Local artworks displayed on county building

Prints created by local artists with Newton and Jasper County themes are now on display on the brick county building on South Second Avenue. Eight works of art hang in old window wells that have been bricked up as a part of Newton Main Street’s vision to create a small pocket park in the grassy area between the building and city parking lot.

“I would like to thank the artists who won, Mia VanZante, Joanne Thomason, Margaret Caldwell with two, Kyra Hayber, Pam Krukow, Paula Zickmund and Karen King,” Newton Main Street Executive Director Graham Sullivan said.

The prints feature subjects ranging from the Jasper County Courthouse during the holidays and an inside looking out view at P.J.’s Deli to very colorful renditions of area farming staples cows and corn. Other Newton specific landmarks include Valle Drive-In, the entrance to Maytag Park and the Fred Maytag Bowl.

All were created in a color scheme popular in the mid-20th century using three or more colors in the orange, yellow, avocado green, gold turquoise and brown families and using thick, bold lines that can be read well from a distance. The works of art were then printed on all weather material by Sign Pro and mounted on the building.

“I would also like to thank Matt at Sign Pro for printing the artwork on all weather material and installing it and John Lee for taking the photos of the art work so Matt could print them,” Sullivan said.

To continue the project, the City of Newton will be installing sidewalks near the prints in the coming months with finishing touches to the alleyway by Newton Main Street planned for next spring.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com