Art on the Prairie has become not only a premiere event in Perry and Dallas County, but one that’s attracting attention from all corners of the country.

Even though the festival prides itself on showcasing only Iowa artists, organizer Jenny Eklund says word of mouth is helping to spread news about the event much further than the state lines.

“We not only draw people from Iowa, we draw people from all over the United States.  We will actually have people coming from California, all the way from California, and New Jersey, it’s on the other side of the United States.  This is something about Art on the Prairie, the people that come to Perry to see our old historical buildings and the talent we have in our state” says Eklund.

Which she says is good news not only for Art on the Prairie but for Perry as a whole.

“Perry is right there, we’re right on the edge of becoming something.  Of course it’s our goal, to create Artist’s Alley – the art, historical, cultural district, and that is happening.  I think that we’re just a few inches away of Perry becoming something if we keep bringing these old buildings to life.”

Art on the Prairie takes place downtown Perry Saturday and Sunday.  All exhibits and showcases are free and open to the public.