May First Thursday in New Bohemia

Overview

The First Thursday of each month enjoy FREE art exhibits in the New Bohemia Neighborhood. In May, walk through The Cherry Building, CSPS Hall, The Olympic South Side Theater, The Ideal Theater and Tree of Liminality to view new artwork exhibits while enjoying the historic neighborhood of New Bohemia.

Here is what is happening on May 7th:

First Thursday in The Cherry Building 5 to 7pm -

Featured in the Schwartzkopf Gallery on the First Floor:

“My Name is Frances” artwork by Kathy H Schumacher

In this series of artwork, Kathy has illustrated the experiences of her Grandmother. On October 25th, 1941, her Grandmother was committed to the Iowa Asylum for the Insane in Independence, Iowa. Kathy has examined the records of the 15 years her grandmother was in the asylum, and combined this history with family memories to create a series of drawings illustrating her Grandmother’s story. Artist Reception May 7th 5-7pm. Exhibition on display through June 30th, 2026.

In the Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio's Chadima Gallery, enjoy ceramic work by Sara D. Simonson: Rough around the edges. Working in both earthenware and stoneware, she creates sculptural pieces that invite viewers to explore texture, pattern, and movement. In addition to ceramics, she also creates jewelry and sculptural forms in metal, primarily sterling silver. Exhibit on display until the end of May.

John Schwartzkopf will be in his workshop to talk about his latest projects.

First Floor • adjacent to Schwartzkopf Gallery

Barb Thompson will be her studio showcasing watercolor work.

First Floor • Suite 121

Kinheart Studio will be open with the exhibition “Painting the Corners.” Image featured this month: The Ozzie Flip is one of the most surprising celebrations in baseball! (detail of a painting by Gabe Crerie) Second Floor • Kinheart Studio Suite 221

Mel Andringa will be showcasing his work-in-progress, and demonstrating his working process to anyone adventurous enough to venture up to the third floor.

Third Floor • Suite 303

Enjoy Artwork in various mediums throughout The Cherry Building!

First Thursday at Tree of Liminality - 6-9pm -

Visit during First Thursday for the opening reception of the new Staircase Gallery exhibition. Part goddess, part super heroine, *Woman on Fire* features mixed media interpretations of the title theme by Northern Michigan artist Rebecca Goulder. Cohosted by Farmhouse Art Collective. Staircase Gallery is located within Tree of Liminality at 1301 3rd Street SE in New Bohemia.

First Thursday at CSPS Hall -

CSPS Sign lighting remarks starting at 5:15 PM, followed by a ribbon cutting at 6:00 PM

Join in on May 7 to celebrate the lighting of our new marquee sign! We'll kickoff the evening with remarks starting at 5:15 PM, followed by a ribbon cutting at 6:00 PM. Make a night of it and grab tickets for the show that night featuring Cedar County Cobras. We'd love to see you there!

At 7pm Cedar County Cobras perform with an upright bass, foot drum, and several guitars to play American Roots & Blues music from the last century. The music takes on an “old time” blues feel that would most likely be found in a juke-joint down a gravel road in rural Iowa. This is a General Admission seated show held in the Main Theater of CSPS Hall. Doors will open 30 minutes before showtime. $15 Advance | $18 Door

The Ideal Theater and The Olympic South Side Theater - 5-8pm

Each venue will host open houses, visitors can come through and explore the venues and get information about private rentals and upcoming events.

While viewing Art in the NewBo neighborhood, enjoy a bite to eat or a beverage at one of our local restaurants!