Brews and Brushes this weekend in FM

FORT MADISON - The FMAAA Art Center is registering participants now for the next Brews and Brushes event to be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19. The paint-by-number painting everyone will do will be revealed that day as you check in and pick up your page at the FMAAA Art Center.
The theme is based on a recent evening event held in the area... but we won’t reveal any more until the day of. You can register online at fortmadisonart.com up until the day of the event, or in person at the FMAAA Art Center  located at 825 Ave G in Fort Madison. Advance registration is recommended to ensure your spot because space is limited. It has been interesting to see the finished work at the end of the evening to see everyone’s unique take. This time, there will be some additional colors available at some of the locations to encourage those who want to do so the opportunity to personalize their artwork even more.

An Art Center helps provide part of the framework and good “glue” for the community to thrive. We feel more connected when we have activities and events that bring us together. If you haven’t participated yet, Brews and Brushes is a fun paint along activity organized by the FMAAA Art Center and held within a walkable area of the historic district. Participants go between establishments, having the opportunity to paint a few colors onto their painting at each place while enjoying the general festivity of a fun and creative atmosphere (think paint by number and pub crawl mash-up). This event will be held at five hosting locations: Lost Duck, the Elks Club, River Rocks, Boozy Raes, and the Moose Club. 

This event is both a fundraiser for the FMAAA Art Center and a chance for the art center to do programming that supports community connection. At the same time, YOU get to feel GREAT by the end of the evening! You will have the satisfaction of supporting local arts and while having a really fun time doing it. Engaging in art activities bring joy! A study performed at Drexler University shows that coloring and creating art lowers cortisol levels -- meaning that creative activity is a stress reliever. Even 45 minutes of coloring or creating art provides enough visual stimulation to improve overall mood and make us feel better. The staff and volunteers can support these findings, not just because we are artists who regularly enjoy the benefits, but because we hear the laughter throughout the evening and see the many smiles when participants show us their completed pieces at the end of the evening. Join in on this fun event. Feel free to wear a costume for an extra dose of fun and plan to enjoy a brew along the way.