05 Nov 2012

Herbert Hoover NHS Accepting Applications for 2013 Artist-in-Residence Program

By Adam Prato
WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Herbert Hoover National Historic Site seeks writers, composers, and visual and performing artists for the park's 2013 Artist-in-Residence Program. The Artist-in-Residence Program is open to all professional American artists whose work can be inspired by the history and beauty of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The park offers two residencies of two to eight weeks each from April through September. For more information about the Artist-in-Residence Program and how to apply, contact Kristin Gibbs at (319) 643-7866 or visit the park's website: http://www.nps.gov/heho/supportyourpark/artist-in-residence-program.htm. The application period closes on Friday, February 1, 2013.

The Artist-in-Residence Program at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site promotes creative means of communicating the park's national significance and its relevance to park visitors. Artists have been part of national parks since the 1870s when famed painters played a vital role in documenting the majestic landscapes of the West. It was through their works of art that many first saw these special places in America. Today artists are working in more than 40 units of the National Park Service through Artist-in-Residence Programs. Works from past Artists-in-Residence at Herbert Hoover NHS are on display in the park's visitor center and at the West Branch Public Library. The 2012 Artist-in-Residence Program at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site featured painter Steven S. Walker of Ohio and photographer Missy Gaido Allen of Iowa City.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa 52358

319 643-2541 phone
319 643-7864 fax
www.nps.gov/heho

Twitter: @HooverNPS
Facebook: HerbertHooverNHS
02 Nov 2012

Stories of Silent Night at GAHC

By Kelly Lao
"Stories of Silent Night" or Stille Nacht as it was originally written in German in Austria almost 200 years ago. This is the theme of our annual holiday exhibit opening Saturday, November 10th at the German American Heritage Center.

The lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr in 1816 in a poem form which he took to Franz Gruber to compose music for two voices, a guitar, and a choir for the Christmas eve mass in 1818 in Oberndorf Austria, near Salzburg. There are many stories and suppositions on why the song was written hastily for guitar and not for organ. Some say mice ate away at the organ and other say it was just in disrepair. It was performed for many people at the St. Nicholas church, which later flooded and is now replaced with the Silent Night Memorial Chapel. Here, hundreds gather each year to remember the creation of this song of peace. The song is now translated into over 300 languages and is used to celebrate Christmas all over the world!

The exhibit tells this story in detail, showing images of the key players and places. We have a space to listen to the song in many languages, crafts for kids, and costumes of several different cultures that we feature in our holiday traditions portion of the exhibit. Special thanks to the Silent Night Society, The Swenson Center, Viva Quad Cities, the Putnam Museum, and Dr. Carl Phillip von Maldeghem, Director of the State Theater of Salzburg, Austria.

The exhibit runs through January 6th, Three Kings Day and is located just off of the Centennial Bridge at 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, IA. Admission is $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, and $3 Kids ages 5-17. Free for members. GAHC is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am till 4pm and Sundays 12pm to 4pm. For more information contact Kelly at 563-322-8844 or kelly.lao@gahc.org.
02 Nov 2012

DubuqueFest Fine Arts Fair Call For Artists

By Paula Neuhaus

[DUBUQUE, IA] DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival is now accepting applications for the 34th annual juried fine art fair scheduled for May 19 & 20 in Dubuque, Iowa. All interested fine artists and fine craft artisans are encouraged to apply. The juried fine art fair features the work of 80 artists & artisans from across the region. $1000 cash prizes are awarded to Best in Show, Second Place, & Third Place during an artist's appreciation reception on Saturday, May 20 at the Dubuque Museum of Art.

Dubuque is quickly building a reputation as an arts & culture destination in the Midwest. Through successful arts programming and dedicated city partnerships the DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival grows along with it drawing lovers of fine art and history to the oldest festival in Iowa's first city. IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Application deadline is February 15, 2013
  • Application fee: $110
  • Jury fee: $15
  • Two Emerging Artist Scholarships are available.

Applications are available on the DubuqueFest website: www.dubuquefest.org. To request one by mail contact Paula at 563.564.5290 or paula@dubuquefest.org.

# # #
01 Nov 2012

Brucemore's Santa, Snacks, and Stories

By Rick Martin

Children are invited to Brucemore for a festive and memorable evening of holiday tradition?Santa, Snacks, and Stories on Sunday, December 2 and Tuesday, December 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Mansion's holiday décor and the estate's seasonal spirit add to the evening's activities. In the Visitor Center, children will be delighted by sing-a-long caroling with Brucemore's most famous resident, Leo the Lion, and a snack making station. In the Mansion, children will participate in a craft, listen to holiday stories, and give Santa their wish-lists. In between activities, children and parents are invited to view the first and second floors of the Mansion and to ask any questions to the available stationary guides.

