Quad City Arts has hosted a variety of themed shows over the years - such as The Cat Show, The Dog Show, and The Artist in You - but the current Roots: Who's Your Momma? reveals an emotional intellectualism in many of our local artists. Running through October 1, the exhibit features 49 artworks by 29 regional artists, and in a novel move, the exhibit has been divided between two venues: Quad City Arts in Rock Island and the German American Heritage Center in Davenport.
The artists who truly tackled the theme of Roots generated some thought-provoking pieces that make the viewer contemplate different aspects of the concept of "home." While several works are too loosely connected to the theme, poignant and well executed art dominates. And the inclusion of artists' statements makes the show accessible to the casual viewer, connecting the work to the theme. (Full disclosure: I have a piece in the show and work occasionally at the Quad City Arts gallery.)