A new series of abstract art celebrating the Iowa Landscape will be unveiled in Cedar Rapids.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, December 5th 2014 - January 31st 2015 - Nationally acclaimed local artist Mary Zeran will be exhibiting her recent body of work at Gilded Pear Gallery in a show titled: "La Tierra de Mi Corazón...The Land of My Heart"

The new series comprised of Zeran's trademark joyous color, will be unveiled Friday, December 5th at an opening reception from 5:00-7:00 at Gilded Pear Gallery, 808 Third Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA. For more information regarding the exhibit contact Suzy McGrane-Hop at 319-366-0205, gildedpeargallery.com

Mary Zeran is known for her innovative painting and collage techniques using archival polyester film. Zeran's work evolves over time. The final pieces are compilations of scraps, isolated brushstrokes and forms created from her stock of individually painted polyester sheets. She finds this spontaneous, painterly way of working allows her to be responsive to the cutting and gluing, collaborating directly with the process and materials.

The new abstracted landscapes celebrate the land of Zeran's heart, Iowa; a place flowing with small rivers, and creeks, bursting with bountiful fields of corn, powerful oak trees, and expansive skies.

"When Zeran and her husband first moved back to Iowa from Seattle, WA, the thing that surprised her most was how much calmer she felt. The bustle of the city was invigorating at first, but then became exhausting. Life turned into endless traffic jams, loud noises, and cramped spaces. The only way to contact family was by phone or plane. Luckily older parents, new generations, and memories of a better quality of life called them back to Iowa. What she and her husband found was a much welcomed calm and ever inspiring landscape that has fueled Zeran's artwork for the last 5 years."

"I've been working to develop a series of abstract brush marks that describe the sense of joy and wonder I feel when I look at the Iowa landscape. One of the symbols I've been using is wood. Not only is this my way of honoring Iowa's majestic Oak trees, it is a way of celebrating my rich family."

"I'm fascinated with tree rings and how they are an annual record of a life well lived."

About Mary Zeran

Mary Zeran is a third generation American artist known for her innovative painting and collage techniques using polyester film. She grew up in a family of women folk artists.  Textiles, embroidery, and woodcarving, were the visual language of her family. Each time Zeran picks up a brush or scissors, she immerses herself in the language of her family. When she abstracts flowers, trees, and all the colors of nature, she speaks her mother tongue. This language brings her closer to her family's traditions, history and stories. For more information about her work, visit maryzeran.com

CITY CIRCLE ACTING COMPANY PRESENTS THE 2014 FESTIVAL OF TREES AT THE CORALVILLE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS NOVEMBER 29

Holiday Kick-Off Celebration Also Features Breakfast with Santa

City Circle Acting Company of Coralville will host the 2014 Johnson County Festival of Trees on Saturday, November 29 beginning at 6:30pm at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, 1301 5^th Street, Coralville.

This annual event features live and silent auctions of artistically decorated trees and wreaths created by local artists and organizations.  2014 donors include the City of Coralville, Cabinet Style, Karen Chappell,  Rick Crooks, Jan Finlayson Designs, Bret Gothe, Hands Jewelers, Harvest Oil, The Iowa Children's Museum, David Lair, Lensing Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Liberty Iron Works, TheLuxeZone, MidWestOne Bank, New Song Episcopal Church, Nolte Academy, Northwest Mutual, Toyota/Scion of Iowa City, University of Iowa Community Credit Union, and Velvet Coat.

In addition to the auction, the event features heavy hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and performances by City Circle, Nolte Academy, and boogie-woogie pianist Chase Garrett, and dancing onstage to Rod Pierson's band.  The popular grab bags will again feature exciting prizes!

Tickets ($25 or 10 for $200) are available at coralvillearts.org, by phone at 319.248.9370, and in person at the CCPA box office and Coralville Recreation Center.

Breakfast with Santa
Families are invited to join Santa in the CCPA lobby for pancakes, fruit, juice, and coffee on the morning of November 29 at 9am or 10am.  Saint Nick's helpers will have crafts, and each family will get to take a picture with Santa, which will be emailed the next day, perfect for holiday cards!

Tickets ($8) are available at coralvillearts.org, by phone at 319.248.9370, and in person at the CCPA box office and Coralville Recreation Center.

City Circle Acting Company is the community theater program of the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts.  Since 1997, City Circle's mission has been the production of high quality dramatic, musical, and performing art pieces for the enjoyment of the public.  Upcoming City Circle productions include A Year with Frog and Toad (December 12-21) Black Comedy and The Real Inspector Hound (February 13-15), and Into the Woods (April 24-May 3).

Owned and operated by the City of Coralville, the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to enriching the community and contributing to the vitality of Coralville by offering an accessible, affordable venue for a variety of performances, presentations, and public and private events.  The 472 seat theater opened August 26, 2011 and has hosted performances from City Circle Acting Company, Orchestra Iowa, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Dan Knight, Lola Astanova, Lorie Line, Judy Carmichael, Jim McDonough, Nolte Academy of Dance, and many others.  Coralville schools are also able to use the Center free of charge up to three times per year; 15 school events took place at the Center in the 2013-2014 school year. The Center was named 2012 Member of the Year by the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Churches United of the Quad City Area has received a $25,000.00 grant from The Riverboat Development Authority, in support of its Hunger Program the Quad City Area.

Churches United has a 53-year history of reaching out to our community. Its 134 member churches represent 50,000 people from the Quad City Area. As well as 26 food pantries and 3 hot meal sites, Churches United also operates Winnie's Place, a shelter for women (with or without children) who are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence. For information about services offered, or ways to support Churches United, call 563-332-5002, or visit our website at www.CUQCA.org.

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Taco Night on Saturday, November 22nd from 3:00pm until 8:00pm at the Quad City Auto Auction, 4015 - 78th Ave in Milan, Illinois.

This fundraiser will benefit the families of Kaleb Hougland, Danny Debacker and Andy Adams.

Don't miss our delicious food and spectacular raffle prizes.