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Meet the 2025 Emerging Artists

This NEW Emerging Artists Program is intended to support young artists in Iowa who aspire to go professional!

Participating artists are 18-26 years old with a permanent Iowa residence who have never participated in a juried art show/festival.

Deborah Christiansen
Cedar Rapids, IA

My name is Deborah (Deb) Christiansen, and I love creating art. So much so that I work as a graphic designer while in my free time creating art however I can. I love brainstorming concepts and ideas, and usually love challenges or limitations (i.e., create something in black and white, sized at 5 x 7", etc.). I take my drawing tablet everywhere, drawing during my lunch breaks or during car rides. Even if I can quickly sketch an idea that I can use later on, I will draw it! I love using all sorts of mediums and don't like limiting myself to just one thing. I hope to continue to learn, experiment, and create new things!

Megan Carbonelli
Dubuque, IA
I'm a self-taught artist who draws inspiration from personal trauma, pop-culture, and the bond with animals. I'm an artist based out of the American mid-west, growing up in a Chicago suburb. I began painting as a form of escapism — what started as a way to process emotions and my trauma during therapy gradually evolved into a full artistic journey. I moved to Iowa in 2019 and have found nature and connection with wildlife to be very important in my life and artistic journey. At the encouragement of my therapist, I began sketching my feelings during our sessions. Those sketches grew into paintings, and over time, I started studying art online to refine my technique and deepen my self-expression. Living with major depressive disorder and PTSD, art has become a powerful tool for healing and coping. With my work I want to make people feel happiness or a sense of belonging.

Heather Smith
Des Moines, IA

Heather is an aspiring Graphic Designer studying at Grand View University. She is 19, born and raised in Des Moines. Her inspiration comes from the bright colors she spots in nature and applies to mundane objects. She then turns these subjects into a connection with herself, whether it is a mental connection, simple or elaborate, she yearns to have her art represent her and those around her.

Khrystina Calo
Des Moines, IA
My digital art is rooted in memory, emotion, and storytelling. At the heart of my work is my late dog, Tanner, whose presence continues to shape the way I see and create. Through imagined adventures and personal symbolism, I use my art to reconnect with moments and places that have meaning to me. Each piece is more than just a visual—it’s a way of processing grief, celebrating love, and preserving experience. By drawing from my own life and relationships, I hope to create art that feels nostalgic honest, and tender.

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© 2025 Charles City Art-a-Fest

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to make Art-a-Fest accessible to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, culture, religion, race, age, socioeconomic status, or physical ability. 

Contact Us            charlescityartafest@gmail.com          641-228-6284

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