Davenport, Iowa - August 2011 -The Figge will host free art activities on Thursday, August 11 and Thursday, August 18 from 6pm to 7:30pm.  The art activities are offered in conjunction with the current exhibition, The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Chair Design.  On August 11, participants will be able to make prints of iconic chairs, many of which are featured in the exhibition.  On August 18, participants will be able to make miniature chair models.  No drawing skills or previous art-making experience are needed to participate in these free activities. 

The Figge is offering these activities as part of their "Thursdays at the Figge" weekly program.  This unique program gives museum visitors the opportunity to experience the Figge in a fun, social atmosphere.  Every Thursday the Figge offers an art talk or activity and live music.  Each Thursday in August Ellis Kell will perform from 5:30pm until 7pm in the lobby.  The Arts Café in the museum dining room and the bar are also open for dinner service and cocktails.  The Figge remains open until 9pm on Thursdays.

Admission to the museum is not required to participate in these art activities.  Regular admission applies for admittance to the galleries and special exhibitions. 

The Art of Seating is sponsored by Sears Manufacturing, Paragon Commercial Interiors, Inc., and Rick Bowers.

The Art of Seating is developed by the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville and the Jacobsen Collection of American Art; tour organized by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C.

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Davenport, Iowa - August 2011 -The Figge Art Museum and the River Music Experience will host the family workshop "Art of Percussion" on Saturday, August 13 from 10am to 2pm.  Families will enjoy a fun, creative day at the Figge beginning with an entertaining performance of Native American music and stories presented by Larry Lockwood on the Figge plaza. Afterwards, participants will create cool and colorful rain sticks, drums, maracas and other shakers and noise makers out of recycled materials in the Figge Studios, and then play these percussion instruments in a musical procession to neighboring River Music Experience. Terry Hanson and fellow musician Ellis Kell will lead a mega drum circle, working out dynamic rhythms and beats.

Schedule:
10 am                       Registration 
10:15 - 10:45am       Native American stories and music on Figge plaza
10:45am-12pm        Instrument building in Figge Studios

12 - 12:30pm            Lunch break

12:30pm                   Musical procession to River Music Experience
12:45 - 2pm              Drum circle at River Music Experience

The fee for this workshop is $10 per family.  This workshop is appropriate for children of all ages; an adult must be present for each family.  Families can pre-register by contacting Heather at 563.326.7804 x 2045 or haaronson@figgeartmuseum.org; day of registration will be available in the Figge lobby at 10am. Families should pack a sack lunch. 

This workshop is in partnership with River Music Experience and supported with Quad City Arts Dollar$ funds, provided by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, the Doris and Victor Day  Foundation, the John Deere Foundation, the Mary Iva Gittens Knouse Charitable Trust, Quad City Arts Partners and Festival of Trees.

-end-

Artists, Pat Halverson & Judy Gray have a joint show of their artwork displayed at Eldridge Library (200 N. 6th Ave., Eldridge, IA) through September.  

   

Artisans, Bonnie Grebner (www.the-art-collective.org/Bonnie.html) will be doing a Raku-firing at the Clay & Fiber weekend in Bishop Hill, IL on August 20 & 21. 

Artist Judy O. Gray (www.judyogray.com) has a 40-piece artwork display at the Clinton River Arts Center through September 18th.  A reception is planned for Sunday, August 21 from 1 - 3.  The address is 229 - 5th Ave S, Clinton, IA. (free)

Artist Allen Holloway (www.artbyallenholloway.com) is showing a body of his work (realism framed originals and prints, modern art originals and many un-framed prints) through Mid-Coast Fine Arts at the I-80 Welcome Center in LeClaire, IA  through September 30.  A demonstration of his art-making skills along with light refreshments is planned for Sunday, afternoon September 11. (free)

Watercolor Artist, Tom Jones (www.tomjonesartist.com), a resident of Central Florida will be holding a 4-day workshop through Left Bank Art league on August 25 - 28 in Moline, IL.  There are still some openings available Contact Judy Gray (563-344-7837 or rjgray01@mchsi.com for details.

DES MOINES, IA (08/08/2011)(readMedia)-- The Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center will be bursting with fine art at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. Home to Iowa's largest art show, the Cultural Center features sand sculptures, art activities, demonstrations and much more. As the Fair celebrates 100 years of the Butter Cow, art throughout the Cultural Center will pay tribute to Iowa's buttery icon August 11-21.

