Now, several area artists have their work featured at the Blanden Memorial Art Museum as part of a juried show called “Small Works 24x24x24.” It’s on display in the upstairs gallery of the museum until Aug. 30.

Artists were invited to submit their works. Dan Perry, who teaches sculpture and is the coordinator of the Public Art Incubator at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, examined the art and selected the items for show. Having the works reviewed and selected by a professional is why the exhibit is referred to as a juried show.

Perry is no stranger to the Fort Dodge art scene. He created the sculpture called “Chronicle” that stands at the corner of First Avenue South and Ninth Street. He also created a soaring tribute to Air Force Master Sgt. Craig Hanrahan at Terry Moehnke Veterans Memorial Park.

Chris Rake, of Vincent, who is an art teacher at Butler Elementary School in Fort Dodge, submitted three items. Perry picked one of them to be part of the exhibit.

Rake’s selected artwork is a mixed media piece called “Wanderlust.” It is a combination of water color painting, drawing and print making.

The image shows a young woman walking out of a castle.

“She’s walking out into the wide unknown,” Rake said. “She’s kind of stepping out on her own.”

She said the work was inspired by the departure of her daughter, Ameila, as she headed to college a couple years ago.

The water color background gives it “kind of a dreamy feel,” she said.

What did Rake think when she was told her work had been picked for the exhibit?

“I was blown away,” she said. “I was so excited. It’s making me want to do more.” Rake has never had anything displayed at the Blanden Memorial Art Museum, so going to the museum and seeing her work there was a special experience.

“It makes you feel really appreciated,” she said. “I was blown away when I saw it hanging up.”

A work created by Elaine Beerman, of Webster City, is also part of the exhibit. “Blackbird singing in the dead of night” is the name of the pen and ink drawing created by Beerman that was selected.

Beerman, Carol Zills and Jim Adams, all from Webster City, attend the Blanden Collective gatherings which bring artists together once a month.

Beerman’s work includes acrylic painting, lino cut block prints, paper collages, mixed media, needlework and embroidery in addition to the pen and ink work.

“She is a very versatile artist,” said Eric Anderson, director of the museum, “Her compositions are amazing”.

Beerman grew up in Webster City, graduating from Webster City High School in 1966. She was a commercial sign painter in western Washington State from 1978 to 2014.

“I retired in 2014 and moved back to Webster City to take care of my mom,” she said. “I never expected to be back in the Midwest, but here I am, with no regrets.”

Beerman also serves on the board of Arts R Alive, and helps choose the sculptures for Webster City’s new sculpture exhibits

“It’s art for everyone,” she said. “We try to pick pieces we think will appeal to the public.”

The Blanden Memorial Art Museum is part of her history,

“I remember my mom and dad taking me there as a child,” she said..

Now with the Blanden exhibit showing her work, she is part of their history.

“People should definitely go to the Blanden because it is uplifting,” Rake said. “You will find something that touches you.”

The museum is located at 920 Third Ave. S. It is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.