21
May
2002
Back in 1996, MidCoast Fine Arts exported its "art-in-the-empty-storefronts" model from the Rock Island District to downtown Davenport with the Art Under Glass program. Rotating juried exhibits of local and regional art have filled the empty storefronts of the Redstone and the Parker buildings on 2nd Street ever since. Now, a new public art program has been launched by the D1 Downtown Partnership Art and Culture Task Force, in partnership with Quad City Arts, that brings art out of the windows ? and onto the sidewalks. Eight works of art were chosen from over thirty entries, seven of which (at the time of this printing) have been installed on Second Street between Perry (River Center) and Ripley Streets (Ground Transportation Center). The entries were solicited from the six counties around the Quad Cities, as well as universities and colleges in central Iowa and Illinois. The program is encouraging local businesses, including collectors, to purchase the works where they are sited, populating and enhancing the downtown. Thirty five percent of the sale price will go toward supporting the costs of next year's program. A similar program has been very effective in downtown Cedar Rapids for years. The program was funded by a $16,700 grant from the Riverboat Development Authority to Davenport One's Downtown Partnership. Project coordinator Lori Roderick of Quad City Arts, explained that the organization will be publishing a walking-tour brochure of the exhibit this fall, as well as a study guide for teachers to use for art field trips and lesson plans.
Each exhibiting sculptor is paid an exhibit fee of $800. Regional comparisons for exhibit fees are around $200-$300 for similar programs, which Roderick explained is testament to the high caliber of work that was submitted to this program. The sculptures will be exhibited through the first week of December. A Critics' Choice Award, with $1000 in prize money, will be voted on by downtown retailers, the Art & Culture Task Force and area educators. The winner of this award will be announced at the August 2nd, ArtStroll event in downtown Davenport. For more information, contact Davenport One at 322-1706.
Each exhibiting sculptor is paid an exhibit fee of $800. Regional comparisons for exhibit fees are around $200-$300 for similar programs, which Roderick explained is testament to the high caliber of work that was submitted to this program. The sculptures will be exhibited through the first week of December. A Critics' Choice Award, with $1000 in prize money, will be voted on by downtown retailers, the Art & Culture Task Force and area educators. The winner of this award will be announced at the August 2nd, ArtStroll event in downtown Davenport. For more information, contact Davenport One at 322-1706.
