Display of former Better Homes & Gardens artist in Fonda

Marilyn Schmitt’s Prairie Song Gallery in Fonda is featuring the work of Marilyn’s uncle William Wells. “Uncle Bill, Mom’s brother, was an artist by profession,” she explained. “He worked for many years as an artist for Better Homes and Gardens magazine. He had other goals in life. One was to manage an inn and to become a gourmet chef. Both were accomplished when he and his wife, Doris, bought and managed the Inn of Glen Haven in Colorado. He designed and produced the artwork found around the Inn.

Another of Wells’ goals was to become an Anglican priest. He accomplished this and built a church in the mountains near Estes Park where he and Doris conducted Sunday services. Wells passed away in 2008.

Wells was commissioned for many art projects, including murals at Adventureland in Des Moines.

Most of the artwork in the Fonda display are ink drawings like the one at left. The display will remain up for several months. The address of the gallery is 408 E. 3rd St., Fonda.

To see the exhibit, call or text Marilyn Schmitt at 712-749-0442.