Memories can be a horrible thing to lose.

It's why the Artful Dodger committee has decided upon "Memories" as the theme for next year's Artful Dodger event as the group partners with the Webster County Alzheimer's Association.

"It's obviously something of concern to people in this area and it's something people can relate to," said Rep. Helen Miller, D-Fort Dodge and executive director of the Artful Dodger at a meeting of around a dozen people including committee members and participating artists Sunday afternoon.

Local artists will each create a scrapbook with uniquely designed covers. The book will be auctioned off fall of next year.

"You can paint them, you can cover them with fabric, you can cover them with leather, you can do metal, you can do plastic - there's just so many things you can do with them," said local artist Mike Cupp.

The event will again take place in the gallery of Decker Auditorium at the Iowa Central campus.

"I'm trying to start this a full year in advance so that when September comes around next year we will have so much more done and have it together," said Miller.

Miller also took the opportunity to present the money raised from this year's event, "Window on My World," to the Iowa Central Community College Art Department and Webster County Disabilities Alliance.

$1,500 was raised with each organization receiving $750.

"It was just a new avenue to go down and to see all the creativity and just the artistic ability of all the different people it's just been a real fun project," said Irene Blair, administrator of Webster County Disability's Alliance.

Miller also announced the committee will give out certificates of participation to the artists from now on. The committee is also going to raise funds this year to help pay for artists' supplies.

"People all over the state ask me about the Artful Dodger so I think it has done something for our community in showing people it's a place where we have a little culture going on," said Miller.

Contact Ian Schmit at (515) 573-2141 or ischmit@messengernews.net