June 2">

June 2, 2003       Story: Linn Grove Setting Inspires Artist Diane Noll   Setting the easel on the ground, Noll centers the watercolor board and gives it a jiggle to it to see if it’s sound.   She sprays a fine mist of water over a vibrant palette. Picking up her brush; she looks around and pauses.   Diane Noll local watercolorist gazing along the horizon explains, “I love these tree covered ridges along the Little Sioux River.”   “When I go away for awhile; and, as I drive back home again … coming down over that hill (into the valley), I see the river and town … it’s awesome. Linn Grove is homey and beautiful. More like a place where people would go for vacation – but we live here,” says Noll.   Sharing the setting with her Paint Horses,  Diane says, “These mares are curious – the sorrel paint is quiet, let’s go over by her. Her colt was born just last month.”   Familiar and sure of Diane, the mares, foals and stallion showed little concern. Soon they wandered close to Diane, casually grazing as foals nursed or explored nearby.   Both Artist and teacher, Noll loves her life of 42 years on the River View Ranch where she and husband Keith raise registered Paint Horses and Texas Longhorn Cattle.   Living on the eastern edge of Linn Grove, a small historic river town, Noll believes the beauty of the Little Sioux River Valley can offer artists and artisan a gathering place to reside, paint or display their art.   “Linn Grove looks like an artist colony. An ideal place where the beauty of the landscape inspires … it’s quiet and relaxing and offers a unique setting where artists would enjoy painting.” Noll explains.   Proving her dream true, Diane recently founded The Best Little Art Show by a Dam Site. And, on June 21st, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., local artists and artisans will display and sell their items at New Beginnings, Linn Grove Landing and along Main Street.   Just as area surroundings inspire Diane, others in the community dreamed of sharing Linn Grove’s beauty, hospitality and rekindling of days past. A time when people gathered regularly for free shows, to shop, eat and celebrate everyday life and Linn Grove’s rich history.   Linn Grove’s River Jamboree was founded soon after a Community Rally held in January of this year and is an economic development project for the Linn Grove community. This one daylong festival hopes to draw participants, attendees and former residents from around the region.   The River Jamboree vision is focused on a day of mixed entertainment – river recreation, regional artists and artisans, various musical groups, stories of ‘Old Linn Grove’, family entertainment and fundraising events.   Artists and artisan who create original art and who draw, paint, photograph, produce wood carvings, pottery, sculpture, basketry, furniture builders, leather makers, iron craftsman, weavers – are welcome to display and sell their art at this first annual show.   Artist or Artisans! If you would like to take part in The Best Little Art Show by a Dam Site, please contact Diane Noll at 712 296-4479 or Beth Cathcart at 712 296-3790.   “You can find the River View Ranch, just head east out of Linn Grove, go 1 mile and you can see the Paints and Longhorns from the road.” ------------------------- Facts About Diane Noll: – Lived in Linn Grove 42 years – Taught Elementary School locally for 35 years – Diane served 3 years as Coordinator of Iowa Artist Regional Show for16 counties. – She is a regular participant in the Iowa Artist Show and Clay County Fair. ------------------------- Art show facts: Sponsored by the City of Linn Grove   We will display come rain or shine. This event is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and coincides with the Linn Grove Jamboree.   Eligibility: Open to area artists who create works of original concept, design and execution. Original work in the categories of oils, acrylics, watercolors, batiks, collage, photography, fibers, pen, pencil, pastels, pottery, sculpture and basketry. We encourage any kind of crafts including taxidermy, green ware and commercial art vendors.   Space: A limited number of indoor spaces are available and assigned on a first request basis with unlimited space outside. But, be sure to bring your own rain covers or shade for an outdoor setup.   Displays: Each artist is responsible for their own display fixtures. The artist or their representative should attend displays until 5 p.m.   Sales: No commission is charged on your sales. Taxes and insurance are your responsibility.