The historic Lincoln Highway, located in the heart of Iowa’s Cultural Corridor, is the backdrop for this annual festival that will include several returning local artists as well as some newcomers from throughout the Corridor and beyond.

Local artist Mark Benesh, well known for his barn murals along the Mount Vernon stretch of Highway 30, will be unveiling a new mural at the event. The 24’ x 9’ mural, painted on six wooden panels and attached to the side of the Skillet Building downtown, will be unveiled at the event. The mural, painted with the help of several local Lisbon Community School students, where Benesh teaches art, depicts Mount Vernon’s three National Historic Districts.

Performing artists at the event include musician Paul Imholte, known as the Stringman, who will be once again strolling the festival playing everything from guitar to banjo to dulcimer. Also returning with demonstrations and on-the-spot dance instruction will be students and teachers from Dance Arts Iowa.

“The Lincoln Highway Arts Festival is a wonderful family event that highlights the connection between art and history” says Ellis Stroud, president of the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council. “This festival showcases the work of many of the artists that call historic Mount Vernon home, as well as those who come from throughout the area to take part.”

About the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council

The mission of the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council is to increase the knowledge, understanding, appreciation and practice of the arts in the Mount Vernon area.