The Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance (PRCA) will present the region’s first Metal Arts Festival on Saturday, Sept. 24, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Stevens County Fairgrounds in Morris. The free event will feature live music from steel drum band Island Time, a metal art contest with $600 in cash prizes, and a live metal art auction at 4 p.m. 

There will also be a silent auction of artworks in a variety of mediums, including pottery, jewelry, textiles, paintings and prints. Local artists will display and sell their art works. The event also features food and locally crafted beer and wine. Parking is free at the fairgrounds. 

The Metal Arts Festival is a celebration of the PRCA’s 20th anniversary, said Rhoda Smith, PRCA president. 

“The PRCA is a volunteer, non-profit organization whose mission is to connect the community by providing enriching arts experiences, and celebrating the creativity of all people,” Smith said. “The Metal Arts Festival will highlight two decades of arts accomplishments, and showcase the artistry of welders and metal workers, as well as the local metal fabrication companies that employ them.” 

The PRCA invites all metal-workers, welders and craftspeople who work in metal or mixed media that includes metal to participate in the Metal Arts Festival and compete in the People’s Choice Competition for $600 in cash prizes. Welding students are welcome to compete, too. Artists are asked to donate their contest piece for the live art auction, to benefit the PRCA. 

For more information about the festival and how to enter the metal art contest, go to http://prairierenaissance.org/ metal-arts-festival/ or call or text PRCA board member James Moore at 320-219-5986.

 The PRCA Metal Arts Festival is sponsored by Superior Industries, Wilkens Industries, Joe Riley Construction, and Backman Welding, with a special gift from Helen Jane Morrison, and in-kind support from the Stevens County Fair Board, Stevens County FFA clubs, and Engebretson’s Disposal.