Sandscapes, a team of national, international and world champion sand sculptors, returns to the Cultural Center atrium to construct a Butter Cow-themed masterpiece. Watch the progress unfold as the team works throughout the Fair to complete the sculpture, showcasing their talents from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the atrium each day.

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. Several special Butter Cow categories promise to provide creative commemorations of the world-renowned buttery bovine.

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 blown glass ornaments. 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 wood carving, cardboard art, charcoal portraits and many more.

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

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visitwww.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

Sunday, August 14, 2011   2:00 p.m.
German   American   Heritage   Center
712 West 2nd Street  Davenport  IA   52802

The   German   American   Heritage   Center   presents local educator Bruce Bufe in the first of a series on personal family immigration histories called "My German Story."  This program features the life and times of Franz Gustav Bufe, a German immigrant cigar maker in   Moline   in the l880's.  He was also an artist, a poet, and a keen social critic of his time.  Come experience his poems in translation and explore the themes and views of a common man with an uncommon talent for self-expression. This program is re-scheduled from a spring emergency cancellation. 

Members free; public welcome with $5.00 admission; includes museum exhibits.

(Davenport, IA) - The Quad-City Times will sponsor a free admissions weekend at the Figge Art Museum Friday, July 29 through Sunday, July 31. While Lance Armstrong is not scheduled to make an appearance at the RAGBRAI finish line, visitors to the Downtown Davenport Street Fest are invited to seeLance Armstrong at the Figge for free during the Bix7/RAGBRAI weekend.   Lance Armstrong, a photo of Armstrong nude on his bike taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz in 1999, is currently on view in the Figge lobby. The Figge's Bix7/RAGBRAI weekend events will also include a free Spin Art activity on the Plaza from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, July 29 and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 31. The museum will lead a free guided tour of The Art of Seating on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

The Figge Museum currently features three special exhibitions, in addition to works in the permanent collection.  The Art of Seating: 200 Years in American Chair Design includes more than 40 distinctive chairs selected from the Jacobsen American Chair Collection. Intriguing Images: Docent Picks from the Figge Collection features works popular with Figge visitors and docent and the exhibition Water Views from the Figge Collection explores and celebrates the beauty and diversity of water.

The permanent collection now showcases Pleasures from a Country Life, a new gallery installation featuring selections from the John Deere Art Collection.  Recent changes to the permanent collection also include the installation The American West as a Myth, which highlights the Figge's Western Collection, and The Spirit of Haitian Art, which showcases the Figge's impressive Haitian Collection. 

The free admission weekend is great opportunity for families, visitors, and locals to escape the head and explore the museum during the downtown festivities. For more information contact the Figge Art Museum at 563.326.7804.

The Art of Seating is developed by the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville and the Jacobsen Collection of American Art; tour organized by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C.  and sponsored locally by Sears Manufacturing, Paragon Commercial Interiors, Inc., and Rick Bowers.

-END-

The German American Heritage Center in Davenport welcomes civil war enthusiasts!    The exhibit "Iowa in the Civil War: The German Element" is available through August 7. A companion FREE traveling exhibit from the Iowa State Historical Society in the GAHC parking lot features "The Fiery Trial: Iowa in the Civil War." Visitors can see why Iowa entered the war, the impact of war on the state of Iowa, the work of Annie Wittenmyer as she cared for the wounded and orphaned, and efforts in Iowa to improve civil rights for all after the war.

A special touchscreen feature allows Iowans to search for their Union army ancestors in the Civil War by name and county.

 

A special $10 family ticket for all inside exhibits is available during the "Fiery Trial" run from July 28 through August 7. Other tickets are Adults $5, Seniors $4 and children $3.

 

Special hours for the civil war features are July 28 - August 7 from 10:00 through 7:00 EXCEPT July 28 10:00 - 4:00; July 31 noon to 6:00 and August 7, noon to 4:00.

 

Information available at www.gahc.org OR (563) 322-8844 or info@gahc.org

The exhibit "Iowa in the Civil War: The German Element" is available through August 7. A companion FREE traveling exhibit from the Iowa State Historical Society in the GAHC parking lot features "The Fiery Trial: Iowa in the Civil War." Visitors can see why Iowa entered the war, the impact of war on the state of Iowa, the work of Annie Wittenmyer as she cared for the wounded and orphaned, and efforts in Iowa to improve civil rights for all after the war.

A special touchscreen feature allows Iowans to search for their Union army ancestors in the Civil War by name and county.

