Events

Traveling exhibition featuring Ken Buhler and Kim Uchiyama. Beautiful Land opens Nov 1 through Dec 20 at the Wege Gallery, with reception on Dec 6 & Hybrid Artist Talk on Dec 7.

Beautiful Land was on view at the Anderson Gallery September 5-October 20, 2024

@theanderson_drake @kbuhlerworld @kimuchiyama

Image: Ken Buhler

Ken Buhler’s paintings, drawings, and prints blend abstraction and recognizable imagery—often drawn from botanical or decorative forms—to explore the “terra incognita” of the natural world. Working with washes of bold color, meandering lines, stencils, and rubber stamps, Buhler creates images that feel at once new and familiar, revealing a world both luminous and layered.

Faithful Compass Series #96, 2023, 24” x 18”, marbled paper, watercolor, metal leaf

Dark Sky, acrylic/metal leaf on canvas, 50” x 36”. 2019

A new exhibit, Transformational Visions, opens in the Hudson Gallery at ICON on First Friday, September 6, 6:30 -10:00pm. In contrast to the last exhibition of all 55 Shiva Linga paintings that comprise the Hudson Collection, curator David T. Hanson is presenting a minimal hanging in a limited palette.

This exhibition was partly inspired by the gallery text for an early exhibition at Arcadia University of Hudson’s collection of anonymous Shiva Linga paintings: “Despite their expression of an unbroken, centuries-old tradition, these paintings seem both timeless and utterly contemporary. They also possess a remarkable affinity with examples of twentieth-century abstract art. The progeny of hand-written, illustrated religious treatises from the seventeenth century, copied across many generations, these paintings are part of a distinct visual lexicon that confounds assumed differences between East and West, the spiritual and the aesthetic, the ancient and the modern.”

For most of its long history, art has been visionary, spiritual, mythical, and transformative. In this spirit, Transformative Visions juxtaposes four anonymous Shiva Linga paintings with six abstract photographs from the history of modern art. The exhibition includes two creative explorations of alternative photographic processes by the master photographer Frederick Sommer, an experimental photogram by the influential photographer and educator Henry Holmes Smith, an early Tantra-inspired photograph by David T. Hanson (while he was studying with Minor White), a photograph of a tattered Devi poster in Varanasi by Mark Paul Petrick from his series an India, and a recent abstract “Suryagram” by Scott Morgan. We have chosen to present just a few select works of art in order to encourage viewers to spend time contemplating each of

them in depth.

ICON Gallery is located at 58 N. Main Street, Fairfield. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday noon to 5:00. For more information contact Bill: iconbillteeple@gmail.com

Date: Monday, December 9, 2024 - Friday, January 3, 2025
Location: Fairfield Public Library
Audience: General interest

It's book sale time again! Thank you to all who have donated materials to the library for our December sale.

The proceeds from our sale help us fund our regular library programs and hire educators and presenters for special events.

If you need assistance to attend the sale due to a disability, please contact the front desk at 641-472-6551 ext. 1.

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by participating in the Fairfield Christmas Light Showdown Event! This is your chance to showcase your festive spirit and help determine the winners!

Here’s how to join in the festive fun and make your voice count:

Get your map of participating homes here: Showdown map locations (2)

Voting opens Friday, December 13, at 4:30 PM and closes Saturday, December 14, at 9:00 PM.
Votes submitted before or after these times will not be counted.
How to Vote:

Use the Official Google Form 
Or download a printable paper ballot here Showdown map locations or pick one up in person at 107 N Main St.

Submission Instructions:
Paper ballots must be returned to 107 N Main St by Saturday, December 14, at 9:00 PM.

Scoring Rules:
Visit as many homes as you’d like, and rank each one on a scale of 1 to 5:1 = “Nice”
5 = “Awesome!”
Feel free to give a 5 to as many homes as you think deserve it! Spread the holiday cheer.
Scores are averaged to determine the winners, so every vote matters!

Important Notes:
Fair Play: Homeowners who are participating in the competition may not vote.
Only one submission per voter is allowed, so make sure you’ve visited all the homes you’d like to rank before submitting your ballot.

