The Clear Lake Arts Center is a community-based, non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt arts organization in Clear Lake, Iowa serving North Central Iowa through a variety of programming in the visual, performing, and literary arts.
Located in beautiful downtown Clear Lake, Iowa, the Arts Center houses art galleries, a gift shop with the work of local and regional artists, studios for adult and youth art classes, a performing arts wing, and the Sukup Lakeside Courtyard – featuring multiple new sculptures yearly for all to enjoy.
History
Originally organized as the Clear Lake Arts Council in 1977, it was not until 2002 that it opened its first facility in a downtown storefront at 213 Main Avenue, property owned by the City of Clear Lake awaiting redevelopment. The project evolved from a group of artists paying rent for space to market their art while maintaining an office for the Clear Lake Arts Council. At this time, they adopted the name Clear Lake Arts Center. As interest developed, a part time executive director was hired. This brought about the development of educational classes and art programming. In 2005, the Main Avenue property neared demolition, leading to a search for a new home and the eventual acquisition of a former bank built in 1970 at 17 South 4th Street. Reconstruction and additions by the Clear Lake Arts Center were completed and the building opened in March of 2007, with funding by a campaign called Arts Reach.
Mission & More
Mission
We ignite the creative spirit by engaging the diverse community we serve and our regional audience by providing opportunities and inspiration through the visual, performing, and literary arts.
Vision
We will make the Clear Lake Arts Center a dynamic and vibrant hub to promote and preserve creativity as part of every human’s daily life.
Values
Community
We welcome and engage all members of our diverse community by seeking your input, listening with respect, and offering a variety of activities.
Inclusion
We invite everyone to bring their creativity and uniqueness to the table. We encourage curiosity, considering other perspectives, and working together.
Wholeheartedness
We care about what we do and the community we serve. We are compassionate, kind, sincere, respectful, and dedicated to lifting each other up.
Gift Shop
The Clear Lake Arts Center’s gift shop offers a unique selection of handmade and curated art and gift items. We are proud to support regional artists by offering original artwork and fine crafts. We currently support over 50 artists from the region and also have a curated selection of unique greeting cards, gourmet snacks, games, puzzles, books, and soaps.
If you are interested in offering your unique handmade items and art in our gift shop, please, download and review the Gift Shop Contract.
Facility Rental
The Clear Lake Arts Center has several spaces available to rent for meetings and special events from small to large. Please, use the link to download the updated rental guidelines. For more information call 641-357-1998 or email info@clearlakeartscenter.org.
The Sukup Performing Arts Wing
Different layouts can work for weddings and other events that require fan seating, or the space can accommodate banquet style seating with up to 8 seats each table.
Audio & Visual Equipment is available upon request. It is recommended to use your own laptop for presentations or videos.
Catering can be brought in, and we have an onsite kitchen for last-minute preparations. Our handicap entrance makes bringing in supplies easy and hassle-free.
People
Employees
Deb Mitchell, Administration Manager
Board of Directors
Diane Ostendorf, President
Mike Sogard, Treasurer
Kathy Ingram
Jim Kerns
Tom Dakin
Members
Names and levels were last updated November 2022.