The second Carnival Hearts & Arts Parade occupied Happy Hollow park last Sunday and it was bigger and better than the first one, which was held in May. The weather could not have been better, and the turnout was a pleasing mix of artists, musicians, writers, crafters, photographers, music fiends, families, students, art lovers, babies, and dogs. Ten bands/musicians kept free music filling the air, 15 (if i counted right) art vendors displayed and sold handicrafts, photography, ceramics, zines and countless other awesome handmade works. Java House threw in a boatload of the most delicious cupcakes and cookies, and kids kept occupied with bubble wands, hula hoops and a small mountain of crayons and coloring books. There were poetry and prose readings by five local writers, including the event MC, the unparalleled Yale Cohn. We spent the whole afternoon in the park, laying around on blankets, listening to music, surrounded by other people who just want the space to appreciate and promote all the creative individuals that make up our community.
Carnival Hearts & Arts Collective is a group of artists, musicians, writers, performers, actors & lovers of Iowa City. It is the mission of Carnival Hearts & Arts Collective to bring the community of Iowa City together through diverse arts-based events while providing an all-embracing space for local & traveling artists to share their creativity. You can learn a little more about the newly blossoming collective by finding them in one of a few places:
Their blog
On facebook
Or, if you’re interested in getting involved with the Carnival Hearts & Arts Collective, you can contact them at carnivalhearts.artscollective@gmail.com
Take a gander at the slide show from the day, but be warned, I took a LOT of photos.
