BETTENDORF, IOWA (September 4, 2025) — The Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO) celebrated the completion of a new mural, Arches, by artist William Gustafson with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 312 17th Street in Downtown Bettendorf.
The mural depicts the evolution of Bettendorf’s past, present, and future through a series of arches.
“I created the mural to span time from the past industrial age: the Bettendorf brothers revolutionizing the train wheel, the innovative Velie Monocoup, the steel industry, old steam boats on the river, and two life-sized industry workers,” said Gustafson. “The center arch includes the current Waterfront Convention Center and Isle Casino, to the Celebration Belle, to a one-wheel rider and young girl life-size in the foreground, and a jet streaming across the sky to hold the viewers eye into the future with the new I-74 bridge spanning the present day to lead you into the future with a solar car and personal drone flying in above. An eagle holds the viewer’s eye life-size as the shadow from early-morning light cast across all time.”
Property owner Kevin Koellner said, “The mural does a great job of promoting our city and we are happy to host it in Downtown Bettendorf.”
“This mural is a major step in adding to the vibrancy of downtown and encouraging more people to explore our urban core,” said Ryan Jantzi, Executive Director of DBO. “The incredible detail and historical references make it a welcoming gateway to Downtown Bettendorf.”
Quad City Arts was contracted by DBO to facilitate this transformative art project. “Seeing our communities invest in public art makes us excited for the future of the Quad Cities,” said Ben Gougeon, Quad City Arts’ Director of Community Engagement. “When organizations like the Downtown Bettendorf Organization lead the way in promoting public-placemaking initiatives, it helps lift not only Downtown Bettendorf, but all Quad Citizens.”
Gustafson’s design was chosen from four finalists. The public was invited to vote for their favorite, with the DBO board of directors and property owner making the final selection. Gustafson began painting in June.
The Arches mural joins another new piece of public art in Downtown Bettendorf. Lost Frequencies by Dominic Laporte was created during this year’s Alternating Currents Festival and can be found on The Bulldog Arms at 2211 Grant Street.