Tips for Easy Voting:
Take notes on your favorite homes as you drive around. Snap a picture of the house number or jot it down to make voting easier.
Make it a group activity! Discuss with your friends and family to decide on your rankings together.
Let’s make this a joyful community event—rank, vote, and enjoy the magic of Fairfield’s Christmas lights!

Cash prizes await the most dazzling displays: First Place: $500Second Place: $250Third Place: $100. Prizes have been generously provided by Mack's Automotive of Fairfield.
The public will determine the winners as they cruise the town, selecting their favorite displays. Voting takes place on Dec. 13 & 14 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. during the Christmas Light Showdown Cruise. Ballots and maps will be available at the Visit Fairfield office (107 N. Main St) starting at 4:30 p.m., or online and must be returned by 9 pm on Saturday Dec 14. Winners will be announced on Sunday, Dec 15 on the Visit Fairfield Facebook page.
This event is hosted by Visit Fairfield CVB and sponsored by Mack's Automotive in Fairfield
Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a cherished holiday tradition. Grab your friends and family and come out to vote at the Fairfield Christmas Light Showdown Event!

The Fairfield Little Superheroes Foundation, is replacing its Festival of Trees fundraiser this year with another over the top event. The "Jolly Cork", an all new POP UP BAR with different weekend themes, games, food and beverages will be the fun place to be, adding to Fairfield's downtown Holiday spirit!

And while having fun, you are supporting the "LSH" Foundation's mission. All proceeds from this event go to the Little Superheroes, a Foundation providing help and hope to children facing life threatening issues. Over the past ten years the Little Superheroes has given away over $400,000 for costs of medical care, treatments, travel and essential needs of children. One family that was recently provided helped responded "We will forever be grateful to LSH, you made it possible to not have to choose between our daughter's health care, food, clothing and a roof over our heads for a little bit of time."  Another family with a child receiving an intestinal transplant stated "Your generous gift brought us to tears. We are so incredibly blessed by your support and generosity. Our daughter is doing well and able to be off IV nutrition for the first time ever."

This Pop Up Event is located on the top floor of the ELKS Club on the Fairfield Square - the bar area is actually called the "Jolly Cork" and is still in retro form with bright orange leather booths and bar area. With gratitude to the Elks Club for use of the upstairs and under the direction of Christie Kessel, along with foundation members, family and friends, the space is transforming into an atmosphere with full tilt holiday decor from floor to ceiling, to knock your Santa socks off.

The Jolly Cork will be open four weekends, Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, beginning the day after Thanksgiving, the night the Fairfield Holiday Lighting is turned on and there are carriage rides around the square.

Volunteers will host and staff each night, being there to fix and serve specialty cocktails, appetizers, soups and desserts to purchase, along with providing fun activites with themes:
November 29 - "Naughty & Nice", watch the Hawkeyes take on the Huskers at 6:30 P.M.
November 30 - "Let's Get Elf'd Up" Holiday Movie Trivia at 7:00 PM.
December 6 & 7 - "Feliz Navidad" A festive Mexican evening with tequila specialties & a Cabo Trip Auctioned.
December 13 - "Sex & the City" Girls Night Out - Holiday Edition.
December 14 -  "Twas the Night After Murder" Murder Mystery Party.
December 20 - Christmas Karaoke - Celebrate Christmas Vacation - Griswold style!
December 21 - Honky Tonk Christmas, Live Music & more. wear your boots & bling.

There will also be a Pop - up Holiday Store below the Elks Club at ground level with special selections of holiday items for sale - opening the evening of Friday Nov. 29.

Celebrate the season and make a difference in a child's life.

Fairfield First Friday’s Annual Holiday Trade Fair

Get ready shoppers, it’s that time of year again! The 15th Annual Holiday Trade Fair, one of the largest holiday gift and craft shows in SE Iowa, will be held December 13th and 14th at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center.

The Holiday Trade Fair is a one-stop holiday shopping event with over 60 local and regional craftspeople, artisans, importers, and artists offering unique gifts and creations. Shoppers will find a great selection of unique handcrafted and imported products to select from including the best in beautiful handmade crafts, beautiful art, vintage and stylish jewelry and clothes, children’s toys, specialty food items, and much more. The selections include everything imaginable. Plan to meet your friends for an incredible shopping experience.

The Holiday Trade fair is an exciting event to polish off that shopping list.

