Meet the Maker
One of the things that makes Dows Market on Main so special is the people behind the tables. It's the makers, artists, and small business owners who bring heart, creativity, and community spirit to the market. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce our very first Market Spotlight featuring local artist Sara Middleton, the creative force behind Studio Sol and Sara Middleton Creates.
Who is Sara?
Sara is a self-taught artist whose creative journey began not in childhood, but later in life after moving from California back to Iowa. What started as a low-risk experiment with a box of oil pastels quickly turned into a meaningful artistic practice and eventually, a calling.
“I literally picked it up for the first time after I moved back,” Sara shared. “By the time I started posting my work, people were buying it almost right away. That was shocking to me... but also really affirming.”
Today, Sara creates art because she loves it. She paints what feels right in the moment, follows inspiration as it comes, and believes strongly that art should stay joyful.
What You’ll Find at Sara’s Market Table
At the market, Sara plans to bring a variety of smaller original works, making her booth welcoming and accessible for all shoppers.
You can expect:
Original acrylic paintings
Florals, animals, and colorful abstracts
Hand-painted watercolor cards for all occasions
Sara is passionate about making art approachable, whether that means buying your first original painting or starting small with a framed card.
“Cards are such a great entry point into owning art,” she explained. “They’re low risk, affordable, and still original artwork.”
Her cards are typically priced around $4–$5, with bundle discounts available, and all artwork she brings to the market will be under $100. Which is something that reflects both her community values and her belief that art should be accessible to everyone.
Art Is for Everyone
That belief extends far beyond the market booth. Sara is also the founder of Studio Sol, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and abilities to create art and experience its healing benefits.
Studio Sol offers:
Free crafts in the park
Art camps
Workshops and paint-and-sip events
Art sessions in care centers and assisted living communities
“Art is for everyone. That’s literally our tagline,” Sara said. “There are
so many ways art helps us, and I want people to have access to that.”
Her Style & Inspiration
Sara works in several mediums, depending on the scale of the piece:
Ink pen and watercolor for smaller works
Acrylic for larger paintings
Her signature color palette often includes vermilion red, orange, teal, turquoise, yellow ochre, and bold black lines. She uses colors that feel warm, expressive, and full of movement.
When asked about her favorite piece she’s ever created, she mentioned an expressive black-and-white elephant painting that she chose not to overwork, trusting that less was more. It's a perfect reflection of her artistic intuition.
Music, Community & Market Vibes
In addition to visual art, music plays a big role in Sara’s life. She’s part of a cover band that plays a wide range of genres, with a sweet spot for harmony-rich, sing-along favorites. Watch them play HERE! You may have even seen her perform at local events like Dows Corn Days.
She’s also a coffee lover (medium to dark roast, black or an Americano), so yes, the coffee truck at the market was excellent news.
Why We’re So Excited to Have Sara at the Market
Sara was one of the very first artists I thought of when planning Dows Market on Main. Her work, her values, and her belief in creativity as a community experience align perfectly with what this market is all about. Read more about our Market values in THIS BLOG POST.
We can’t wait for you to meet her, see her art in person, and experience the warmth and authenticity she brings to everything she does.
Be sure to stop by Sara Middleton’s booth at Dows Market on Main April 18, 2026
Learn more about her work and nonprofit Studio Sol By CLICKING HERE.
More Market Spotlights coming soon. We’re just getting started!
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