Romare Bearden (American, 1911-1988), Untitled (Melon Season), circa 1967, collage on board, 11 ½ x 8 ½ inches, The Lewis Collection, Gift of Linda and J Randolph Lewis, 2024.27
Exhibit: Saturday, September 13, through Sunday, January 13
Figge Member Preview: Friday, September 12, 5 – 7 p.m.
Opening Celebration: Thursday, September 18, 6 – 8 p.m.
Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second Street, Davenport IA
With the downtown-Davenport venue celebrating its 100th birthday this year, that centennial milestone will be honored from September 13 through January 11 with the Figge Art Museum's presentation of 100 Years of Collecting, an exhibit of noteworthy, evocative, and beautiful works on display in the fourth-floor gallery.
The Figge’s story started in 1925, when former Davenport mayor Charles August Ficke donated 334 works of art to create the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery, which later became the Figge Art Museum. In the years that followed, gifts from C.T. Lindley, Clara L. Brandt, and Mr. and Mrs. Philip D. Adler strengthened the collection, especially in American art.
In the 1960s, Dr. Walter E. Neiswanger’s donation helped establish the Figge as a leading center for Haitian art. More recently, gifts of photography from Brent Sikkema and a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary works from Linda and J. Randolph Lewis have shaped the museum’s character and kept it relevant for future generations.
“Each gift tells a story, not only about the art itself but also about the people who believed in building a museum for this community,” said Figge Executive Director Melissa Mohr. “This exhibition is a celebration of their vision and generosity."
100 Years of Collecting celebrates the museum’s most important gifts, featuring a mix of American, Haitian, Spanish Colonial, and contemporary art that together illustrate a century of collecting and community support.
“We’ve been part of this community for nearly 40 years, and it means so much to give back in this way,” said Dr. Randy and Linda Lewis. “Knowing these works will remain at the Figge, enriching its collection and inspiring families and future generations, makes this gift a lasting legacy we are proud to leave behind.”
The celebration doesn’t stop with the exhibition. In honor of the Figge’s 100 years of collecting, the museum is inviting community members to take part in the Adopt an Artwork initiative. By adopting a work of art featured in the exhibition, donors have the unique opportunity to connect with a piece of history while helping sustain the Figge’s mission of bringing art and people together. Each adoption supports the care and preservation of the museum’s collection, ensuring these works will be around for many years to come.
“Adopting a work of art is a meaningful way to join the museum’s story,” said Figge Director of Development Sara Morby. “Just as past donors built this collection, today’s supporters help carry it into the future.” To adopt a work of art, contact Sara Morby, Director of Development, at (563)345.6637 or smorby@figgeartmuseum.org.
Supporting sponsors for this exhibition are Pepsi Cola Bottling of Davenport, The Current Iowa, and Hotel Blackhawk. Contributing sponsors include Bill and Chris Gallin, John Gardner and Cathy Weidman, and TBK Bank.
The 100 Years of Collecting exhibit will be on view in the Davenport venue's fourth-floor gallery from September 13 through January 11, with regular museum hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays (10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays) and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Museum admission is $8-14, and more information is available by calling (563)326-7804 and visiting FiggeArtMuseum.org.