Bring the whole family to the trade fair, Friday night, December 14th from 5pm to 9 pm and come back again on Saturday, December 14th from 9am to 6pm at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center.

We invite you to join us for our annual Ho Ho Ho Holiday Event, kicking off on November 29th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. The festivities will continue every Friday and Saturday evening through December 21st.

Start your adventure by visiting the amazing hot chocolate bar. Create your own special mix. Kids enjoy a photo with Santa and decorate the exclusive JC Huffman 2024 commemorative ornament. Don't forget to visit Mrs. Claus Bakery for some festive treats! Stroll across the way into Whoville, visit the toy shop and the Grinch’s lair. You may have a chance to snap a picture with the Grinch—if you're brave enough! Walk down the hall and enter the magical world of Harry Potter. A Goblin adventure awaits you as you experience Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley. Kids can mix their favorite potion at Ollivanders wand shop. The Leaky Cauldron is calling your name so be sure to stop in and enjoy sipping butterbeer. There is so much fun to be had, photo ops galore, and memories to be made. Admission is $15.00 per person no matter what age. While many of our experiences are included with admission, please note that some special activities do come at a cost. We can't wait to see you there!

We invite you to join us for our annual Ho Ho Ho Holiday Event, kicking off on November 29th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. The festivities will continue every Friday and Saturday evening through December 21st.

Start your adventure by visiting the amazing hot chocolate bar. Create your own special mix. Kids enjoy a photo with Santa and decorate the exclusive JC Huffman 2024 commemorative ornament. Don't forget to visit Mrs. Claus Bakery for some festive treats! Stroll across the way into Whoville, visit the toy shop and the Grinch’s lair. You may have a chance to snap a picture with the Grinch—if you're brave enough! Walk down the hall and enter the magical world of Harry Potter. A Goblin adventure awaits you as you experience Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley. Kids can mix their favorite potion at Ollivanders wand shop. The Leaky Cauldron is calling your name so be sure to stop in and enjoy sipping butterbeer. There is so much fun to be had, photo ops galore, and memories to be made. Admission is $15.00 per person no matter what age. While many of our experiences are included with admission, please note that some special activities do come at a cost. We can't wait to see you there!

We invite you to join us for our annual Ho Ho Ho Holiday Event, kicking off on November 29th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. The festivities will continue every Friday and Saturday evening through December 21st.

Start your adventure by visiting the amazing hot chocolate bar. Create your own special mix. Kids enjoy a photo with Santa and decorate the exclusive JC Huffman 2024 commemorative ornament. Don't forget to visit Mrs. Claus Bakery for some festive treats! Stroll across the way into Whoville, visit the toy shop and the Grinch’s lair. You may have a chance to snap a picture with the Grinch—if you're brave enough! Walk down the hall and enter the magical world of Harry Potter. A Goblin adventure awaits you as you experience Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley. Kids can mix their favorite potion at Ollivanders wand shop. The Leaky Cauldron is calling your name so be sure to stop in and enjoy sipping butterbeer. There is so much fun to be had, photo ops galore, and memories to be made. Admission is $15.00 per person no matter what age. While many of our experiences are included with admission, please note that some special activities do come at a cost. We can't wait to see you there!

The first annual IDC Gala. Malone Dance Theater is the pre-professional company and program at Iowa Dance Collective. They will perform in their inaugural show, titled Embark, Friday December 13th, 2024 at 6:00pm. The show will have a reception that follows (7:15-8:30) where you can meet the dancers and director, as well as enjoy food and drink while learning more about the program and what's in store for the future.
So come enjoy a night out with fantastic dance, food, and fun! Cocktail attire encouraged.

Join us in Festive Fairfield! Every Friday and Saturday evening from Black Friday to Christmas, join us for our decades-old tradition and see Santa from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Santa will be waiting for you in his house where you can get your photo taken with him then travel over to his workshop and add your photo to an ornament.
Hot cocoa and cookies for all as well as candy canes and books for the children.
Santa House volunteers this weekend are from the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce's Board and Ambassadors. Come meet them!
Stroll around the square and enjoy all the holidays have to offer.

