On August 31, four outdoor locations in downtown Davenport will collectively house the traveling exhibit Coexistence, a series of 45 nine-by-15-foot panels - created by 43 international artists - exploring themes of compassion and empathy on a global level. Portions of the exhibit will be displayed in front of the Figge Art Museum, RiverCenter, and sky bridge, with the remainder displayed in LeClaire Park, and the exhibit is expected to attract 25,000 visitors - including more than 10,000 students - between August 31 and its close on September 27, 2007. Initiated by Jerusalem's Museum on the Seam in 2001 and sponsored by the Riverboat Development Authority, the artworks will be shown in conjunction with the Quad Cities' community-wide project "Coexistence: The Art of Living Together," and more information on the exhibit is available at (http://www.coexistence.art.museum). - Mike Schulz

The City of Davenport will be holding a series of focus groups and community workshops to guide the design of its riverfront, including the expansion of LeClaire Park. A public kickoff will be held on Monday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. This will be a 90-minute presentation held at the River Music Experience. The event will cover the project scope (including specific parcels), River Vision, the area's history, and the city's application for a state Community Attraction & Tourism grant. People are also welcome to provide their feedback at the Design Center (102 East Second Street), by phone (563-888-2252), or through the City's Web site (http://www.cityofdavenportiowa.com).

Twelve Quad Cities-area artists have been selected by a jury to create works for an exhibition and auction in conjunction with a major show at the Figge Art Museum. The artists will donate the 12 pieces to benefit the Figge, where the local artworks will be displayed from the week before a fundraising gala until May 27, or whenever the winning bidders choose to take possession of the artworks. The selected artists were Emily Christenson, Catherine Jones Davies, Diane Dexter-Wall, Sara Jane Fellin, Kristin Garnant, Ulrike Goerlich, David Heffner, Heidi Hernandez, Nancy Lindsay, Jim Riesberg, Bruce Walters, and Peter Xiao. The museum will present its fundraising gala "Under the Big Sky" on March 24, when guests can see the major exhibition of Deborah Butterfield's horse sculptures as well as the Follow the Horses show of locally created works. To make reservations for the gala, contact special-events coordinator Mary Davidson at (563) 326-7804 extension 2046. Admission is $125 per person, which includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, live music, wine, and cocktails. 

The American Bass Anglers will hold a regional championship in the Quad Cities this year. The event takes place from September 27 to 29 at Sunset Marina in Rock Island. Debra Talley, national marketing director for the American Bass Anglers, was in the Quad Cities on February 14 to tour the area and discuss tournament logistics. Pre-tournament fishing will begin on September 23, with official weigh-ins and banquets on Saturday, September 29. Approximately 500 anglers will fish the Mississippi River over the spring and summer to practice for the regional event. The economic impact of this event is estimated at close to $1 million.