“Corn Zone" at the Figge Art Museum -- July 5 through September 27.
Sunday, July 5, through Sunday, September 27
Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second Street, Davenport IA
Purchased in honor of the Figge Art Museum's late museum trustee, board president, and museum supporter Tom Gildehaus, the visitor favorite Corn Zone returns to the Davenport venue July 5 through September 27, its “corn field” installation of oversize blown-glass ears carefully suspended from the museum's ceiling with rope, and designed to explore the fragility of glass, the story of corn, and contemporary issues in farming.
Returning to the Figge’s galleries, Corn Zone transforms one of the Midwest’s most familiar subjects into an immersive experience. Created by Wisconsin glass artist and farmer Michael Meilahn in collaboration with video and sound designer Nick Nebel, the installation features a suspended “field” of oversized blown-glass ears of corn surrounded by projected imagery and atmospheric sound.
A longtime visitor favorite, Corn Zone explores the history of agriculture in the Midwest while examining contemporary issues, such as genetic modification and technological innovation in farming. Meilahn, a fourth-generation farmer, draws on his firsthand experience to create an installation that is both visually striking and thought-provoking.
“For many Iowans, corn is more than a crop—it’s part of the landscape, economy, and culture that surrounds us every day,” said Co-Senior Curator Vanessa Sage. “Corn Zone reimagines that familiar subject, encouraging visitors to think about agriculture and our relationship with the land in new ways.”
Corn Zone will be on display in the Davenport venue's Gildehaus Gallery July 5 through September 27, with regular museum hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays (10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays) and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Museum admission is $8-14, and more information on the exhibit is available by calling (563)326-7804 and visiting FiggeArtMuseum.org.
