Experience first hand the regional and national impact created by the Jewish community of the Quad Cities including contributions in the arts, business and much more. Artifacts and stories from the local Jewish population paint a picture of religious and everyday life and a sense of how we can relate with our neighbors throughout their history in the Quad Cities.
Sponsors: Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Rauch Family Foundation II, Illinois Humanities and Humanities Iowa

This program is supported by Humanities Iowa, Illinois Humanities, the Illinois General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The views and opinions expressed by this program do not necessarily reflect those of the supporting agencies.

1717 W 12th St. | Davenport, IA | 563.324.1933Putnam.org

Speakers: Karen and Denis Dolan, Volunteers with Linden Hill

In the Music Room at the Muscatine Art Center

Thursday, October 22, 2015 from Noon to 1 p.m.

FREE ADMISSION

Built in 1898, the neighboring homes of Charles A. Weyerhaeuser and Richard "Drew" Musser are physical reminders of the "Lumber Era" in Minnesota. Linden Hill volunteers, Karen and Denis Dolan, will present on the homes which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The nine-acre estate, including both homes, was used by the Musser family until 20 years ago, and is now an event center run by the non-profit Friends of Linden Hill. The group host weddings, receptions, teas, retreats, Christmas tours, and other special occasions throughout the year. Visitors can even stay overnight in the bedrooms in the beautiful Musser mansion.

Laura Musser McColm frequently visited her brother Drew and his family at Linden Hill. Her journal describes family gatherings in Minnesota: "Wednesday, January 1, 1936 - A very pleasant day in my brother's home. Mary & "Lotsie" at home for the holidays. Sarah dear, so kind to me and Drew such a wonderful brother make me feel very much at home and I do love to be with them.... Sarah & Drew had twenty people in to welcome the New Year.  We had a jolly time."

The Musser family began calling the estate "Linden Hill" in the 1920s, because of the many linden, or basswood, trees on the property. One of the Linden Hill homes - the white Musser Mansion - had been virtually closed off after Drew Musser's death in 1958. When it was reopened decades later, his toothbrush and razor were still in place in the bathroom as if still waiting for Mr. Musser's return. Most of the furniture and furnishings remain intact and undamaged, making it a living example of life for the upper class in the area during the early 20th century.

The program on October 22nd is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Please contact Melanie Alexander, Director, with any questions or concerns at 563-263-8282 or by email at malexander@muscatineiowa.gov.

The Muscatine Art Center is located at 1314 Mulberry Avenue in Muscatine, Iowa. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday evenings until 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.muscatineartcenter.org for more information about programs and events and to download a class brochure.

Happy October, past and present Festival of Trees Designers!

THANK YOU to those who've already expressed an interest in helping to create TABLE TRIMMINGS to be sold at FESTIVAL OF TREES 2015!

Not familiar with this area? Table Trimmings are attractive centerpieces for sale at Festival on a cash and carry basis. Each centerpiece is unique and handcrafted especially for Festival of Trees by generous volunteers.

Marlene Marolf, Table Trimmings Chair, will be holding hours in the Table Trimmings workspace for DROP-IN DESIGNING a couple of times in the next few weeks:

Saturday, October 17

10 am - 4 pm

Wednesday, October 21

1 - 4 pm

Designing will take place at the Table Trimmings workspace at 1718 2nd Avenue in downtown Rock Island - right across the street from Quad City Arts!

**We are also looking for design materials - sleds (and other containers), florals, greens, focal point items (Santa's, snowmen, etc.). Donations can be dropped off at Quad City Arts (1715 2nd Avenue) weekdays between 10 am - 5 pm and on Saturdays between 11 am - 5 pm.

Are you interested in helping out on one of these dates? Are you interested in helping out, but would prefer to come at a different time? Are you interested in helping out, but would prefer to design in the comfort of your home? All of these options are possible! Contact Marlene by phone at 563-391-9621 or by email at gourddzn@aol.com

Davenport, Iowa (October 9, 2015) - Edward S. Curtis: One Hundred Masterworks will be on view at the Figge Art Museum beginning Saturday in the third floor gallery. The exhibition features a selection of 100 images of the Native American people of the United States taken by renowned photographer Edward S. Curtis.

 

In 1900, Edward Curtis (born in 1868) set out on a monumental quest to make an unprecedented, comprehensive record of the North American Indian. He traveled to Alaska, the Southwest and the Great Plains in search of his subjects. Over the next 30 years he produced more than 40,000 photographs of Native peoples. The culmination of his project resulted in a 20-volume, 20 portfolio set of handmade books entitled: The North American Indian?one of the most ambitious publishing projects in American history.

