WEST BRANCH, IOWA–Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will partner with the West Branch Public Library from January through April of 2012 to offer
literacy and educational programs.

A National Park Ranger from Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will lead "Pajama Storytime" activities on the first Tuesdays of each month from January through April. The West Branch Public Library welcomes pre-schoolers, their parents, and families to "Pajama Storytime" each Tuesday evening in the Library Children's Area from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Story time helps develop preschoolers' early literacy and socialization skills. A bedtime snack is provided.

"Get to Know Your National Parks" on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from January through April with a National Park Ranger from Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Children of all ages can learn how National Parks preserve America's natural and historical heritage with a focus on a different national park each time. "Get to Know Your National Parks" meets at 2:00 p.m. in the Library Children's Area. The program will last about one hour.

The West Branch Public Library is at 300 North Downey Street in West Branch, Iowa. For more information about library programs, call Youth Librarian Becky Knoche at (319) 643-2633. 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
In January and February Art @ the Airport features wood sculptures by Bettendorf artist Jay Stratton, black & white photographs by Judith Eastburn of Des Moines and oil paintings by Geneseo painter, David Murray.

Jay Stratton spends a lot of time studying trees as part of the process of creating wood sculpture. Once he decides upon a shape for his creation, he laminates pieces of wood together to define that shape. After that, he uses a variety of tools to carve the wood. Stratton explains, "Then, it's on to sanding, sanding, and more sanding until I achieve my required essence for the piece. I strive for an organic feel, sensibility and movement in my work to make the wood 'soft' and flowing." In addition to sculpture, Stratton creates bowls, boxes and furniture.

Judith Eastburn is a landscape photographer who uses traditional methods of exposing film and printing in the darkroom. Her gelatin prints are toned with selenium for permanence. She states that trees are a favorite subject. She enjoys the expressive gestures found in branches and "marvels at the leaning and twisting trunk formations that record the forces that shaped them." She finds that "even in decay, the textures of bark, wood and fungi are beautiful."

David Murray's large scale oil paintings reflect landscapes constructed from memory and imagination.  "They are meant to be ideals and transcend nostalgia or aesthetics to become an icon," Murray explains. "The only evidence of humans is the patterns and alignments of natural forms within the work. These forms corroborate our need to leave a mark in the world and participate in the elusive vastness of it all."

All three artists are inspired by and respond to nature in their own way to create unique reflections of our natural world.

Don't miss this is exhibit just because you don't have a plane to catch-the lights in the gallery are always on and the airport offers free parking for the first hour. Meet a friend for lunch and enjoy the art! Quad City International airport gallery is easy to access with one hour of free parking to allow plenty of time to browse the exhibit.

Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Quad City region through the presentation, development, and celebration of the arts and humanities. All Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by Festival of Trees, Quad City Arts Partners and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council (a state agency) and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. This gallery and exhibit is generously sponsored by the Quad City International Airport.

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On display at the QC Arts Center from January 6th through February 10th are works by Helen Boyd, Jacki Olson and Emily Christenson, all of the Quad Cities.

These three women have designed an exhibit based on the idea of "Primitive Modern." The interpretations of primitive art, culture, or methods in this exhibit are an attempt to bridge time and to connect in a spiritual way to the ancient world. Drawing from the natural environment at several regional sites largely untouched through time these works represent an attempt to reach deeper into the world of our predecessors. What inspired them, what did they treasure, how did their imaginations fill their days and nights? The artworks use natural materials when possible and were created using primitive methods, such as wood fires, rubbings and water found on site yet also incorporate modern methods or materials to create a link between the two environments.

Join us for the opening reception on January 13th from 7-9 pm, in the gallery. Refreshments will be served and artists will be on hand to answer questions about their work.

The Quad City Arts Center Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island.  Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. All Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by Festival of Trees; Quad City Arts Partners; and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to the growth and vitality of the Quad City region through the presentation, development and celebration of the arts and humanities. For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo 309-793-1213 X108.

The "Call for Entries" is out for the Thirty-sixth Annual Rock Island Fine Arts Exhibition, with a discount for entries received by January 13, 2012 ($25 for two entries). Final entry deadline is January 19, 2012 ($30). The annual juried competition, co-sponsored by the Rock Island Art Guild and Augustana College, is open to visual artists working in any media except video, and residing within a 150-mile radius of the Quad Cities. Entry forms, specifications and size limits are on the Call for Entries prospectus, which is available at http://www.augustana.edu, following prompts for Arts/Art Museum. 

More than $3,700 in awards will be given, including a $1,000 First Prize, $500 Two-dimensional Award in Memory of Bernice and Stanley Harris, $500 Freestanding Entry Award in Memory of Zeivel Harris; $500 "Sally MacMillan Watercolor Award;" $500 Second Place; $300 Third Place; and several $100 Honorable Mentions. During the exhibition visitors can vote on the People's Choice and Children's Choice awards of $50 each. The exhibition will be displayed at the Augustana College Art Museum from March 6 through April 22, 2012. The opening reception will take place on Friday, March 30, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., with awards announced at 5:40 p.m. The exhibition catalog will be made available at the reception.

