The Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge will host Iowa artist and Americana songwriter Chad Elliott as part of his ‘Paint the Park’ series on Thursday, July 18th.

Elliott invites parks across Iowa to host a live painting and music event in their natural spaces. During the event, he will paint a piece inspired by the unique landscape of the prairie restoration at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and perform a concert behind the Refuge’s Visitor Center. Visitors are invited to stop by during the day to see him working, take a walk, admire blooming wildflowers and look for bison and elk.

Concert attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for the show, which will start at 6 pm. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought to the event.