Storm clouds provided some touch-and-go moments – but thanks to the sun’s arrival, we had a tremendous art-filled week here in the River City. Yankton Area Arts was proud to participate in several outdoor community celebrations and everyone involved seemed to have had a terrific time!

Last Friday, Yankton Area Arts was invited to participate in the Annual Cancer Survivor’s Picnic at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. There we displayed our new “Super Heroes” cut-out boards for the first time ever. The displays were designed by our Art of Healing Committee then built and painted by the Yankton Federal Prison Camp. Volunteers took pictures of picnic goers throughout the evening, which are now posted online at www.YanktonAreaArts.org – so be sure to visit the site and download yours!

This week Yankton Area Arts had the privilege to announce our 2010 Arts Advocate, Joan Neubauer. This is annual award goes to someone who supports and encourages art within our community. Joan is an amazing advocate for the arts in Yankton. She is involved with Yankton Area Arts, the Yankton Children’s Choir, Lewis and Clark Theater, Yankton College – and the list goes on. Thank you Joan for all that you do for the Yankton community!

Tuesday, we celebrated our 19th Annual Kid’s Art Fest in Riverside Park. A fantastic group of businesses and organizations provided crafts for more than 250 Yankton area children. We are indebted to all the volunteers who make this day special for the kids. The event would also be impossible without the generous support of our community. A big thank-you to everyone who came out and supported Kid’s Art Fest!

The weather was perfect to inaugurate our Yankton Summer Band concert series. The all- volunteer band attracted over 50 musicians from all around the area – and they were fantastic! Next week’s performance begins at 8 p.m. at Riverside Park and will be conducted by Harvey Beck. It’s a great way to spend a Tuesday evening, enjoying music with a backdrop of the beautiful Missouri River.

Speaking of the river; while you are enjoying the concert; be sure to bring your camera. The theme for our 2010 Mighty Mo Photo Show is “Through the Seasons” and the deadline for entries is Friday July 16. The annual show is a great display of local photography talent; and we are very fortunate to have such a great subject close at hand. To learn more, please check our website at www.YanktonAreaArts.org or drop us a line at (605) 665-9754.

We have a couple of last-chance art opportunities coming up. First, a few spots remain for the June 16 Memoirs Writing workshop. Writing Coach Bev Oliver will facilitate the “Writing Your Memoirs: The Early Years” class; where she will help you start documenting your own personal history. For more information, please contact the Yankton Area Arts office. Second, only days remain to catch the wonderful work of printmaker Susan Heggestad. Her “Variations on a Theme: One-of-a-Kind Prints” show ends on Wednesday, and I encourage you to stop in and see it while you can.

Looking ahead, Friday June 18 is the second Yankton Art Night of the summer. Yankton Area Arts will open our next show “Landscapes and Woodworking” featuring Sioux City painter Sean Conrad and Beresford woodturner Frank Denton. One Ten Gallery will host photographer Rich Lofthus, who will be displaying photographs from his travels throughout the upper Midwest and will be on hand to talk about his work. The Art House Gallery will be featuring a collection of artwork by gallery owner Jake Kidney and later in the evening there will be live music by “Connect 3”. It’s shaping up to be another great evening of art here in Yankton!

Yankton is an amazing community and it an honor to be part of these local events. We’ve had a lot of sun and art fun already this summer, but there’s much more in store, so watch this space for more details. In the meantime, I hope to see you out enjoying the arts during this great time of year!

YAA Calendar of Events:

Now through June 15 — “Variations on a Theme: One-of-a-Kind Prints” featuring the works of Susan Heggestad.

June 15 — Summer Band Concert at the Riverside Park Amphitheater featuring conductor Harvey Beck, 8 p.m.

June 16 — Memoir Writing Workshop: “Writing Your Memoirs: The Early Years” with Bev Oliver from 1-5 p.m. Call 665-9754 to register

June 18 – Yankton Art Night – visit your local art galleries from 5:00 – 7:00pm

• G.A.R. Hall – “Landscapes and Woodworking” featuring the works of Sean Conrad and Frank Denton, reception from 5:00-7:00pm

• One Ten Gallery – featuring the works of photographer Rich Loftus

• The Art House Gallery – “A collection of night photography, landscapes, and paintings” with live music by “Connect 3” to follow

The G.A.R. Hall Gallery and Yankton Area Arts are located at 508 Douglas Avenue, Yankton. The gallery is open to the public free of charge 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 1-3 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information contact the office (605) 665-9754, info@YanktonAreaArts.org or visit the website at www.YanktonAreaArts.org.