The 2012 juror is Joseph Mella, who has served as director of the Vanderbilt University Fine Arts Gallery, Nashville, Tennessee, and its collections since 1992. Prior to Vanderbilt, he served as curator of exhibitions and collections at the Rockford Art Museum, Rockford, Illinois, and in a similar capacity at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Beaumont. He holds an M.A. in modern art history, theory, and criticism from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Mella received a B.F.A. in printmaking from the University of Iowa, Iowa City. At Vanderbilt, he has curated and organized more than 80 exhibitions and collaborated on a public art series that has brought such highly recognized artists to Vanderbilt as Frank Stella, Tom Otterness, Stephen Antonakos, Beverly Pepper, and Richard Haas. He has been instrumental in developing a collection of contemporary graphics and artists' books with strengths found in works by living women artists.

 

The prospectus also is available in a brochure form. For more information, assistance or an entry form, contact the Augustana College Art Museum at 309-794-7231 during weekday business hours.

"Mardi Gras in Germany = Karnival / Fasching / Fastnacht" with Kathlyn Hofmann on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 2pm at the German American Heritage Center, 712 W. 2nd St. Davenport, IA, 52802, for more information call 563-322-8844 or visit www.gahc.org. Free with admission.

Everyone has heard of Carnival in Rio and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but unless you've been in Germany in February, you probably didn't know that many regions have traditions, celebrations, and parades every year leading up to the beginning of Lent. This slide and video presentation will acquaint you with Karnival in Cologne on the Rhine and Fastnacht in the Black Forest. Kathlyn lived in Germany for 27 years teaching German and ESL for the DoDEA School System. Since 2009, she has taught several beginning and intermediate German language classes at the GAHC.

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Easter Traditions in Germany presented by Kathlyn Hofmann.
Sunday February 26, 2012 at 2pm at the German American Heritage Center, 712 W. 2nd St., Davenport, IA 52802.

This presentation will acquaint you with German Easter traditions - some similar - some different from the way Easter is celebrated in the USA. Special highlight is a series of slides: "Osterbrunnen," elaborately decorated wells and fountains found in the Franconia area of northern Bavaria. Kathlyn lived in Germany for 27 years teaching German and ESL for the DoDEA School System. Since 2009, she has taught several beginning and intermediate German language classes at the GAHC. Free with admission.

Opening Reception & Book Signing on Friday, December 16, 6-8p.m.

 

[MAQUOKETA, IA] Maquoketa Art Experience welcomes Iowa artist Stormy Mochal this December for an exhibition of the original drawings from her recently published storybook, written by Jeanette Hopkins, entitled The Juggler. In her illustrations, Stormy explores her native Iowa landscape for inspiration for the illustrations. The Juggler's pages are filled with the colorful simple pleasures of starry skies, country sides, farmhouses, and birds. Stormy Mochal received her degree in painting from Loras College, has taught at Northeast Iowa Community College, and is the co-owner of Outside The Lines Art Gallery in Dubuque. The Juggler, published by Ice Cube Press is her first children's book.

Maquoketa Art Experience will host an opening reception and book signing for Stormy Mochal on Friday, December 16 from 6-8 p.m. at 124 S. Main Street in Maquoketa. The exhibit will run through January 16, 2012.

Bettendorf, IA - As the holiday season approaches, the Family Museum wishes to acknowledge gifts to date that will make the 2012 renovation to its interactive galleries a reality.  "Rethink, Reshape, Reinvent" is the title given to the Family Museum's upcoming exhibit hall renovation project, and to date, The Museum is excited to announce nearly 75% of the 1.4 million dollar budget has been successfully secured.

The Family Museum opened to the public in its current location in 1997 and the purpose of "Rethink, Reshape, Reinvent" is the renovation and reuse of the Family Museum's existing 7,100 square feet of exhibit permanent gallery space in order to provide a new set of learning experiences and environments specifically designed to meet the needs of young learners age 8 and younger and their adult caregivers.  After renovation, The Museum's new learning environments will encompass approximately 7,690 square feet, with an additional 2,000 square feet devoted to the traveling exhibit gallery.

Support from the community, both public and private has been committed by, the City of Bettendorf, the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, the Alcoa Foundation, the Family Museum of Arts and Science Foundation, the Dorothea LeClair Bequest, Modern Woodmen of America, the Scott County Board of Supervisors, the Riverboat Development Authority, and the Scott County Regional Authority.  Additionally, the following is a listing of individuals who have gifted over $500 to date to support "Rethink, Reshape, Reinvent": Miriam Kelm, Walid and Mindy Al Sheikha, Nicholas Augelli and Amy Chung, Quad City Pediatrics, PC, and Tracey Kuehl.

