Summer Suites to feature work of local artists

Several area artists will exhibit works in Northwestern College's Te Paske Art Gallery as part of Summer Suites 2011, an evening of music and flowers on Monday, July 25, sponsored by the Orange City Arts Council.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the "progressive concert" divides patrons into three groups. The groups travel to two Orange City backyard gardens and Northwestern's Korver Visual Arts Center.

The Not-Yet-Famous Bassoon Band will perform at Gregg and Sue Korver's garden, Rob Meerdink will sing pop classics at Gary and Laura Malenke's, and Joel Westerholm will play finger-style jazz guitar at the art center.

The juried art exhibit, "Flora of our Place: Interpretations," will feature area artists' work that interprets our natural world. Jurors Matt Drissell and Joan Brower will choose "best of show" and "honorable mention" awards. Following Summer Suites, at 8:45 p.m., ticket-holders are invited to return to the art center for the announcement of the "people's choice award," to be determined by attendees.

The evening includes a variety of rich desserts, featuring chocolate, lemon and fresh fruit.

Sponsors of Summer Suites 2011 are Pizza Ranch, corporate sponsor, and the Orange City Arts Council and the Northwestern College art department. Other donors are Sodexo and Orange City Floral.

Rain location for gardens is Northwestern's DeWitt Theatre Arts Center.

Advance tickets are necessary, at $7.50 for adults, $5 for students and $22 for families, and are available at the Orange City Arts Council office, Orange City town hall, and Dove Christian Book Store. After July 21, ticket prices increase to $10, $7 and $30. Maps and schedules are provided to ticket purchasers.

For more information, contact the Arts Council, 712-707-4885 or OCArts@orangecityiowa.com. The website is www.orangecityarts.net.