About
Fairfield Art Association
The FAA is a non-profit organization supported by memberships, memorials & donations.
Residing in the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center building at 200 North Main Street, the Fairfield Art Association maintains a full sized studio for classes and workshops, and a member’s Sales Gallery. FAA galleries within the FACC include the “Permanent Collection Corridor Gallery”, a “Kessel Family Main Gallery” featuring monthly exhibits of Iowa, Regional and National artists, and in the Executive Conference Room is an “Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Portraits” exhibit by Mark Shafer. The ”Hallway Gallery” is devoted to FAA Members featuring an individual artist.
FAA History
The Fairfield Art Association was formed in the spring of 1966 as a civic organization to foster art in Fairfield and the surrounding area. Thanks to a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Herring which was designated for the building of an art gallery and studio, the FAA was originally housed in the Carnegie Library/Museum.
During the early years, the visual arts flourished under leadership of founding members Bob Glocke, Nan Cameron, Don Kremer, Dorothy Bell, Mark Shafer, Marty Taylor and others. The first exhibit featured the valuable Schram Collection. Many noteworthy events have been organized by the FAA over the years, such as the annual Dorothy Bell Garden Tour, the Holiday Art Fair, Beaux arts Balls and annual summer Art Camp for area children.
The FAA has sponsored several major art commissions in the community, including “William Coop & Friend”, a bronze sculpture by Christopher Bennett located in the Fairfield town square, “Leapfrog” three figure bronze piece on the Carnegie lawn, also by Bennett; and “Imagine A Water Journey” fabric mural by Jodi Kanter located at the indoor Aquatic Center. In 2017 a 3rd life size bronze of Lee Gobble was unveiled in front of the FA&CC, a project worked on by 5 artists.
Additional FAA supported projects include a mural by Mark Shafer & Art Association members, “Fairfield Square 1800’s”, housed in the Senior Center, two art projects by Judy Bales installed on area biking and hiking trails, the mural on the back side of Sondheim Theatre and downtown street banners with original paintings by local artists.
An annual art scholarship is awarded by the FAA to a local student planning on furthering their artistic studies at the university level.
Beginning in 2009, an annual art installation began in the downtown area, with the “My Fair(field) Ladies” mannequins, created by local artists and featured in Iowan Magazine. The following summer’s installation was “Birdhouse Art”, and for the 2010 holiday season, 4 original art Gingerbread Houses were installed, increasing to 12. The art installations continue and is on its 15 year in 2023.
Historical Photos
1966 Children Classes
Bobby Lowenberg at Painting Class 1966
Bob Glocke & Exhibiting Artist
Mission
The Fairfield Arts Association’s purpose is to increase the accessibility and appreciation of the arts in the Fairfield community by offering classes, exhibits and community projects to people of all ages.
FAA Commissioned Art
Some of the Works Commissioned by the Fairfield Arts Association
William Henry Coop and Friend
Bronze sculpture by Christopher Bennett
“William Henry Coop and Friend” was commissioned by the FAA and is located in Fairfield’s Central Park Square. It represents the first pioneer child born in Jefferson County. It was dedicated and given to the city of Fairfield on July 14, 1981.
Leapfrog
Bronze sculpture by Christopher Bennett
Leapfrog” a bronze sculpture by Christopher Bennett, commissioned by the FAA and given to the city of Fairfield. The price was $45,000 and took five years from conception to installation.
This art work is located on the lawn of the Carnegie Museum Building, which was home to the FAA from 1966 – 2007.
Imagine a Water Journey
Fabric mural by Jodi Kanter
“Imagine a Water Journey” is a large fabric mural by Jodi Kanter, Ohio artist, who was selected after a Call for Entries Competition. It was commissioned, at a price of $19,000, by the FAA to be placed in the Roosevelt Recreation Center’s Aquatic Center – also a gift to the Fairfield Community
Lee T. Gobble II - Mr. Fairfield
Bronze by Christopher Bennett & Ken Rowe
“Lee T. Gobble II – Mr. Fairfield” life size bronze sculpture, figure by Christopher Bennett & Ken Rowe, “Neck Tiles” by Mark Shafer, tile work by Harri Aalto, and photographs/video by Werner Elmker. Dedicated Oct. 6, 2017 at FA&CC