RSVP HERE

We’ll be sharing a very special single-origin cacao from a women’s collective farm just outside Chicacao in the Guatemalan jungle. This collective harvests some of the most potent cacao in the world, with a uniquely high concentration of theobromine—perfect for opening the heart. The ceremony will be led by Katherine and Jason Wild with music from Amine and Karen Kouider.

Suggested contribution $20

A cacao ceremony is a celebration of the heart, using pure cacao and song as gentle, uplifting medicine. The natural stimulant theobromine, known as the "food of the gods", is found abundantly in cacao, and provides a smooth, sustained energy and opens the heart by increasing circulation. Cacao also contains anandamide, known as the “bliss molecule,” which can help bring us into joy and connection. If you enjoyed our opening night, we’re sure you’ll love this!

Please bring a pillow or cushion to sit on. We’ll have a few chairs available for those needing extra support, as well as some floor mats for added comfort. And please RSVP we can be sure to have cacao prepared for all.

When a villain kidnaps Santa Claus from the North Pole, an E.L.F. (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative joins forces with the world's most accomplished tracker to find him and save Christmas.
[PG-13] ‧ 2024 ‧ Action/Comedy ‧ 2h 3m
Showtimes:Saturday, 12/14 | 4:00 PM, 7:00 PMSunday, 12/15 | 7:00 PMMonday, 12/16 | 7:00 PM (with closed captioning)Tuesday, 12/17 | 7:00 PM

The Fairfield Little Superheroes Foundation, is replacing its Festival of Trees fundraiser this year with another over the top event. The "Jolly Cork", an all new POP UP BAR with different weekend themes, games, food and beverages will be the fun place to be, adding to Fairfield's downtown Holiday spirit!

And while having fun, you are supporting the "LSH" Foundation's mission. All proceeds from this event go to the Little Superheroes, a Foundation providing help and hope to children facing life threatening issues. Over the past ten years the Little Superheroes has given away over $400,000 for costs of medical care, treatments, travel and essential needs of children. One family that was recently provided helped responded "We will forever be grateful to LSH, you made it possible to not have to choose between our daughter's health care, food, clothing and a roof over our heads for a little bit of time."  Another family with a child receiving an intestinal transplant stated "Your generous gift brought us to tears. We are so incredibly blessed by your support and generosity. Our daughter is doing well and able to be off IV nutrition for the first time ever."

This Pop Up Event is located on the top floor of the ELKS Club on the Fairfield Square - the bar area is actually called the "Jolly Cork" and is still in retro form with bright orange leather booths and bar area. With gratitude to the Elks Club for use of the upstairs and under the direction of Christie Kessel, along with foundation members, family and friends, the space is transforming into an atmosphere with full tilt holiday decor from floor to ceiling, to knock your Santa socks off.

The Jolly Cork will be open four weekends, Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, beginning the day after Thanksgiving, the night the Fairfield Holiday Lighting is turned on and there are carriage rides around the square.

Volunteers will host and staff each night, being there to fix and serve specialty cocktails, appetizers, soups and desserts to purchase, along with providing fun activites with themes:
November 29 - "Naughty & Nice", watch the Hawkeyes take on the Huskers at 6:30 P.M.
November 30 - "Let's Get Elf'd Up" Holiday Movie Trivia at 7:00 PM.
December 6 & 7 - "Feliz Navidad" A festive Mexican evening with tequila specialties & a Cabo Trip Auctioned.
December 13 - "Sex & the City" Girls Night Out - Holiday Edition.
December 14 -  "Twas the Night After Murder" Murder Mystery Party.
December 20 - Christmas Karaoke - Celebrate Christmas Vacation - Griswold style!
December 21 - Honky Tonk Christmas, Live Music & more. wear your boots & bling.

There will also be a Pop - up Holiday Store below the Elks Club at ground level with special selections of holiday items for sale - opening the evening of Friday Nov. 29.

Celebrate the season and make a difference in a child's life.

Each month, beneath the glow of the full moon, we gather in sacred space to immerse ourselves in the ancient practice of sound healing. These Full Moon Sound Ceremonies are a time for deep inner connection, rejuvenation, and aligning ourselves with the cosmic rhythms that guide our existence.

Suggested Contribution $20

Seating is limited. Reserve your spot 

Please bring a pillow or cushion to sit on. We’ll have a few chairs available for those needing extra support, as well as some floor mats for added comfort.