Admission is $7 per child and $5 per child of a Brucemore member. One adult is free per child admission; each additional adult is $5.  Space is limited; purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org or by calling (319) 362-7375. . Santa, Snacks, and Stories is sponsored by US Bank.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

 

###
01 Nov 2012

Rose Frantzen to paint at the Figge this Saturday

By Susan Horan

Davenport, IOWA (October 2012) On Saturday, November 3 from 12:30pm to 4:30pm, Portrait of Maquoketa: The Dimensional View artist Rose Frantzen will lead an art demo at the Figge. Portrait of Maquoketa is a new, multi-dimensional installation that includes 180 portraits of Maquoketans and a 315 square foot landscape view of Maquoketa. Major funding for this exhibition has been provided by the Riverboat Development Authority, US Bank, Dr. Ralph and Jennifer Saintfort and SSAB.

Rose Frantzen will demonstrate the alla prima approach to portrait painting that she used in her Portrait of Maquoketa project. Frantzen demonstrates in front of crowds as large as 750 at events across the country, such as the Portrait Society of America Conference and American Artist's Weekend with the Masters. This is a special opportunity to see Frantzen paint. This event is free with membership or paid admission.

A native of Maquoketa, Iowa, Rose Frantzen has gained national and  international acclaim for her oil paintings from life that bring contemporary and innovative perspectives to a traditional alla prima approach. In addition to landscapes, still lifes, and figurative works, Frantzen often moves to the allegorical, including abstract or surreal settings that present the subject as an archetypal character seen on his or her own internal stage. For these multi-dimensional works, she incorporates diverse stylistic elements along with gilding, stained glass, and mosaic.

Frantzen is a frequent guest lecturer and panelist, discussing art and the artist's life in the 21st century, at museums and national art conventions. Her paintings have been featured in numerous national and international art magazines and journals, and she demonstrates portrait painting each year as a faculty member for the Portrait Society of America and for the annual Weekend With the Masters conference. Her work has been shown at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, Butler Museum of Art, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the Dubuque Museum of Art, the Denver Historical Museum, the World Food Prize and the Portrait Society of America's International Portrait Competition.

Frantzen studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, the Palette & Chisel Academy with Richard Schmid and at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, studying anatomy with the late Deane G. Keller.

 

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 9pm. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit our website, www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-

01 Nov 2012

Rose Frantzen to speak about Portrait of Maquoketa

By Susan Horan

Davenport, IOWA (October 2012) On Thursday, November 1 at 7pm Portrait of Maquoketa: The Dimensional View artist Rose Frantzen will speak at the Figge. A reception for the exhibition and talk will be held at 6pm. The Figge will offer free museum admission from 5-9pm on November 1; there will be no cost to attend the reception and artist talk. Portrait of Maquoketa is a new, multi-dimensional installation that includes 180 portraits of Maquoketans and a 315 square foot landscape view of Maquoketa. Major funding for this exhibition has been provided by the Riverboat Development Authority, US Bank, Dr. Ralph and Jennifer Saintfort and SSAB.

During the 7pm talk, Ms. Frantzen will share her use of representational painting to explore questions of self and community, giving special emphasis to the Portrait of Maquoketa project. This has led her in many directions during her 27-year journey as a fulltime artist. Although she was trained in the alla prima style, she also employs other representational approaches and creates multidimensional works in which she incorporates diverse stylistic elements along with gilding, stained glass and mosaic.

Ms. Frantzen will also be featured in an Artist Demo Saturday, November 3 from 12:30-4:30 pm. Ms.Frantzen will demonstrate the alla prima approach to portrait painting that she used in her Portrait of Maquoketa project. This event is free with membership or paid admission.

 

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 9pm. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit our website, www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-
29 Oct 2012

BUFFALO BILL MUSEUM EXPANDS EXHIBIT FEATURING NAMESAKE "Buffalo Bill" more than a Showman

By Rick Martin
This small non-profit community museum located on the LeClaire
waterfront has undergone major changes in the last two years, the most
significant being expansion of the exhibit featuring William F. "Buffalo Bill"
Cody, born in LeClaire in 1846.

"We had already started a revision to the exhibit," said Robert Schiffke,
Executive Director of the museum, "when a major collector of Wild West
memorabilia offered us boxes of publicity pieces, books and photographs.
He wanted to remain anonymous, but he visited us often in the past, and
now we are looking forward to showing him what we've developed!"

