12 Nov 2012

Handmade City Holiday 2012 Arts & Crafts Show

By Rose Noble

Q.C. Venue - Bucktown Center of the Arts to Host Event

 

December 1, 2012 (Davenport, IA) - Handmade City is proud to announce our fifth arts & crafts show on Saturday, December 1, from 10 AM - 3 PM at Bucktown Center for the Arts located at 225 East 2nd Street?Davenport, Iowa.  Over 35 artists from around the Quad Cities will be selling their one-of-a-kind handmade creations, perfect for Holiday gift giving.

A few confirmed vendors include :

Rozz-Tox: Music Venue and Art Gallery

Bucktown Studio Artists: Luminology, Mid Coast Fine Art Gallery

Adventure Orange: QC's popular Handmade Shop in the Village of East Davenport

The event is free and open to the public.

"This event provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the talented artists living right here in the Quad Cities, said Rose Noble, Handmade City Creator. "Our goal is to make Handmade City the premier leader in producing events that showcase local talent and allow them to bring their fantastic products to the community at large."

Handmade City is an indie arts + crafts collective, supporting local handmade artisans. Established in 2010, Handmade City supports the do-it-yourself craft collective and indie art available in the Quad Cities.  We pride ourselves on unique craftsmanship and encourage other likeminded artists and consumers to make Handmade City their destination for quality handmade crafts in the Quad Cities.

For additional information or to exhibit at future events, contact Handmade City at handmadecityinfo@gmail.com

12 Nov 2012

Muscatine Art Center in welcomes Carol Ehlers, art history speaker

By Lynn Bartenhagen

The public is invited to join the Muscatine Art Center in welcoming Carol Ehlers, art history speaker, as she presents a 45 minute lecture on the art of Russian artist Marc Chagall. The lecture will take place Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 5:30 pm in the Muscatine Art Center's Music Room. Admission is free.

Marc Chagall was a Russian artist associated with several major artistic styles and was one of the most successful artists of the 20th century. He was an early modernist and created works in virtually every artistic medium, including painting, book illustrations, stained glass windows, stage sets, ceramics, tapestries and fine art prints. Chagall did not want his work to be associated with any school or movement and considered his own personal language of symbols and motifs to be meaningful only to him.

Marc Chagall was born July 7, 1887 in Vitebsk, Belarus, then part of the Russian empire. He received his primary education at the local religious school, where he studied Hebrew and the Torah. He soon began copying images from books and found the experience so rewarding he decided he wanted to become an artist.

At the age of 19 he moved to St. Petersburg which was then the capital of Russia and the center of the country's artistic life. After a few months at the art school there, Chagall realized that academic portrait painting did not suit his desires and relocated to Paris, where he remained until 1914. After Paris he returned to his village of Vitebsk where he founded Vitebsk Arts College, which became one of the most distinguished schools of art in the Soviet Union.

In 1941 at the age of 54 he traveled to America where he discovered he had already achieved international fame. Initially, Chagall's fellow artists did not understand or even like his art, but those attitudes began to change when the son of French artist Henri Matisse became his representative. After several successful years in America, Chagall returned to France where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in Paris on March 28, 1985 at the age of 98.

In 1992 the Muscatine Art Center's collections were significantly enriched by a gift of twenty-seven works of art by Toulouse-Lautrec, Matisse, Degas, Boudin, Chagall, Renoir, and other European artists. The collection was a gift from the estate of Mary Musser Gilmore in honor of her parents, Richard Drew Musser and Sarah Walker Musser. The paintings are on permanent display in the Laura Musser Mansion.

12 Nov 2012

Evening Art History Series "History of Portraiture" Kicks Off Thursday

By Rick Martin

Davenport, IA (November 2012) Join PhD Margaret Morse, Assistant Professor of Art History at Augustana College, at the Figge Art Museum this Thursday, November 8 at 7pm for the art talk "The Renaissance Portrait". This talk kicks off the first of a three part art history series about the history of portraiture. The Moline High School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Zackary Morton, will also perform at 6pm in the museum lobby.

The second lecture in the art history series will take place on Thursday, November 15 at 7pm where recent Augustana graduate Veronica Smith will present about "Two Baroque Portraits: The Seventeenth Century Woman." The series will wrap up on Thursday, November 29 at 7pm with a talk about "The Good, the Bad and the Mundane: Western Portraiture in the Late Twentieth-Century" featuring Alycia Reed, PhD Candidate at the University of Iowa.

Each talk will explore the ideas and approaches of the artists from the Baroque period to present day. This lecture series is offered in conjunction with the Figge's exhibitions Portrait of Maquoketa: The Dimensional View and Picturing Identity: The Allure of Portraiture.  All talks are 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.

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06 Nov 2012

Like us on Facebook for your chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree at Northpark or Southpark Mall!

By Jenna Smith

Have you started your Holiday shopping? Why not start the shopping season off right, all you have to do is:

1.      Like the Putnam Museum's Facebook page.

2.      Click the Contest tab on their Facebook page.

3.      Enter for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree!

Contest closes Sunday, November 18 and the winner will be announced Monday, November 19!

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06 Nov 2012

Brucemore Holiday Tours

By Tara Richards
Celebrate holidays past by participating in Brucemore's annual tradition, Holiday Mansion Tours, November 23 through December 30. Visitors will enjoy the seasonal splendor of 13 glowing trees, a dining room set for Christmas dinner, stunning mantel arrangements, the lush garland adornment of the grand staircase, and other seasonal cheer throughout the Mansion. The holidays at Brucemore are sponsored by Pearson.

Daytime tours will begin on the hour, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and every half hour, Sundays, Noon to 3:00 p.m.  The last tour will begin at 3:00 p.m. Sunday tours will feature live music from the original 1927 Skinner Pipe Organ. Admission for daytime tours is $7 per adult, $3 per child, and free to Brucemore members. Tickets can be purchased the day of the tour in the Brucemore Store located in the Visitor Center.

Evening tours will be offered every 15 minutes from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, December 11, 13, 18, and 20. The last tour will begin at 7:30 p.m. Evening tours will feature live music from the original 1927 Skinner Pipe Organ. Admission for evening tours is $10 per adult, $7 per child, and $5 per Brucemore member. Tickets can be purchased the day of the tour in the Brucemore Store located in the Visitor Center.

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.

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

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