Julius Schmidt (American, 1923 - 1917), Stainless Steel Sculpture, 1971, stainless steel, City of Davenport Art Collection, Friends of Art Acquisition Fund, 1974, 4 @ 1971 Julius Schmidt.
Saturday, April 13, through Sunday, June 23
Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second Street, Davenport IA
This spring, the Figge Art Museum's Katz Gallery will be transformed into an oasis within the museum with the Davenport venue's new Sculpture Garden, providing a space for contemplation, mindfulness, and relaxation from April 13 through June 23.
The Scultpure Garden exhibition will feature a selection of large works from the Figge’s permanent collection, including pieces by Marily Davidson, George Rickey, Gene Horvath, and Julius Schmidt. These works will be accompanied by traditional art historical interpretation as well as mindfulness prompts and activities generated by Iowa City Artist and Art Therapist Dana Keeton and local yoga instructor, Reiki Master, sound healer, and Thai Bodywork practitioner Becky Nakashima Brooke. Keeton and Brooke will also create a meditative space in the center of the gallery, with floor cushions and soothing music where visitors are encouraged to contemplate the surrounding sculptures and see them through new perspectives. These new perspectives will be encouraged by the curated activities in the exhibition, including communal journaling, yoga instruction, and meditation prompts.
Dana Keeton is an artist and art psychotherapist in private practice in Iowa City. Her work with clients is centered on an integrative mind-body approach rooted in trauma-informed art psychotherapy. In addition to her clinical work, Keeton provides art therapy informed workshops in museum settings. As an artist, she is interested in exploring new ways to create with both tactile and lens-based media. Trained as a photographer, Keeton's current work focuses on collaborative multimedia projects that investigate themes connected to nature, the environment, and the innate human need for calming and soothing amidst the natural cycles of change.
Becky Nakashima Brooke has a diverse background as an end-of-life doula, Reiki master, yoga Instructor, Thai body worker, sound healer, and qigong teacher, and she uses her knowledge of qigong and sound healing to guide meditation. Through Brooke's guidance, individuals can experience profound relaxation and harmonization of the body, mind, and spirit.
“In today's fast-paced world, taking moments for introspection and mindfulness is crucial for maintaining mental health,” says Brooke. “The mindfulness prompts in the exhibition are designed to spark introspection and encourage mental well-being.”
Joshua Johnson, Figge Co-Senior Curator, is looking forward to having a space where art and mindfulness converge. “Through this collaboration with Dana Keeton and Becky Nakashima Brooke," he said, "we invite visitors to experience how art has the power to inspire, heal, renew, and uplift the spirit."
Patrons can visit the Davenport Sculpture Garden between April 13 and June 23, 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 $4-10, and more information is available by calling (563)326-7804 and visiting FiggeArtMuseum.org.
