OSKALOOSA — The Oskaloosa Main Street program welcomed artists, families, and visitors from across the region to the 57th Annual Art on the Square on Saturday, June 13, around Oskaloosa’s beautiful downtown square. This year’s theme, “Out of this World,” inspired a day filled with art, imagination, and community engagement.

The festival featured 29 artists showcasing a variety of artistic mediums, from painting and woodworking to fiber arts and blacksmithing. Visitors also enjoyed numerous children’s activities provided by community partners including Oskaloosa Public Library, Book Vault, Fine Arts and Cultural Events of Mahaska County (FACE), Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Mahaska County, and the Uplifting Puppet Company.

One of the highlights of the day was the 2nd Annual Art on the Square Puppet Parade hosted by Uplifting Puppet Co. Due to windy conditions and the threat of rain, the parade was relocated indoors to Penn Central Mall, where participants proudly showcased their creative, space-themed puppet creations along with a 14-foot green space alien and 5-foot-wide spaceship.

Another popular feature of this year’s festival was the Window Art Walk, which included participation from 30 downtown businesses. Coordinated by Amy Brainard of Mahaska Communications Group (MCG), the project invited elementary students from area schools to submit artwork inspired by the “Out of this World” theme. Selected designs were transformed into colorful window displays throughout downtown, creating an interactive art experience for residents and visitors alike.

Art on the Square also recognized outstanding artists through its annual awards program.

• Mike Tygart, Sigourney, Iowa – Woodworking
• Ron Struve, Oskaloosa, Iowa – Blacksmith Designs
• Natalia Butler, Keytesville, Missouri – Knitted Fashions
• Meg Prange, Russell, Iowa – Fabric Art

• Two-Dimensional Category: Tasha King, Iowa City, Iowa – Mixed Media
• Three-Dimensional Category: Sue Burnham, Oskaloosa, Iowa – Needle Felting and Fabric Art

• Best of Show – Two-Dimensional Art: Abbi Starcevic for her nature and landscape paintings created with oils and acrylics
• Best of Show – Three-Dimensional Art: Doug Adams, Fairfield, Iowa, for his hand-twisted wire trees mounted on live-edge wood
• Best of Show – Emerging Artist: Emily McKeag, Oskaloosa, Iowa – for her acrylic paintings of semi-realistic imagery.

“Oskaloosa Main Street extends its sincere appreciation to the artists, volunteers, sponsors, community organizations, participating businesses, and visitors who helped make the 57th Annual Art on the Square a success,” said Executive Director Angella Foster. “Festivals like Art on the Square showcase the creativity, collaboration, and community spirit that make downtown Oskaloosa such a special place.”