16th Annual Art on the Prairie

The Art on the Prairie Festival returns for its 16^th year, set to take place in eight historic downtown Perry buildings on Saturday and Sunday, November 8^th and 9^th, 10am-5pm and 10am-4pm, respectively. The annual art festival  which first took place back in 2010 has become an annual tradition for the community, drawing thousands of visitors to experience the many activities of the festival, as well as the growing number of opportunities to shop and dine in downtown Perry.
 
"More than an arts festival" has become a mantra of the organization, as Art on the Prairie has witnessed a rebirth of culture through the arts in this small town set on the prairie. Celebrating art, music, literature, and the joys of small-town living, the festival has grown over the years to now fill eight buildings within three blocks of downtown Perry. Artist booths and live music at Hotel Pattee, Security Bank Building, Carnegie Library Museum, Betsy Peterson Designs, Perry Public Library, Studio on Second, Perry Quilt Shop and La Poste. The weekend is full of visual art displays, live music performances, poetry readings, and youth activities.
  
The juried arts festival will feature 55 visual artists from across Iowa, displaying a variety of works including ceramics, painting, jewelry, photography, fiber and textiles, printmaking, glass, wood, and mixed media.  The festival also includes 32 musicians and 23 poets from across Iowa.  
 
Art on the Prairie is free to the public and facilitated by a dedicated volunteer team, coordinated with a number of community partners. The Art on the Prairie organization wishes to thank all those that have supported the event in any way over the years, from countless volunteer hours to financial support of all sizes. 
 
2026 Festival Venues:

• Perry Public Library - 1101 Willis Avenue
• Hotel Pattee - 1112 Willis Avenue
• Security Bank Building - 1122 Willis Avenue
• Carnegie Library Museum - 1123 Willis Avenue
• Betsy Peterson Designs - 1121 2nd Street
• Studio on Second - 1218 2nd Street
• La Poste - 1219 Warford Street
• Perry Quilt Shop  - 1217 2nd Street