Description

Summer of the Arts is proud to announce a meaningful new collaboration with Houses into Homes at the upcoming 2025 Iowa Arts Festival, blending the power of art with community support in an exciting and compassionate way.

Summer of the Arts builds community through free arts and cultural events, and this year, we’re proud to extend our mission even further by partnering with Houses into Homes—a local nonprofit that provides gently used beds, furniture, and household items to individuals and families in Johnson County who are exiting homelessness, domestic violence, or other crisis situations.

This special partnership highlights the value of art in creating not just houses—but homes. When preparing homes for the people they serve, the team at Houses into Homes puts careful thought into selecting artwork that reflects the style and spirit of each family. Art becomes more than decoration—it becomes part of the healing process, turning unfamiliar spaces into welcoming sanctuaries.

How you can help and turn art into impact:

ARTISTS: Donate a piece of wall art or functional art (such as cutting boards, ceramic bowls, or other handcrafted items).

FESTIVAL-GOERS: Purchase artwork from your favorite artist at the festival and donate it at the Houses into Homes booth!

Your donation will be thoughtfully matched with families based on their preferences, creating a personalized, beautiful home environment.

Donation details:

Where: Houses into Homes Booth on Clinton Street

When: Saturday, June 7 (10 AM – 7 PM) and Sunday, June 8 (10 AM – 4 PM)

What: Drop off your donation and pick up a receipt for tax purposes

Learn more about their work and how you can get involved

This partnership is a unique opportunity to support artists while directly impacting the lives of neighbors in need. Together, we can celebrate creativity and generosity—one piece of art at a time.

To learn more:

Houses into Homes: www.housesintohomes.org

Iowa Arts Festival & Summer of the Arts: www.summeroftheARTS.org

Summer of the Arts is a nonprofit organization which produces local arts and culture events which include:
Iowa Arts Festival presented by MidWestOne Bank and MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa City Jazz Festival presented by GreenState Credit Union, Friday Night Concert Series presented by McGrath Toyota of Iowa City, Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings presented by Veridian Credit Union and Lepic-Kroeger Realtors - Kim Schillig, Realtor, Free Movie Series presented by Urban Acres Real Estate and CBI Bank & Trust, Music on the Move presented by Hills Bank,
and Holiday Thieves Market presented by Procter & Gamble.

The mission of Summer of the Arts is to build community by bringing people together in the
Iowa City Area to experience, learn about, and enjoy free arts and cultural programs.