Kristy Evans Art

07/09/2026

November: I’ll be going to Art On the Prairie for the first time after hearing good things for so many years… time to see for myself! 👍

Meet our 2026 artists! Art on the Prairie Festival 2026
Kristy Evans Art .evans.art

04/09/2026

WE'RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE: The Gallery at The Sagewood is now hosting affordable workshops! Experienced artist instructors would love to help YOU get creative too!

Also, our photography exhibit "A Lens on Iowa" opens and you're invited to an artists reception on Friday, September 18, from 5-7pm.

Indianola,Iowa Community Indianola Main Street Experience Indianola Indianola Chamber of Commerce

04/09/2026

For 20 years, I taught story—how to read it and how to write it.

When I pivoted into art in 2019, I realized that what really drew me was visual story. Of course. Different tools, but many of the same instincts.

Through collage and painted monoprinting, I found myself creating images by cutting and arranging my own color, texture, shape, and mark. Building a composition can feel surprisingly similar to building a narrative: there’s development, tension, surprise, balance, and resolution.

Last spring, I taught my first collage class, and I loved every part of it—the progression of lessons, the creative discoveries, and the shared energy of ten adult students making in the same room. They’ll always be special to me because they were my first art group.

I’ve also learned— in 20 years of ELA— that I don’t need to teach everything— and in art, I sooooo can’t teach everything! But I’ve discovered that I can do a pretty darned fine job teaching gelli plate and collage composition.

So I’m inviting you to try it with me!

I’m hosting a $25 Gelli Printing Taster Workshop—an approachable opportunity to experiment with painted monoprints, texture, color, and collage.

Join me at The Gallery at the Sagewood (117 East Salem, Indianola):
🗓️ Sept 16: 1:30–3:30pm
🗓️ Sept 24: 6:30–8:30pm

If you enjoy the process, I’ll be offering a four-week class in October, similar to the one I taught at the Ankeny Art Center, with a few thoughtful improvements.

The possibilities really are endless. I’d love to explore them with you!

👉 Book your spot online at KristyEvansArt.com (in the menu items: book online)

Art & Creative Space

01/09/2026

So today was the day.

I’ve been holding onto two Gelli prints for many months, knowing they would eventually team up—but not yet knowing how.

They’ve been sitting in my studio, draped together, where I see them every day. Then suddenly, today, I knew: I would fully mount the green then cut into the orange layer and overlay it, revealing a peekaboo of green underneath.

My process often reminds me of cutting patterns and sewing fabrics—working in reverse, carefully figuring out how the layers need to come together.

For a long time, I had been seeing birds in these prints. Then I began seeing a flock gathered in a tree, and another flock ascending into a sunset. A tree trunk. The ground. Movement. Flight.

And somehow, it all became The Tree That Learned to Fly.

12 × 12 on cradleboard, presented in a floater frame. As always, my beloved Gelli prints. 😅 I’m gearing up for the Indianola Art Festival (9.20) and Octagon Art Festival (9.27). Hope you can drop by and say hello!

27/08/2026

Not every piece resonates, and that’s okay. What I loved today was the experimentation—the play, the painted background layers, the discovery. That’s the energy I’m bringing to the Gelli Plate Printmaking workshops this September. No previous experience required. Let’s roll some paint & be amazed together! Check your dates and come join us! 🎨 Art & Creative Space

26/08/2026

The fact that I found this interesting and thought about which century was referenced throughout is likely evidence of my being a good fit for a “liberal arts degree” 😅

https://wordsmarts.com/liberal-arts-origin/?lctg=e6c0a8f4-594d-4d9e-b8fa-0615390ca0c3

What’s so “liberal” about a liberal arts degree? The educational implications of the word go back centuries.

23/08/2026

What a great day at the St Paul’s Artisan Festival on Saturday in Johnston!

It was such a joy to demonstrate gelli printing and I loved seeing so many of you get excited about the process!

For those who asked about learning the technique yourself, I’m officially opening signups for my upcoming Gelli Plate ‘Taster’ Classes at The Sagewood! It’s just $25 (supplies included), and we’ll spend two hours creating together.

🗓 Choose your date:
* Sept 16: 1:30–3:30pm
* Sept 24: 6:30–8:30pm

You can book your spot directly at KristyEvansArt.com—just look for “Book Online” in the menu.

A note: Several of you mentioned that neither of these dates works, but a Sunday afternoon would be ideal. If that’s the case, please email me—I’m considering adding another session based on interest!

Can’t wait to see what you create! 🎨✨

NOTE: Some of you already know you want “more” than a taster! For October, I’ll be offering a follow-up multi-session course! Keep an eye out for upcoming “Deeper Dive into Gelli” on the horizon! But you’re sure welcome to join the workshop fun of the taster first! ❤️

Steve Song Indianola Tourism Indianola Main Street Art & Creative Space

22/08/2026

I’m set up at St Paul’s Artisans Festival! Al and I disagreed on how long it took to get from Indianola to Johnston. He won: 35 minutes. I guessed it farther… he bought us cinnamon rolls and I gave him back most of mine. We’ll call that his “prize” (that he bought himself… lol)

18/08/2026

“Negotiated Balance” — haiku + collage — is just the start. This Saturday at the St. Paul Artisan Fair, I’m bringing affordable framed prints, new collage smalls, and I’ll be live demonstrating gelli printing throughout the day. Come see the process unfold! 🎨

September “taster” workshop sign-up happening too— let’s chat!

St. Paul Presbyterian Church, Johnston. 9am–3pm.