The Family Museum wishes to acknowledge and thank each and every donor who has brought this project to life.  Renovations are scheduled for the fall of 2012, with the grand re-opening set for next holiday season.  As the Family Museum continues to fundraise, gifts can be made to the Family Museum Foundation and mailed to 2900 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf, IA.  All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Located on the Learning Campus in Bettendorf, the mission of the Family Museum is to inspire, connect and strengthen our community by enriching the lives of our children today, and expending their capacity to shape their future.

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Davenport- Beginning Sunday January 8th 2012, the German American Heritage Center, 712 West Second Street, Davenport, Iowa, will be featuring the exhibit "The White Rose." The exhibit explores one of Germany's most famous civilian resistance groups, formed by a small group of university students in Munich during 1941-42. The leaders were brother and sister Hans and Sophie Scholl and friends. Using only their ingenuity and youthful fearlessness, they outwitted the Nazis to issue several leaflets that urged their fellow students and citizens of Munich to resist Nazi tyranny. These leaflets were the first to print accusations that the Nazis were systematically
exterminating Jews and other minorities. Nearly all of the original White Rose students and their professor Kurt Huber were captured after a furious Gestapo manhunt, given a sham trial, and then brutally executed. After the war the Scholl's sister, Inge, worked diligently to tell the story of the sacrifice made by the group. Sophie Scholl has been voted the "most admired woman in German history" in  numerous public polls for decades.

This record of civil and personal courage is one of the brightest spots during a very dark time; you will be heartened and astonished to learn how it unfolded. This exhibit comes to GAHC on a national tour from the White Rose Foundation in Munich. GAHC's partner in this exhibit and companion programming is the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities.

[MAQUOKETA, IA] Maquoketa Art Experience announces their first annual fundraiser, Building Community Through Art on Friday, December 2, 5-7 p.m. at Maquoketa Art Experience, 124 S. Main St. in Maquoketa. The evening includes special guest speaker, Figge Art Museum Curator Rima Girnius and a special exhibition of select portraits from artist Rose Frantzen's collection, Portrait of Maquoketa will be on display. The fundraiser also includes a silent auction, appetizers, and a group exhibition including the work of Iowa artists Thomas Metcalf, Sindi Mueller, Charles Morris, Dena Tollefson, and Mary Zeran.

Tickets are $25 per person. All proceeds benefit the growth of Maquoketa Art Experience, a not-for-profit arts organization that is working to build community in Maquoketa through visual arts exploration. For more information contact visit www.maquoketa-art.org. or call Paula Neuhaus at 563.652.9925.

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You are cordially invited, in fact highly encouraged if not guilt tripped to attend an open house and art sale at Leslie Bell's studio the first weekend of December. After 38 years in the St. Ambrose University Art Department (he's never gone home; not even once) the aforementioned Mr. Bell is retiring from fulltime teaching (to part time), hoping that his money doesn't run out before he goes to heaven. He's also desirous of getting rid of some pretty awesome art because he's been told time and time again, "You can't take it with you". And anyway, he's against renting a U-haul.

Have you always wanted to buy a painting, drawing, photograph, lithograph, intaglio, Xerox, thumbprint, used car or choice piece of beachfront property from Professor Bell? You're in luck. There will be hundreds and hundreds and several more hundreds of just such  things stacked and leaning about, waiting for you to snatch them up at record-low prices. He will not be driving his funny car nor will there be a radio DJ yelling at you in a politically incorrect manner about his mental health. The sales, however, will be insane by all accounts and since the artist himself is writing this diatribe, all accounts are coming straight from the horse's mouth.

OK. The particulars:

WHERE:  Studio House aka Les's studio?1918 Gaines Street, Davenport Iowa: the first livable structure north of Locust Street, west side of Gaines Street. There's a big parking lot at Locust and Gaines by the way. 50' from the front door! Call 563-639-4555 if you need more incentive to attend.

WHEN:  Thursday - December 1: 4?6 p.m.
              Friday - December 2: 4?6 p.m.
              Saturday - December 3: 1?3 p.m.

HOW:  If you're coming in from Illinois?Govt. bridge north to 1918 Gaines. If you're from outer space, it's the third stone from the sun. Follow the Mississippi River up from the Gulf of Mexico and stop when you see all the cars and bicycles and people dressed in black, smiling.

WHO:  Anyone brave enough to talk an artist out of a portion of his loot and willing to have a glass of faux Champagne and gawk at the pretty pitchers. And pictures.

WHY:  It's a chance to gain the status only MFA-generated art can bring to a household, dorm room, crash pad or Occupy SAU tent.

ENDING:  See you then and there.

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