omelets and pancakes before attending the art show.