The Muscatine Art Center is pleased to announce a gift to the permanent collection of twenty-six prints and drawings by American artist Beth Van Hoesen from the E. Mark Adams and Beth Van Hoesen Trust of San Francisco, California.  Van Hoesen was known for her detailed and technically masterful drawings and prints, and the gifted work includes the medias of graphite, colored pencil, watercolor, aquatint, etching, drypoint, engraving, and lithography.

Born in Boise, Idaho in 1926, Van Hoesen studied art at Stanford University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1948. After graduating from Stanford she studied art in France and later at the California School of Fine Arts (San Francisco Art Institute).

In a career spanning more than five decades Beth Van Hoesen created a remarkable body of graphic art. At a time when most contemporary art was conceptual or abstract, she chose to pursue drawing and printmaking in an academic manner, reminiscent of  the centuries old tradition of draftsmanship that includes the work of Albrecht Durer and Hans Holbein.

Van Hoesen's depiction of flowers has many antecedents in the still-life tradition. The prints and drawings that are included in the gift to the Muscatine Art Center all depict flowers, either solo, where they are almost portrait-like and evocative of the flowers done by Georgia O'Keeffe; or in her delicate, but more formal still-lives such as her suites of prints entitled "Cups of Flowers" where she concerns herself with the small pleasures of the arrangement and the decorative elements of the cups.

Museums with works by Beth Van Hoesen in their collections include the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco; Art Institute of Chicago, Boise Art Museum; Brooklyn Museum; Cincinnati Art Museum; Honolulu Academy of Arts; Smithsonian Institution; University Museums, Iowa State University; Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and numerous other institutions.

A special exhibition of the prints and drawings of Beth Van Hoesen that have been gifted to the Muscatine Art Center is scheduled February 1- March 31, 2013 in the Musser Museum Gallery of the Muscatine Art Center.


 

DES MOINES, IA (08/03/2012)(readMedia)-- The Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center will be bursting with fine art at the 2012 Iowa State Fair. Home to Iowa's largest art show, the Cultural Center features sculptures, art activities, demonstrations and much more. "Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair set August 9-19.

The Cultural Center atrium showcases The Art of Becoming AWARE sculptures from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the Fair. The sculptures are made from trash pulled from Iowa's rivers in Iowa DNR's Project AWARE cleanup efforts.

Stop by to see the outstanding art entered in this year's Fair. 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.

Fairgoers can even let their creativity loose and try their hands at making art. Make and Take projects available in the Cultural Center include name bracelets, candles and painted ceramic figurines. Youngsters will also have a special chance to make a masterpiece at Art Attack. Occurring daily from 1-5 p.m. in the courtyard, Art Attack features special arts and crafts activities for kids to make and then take home.

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 many more.

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

"Nothing Compares" to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, August 9-19. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 8 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds, Board of Regents President Craig Lang, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Administrator Mark Schouten, and University of Iowa President Sally Mason today released the below statements upon the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) official response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General report on the replacement decisions for the University of Iowa's Hancher Voxman Clapp and Art Building East facilities.  The official FEMA response to the OIG report reaffirms FEMA's commitment to moving forward with replacing these important facilities.

Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds issued the following joint statement:  "We are glad FEMA has stood by their previous commitments to the State and the University of Iowa.  Common sense seems to be gaining the upper hand in this Federal policy dispute.  We recently surpassed the four-year anniversary of the flooding event and the University's recovery from the 2008 floods cannot be delayed further.  We appreciate the Iowa congressional delegation's active involvement in this issue and FEMA leadership's openness to discuss our concerns regarding continued delays."

Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds continued:  "Today we wrote Secretary Napolitano asking for a final decision from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to end this Federal bureaucratic squabble soon and allow the University of Iowa to fully recover from the historic 2008 floods."

Board of Regents President Craig Lang stated the following:  "The Board of Regents thanks FEMA for reinforcing its commitment to flood recovery at the University of Iowa.  The Board greatly appreciates the contributions of Iowa's congressional delegation, the Governor's office and Iowa Homeland Security in reaffirming the critical nature of this funding for the University's recovery.  With the passage of four years since the devastating flooding on the UI campus, we must avoid further delays in the restoration of the Arts Campus, for our students and for the citizens of Iowa.  The process has been at intermission for too long.  It is time to proceed toward the last act."

University of Iowa President Sally Mason said:  "Speaking for the entire University, particularly our 31,000 students, we are very pleased with the forceful reaffirmation from FEMA's national leadership to replace Hancher, the School of Music and Art Building East.  We continue to be extremely grateful and thankful for the support of Governor Branstad, our congressional delegation, the Board of Regents and the Office of Iowa Homeland Security."

