Local artists host art exhibit to help fund nonprofits

Three local artists hosted an art exhibition in Headdress Salon to raise funds for United Action for Youth and the Rape Victim Advocacy Program.

Art+is+seen+during+the+HATCHED+Hair+and+Art+Exhibition+at+Salon+Studios+in+Coralville+on+Saturday%2C+June+22%2C+2019.+The+proceeds+from+this+event+were+donated+to+United+Action+for+Youth+and+RVAP%2C+two+local+non+profit+groups.+%28Wyatt+Dlouhy%2FThe+Daily+Iowan%29

WYATT DLOUHY

Art is seen during the HATCHED Hair and Art Exhibition at Salon Studios in Coralville on Saturday, June 22, 2019. The proceeds from this event were donated to United Action for Youth and RVAP, two local non profit groups. (Wyatt Dlouhy/The Daily Iowan)

Tian Liu, News Reporter

The hallway of Headdress Salon was lined with paintings of colorful nature and city landscapes for sale on June 22 to help two nonprofit organizations in the community.

The salon hosted the Hatched Hair and Art Exhibition to raise funds for the United Action for Youth and Rape Victim Advocacy Program.

The youth organization has the mission of supporting, advocating for, and making opportunities for young people and families. RVAP provides confidential services to those affected by sexual violence.

“I have done [hair] art shows in the past when I worked for other salons, but this is my first time when I focus more on the art,” said Michelle Boss, the owner of Headdress Salon, 401 First Ave., Coralville.

There were more than 37 large pieces of artwork along with other salon products in the showcase. They were all up for the silent auction throughout the night, Boss said.

“[Salon products] are my contribution basically, and the girls were helping host the event. I’ve done their hair and makeup — that was the hair-show part,” she said. “[The exhibition does] not focus on hair so much as it is an art exhibition this time.”

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Boss said has had the idea of hosting local artists for a long time. This year, she approached two of her artist friends, Karlee Barr and Amanda Bollinger, to ask them to join her and make the exhibition happen.

Boss said 20 percent of all art and product sales, along with donations, will go to Unted Action and RVAP.

“They are important resources we have in this area, and after … living here for almost 20 years, I want to show my support,” she said.

Bollinger made 23 of the big pieces, she said, and she priced her paintings lower than normal. Because the silent auction allows people to pick price ranges that they can work with, she hoped people would jump in and bid right away.

“The silent auction just seems worked very well for fundraisers in the past,” she said. “I have been part of it before. It’s a model that we know works, that’s why we chose that.”

Artists also showcased smaller pieces, such as paintings and decorations, and sold them for a set price.

Although the total traffic didn’t reach Boss’ expectation, which disappointed her a little, she said, she would love to host another event next year to support local artists and a good cause.

A guest at the art exhibition and a Headdress customer, Brianne Ball, said she heard about the art exhibition from Boss at the salon.

“It is a great opportunity that artists give back to the community and support the causes that matter to them,” Ball said. “I came to support local art and a local art fundraiser.”