A special $10 family ticket for all inside exhibits is available during the "Fiery Trial" run from July 28 through August 7. Other tickets are Adults $5, Seniors $4 and children $3.

Special hours for the civil war features are July 28 - August 7 from 10:00 through 7:00 EXCEPT July 28 10:00 - 4:00; July 31 noon to 6:00 and August 7, noon to 4:00.

Information available at www.gahc.org OR (563) 322-8844 or info@gahc.org

 

WHERE: Train Exhibit located at Quad City Arts Center Gallery,  Rock Island ,  IL   61201
Art Expo located at the end of
  3rd St.   in the District of Rock Island, IL 61201

DATES: Train Exhibit: July 21st - July 24th

Art Expo: July 22nd

ADMISSION: Train Exhibit & Art Expo are FREE

As part of 2011 Train Festival, Quad City Arts Gallery is hosting an exhibit created by the Tri-County N-Scale Model Train Club from July 21st- July 24th. The train display features N-scale model railways with different background scenery. Some of the scenes include an airport, mountain range, farm towns, and even a small scale replica of   Geneseo  Illinois   in the 1950's. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view the current gallery installation, "The Artist in You" group exhibit, which features 37 works of art from emerging and accomplished artists living within a 250-mile radius of the Quad Cities. The gallery will be open extended hours for the festival: July 21st   10 am  -6 pm , July 22nd   3:30 pm  -9 pm , July 23rd   11 am  -6 pm , and July 24th   11 am  -5 pm .

In addition to the gallery exhibit, Quad City Arts will also provide an outdoor Art Expo on Friday, July 22nd from   10 am  -  8 pm  , located at the end of   3rd Street   in the District of Rock Island. Admission to the Art Expo is free and will feature original artwork by local artists and live music.

The public is invited both events. For more information please visit http://www.quadcityarts.com/exhibits.asp.

The Quad City Arts Center Gallery is located at   1715 Second Avenue   in the Arts and Entertainment District of   Rock Island  . 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 Visual Arts Director, Dawn Wohlford-Metallo at 309-793-1213 ext. 108 ordwmetallo@quadcityarts.com.

"MEET MARY TODD LINCOLN"

A free history event for seniors, 60 and older.

Tickets sponsored by Eye Surgeons Associates of the Quad Cities

 

The German American Heritage Center, located at the foot of the Centennial Bridge in Davenport, has a special opportunity for active QC seniors scheduled at its facility on Friday, July 29 at 1:30 p.m.   At that time seniors may enjoy an historical presentation by Dr. Marrietta Castle of Rock Island, who will be appearing in period costume speaking as Mary Todd Lincoln.   Seniors can learn of Mrs. Lincoln's life as told ten years after her husband's assassination and at the time of her release from a sanitarium where she had been committed by her oldest son, Robert.  The show lasts about one hour.

 

The presentation is FREE to area seniors 60 and over;  tickets are available at CASI, 1035 W. Kimberly in Davenport and at the Life Fitness Center in Bettendorf.  This opportunity is a community service to seniors sponsored by the generosity of Eye Surgeons Associates of the Quad Cities. Tickets are limited; one per person; first come first served.

 

"Meet Mary Todd Lincoln" is a special senior event to coincide with two unique exhibits available at the German American Heritage Center.  Those include a first floor exhibit "The Civil War - The German Element" and the visit to the Quad Cities of the traveling "History on the Move" trailer from the Iowa State Historical Society which will be in the Center's parking lot from July 28 through August 7.  The trailer is entitled "The Fiery Trial: Iowa in the Civil War" and features Iowa's role in the great conflict, the war's causes and aftermath, the work of Annie Wittenmyer on behalf of soldiers, widows and orphans, and Iowa's role in the the Civil Rights movement after the war's end.  There is also a touchscreen feature which allows Iowans to search for a Civil War soldier ancestor by name and county and learn his fate with the Union army.  Seniors may experience the presentation, the exhibits and the permanent display of "The German Immigrant Experience" on the third floor.  All portions of the senior visit for this event are air conditioned and handicapped accessible.

 

Residents of area senior living facilities have been invited to visit the Civil War exhibits at designated times during the week of August 1 - August 5.  The general public is also welcome to attend; see the GAHC website www.gahc.org for times and admission prices.  A special $10 family rate ticket will be in effect from July 28 - August 7.  There is no charge to visit only the traveling "Fiery Trial" trailer.

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