MAE Coffeehouse

Local talent will be showcased at a Coffeehouse from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Maquoketa Art Experience, 124 S. Main St.

The Coffeehouse will feature readings, instrumental and vocal performances, and more. Talent ranges from middle-school students to senior citizens. 

The Coffeehouse offers something for everyone, said Nancy Kilburg, one of the organizers.

“We have a great lineup for this event. There’s so much talent in this community,” she said. “The event is a great time to see what hidden talents your friends and neighbors have, as well as enjoy some refreshments and visit. We’ve been so pleased at the variety of acts that we’ve had over the last several years.”

The event is open to the public, who are invited to stop in, enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and homemade baked goods, and watch the talent.

The event is free, but MAE will be accepting donations for the Maquoketa Community Cupboard, which can use peanut butter, tuna and other high-nutrition, nonperishable items, as well as shampoo, soap and other hygiene products.

The program is a continuation of the ongoing Layers of Maquoketa community-building project that launched in 2017.

The Coffeehouse is sponsored by the Maquoketa Art Experience, the Maquoketa Sentinel-Press, Layers of Maquoketa and the University of Iowa, whose Office of Outreach and Engagement was instrumental in launching the Layers project.

During a couple of refreshment breaks, people can view the latest exhibit at the MAE. Art created by students from Central DeWitt Community School District will be on display, along with works by their art instructors Cassie Garrity and Deb Richmann will have their art on display. 

That exhibit is on display through Feb. 28.