Subscribe to our youtube channel and it the notifications button to receive updates and reminders for these extraordinary offerings.

Chamber Singers to Perform Annual Holiday Concert

The Chamber Singers of Southeast Iowa will present their annual holiday concert, “O Be Joyful!,” on Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Golden Magnolia Sanctuary, 200 South Main Street, just one short block from the Fairfield Square.

This year’s program includes beautiful songs of rejoicing, reflection, celebration, winter memories, and wishes for peace—and, by popular demand, two carol medleys, with an audience singalong to close the evening. A wonderful instrumental trio of piano, flute, and viola da gamba will complement the choral selections.

“This year’s musical gems celebrate the joy, peace, and love of the holiday season,” says Elaine Reding, music director of the Chamber Singers. “During these turbulent times, we want to reawaken the spirit of unity and togetherness that we all hold dear, especially at this time of year. We hope these songs will enliven the spirit of the holidays for everyone, and we’re looking forward to sharing them with you.”

Come join the Chamber Singers for an uplifting musical evening on Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, call 641-472-1539.

Saturday the 14th , local R&B diva Meara Oberdiek brings her vivaciousness non-pareil to the release show for her debut EP “I’m the One”, a fusion of soul, Latin jazz, and hip hop, with an inviting bit of her classical roots showing. Meara recently returned home to Iowa from NYC where she lived since graduating with honors in 2011 from the University of Iowa, studying classical piano on a full ride scholarship.
A star studded cast will join her, including Jimmy Moore on bass, Jonnie Cohen on guitar, Shaan Oberdiek on drums, Carson Parker on keys, Tim Britton on flute, and Clarissa Helene and Josie Overmyer on vocals. Check out "The One" on all major streaming platforms.

$13 in advance, $15 at the door.

Monthly WCS Dance Party 2nd Saturdays thru Jan. 2025, then 1st Saturdays in 2025 at Morning Star Studio.
Designed for west coast swing dancers, but EVERYONE is invited! Blues, boogie, swing or just rock and bop -- whatever your dance style, the dance floor is big enough to hold us all. Bring your friends. $5/person at the door. We look forward to seeing you at the dance! Email wcsdancefairfield@gmail.com to be added to the update list -- sometimes we have to change the dates. Great tunes -- example playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLav5d9B6v_LZxbjqeRTuxYbpyAjs7LGkt

An evening of fun for the whole family. Join Reading Railroad Theater as we present a compendium of Christmasy entertainment:- Radio playwright Norman Corwin's 1933 script of "The Plot to Overthrow Christmas" - presented with live sound effects (just like "Prairie Home Companion!) and directed by Douglas Marshall;- Jessica Houaga's "A Peace Play" - a children's theater-dance piece directed by sisters Bixie and Sloane Brower (Gretchen Jentz, Producer);- A Musical Rendition of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Moore, accompaniment provided by Molly Boatman; and last but not least- Cast-led caroling with audience participation.
Complimentary Christmas cookies and warm apple cider will be available for audience members.
Let's make this the beginning of a fun Christmas tradition!
Tickets available online or at the door;  Adults $10    Children $7  Advance online tickets at www.morningstarstudio.info

Get ready to jingle all the way to the Fairfield Municipal Band and Jazz Band's Holiday Concert on December 15 at 3 PM!  Join us for an afternoon filled with all your holiday favorites, from classic carols to jazzy renditions that will have you tapping your feet and humming along. This free concert is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, with the talented musicians bringing a festive flair to the season. Donations are welcome and appreciated to support future performances. Bring your family, your friends, and your holiday cheer—we can't wait to see you there!

Date & Time: Every Tuesday from 4:00-5:30 pm, November through February
Audience: Adults
Location: Fairfield Public Library

Join us for Tech Help Tuesday, a weekly event where community members can receive one-on-one assistance with their tech questions from community volunteers. Whether you're troubleshooting a computer issue, learning to use a new phone, or seeking guidance on software, our knowledgeable community volunteers are here to help. Smart phone questions are welcome! Disclaimer: Our volunteers are not experts but they know where to look to find the solutions you need — and they want to help! No appointment is necessary — drop in anytime for help in a friendly, welcoming environment.