Art Festivals and Events
2026 Events
Let’s Meet in Elkader in 2026!
Join me at Art in the Park for a wonderful weekend of art, creativity, and community.
Saturday, October 3 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 4 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Founder’s Park
Elkader, Iowa
I hope to see you there! Come enjoy the beautiful fall season, meet local artists, and find something special to take home.
2026 Events
I hope to see you at the McGregor Iowa Fall Art Festival!
Saturday, October 10 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, October 11 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Triangle Park • Downtown McGregor, Iowa
Come enjoy a beautiful fall weekend filled with art, artists, and the charm of historic McGregor! I’ll have my watercolor paintings and prints available, and I’d love to see you there.
I hope you’ll stop by and say hello!
2026 Events
Artspire pop-up Market September 4, 2026!
At Pump House Regional Arts Center
Friday, September 4, 4 pm - 7 pm
119 King Street
La Crosse, WI
2026 events
Honors & Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
I am honored to have Peony and the Bee accepted into the 49th Annual Exhibition of the Iowa Watercolor Society.
Juried by Ken Call, Master Signature Member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America.
I’m especially excited to have this painting included in such a wonderful exhibition of watercolor art!
April 2026
I am honored to receive Second Place for Peony and the Bee at the Iowa Artists Region Three Show on April 11, 2026.
Thank you to juror David Prehm for this wonderful recognition. I’m grateful to have my watercolor included among the talented artists in this exhibition.
Honors & Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
I am honored to have The Hummingbird accepted into the 49th Annual Exhibition of the Iowa Watercolor Society.
Juried by Ken Call, Master Signature Member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America.
I’m especially excited to have this painting included in such a wonderful exhibition of watercolor art!
Honors & Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
Around the Water Tank
Iowa Watercolor Society, accepted into the 48th Annual Exhibition 2025
2025 Iowa Watercolor Society
Traveling Show
Honors & Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
The Old She Shed
Iowa Artists Regional Show
Second Place
Honors & Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
Nesting in the Frangipani 2024 Honorable Mention
Iowa Watercolor Society
Iowa Artists Group
Peoples Choice Award
Honors & Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
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The Pollinator Plot 2023 Honorable Mention
Iowa Watercolor Society
Honors & Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
Feed the Bees
2022 Iowa Watercolor Society
Traveling Show
Honors & Recognitions
Honors & Recognitions
My Old Friend Grant
2022 Iowa Watercolor Society
Traveling Show
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Why I Mount My Original Watercolors on Cradle Panels
Watercolor is a beautiful and versatile medium. Its colors can be vibrant or subtle, depending on the flow of the water, the artist’s technique, and the desired artistic effect. I love the luminosity and delicate nuances that watercolor can create.
Traditionally, watercolor paintings are matted, framed, and placed under glass. While glass protects the artwork, it can also create glare—even when using non-glare glass. That glare can diminish the subtle colors, textures, and details that are an important part of the painting. For this reason, I choose to mount my original watercolors on cradle panels.
My watercolors are painted on heavy, cold-pressed watercolor paper. Once a painting is complete, I carefully seal the surface with seven layers of UV-resistant clear acrylic coating to help protect the artwork from light and environmental exposure. The cradle panel is also sealed to create a protective barrier between the wood and the artwork. The prepared watercolor paper is then mounted directly onto the panel. Finally, I apply a thin layer of archival wax to provide an additional layer of protection against normal household moisture.
Mounting my watercolors on cradle panels allows the artwork to be displayed without glass, eliminating the distracting glare that can come between the viewer and the painting. My goal is for you to experience the watercolor as I intended it—to see the full depth, luminosity, subtle colors, and details of the painting without glass obscuring your view. I invite you to step closer, look carefully, and become immersed in the entire painting.
Glenda Plozay
Glenda’s Art Studio
*Watercolors entered into juried shows are matted and framed according to each show's prospectus. *