With an approximate cost of $35 million in today's dollars, Curtis' effort involved more than 100 assistants, artisans, salespeople and support staff, and required the collaboration of an estimated 10,000 Native Americans who posed or otherwise assisted the photographer. The project bankrupted him and ruined his health, and he died in obscurity in 1952, but today his work is considered a masterpiece of photography and a priceless record of Native American culture.

Visitors to the One Hundred Masterworks exhibition will have the opportunity to view well-known and rare images of Native Americans that range from portraits, including notables such as Red Cloud, to traditional scenes and ceremonies. Included are platinum prints, goldtones, cyanotypes and the more common photogravures, drawn from the largest existing collection of Curtis' work. The photographs are increasingly prized for their artistic value and present a historical record of enormous and irreplaceable importance.

One Hundred Masterworks will be on display October 10, 2015-January 17, 2016 and is sponsored by The Hunt and Diane Harris Family Foundation.

The Edward S. Curtis: One Hundred Masterworks book by collector, curator and Curtis authority Christopher Cardozo will be available for purchase in the Museum Store.

COMPANION EVENTS:
Opening Reception 

Friday, October 9

5:30 p.m. Members' Reception

7 p.m. Curator Talk

Members are invited to partake in light appetizers in the lobby to celebrate the opening of the exhibition. All are welcome at 7 p.m. to listen to collector, curator and Curtis authority Christopher Cardozo speak.

 

Documentary Film

7 p.m. Thursday, November 5

Language Healers tells the story of Native peoples striving to revitalize their languages and explores the importance of Native languages and cultures to Alaskans.

 

Talk

7 p.m. Thursday, November 19

Jane Simonsen, PhD, will present her research on Native American visual culture as it relates to the exhibition.

 

Family Day

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016

 

Docent-led Tours

1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17

1:30 p.m. Sunday, October 18

Free with museum 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 noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members, and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

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Come to Bereskin Gallery and SEE art in a new way and in a new light.  "We will be featuring painting and sculpture by Dean Kugler," said Pat Bereskin. Kugler will be creating a unique atmosphere and focus using specialty lighting.

In addition, Bereskin, herself and Brad Bisbey will each be showing 30 paintings that were completed in 30 days.  While this may seem like an unconventional way to produce artwork, this show represents an exercise in technique and discipline.  Six of the gallery's other artist will exhibit new work that has not previously be seen.  So come and enjoy snacks, drinks and conversation with the artists before heading out to go trick or treating.
Final Friday this month will be on October 30th from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bucktown Center for the Arts. For more photos contact Pat Bereskin at (563) 508-4630.
Bereskin Fine Art Gallery & Studio | bereskinartgallery.com | bereskinartgallery@gmail.com | (563) 508-4630

WALCOTT, IOWA -- Iowa 80 Trucking Museum is currently expanding the museum by adding on to the current truck Exhibit Hall.  The expansion will add an additional 26,400 square feet; nearly doubling the Truck Exhibit Hall space.  When complete, there will be space for over 130 trucks to be on display in the museum.  "We are excited about this project," says Dave Meier, museum curator.  "We will have the ability to share so much more of our truck collection with visitors."

Iowa 80 Trucking Museum expects the expansion to be completed in late Spring 2016.

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Coal Valley, IL - October 1, 2015 - Niabi Zoo has announced a naming contest for their female babe Black and White Colobus monkey, which was born on September 1, 2015.
Three finalist names have been chosen for zoo visitors to vote on and choose their favorite. The naming contest will run until October 19.
With this format, zoo visitors who vote will not just be choosing a name for the new monkey, but will also be supporting the zoo. "We're asking visitors to cast their vote with the pocket change," says Zoo Director Marc Heinzman, "and the name with the highest dollar amount will win." According to Heinzman, all proceeds raised from the naming contest will go toward ongoing improvements to Niabi Zoo's animal habitats and facilities.
The three finalist name choices and their meanings are Adina (she has saved), Raziya (sweet, agreeable), and Makeda (magnificent). The ballot boxes are located in front of the African Treetops colobus monkey habitat at Niabi Zoo.
Niabi Zoo is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Last admission each day is at 3:00pm.
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One of our last fundraising events of the year is coming up this weekend! Please join us for our annual Arts & Draughts Beer Tasting Event this Saturday, Oct. 3rd from 6-8. This event supports our programming and exhibitions for 2016! We hope to have your support for exciting programs next year on topics such as Thomas Nast, Trains, and even Germans in Hollywood. We couldn't do it without your support!

Call 563-322-8844 to reserve your tickets at the $20 price! Day of sales go up to $25

We proudly present delicious German style beers from MUGZ as well as the music of Enjoy with Troy and brat baskets for purchase from Jerry's Market!

