DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2013)(readMedia)-- The Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center will be popping with art at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. Home to Iowa's largest art show, the Cultural Center will feature balloon art sculptures, art activities, demonstrations and more - all in a newly air-conditioned environment. "Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair set August 8-18.

Air conditioning and additional restrooms have been added during the Cultural Center's second phase of renovation. The three-story concrete structure, originally built in 1948, underwent the first phase of renovation in 2012 with the installation of elevators. The final phase of the renovation will be completed in time for the 2014 Fair.

The Cultural Center atrium showcases Poppin' Penelope Balloon Art from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the Fair. Penelope uses her unparalleled twisting speed and encyclopedic balloon knowledge to create whatever Fairgoers can imagine. Dressed in her '50s flair, she's up to any balloon challenge.

The state's largest art show will showcase exhibits in the areas of fine arts, photography, creative arts, wood projects and doll house and miniature room displays. More than 2,500 exhibits will be on display.

Fairgoers can let their creative flags fly and try their hands at making art. Make and Take projects available in the Cultural Center include magnets, wire jewelry and name bracelets.

Live demonstrations and working exhibits also offer Fairgoers the opportunity to see art in action, with artists demonstrating such art forms as wheel thrown pottery, glass fusing, china painting and more.

For a complete schedule of activities in the Cultural Center, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 7 (while supplies last). The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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Davenport, Iowa (July 29, 2013) - The Figge Art Museum will be welcoming Donald Warhola, Andy Warhol's nephew, this Thursday evening at 7 p.m. for a free public lecture and Friday afternoon for a 1 p.m. gallery talk of the American Pop! exhibition currently on display in the 3rd floor gallery.

Warhola, who is the son of Warhol's late brother John Warhola and current liaison to The Andy Warhol Foundation, will speak about his relationship with his uncle. From personal memories of his regular visits to "Uncle Andy's" to what it was like to work for Andy Warhol post-college. In addition, he will discuss his uncle's childhood and pre-New York City years, along with some of the challenges his uncle faced throughout his life.

For the Friday gallery talk, Warhola will speak about the early indications of Warhol's originality and talent level. He will conclude by speaking to the "Ladies and Gentleman" pieces in the American Pop! exhibition and touch upon the present-day relevance of these works, as well as other works his uncle created.

Figge members are invited to meet Donald Warhola at a 5:30 p.m. member's only reception on Thursday prior to the 7 p.m. public lecture. Not a member? Call Membership Manager Amy Martens at 563-326-7804 x2007 to become one.

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

Jane Goes to Japan and Brings New Recognition to Burpee Museum and Rockford, IL

ROCKFORD, IL- It's official. Jane is a global sensation! The World Dino Exhibition 2013, worlddino2013.com in Osaka, Japan, focuses on Jane, the most complete juvenile Tyrannosaurus-rex in the world! From July 13 through August 25, Jane is the star of this international exhibit.

Executive Director, Maureen Mall, and Director of Science & Exhibits, Scott Williams, flew to Japan this past week to deliver Jane's left upper maxilla and visit the exhibit for themselves. Held at the Osaka Dome, the World Dino Exhibition 2013 saw nearly 10,000 people in just the first three days! Jane is bringing new, global attention to Burpee Museum of Natural History.

This exhibit, complete with an animatronic, feathered version of Burpee's T-rex, features a full cast of Jane, her jaw fossil on display and a gift shop full of Jane merchandise that the public is scurrying to purchase. The maxilla has evidence of healed bite wounds that would have happened while Jane was alive, a fact that intrigued the exhibition planners. Williams and Mall were interviewed at press conferences and considered celebrities, frequently appeasing crowds of people by taking pictures with children and families.

Burpee Museum of Natural History is globally recognized as a museum noted for its outstanding paleontology collections. Offering more than just dinosaurs, Burpee Museum also has exhibits on Native Americans, Wildlife, gems, and minerals.

Established in 1941, the Burpee Museum of Natural History is the home of Jane, a rare juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, and one of the preeminent mid-sized natural history museums in the nation.  Its mission is to inspire all people to engage in a lifetime of learning about our natural world. Burpee Museum is located at 737 North Main Street, Rockford, Ill.  General admission to the Museum is:  $8 adults, $8 children (ages 4 to 12) and free to Museum members and children age 3 and younger. Hours open are: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Sunday. For additional information regarding Burpee Museum, call (815) 965-3433 or log on to www.burpee.org.