Art Center of Burlington

06/17/2026

Sharing the Iowa Community Theatre Association President's June Message

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HuEUKocnR/

Presidents Message - June 2026

Greetings and happy almost Summer 2026!

Even though the calendar says we’re four days early, Iowa’s community theatres clearly didn’t get the memo — the summer shows are already in full swing! Your ICTA Board has been out on the road, cheering on productions, meeting incredible volunteers, and building connections that keep our stages united around one shared goal: creating performances audiences love.

If you haven’t peeked at Facebook lately, you’re missing a flood of joyful photos from children’s theatre camps and summer programs across the state. It’s a fantastic season for young performers, and we tip our hats to every team investing time, creativity, and heart into the next generation of Iowa thespians.

Our June Webinar featured Jennie Knoebel, Director of the Iowa Arts Council, who walked us through the state grant process with clarity and encouragement. She reminded us that applying isn’t scary — and that the Arts Council staff is always ready to help. If you haven’t already, sign up for their newsletter to stay in the loop on upcoming opportunities.

Your ICTA Board is traveling the state as show review requests are rolling in, and we have plenty of room for reviewers statewide. While you can’t review a show at your own theatre, you can visit other stages and help us build a vibrant, well rounded 2026 Awards Banquet. Reach out through our page to request a link to the application form. Who will take home Best Actor or Best Director this year? Time will tell!

Looking ahead, our next Statewide Webinar will feature leadership from the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT):
• Quiana Clark Roland, Executive Director
• Winston Daniels, Operations Coordinator
• Mary Jo DeNolf, Festivals & Engagement Coordinator

We’ll explore the many benefits of ICTA and AACT membership — from festivals to resources to the power of community. Join us on July 15th from 6–7 p.m. on Zoom – Link, email, and Facebook post to come soon.

Be sure to follow and tag the ICTA page so we can help boost your shows, auditions, and events. The more we share, the more Iowa audiences discover the magic happening in their own backyards. Remember our May Webinar and update your Travel Iowa information!!

Our mission is simple: connect community theatres across Iowa with resources, relationships, and opportunities. Help us spread the word — and celebrate the incredible work happening on stages all across our state.

Here’s to a bright, creative, joy filled summer! See you under the lights!

Frank Sposeto III
President
Iowa Community Theatre Association
ICTA Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/iowatheatres/

06/16/2026

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Heritage Hill neighbors for graciously welcoming Snake Alley Art Fair 2026 | Official Event into their streets. The historic homes and beautiful neighborhood are such an important part of what makes this event special, creating a one-of-a-kind setting for artists, visitors, and the community to enjoy.

We appreciate your support, patience, and partnership, and we're thankful to be able to host the fair in such a wonderful neighborhood. 💗

06/16/2026

Our morning preschool art camp filled so fast, we added an afternoon session! Register asap for some silly shark fun! 🦈

Thurs + Fri, July 23 & 24 // 1-3PM
Ages: Pre-K (Ages 2–5) A guardian must stay to help assist the mini picasso.
Capacity: 8 students
Cost: $35 Members / $45 Non-Members

Registration ends Friday, July 17, 2026 at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sac-preschool-art-school-baby-shark-pm

06/15/2026

An art mobile has been a dream of ACB staff for the last 10 years, and this is the year we finally made it happen thanks to a grant written by Elizabeth Pappas and funded by the Community Foundation of Des Moines Co. Iowa!

There are so many people who helped turn this dream into reality:

• Bones Body Shop and Auto Sales sold us the van, made sure it was in tip-top shape, and installed our awesome awning.

• The Kamrath Family - Nicole, Max, and even Jacob spent weekends built the inside of the van to thoughtfully fit ACB’s needs.

• Mac Holford created our beloved Artie. We continue to bring him to life in so many fun ways.

• Hillaurie Fritz-Bonar took the Artie graphic and designed all of the amazing artwork on the van.

• Mount Pleasant Auto Detailing did an incredible job with the vinyl wrap.

• Amazon.com granted us $1,000 for art supplies, storage, and displays.

While Artie is certainly fun, what matters most is what he allows us to do. This van gives us the ability to bring art to more people and meet our community where they are. At a time when art programs are often underfunded or treated as something extra, we believe the opposite is true. Art is essential. It connects us, inspires us, and makes our communities stronger.

There are still a few finishing touches to add, but Artie is officially hitting the road this summer and already making plans for the fall. We can't wait to share him with the community!

06/14/2026

ONE WEEK AWAY 🎉 Sunday, June 21, 2026
📍Downtown Burlington, Iowa

• Celebrating 59 Years
• Hand selected Artists
• Live Music All Day Long
• Kids Art Activities from 10a-2p
• Emerging Artists on Snake Alley
• Tasty Food
• Artie the Art Van
• Handicap parking between Court + High St on 6th St.
• Free parking at North Hill Elementary School.

PLUS Everything at the Snake Alley Art Fair 2026 | Official Event is handmade and original. Meet the artist and learn about what inspires them and how they create their art. Each piece is made with love and care. SAAF offers a one of a kind experience to see and purchase original works of fine art directly from the artists who create them!

06/14/2026

Beautiful day at Burlington Pride in the Park! ☀️

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

Obviously we had to get Artie hats! Visit us at Pride in the Park today, there will be a few for sale and fun activities for all. 🌈