The Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) is accepting applications for this year’s Sculptor’s Showcase, which will display eight works of art in three public parks around the city. The city has been sponsoring the showcase since 2021, and this year will be the first time the selected sculptures will be on display for […]
Iowa City public art
Posted inBread & Butter Dining Guide
Restaurateurs look to local creatives to elevate their exterior
Even if you’re in it for the food and drink, a good view never hurts. At restaurants across the CRANDIC, that view is enhanced by artists. The confluence of art and food is visible in everything from grab-and-go items eaten on brightly painted picnic benches dotting Iowa City’s downtown, to an intentional sit-down meal (with […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Public art meets the front porch swing in Black Hawk Mini Park
The official description of Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 calls it an “international participatory public art installation” that “features a series of three-dimensional red frames that illustrate the warmth, comfort, and safety of our home.” But anyone walking past Black Hawk Mini Park can be forgiven if their first thought is, Oh, look, swings! The […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Introducing Sprites, downtown Iowa City’s new interactive light installation
One of the most trafficked alleyways in downtown Iowa City is in the process of a complete transformation. On Friday, Sprites, an interactive art installation, will light up the alley connecting Dubuque and Linn streets, and Washington Street with Iowa Avenue. Dynamic, colorful bursts of light will fill the once dark, Dumpster-lined space and change […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘I hope it’s gonna be a catalyst’: City dedicates the Oracles of Iowa City mural
The Oracles of Iowa City mural is finally completed after months of work. The figures stand tall over East Burlington Street with two stark messages: “Black joy needs no permission” and “Weaponize your privilege to save Black bodies.” Artists Antoine Williams and Donté K. Hayes designed the nearly 70-foot murals that now decorate the Capitol […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Loop, an interactive art exhibit, lights up the Ped Mall
Loop began to light up the Ped Mall on Friday. The interactive art installation combines spinning illustrations and quiet music, all powered by the person viewing the art. The installation features large cylindrical pods that mimic the display of a zoetrope, an early 19th-century precursor of the movies. Zoetropes were tabletop devices containing a loop […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
It’s nearly time for the annual Ped Mall bench makeover — applications are open for BenchMarks 2021
The Iowa City Ped Mall has seen Herkys on parade, tree sweaters, outdoor pianos, a massive $20,000 bike rack and more, but perhaps its most enduring and diverse public art project has been its painted benches. Since the summer of 2012, the City of Iowa City, Iowa City Downtown District and sponsor GreenState Credit Union […]
Posted inUncategorized
Creating public art becomes more private during the pandemic, but the work continues in Iowa City
A reduction of Iowa Citians in the streets hasn’t stopped local artists from beautifying them. Thomas Agran, director of public art for the Iowa City Downtown District, said that when the pandemic started affecting local businesses and jobs, his office mobilized to try to get projects in the hands of artists as quickly as possible. […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
‘My life matters! Your life matters!’: Iowa artists unveil new mural overlooking Iowa City’s Northside
A new mural from Iowa artists Robert Moore and Dana Harrison, titled “The Reciprocal of Humanity,” was formally unveiled Saturday night, July 4, on the side of the Market House on North Linn Street. Building project manager Ross Nusser recruited the artists, who have worked together frequently in the past, for the project. “I love […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Iowa City seeks input on Creekside art installation
Backyard Abundance — an environmental education nonprofit based in Johnson County — and Marion artist Cara Briggs Farmer combined skills to remodel Chadek Green Park in 2018: the nonprofit designed a community garden, and Briggs Farmer created the “Three Sisters” art installation to complement it. “The three aluminum structures represent the three daughters of Carl […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Best of the CRANDIC 2018: Arts & Entertainment
The results are in! Here are the winners of the 2018 Best of the CRANDIC competition in the Arts & Entertainment category, representing Little Village readers’ favorite businesses, organizations, people and places in the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City area.
Posted inCommunity/News
Your Village: What are those huge faces along I-80 in Iowa City?
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