July 2025

This Happened Here: Wonders…

I’m a fan of a phenomenon that I don’t believe has a name, though maybe my long-winded German ancestors had a word for it. Let’s call it “awe at surprise rural architectural gems.” For instance, I once accepted a farmer’s invitation to visit his sculpture garden. Should I have said yes and gotten into his truck? Probably not. However, would I then not have gotten to see an actual Stonehenge of ancient twelve-foot-tall hand-carved rocks he’d imported from the South Pacific to install on his Iowa hilltop? Almost certainly yes.

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Notes from the Granite Area Arts Council: Good Weather for Beautiful Fish…

At our meeting last Wednesday, we heard some good news: in addition to all the other pluses of having them around, our summer interns’ cheery presence is drawing people into the gallery. Abby’s family has eaten lunch with her at the tables in the front, and other curious onlookers have found themselves wandering in, then enjoying experimenting with the lavish supplies at our Art Lounge space in the back. Please pop in too – I can attest to the facts that our July show is cool (more on that below) and that the watercolor markers in our Art Lounge are particularly damp and exquisite.

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Guess Who?

Each week, the Advocate Tribune will share a photograph from our archives for you to “guess who”. To submit your guesses, send us a message by email to jstolen-jacobson@cherryroad.com or message our Facebook page. We will publish the answers the next week.

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Makers Market moves to Rice Park due to flood waters

Due to the flooding on the Riverwalk, the July Makers Market, hosted by the Granite Area Arts Council, was held at Rice Park last Thursday. Musical entertainment was provided by Peacock Coyote, a Rochester musician. Vendors braved the high heat and humidity for the event that will be the last held downtown for the season. The August Makers Market will be held in conjunction with the SquidFest annual celebration at Memorial Park on August 16th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information about all events taking place as a part of the SquidFest celebration can be found at prairiesquidfest.com.

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