 

Mark Schouten, Administrator of the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division, stated the following: "We appreciate that FEMA leadership has reaffirmed previous decisions by FEMA Region VII to replace the Hancher Voxman Clapp and Art Building East facilities.  This brings the University of Iowa one step closer to moving forward on replacing these important facilities.  We stand ready to answer any questions from Secretary Napolitano and we stand firm in our belief that the FEMA interpretation is sound and the most cost-effective path forward. The Governor has discussed this matter with Administrator Fugate multiple times and the Lt. Governor recently visited the damaged facilities on the University of Iowa campus.  We are all appreciative of the bipartisan support from our congressional delegation on this issue.  It's high time for this issue to be resolved and for these buildings to be replaced."

 # # #

Greetings!

You are invited to come and see one of the region's best storytellers right here at the German American Heritage Center! On Sunday, August 5th at 2pm we will host Brian "Fox" Ellis as he performs tales from the Brothers Grimm. Ellis wowed and entertained the crowd during his last performance at GAHC and we are looking forward to another enjoyable session of storytelling at its finest!

This event coincides with the 200th Anniversary of the first published Grimm's Fairy Tales and compliments our exhibit Once Upon A Time...The Brothers Grimm at 200!
We hope to see you on Sunday!

Davenport, IA- The German American Heritage Center invites you to spend a delightful hour in the library of one of the world's most famous storytellers on Sunday, August 5th at 2pm! Wilhelm Grimm tells the classic fairy tales woven with traditional folk tunes sung in Deutsch and spiced with details from the enchanting life of this prolific author.

The German American Heritage Center will host Storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis of Peoria as he portrays Wilhelm Grimm telling the famous tales to children at the Center beginning at 2 pm. This performance is part of a series on storytelling for the 200th Anniversary of the  first publication of Childrens' and Household Tales by the Brothers Grimm and complements the exhibit Once Upon A Time...The Brothers Grimm at 200! This event is sponsored by USBank.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for children. Free for members. Call 563-322-8844 or visit www.gahc.org for more information!

WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Due to extremely dry conditions in eastern Iowa,
including at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, the August 4 fireworks
display scheduled to conclude the Hoover's Hometown Days celebration has
been cancelled. Hoover's Hometown Days is the annual celebration of the
birth of Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States.

Long-term weather conditions in the area required park superintendent Pete
Swisher to make the cancellation decision. The fireworks launch location is
directly adjacent to the national park's tallgrass prairie, grassland
highly susceptible to fires during dry periods.  "It would be irresponsible
and pose a significant fire safety risk to allow the fireworks show to
proceed as planned given these drought conditions," Swisher stated.

Swisher considered several factors before making the determination,
including the current weather conditions, recommendations from National
Park Service wildland fire specialists, and burn bans within both Cedar and
Johnson counties.  Swisher also said he has been consulting with West
Branch city officials and the West Branch Fire Department about the
potential need to cancel the display.

"I hope people will consider coming to the Presidential Library and
Museum's east lawn area to enjoy the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band and laser
light show as this year's celebration closes," Swisher said.  The laser
light show represents a new attraction this year not previously a part of
the Hoover's Hometown Days celebration, and will be synchronized with music
performed by the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band.

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:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Herbert-Hoover-National-Historic-Site/141181735922424

Visit the German American Heritage Center this weekend to find savings on everything you will need this Christmas season!

Open to the public on Saturday, July 28th from 10-4 and Sunday, July 29th from 12-4!

Sale open to you starting: NOW!

Gifts!

Tremendous savings on goodies from the Gift Shop: Smokers, Wooden Figures, Schwibbögen (lighted wooden arches), Steins, Crystal, Vases, Mugs, Plates, Clocks, Textiles, CD's , DVD's, Videos, Lace Tablecloths and Doilies, Flower Arrangements, Books, Toys!

 

 

 

 

 

Savings!

Tumble Table of Treasures for $10 or less!  (Stocking stuffers galore!)

 

All Sweatshirts marked at $10 (only XL available), good quantities of Adult XL and Kids T-shirts priced for clearance!!!

 

Ornaments!

Wonderful savings on some of our Inge-Glas handblown tree ornaments at up to 75% off !   (Yes, some with Swarovski crystals!)  Special section marked at $5 your choice!  Hurry in for best selection!

 

SAVE SOME GREEN - LOOK FOR THE GREEN SALES TAG!

 

Due to the savings already available, the normal 10% GAHC member discount will apply to quantity sales only during this sale, beginning at the $25 level.

 

Purchases totaling $25 will be discounted an additional $2.50, total purchases of $50 will receive another $5.00 off, etc. You may combine sales merchandise and regular-priced items for the sales total. This extra savings is limited to GAHC members.