Through the display and a short video, visitors to the museum will learn
about William F. Cody's experiences as a member of the Kansas 7th
Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War, and his later friendships with
Annie "Sure Shot" Oakley, Texas Jack, Wild Bill Hickok and Sitting Bull.
He is best known for his Wild West Congress tours, and even appeared
as the subject of comic books and small novels. Not only did he entertain
the public throughout the United States and Europe, but the show served
to introduce crowds to Native American customs, Russian Cossacks, and

other cultures.

"We aren't only a museum about Buffalo Bill. People will learn about local
history, the River Rapid Pilots and see one of the original "airplane black
box" cases and designs. And," continued Schiffke, "it's the home of the
Lone Star Sternwheeler, the longest working wood-hulled boat to have
served on the Mississippi River, retired after 98 years in 1967." The boat
is now on the National Historic Register and being restored by museum
volunteers.

The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm (closing at 4pm in winter
months), and opens at 12noon on Sundays. A nominal admission is
charged.

###

To schedule a tour with Robert Schiffke, Executive Director of the Buffalo
Bill Museum & River Pilots' Pier, please call (cell) 563-505-8028.
29 Oct 2012

Governor Branstad and state leaders release statements on University of Iowa Hancher Voxman Clapp and Art Building East Facilities

By Office of Governor Terry Branstad

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, Board of Regents President Craig Lang, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Administrator Mark Schouten, and University of Iowa President Sally Mason today released the following statements upon learning of the decision by U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership to reaffirm the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) previous decisions to replace the University of Iowa's Hancher Voxman Clapp and Art Building East facilities.

Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds issued the following joint statement: "We are pleased that this long-standing Federal policy dispute has been settled, as resolution was long-overdue. DHS leaders have reaffirmed FEMA's previous commitments to the State and the University of Iowa.  Thankfully, common sense has prevailed. We appreciate the Iowa congressional delegation's active involvement in this issue and FEMA leadership's openness to discuss our concerns throughout their policy dispute with the DHS Office of Inspector General."

Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds continued:  "We recently wrote Secretary Napolitano (See the letter) and encouraged other Federal officials via phone to make a final decision before the October meeting of the Board of Regents. It is unfortunate that this Federal bureaucratic squabble dragged-on for so long, but now the University of Iowa can finally move closer to a full recovery from the historic 2008 floods by expediting the replacement of these important facilities."

Board of Regents President Craig Lang stated the following: "We are pleased that the University of Iowa can now move ahead with certainty to replace these damaged buildings.  The support of Iowa's congressional delegation and Governor Branstad has been crucial and we are so thankful for their continued advocacy.  Finally, the leadership and persistence at the University of Iowa has enabled students within the arts to achieve their academic goals under adverse circumstances and within temporary facilities.  The opportunity to replace these facilities is long overdue."

University of Iowa President Sally Mason said: "The students, faculty and staff of the University of Iowa are grateful for the strong and continuous support of our congressional delegation, the Governor, State Legislature and the Board of Regents.  This final action on our replacement buildings clears the way for construction - and we are ready.  Our students and campus can now move forward with certainty that they will have the facilities they need."

 

Mark Schouten, Administrator of the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, stated the following: "I am thankful that FEMA's previous guidance to replace these facilities has been upheld. Replacing these facilities outside of the flood plain is in the best interest of tax payers.  This decision also avoids potentially serious and expensive complications that would have flowed from repairing buildings that have sat vacant for over four years, including mold removal and foundation stabilization measures."

 

# # #

22 Oct 2012

ART GUMBO CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS FROM INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS OR CREATIVES

By Paula Neuhaus
[DUBUQUE, IA.] Art Gumbo, a quarterly soup dinner that supports local art projects with community-supported micro-funding, is now accepting applications from individual artists or creative for the winter funding cycle. Art Gumbo applications are available now through Thursday, December 20. Applications are available at artgumbodubuque.blogspot.com. The first seven eligible applications received by 11:59 p.m. on December 20 will qualify to compete for funding.

Art Gumbo is an independent community-based initiative that funds local arts projects using money collected at quarterly soup dinners. During each Art Gumbo funding cycle, artists or arts organizations are invited to submit a brief project proposal that
demonstrates an impact on the Dubuque community. The public is invited to attend and vote for their favorite proposal. A $10 donation at the door entitles the attendee to a locally prepared soup dinner and the opportunity to review all submitted proposals and to vote for their favorite. The Art Gumbo fund's nightly proceeds will be awarded to the two proposals that receive the most votes. The proceeds are split in a 70/30 fashion.

The next Art Gumbo Soup Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, December 27, 6-8 p.m. at St. Mark Community Center, 1201 Locust Street in Dubuque.

