The Arts + Culture Alliance (ACA) invites the community to take pART in the official opening of their new storefront in Downtown Marshalltown on Friday, Feb. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 126 W. Main St. The exhibit, A Grand Gathering, features locally sourced and inspired artwork from over 35 different Marshall County artists.

The new downtown location will allow the ACA to expand its services and offer a wider range of unique programming and experiences to support our creative community, further enhancing its ability to engage with and inspire the Marshalltown community.

“We are excited to gather with the community in our new space in downtown Marshalltown,”

Arts+Culture Alliance Executive Director Amber Danielson said. “This move represents an important milestone in our growth and our dedication to cultivating a vibrant arts and culture scene in the region. With many exciting new programs launching this year, the timing couldn’t be better for us to offer a centralized and accessible location that ensures our services are available to everyone.”

“Transformation, expression, exploration, and experimentation are just a few words that capture the essence of what an artist does,” local artist Kim Hanken said. “I’m thrilled that the ACA has moved to a storefront in downtown — this space holds so much potential! It will provide the artist community with even more opportunities to engage in the creative process. This is where growth begins. When we nurture the soul of an artist, we ignite their potential, and in turn, that energy can light up our entire community.”

The move to Main Street signifies not only a physical expansion but also an opportunity for greater visibility and accessibility for art lovers throughout the Marshalltown area. With an increased focus on community engagement, the ACA is eager to connect with more people of all ages and backgrounds, bringing them together through creative expression, art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and more.

“We are excited to join the dynamic energy of downtown Marshalltown, and we look forward

to contributing to the ongoing revitalization of the area,” Danielson said. “The move to a Main Street storefront allows us to be more integrated into the heart of Marshalltown, and we are enthusiastic to be a part of the thriving downtown scene to better support artists, arts and culture organizations and the broader community.”

A Grand Gathering is open to the public and free to attend. Light appetizers and snacks will be served, along with complimentary beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

For more information, please visit www.artsandculturealliance.org or follow them on Facebook at @ArtsandCultureAlliance. Stay tuned about upcoming events, programming and more by signing up for our newsletter at artsandculturealliance.org/subscribe/.