Saturday, October 17th Genealogy Workshop 9am-12pm $30/$35
There are still a few spaces left in our Genealogy Workshop with Teresa Steinkamp McMillin. Come and learn at her sessions on:

9:30-10:30 Reading Between the Lines of the City Directory
This lecture encourages one to go beyond the obvious use of a city directory-locating an ancestor. The directory provides an opportunity to understand our ancestor's historical context. Pictures, advertisements, maps of the city and many more items are often included. The audience will be encouraged to understand each directory's unique qualities. Examples will be used to illustrate various points.

11:00-12:00 So, You've Found Your German Town of Origin, Now What?
Finding your ancestor's town of origin can be exciting, indeed. Once this piece of information is found, you might be left wondering how to get records from the other side of the ocean. This lecture focuses on how to get records for German towns. Highlights include :
  • Verifying the location of the town
  • Strategies for identifying misspelled town names
  • Finding historical jurisdictions for that town
  • Finding records for that town
  • Useful aids for reading those records
  • Tips for hiring a professional genealogist in Germany, when necessary
Pre-registration & Pre-payment required. $30 Members, $35 Nonmembers. Museum opens at 9:00am on Oct.17. There will be a 30 minute break in between sessions.
We have partnered with the Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society for this workshop which is sponsored by the City of Davenport.
Coal Valley, IL - September 25, 2015 - Niabi Zoo announced today that Zoo Director Marc Heinzman is leaving his position at Niabi Zoo for a new opportunity. Heinzman has accepted the position of Zoological Curator at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, located in Eatonville, Washington. His last day at Niabi Zoo will be October 16.

Marc Heinzman began working at Niabi Zoo in 2008 as a zookeeper, before becoming Assistant Zoo Director in 2010. He became the Zoo Director in 2012. "I'm excited to start this next chapter of my career," said Heinzman, "and I know Niabi Zoo is positioned for continued success into the future. I have worked hard to assemble a great team of skilled and experienced professionals that will help take the Zoo to the next level." Heinzman also said he is proud of the improved levels of animal welfare and financial stability that Niabi Zoo has implemented in the last three years.

"I have a lifelong connection to Niabi Zoo," said Heinzman, "beginning with elementary school field trips as a young child all the way through to the bulk of my professional career in the Zoo field. Niabi Zoo will always be an important place to me, and now the Forest Preserve District and the Niabi Zoological Society are working with the nation's leading experts in zoo consultation and governance to determine the best path into the future. I can't wait to see what lies ahead for Niabi Zoo." Heinzman has been a resident of the Quad Cities for most of his life, attending Rock Island public schools and Saint Ambrose University.

"We're sorry to see Marc go," said Rock Island County Forest Preserve District Director Jeff Craver, "but we wish him all the best with his new opportunity. He's been a great asset to Niabi Zoo during his seven years there." Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is an AZA-accredited facility of Metro Parks Tacoma, an independent government agency which oversees the parks of Tacoma, Washington. Northwest Trek is 723 acres in size and features a collection of about 200 animals representing over 40 species native to the Pacific Northwest.

Niabi Zoo's Assistant Zoo Director, Dan Meates, will be act as interim Zoo Director until the Forest Preserve District completes a national search to identify Niabi Zoo's next Director.

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Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Library will host a new abstract art exhibit by Rock Island artist Elaine Shepherd Rexdale during October at the Main Library location.

Her exhibit, I Met a wo(Man) Who Wasn't There, is inspired by the poem Antigonish by Hughes Mearns. "Yesterday, upon the stair/I met a man who wasn't there./He wasn't there again today,/I wish, I wish he'd go away/When I came home last night at three,/The man was waiting there for me/But when I looked around the hall, I couldn't see him there at all! . . . "

Elaine Rexdale has worked in the educational field for her entire adult life. Her chosen career took her to Illinois, Louisiana and New York, before returning to make Rock Island her home. Inspiration comes from a life-long hobby of people watching, and the worlds of art and music. Her abstract acrylic paintings use bold strokes and bright colors to convey excitement and energy.

"For me, the visually most interesting is not in perfection, but imperfection," says Rexdale.  "I want viewers to experience the beauty of movement, design, and color, even if the message I'm attempting to convey is not immediately recognized,"

Rexdale regularly exhibits at Midcoast Fine Arts and Geneseo Art League, and recently completed a showing at Galesburg Civic Art Center. Her exhibit will be on display in the Rock Island Main Library's 2nd floor gallery space, 401 19th Street, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31 during the day and in the evening during library programs.

For more free library events for all ages, pick up a fall events brochure at library locations, call 309-732-READ or visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org.

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