Download the application at artgumbodubuque.blogspot.com or contact Paula Neuhaus or Megan Starr at art.gumbo.dbq@gmail.com.

###

22 Oct 2012

Quilt Exhibition to Open at the Figge

By Susan Horan

Davenport, IOWA (October 2012) ? The Figge Art Museum is pleased to present Quilts: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum, a special exhibition of 27 priceless quilts from the collection of the American Folk Art Museum (AFAM), opening November 3, 2012, and continuing through February 3, 2013.

 

Featured will be classic examples of many major quilt types from the beginning of the 19th century to the end of the 20th century, including wholecloth, whitework, pieced, appliqued and album quilts, and a selection of Amish and African American pieces, all drawn from the AFAM's celebrated collection.

 

As curator Elizabeth V. Warren explains, "The present exhibition highlights the best of the best, quilts that represent the finest examples in a variety of techniques, time periods and regions." The Figge will present an array of public programs and films in conjunction with the exhibition (see below).

 

The American tradition of quiltmaking dates back to colonial times when English immigrants sewed heavy woolen bedcovers for the New England winters. As a greater variety of fabrics and threads became available, and the practice of sewing bedcovers spread through the nation, quiltmaking evolved into a rich and diverse artistic tradition.

 

While countless quilts were used and washed into oblivion, many remarkable examples have survived, and are now admired both for their visual beauty and their extraordinary craftsmanship. The quilting tradition?using remnants of fabrics from clothing and other sewing projects, gathering together for the quilting bee, and adorning the bed with the finished quilt?has come to epitomize the domestic side of the "pioneer spirit" in America. Today, quilting is a vibrant art form practiced by an estimated 20 million men and women around the world.

 

Quilts: Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum was organized by the American Folk Art Museum, New York.

 

 

Associated Programming

 

Quilters Appreciation Day

Thursday, January 17, 2013

 

Quilt Appraisals · 10 am-7 pm

Quilt appraiser Janette Dwyer will be available to conduct written and/or verbal appraisals. Each appraisal will take between 30-45 minutes and will cost $40 for a written appraisal (with a monetary value) or $25 for a verbal appraisal. A portion of the proceeds from each appraisal will be used to support Quilts programs. Visitors must schedule their appointment in advance?space is limited. Contact Heather Aaronson to schedule an appointment: haaronson@figgeartmuseum.org or 563.326.7804 x2045.

 

Warm Up with Quilts · 5-7 pm, Free

Drop in and create family-friendly art activities inspired by Quilts.

 

"Quilts as Art?or Not" · 7 pm

Presenter: Tim Schiffer

Figge's Executive Director Tim Schiffer will discuss the myriad ways in which we look at quilts?from works of fine art to historical artifacts or crafts?and how quilts reflect the cultural context of the time and place in which they were made.

 

Quilt Workshop

Saturday, December 1 · 10 am-5 pm

Drop in and create family-friendly art activities inspired by the Quilts exhibition! Free with membership or paid admission.

 

Celebrating Black History Month

10 am-5 pm Saturday, February 2, 2013

Contemporary and antique African American quilts will be featured in a one-day display in Studio 4.

 

Quilts: Masterworks from the American

Folk Art Museum Tour · 11 am

Join a Figge docent for a tour of the Quilts exhibition.

 

Quilting a Community · Noon-2 pm

Figge Studios

Participants will use various materials to design a square for a quilt that will be assembled after the event as a community project.

 

Quilts Lecture · 2 pm

Presenter: Myrah Green, PhD

Dr. Myrah Green is the Distinguished Lecturer of Art at City College and has taught textile arts for 20 years, as well as all levels of quilt making for more than a decade. Her quilts can be found in many private collections including the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum in Washington, D.C. Dr. Green will be speaking about the Quilts exhibition, as well as her own experiences with quilting, textile arts and the history of African American quilts.

 

Documentary Film Series

Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics

Sunday, December 2 and Sunday, January 6 · 2:30-4 pm

Ep. 1: Quilts 101?Antique and Contemporary Quilts

Ep. 2: Quilts Bring History Alive

Ep. 3: The Quilt Marketplace

 

Sunday, December 9 and Sunday, January 13 · 2:30-4 pm

Ep. 4: What is Art?

Ep. 5: Gee's Bend: "The Most Famous Quilts in America"

Ep. 6: How Quilts Have Been Viewed and Collected

 

Sunday, December 16 and Sunday, January 20 · 2:30-4 pm

Ep. 7: Empowering Women One Quilt at a Time

Ep. 8: Quilt Nation: 20,000,000 and Counting!

Ep. 9: Quilt Scholarship: Romance and Reality

-END-

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