Johnston Library Uses Talents of Local Artists In Fundraiser

Even across the crowded barn, it was easy to spot Willona Goers' smile.

Beaming from ear to ear, Goers, the director of the , was thrilled at the turnout for the library’s first Art in The Barn fundraiser. The group raised $3,700 from more than 200 tickets sold and artist donations, all to purchase resources for the children's section of the library.

While the purchases in the children's library haven't yet been determined, one library patron was excited about additions.

"Books," B.J. Friestad-Tate, 4, suggested. "About robots."

His mother, Jill Friedstad-Tate, said she and her sons frequent the library for story programs.

"It would be nice to have a little area of computers for children's use with small desks," she said. "They have a few stations, but maybe something separate, so it's not so loud for other patrons."

The created the event at the Simpson Barn as a way to help raise money for the library. Many in the organization are artists, and when they contacted Goers about holding an art show, she was eager to give it a try.

“I look at it as a blessing,” Goers said. “It just happened to work out that they had the interest and the skill.”

Artists didn’t have to pay a fee to exhibit their works at the show, but they did agree to donate 10 percent of their sales to Friends of the Johnston Public Library.

Johnston resident Vivian Zimmerman praised the quality of art on display.

“I love it,” Zimmerman said. “I hope they do more of these.”

For many residents, it was the first time that they’d ever been inside the Simpson Barn, which was moved adjacent to the library a couple years ago from an area farm.

Sue Conrey of Johnston called the building “wonderful.”

For Waukee artist Jennifer Mertz, the event marked the first time that she’s ever shown her work. Mertz, who was “thrilled to help the Johnston Public Library,” said that she’s always done pottery as a hobby. Another perk for Mertz was getting a chance to interact with other local artists.

“I’ll definitely be back next year,” Mertz said. “This is a nice event.”