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Calling all artists!

Dysart gears up to celebrate Sesquicentennial July 2–3

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

DYSART – As the community of Dysart gears up to officially celebrate 150 years since its founding this July 2-3, several events are already underway in the community including an art contest.

Sponsored by the Fine Arts Women’s Club, the Dysart Sesquicentennial Fine Arts Contest – featuring both a youth (through 8th grade) and adult division – is currently accepting entries in four different categories including literary, musical, visual, and traditional arts.

The contest is open to anyone but all entries must relate to the history of Dysart or the surrounding area. Entries are due May 15.

For the literary category, both prose (essay, biography, historical fiction, non-fiction) and poetry may be submitted.

Those entering the musical category are asked to submit a recording of an original song, or the printed lyrics and score of the piece.

Dysart Sesquicentennial Beard & Mustache Contest entrant Don Lyons pictured during the Centennial contest held in 1973, left, and more recently as part of the 150th anniversary contest. PHOTO COURTESY DYSART 150 YEAR CELEBRATION/FACEBOOK

Under the visual arts category, original artwork of any size, or photography – black and white or color – is accepted.

The traditional arts category includes shop arts – such as woodworking or metalworking – and home arts including weaving, tatting, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, basket making, rug braiding, broom making, etc. — however, no quilting projects will be accepted.

Various panels of experts will judge the submissions blindly, per the contest rules, with winning entries on display at the Dysart Community Building from July 2 through July 4.

All winners will be awarded ribbons at a ceremony slated for Monday, July 3.

Following the Sesquicentennial celebrations in July, a book will be compiled of the winning entries.

Entry forms for the contest may be picked up at the Norma Anders Public Library or by contacting contest organizer Janet Wilson at 319-239-9045.

Beard contest, garden flags, and more

In addition to the art contest, the Beard & Mustache Contest is also underway as part of Dysart’s 150th anniversary festivities.

The contest kicked off February 1 with 11 official entrants, according to Sesquicentennial Committee member Marcia Knupp. Entrants include Don Lyons who also participated in the Centennial beard and mustache contest back in 1973.

“[Entrants] are either people who used to live in Dysart or people currently living there,” Knupp told the Telegraph of the roughly dozen people who entered the contest.

The contest will conclude on Monday, July 3 with judging taking place at 2 p.m. in the community building.

For those who missed the February 1 deadline – or were otherwise challenged in the facial hair department – a 150 Year Celebration garden flag displayed in the yard is a great way to join the Sesquicentennial fun in the meantime.

Flags are $10 and can be purchased by calling Marcia Knupp at 319-640-8207.

The next Dysart Sesquicentennial Committee planning meeting is set for Monday, May 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Dysart Community Building. All are welcome to attend.