Content warning: Suicide Ruth stands alone on a rocky shore, surrounded by a hazy sea. In the distance, a shape appears through the mist. A boat approaches, and at the bow stands a woman so beautiful she must be an angel. Right hand outstretched, left hand clutching a basin of water, the angel beckons softly, […]
Public Art
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Review: A mile of lights turn the Figge into Iowa’s biggest public artwork — a sight to see from both sides of the Mississippi
On May 18, 2025, the city of Davenport, Iowa began to glow. Nestled amongst the downtown’s old buildings, the Figge Art Museum celebrated its 20th anniversary by unveiling Evanescent Field, an architectural art project by internationally acclaimed light artist Leo Villareal. Hundreds of onlookers gathered in the promenade to the already stunning museum designed by […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Painting by local students and artist Ali Hval gives Cedar Rapids shoppers something to buzz about
NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids became home to a new, original work of art this week when Bumble Bee Bouquet was added to its walls. The large-scale painting was created by Iowa City artist Ali Hval, who worked in collaboration with a group of students from City View Community High School. “A bumble bee […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
‘Visibility is education’: Pride Corner becomes part of Des Moines’ East Village
Pride Corner was unveiled in Des Moines’ East Village on Tuesday. All four corners of the intersection of East Grand Avenue and East Fifth Street are painted with curving images of the Progress Pride flag to celebrate the history and the presence of the city’s LGBTQ community. “We hope people will enjoy the beautiful art […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Court battle over public art piece in Des Moines park reaches ‘unsatisfying status quo’
“Greenwood Pond: Double Site,” the large-scale work of public art that has been part of Greenwood Park in Des Moines since 1996, will remain in place following the decision of the federal judge on Friday to issue a preliminary injunction stopping the Des Moines Art Center from dismantling and removing its wooden structures. The large-scale installation […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Iowa City is seeking eight works of public art for an unprecedented two-year showcase
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 […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Public Space One announces a $60,000 grant program for inventive public art projects
Public Space One (PS1) unveiled a new grant program on Monday, which will “support publicly-engaged experimental, collaborative, and connective visual arts projects in eastern Iowa.” The Big Field Fund (BFF) will award $60,000 to selected artists and projects on a yearly basis. “BFF will target artist-led projects that manifest new and inventive models, support under-resourced […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
Have a story from Harlan’s Barbershop? Jill Wells wants to make it a part of her new Des Moines art piece
Barbershops have long served as social and cultural hubs for Black Americans, and Harlan’s Barbershop, open for half a century in Des Moines’ Woodland Heights neighborhood, was no exception. Harlan’s opened in 1968; that same year, construction finished on I-235, which had displaced thriving Black businesses, churches and communities in the Center Street district, not […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Eastern Iowa, Eastern Iowa Arts & Entertainment
237 Collective’s new hub for local fashion, vendors and ‘underrepresented artists’ in Cedar Rapids opens Friday
Next time you’re heading down 1st Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids near the Coe College campus, you might be able to spot the vibrant teal, pink and yellow of a new mural on the former Wayfair Roofing building. The piece by EBiSU graces the side of the new 237 Collective gallery, their first brick-and-mortar space […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Your Village: Why there’s a statue of a nude woman facing the Iowa State Capitol
My friend says he read somewhere that Des Moines has the most erotic statue in the world. I moved here a few months ago, and have seen zero erotic statues. Do you know what he’s talking about? —CG, Des Moines It’s probably not the most erotic statue in the world, but in his iconic memoir […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Central Iowa Arts & Entertainment
Paint this staircase: Des Moines artists wanted for neighborhood beautification project
Even if you pass it every day on Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines, you may not have noticed the staircase. Lauren Kollauf wants to change that. “People have probably walked by or driven by this staircase and not really noticed it, it’s drab … and when you go up the staircase, it’s not entirely clear […]
Posted inCentral Iowa
City of Clive accepting submissions for Art Along the Trail 2023
The Greenbelt Trail is Clive’s crown jewel: a wooded bike trail that connects neighborhoods, playgrounds and natural spaces throughout the city. And while the Greenbelt Trail is beautiful in its own right, the City of Clive also wants to use it to showcase visual art through the Art Along the Trail program. 2023 will be […]