 

See you this weekend!!!

 

Sincerely,

 

Your friends at the

German American Heritage Center

563-322-8844

712 W 2nd St.

Davenport, IA 52802
www.gahc.org
WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Landscape painter Steven S. Walker and photographer Missy Gaido Allen will be the Artists-in-Residence this summer at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Mr. Walker will be in residence from July 29 through August 11, Ms. Allen from August 6 through 10. The Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site promotes creative means of communicating the park's national significance and its relevance to visitors.

Steven S. Walker will discuss and demonstrate painting techniques to park visitors on Wednesday, August 8. Meet at the visitor center at 6:00 p.m. and be prepared to go outdoors. The program precedes the 7:00 p.m. family night program at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, celebrating the museum's fiftieth anniversary and featuring the 1962 film "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."

Born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and raised in Virginia, Steven S. Walker has been creating artwork for most of his life. A former freelance illustrator and college instructor, Mr. Walker found peace of mind and inspiration painting the back roads and rustic barns of Virginia. He has exhibited several solo shows and in various national exhibitions such as the 2012 Salon International and the Richeson 75 Landscape Show. Mr. Walker resides in Westerville, Ohio with his loving wife and biggest fan, Evelyn.

"My intent is to produce work that provides a peaceful getaway from the hectic events of everyday life," said Mr. Walker. "Sometimes the only thing that keeps a person's spirits up from day to day is seeing the sun break through the clouds after a storm. I'd like to think of my paintings as the break in the sky."

On Sunday, August 5 Missy Gaido Allen offers a free introduction to nature photography class for kids ages eight to sixteen. From 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Ms. Allen will teach kids basic photographic techniques and will lead them on a short hike through part of the prairie to the Isaac Miles Farmstead. Participants are encouraged to bring a digital camera with a viewing screen for feedback, but film cameras are acceptable. Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and remember to bring water as the prairie has little shade. The class will begin at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum at 9:30 and will return from the hike to the same place.

Born in Houston, Texas in 1968, Missy Gaido Allen studied studio art and art history in the United States and Italy. She holds a Master's in Art History from Rice University and a Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Iowa. Ms. Allen's images are in the permanent collections of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and multiple private collections. She has exhibited her work widely in solo and group exhibitions and has licensed images to Sony and Hasselblad. Ms. Allen lives in Iowa with her family.

"I am interested in showing changes in the landscape over time, such as through the passing of seasons," Ms. Allen said of her photography. "Herbert Hoover National Historic Site would provide me the environment to create meaningful, intensely rich works that connect the viewer to the natural world."

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:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Herbert-Hoover-National-Historic-Site/141181735922424

Davenport, IOWA (July 2012) The Figge Art Museum presents the art talk "NASA | ART: 50 Years of Exploration" at 7 pm Thursday, July 26. Figge Associate Curator, Dr. Rima Girnius, will lead the talk, which will focus on the diverse artworks in the special exhibition NASA | ART. This exhibition highlights the accomplishments, setbacks and sheer excitement of space exploration during the past five decades. Dr. Girnius' talk is free with Figge membership or paid admission.

This talk is designed to introduce visitors to the artists and ideas presented in the exhibition. In celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2008, NASA collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum on this exhibition. Drawn from the collections of NASA and the National Air and Space Museum, NASA | ART features 72 works of art commissioned by the NASA Art Program. NASA's Art Program was established soon after the inception of the U.S. space program in 1958. The selected works span the entire history of NASA and include paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and other media by such artists as Annie Leibovitz, Nam June Paik, Robert Rauschenberg, Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, William Wegman and Jamie Wyeth.

Dr. Girnius will also discuss the companion exhibition University of Iowa Space Pioneers: 54 Years of Exploration during her talk. This exhibition features spaceflight instruments designed and built at the University of Iowa in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and is integrated into the NASA | ART exhibition. The University of Iowa is considered a pioneer of space research and has received international recognition for the development of spaceflight instruments flown on more than 63 successful missions.

Dr. Rima Girnius has been the Figge Associate Curator since 2008. She received her Ph.D. in Art History from Bryn Mawr College and recently contributed the introductory essay for the catalogue from the current exhibition David Plowden's Iowa (May 12, 2012 - August 26, 2012).

NASA | ART at the Figge Art Museum is generously sponsored by the ALCOA Foundation, John Deere, Genesis Health Systems and Cobham, plc.

NASA | ART was organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in cooperation with the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. The Smithsonian Community Grant program, funded by MetLife Foundation, is a proud sponsor of "NASA | ART" public programs.

-end-

 

Pages