[DUBUQUE, IA] Dubuque's newest art space, eronel ART + MUSIC VENUE, will host an opening reception for artist Michael Garside's solo exhibition on Friday, February 2 from 7-10 p.m. in the lower level of the Cooper Wagon Works building, 285 Main Street in downtown Dubuque. The exhibit features abstract acrylic works and explorations in color and circular cellular construction. "I'm attracted to circles, they represent the universal, like the circle of life. When you break things down to their most basic form they become cells," Garside says about his work. "There is a perceived randomness about circles, there are no right angles, circles suggest a certain chaos and fragility, yet, they purposefully fit together."

Garside is a Dubuque native who has lived in New York City and in the Pacific Northwest. His recent exhibitions include the Pepper Sprout restaurant and Carnegie Stout's Art @ Your Library series. His upcoming exhibit boasts exceptional color. "I was diagnosed with color blindness as a small child so painting for me is about experimenting with color and contrast and feeling free to explore that," Garside says "A lot of times painting is just about experimenting and enjoying the end result."

eronel ART + MUSIC VENUE brings a new artful presence to downtown Dubuque's Historic Old Main Street District by hosting music, performance art, and offering a new home for exhibiting artists in Dubuque's cultural district. The new venue opens on February 1 with a musical performance by Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts.

Michael Garside's paintings will be on exhibition through March 2, 2013 with evening gallery hours Wednesday through Saturday, 7p.m. - 11 pm and by appointment. Learn more about Garside's work by visiting theartfeed.com.

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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (January 7, 2013) - Mount Mercy University welcomed Katelyn Bishop of Davenport into the STEPS leadership program during a special induction ceremony held on Thursday, January 3, in Mount Mercy's Stello Performance Hall. (Last name) is a freshman from (City). In all, 20 freshmen were inducted into the program.

The ceremony officially welcomes and inducts the STEPS class of 2016 through a symbolic pinning, officiated by members of the sophomore STEPS class. Junior STEPS member Kim Moorman of Coggon, Iowa, led newly inducted students in the call to service, a pledge announcing students' oath to aid others and work to grow as leaders through workshops, events and personal reflection. Dr. DeAnn M. Fitzgerald, O.D., founder of Spanda, Inc., and owner of Dr. D.M. Fitzgerald and Associates, served as the keynote speaker, with invocation led by Executive Director of Mission & Ministry Sister Shari Sutherland '71.

Mount Mercy's STEPS program is a four-year leadership program built on the foundation of servant leadership. Students accepted into STEPS have shown a high degree of interest in learning how to utilize their strengths and abilities in order to contribute effectively and efficiently in the communities in which they live and work. The program focuses on empowering students to develop skills that will aid them in their college experience and in life after graduation.

Students inducted into the STEPS program work to gain a fundamental understanding of leadership by participating in workshops and volunteering with a local service agency. By their senior year, students will be able to assess their growth as a leader and be able to identity and increase the innate strengths that they have as individuals.

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Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy University is the regional Catholic, Mercy University that promises students of diverse backgrounds, ages and faiths a challenging, practical education that inspires them to discover knowledge, build community and lead courageous lives. Mount Mercy offers baccalaureate and graduate education to more than 1,800 enrolled students and uniquely blends liberal arts education with professional preparation.

Bettendorf, Iowa (January 10, 2013) - Spend an afternoon watching talented award-winning chefs from the Quad Cities including the Isle's own chef's Matt Meadows and Jason Gomez, Chicago, and Des Moines compete on January 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. during our Winterfest Competition.

View amazing creations in candies, celebration cakes, wedding cakes, centerpieces, and ice carving. There will be an Isle chili sampling from Calypsos, Banquets, Farraddays', Tradewinds. You can vote for your favorite Isle Chef's chili. Proceeds from the chili competition voting will benefit Honor Flight of the Quad Cities.

The ice carving competition starts at 1 p.m. in the courtyard behind the hotel. The winner will be announced at 5 p.m.. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa at our outdoor cocoa bar and stay warm by our outdoor fire pits while you watch professional carvers from all over the Midwest.

All other competitions take place in the Isle Center from 1 - 5pm. Beverages and concessions will be available for purchase. Visit our vodka luge while you are here.

Winterfest is sponsored by Reinhardt Food Service, Loffredo, King Food Service, and Midwest Imports.

This event is open to all ages. Seating is limited and tickets are free. Pick up free tickets for this event at the IsleOne Guest Service Center, Java Bay Trading in the hotel or online. To stay up-to-date on our other great food events scheduled at the Isle visit www.theislebettendorf.com.

Interested chefs should contact Matt Meadows at 563-359-7280 or 800-724-5825 for registration information. Registration cut off is January 20, 2013.

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Isle Casino Hotel - Iowa's largest hotel complex in Bettendorf, Iowa is located on the Mississippi River with over 500 hotel rooms; three dining venues; and meeting and banquet space that seats over 1,500. The casino features 1,000 slots and 24 table games including live poker. Isle Casino Hotel is one of 15 casinos owned and operated by Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., and is dedicated to providing its customers with an exceptional gaming and entertainment experience.