20 Apr 2015

Loebsack Announces Start of Online Voting for 2015 Congressional Art Contest

By Vonnie Hampel

To vote, visit:  http://Loebsack.house.gov/2015ArtVote

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that online voting to select the 2015 People's Choice Award winner to represent Iowa's Second Congressional District in the Congressional Art Contest has now begun. The piece that receives the most votes will be named this year's winner and will be displayed in the tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol for one year. The winning student and guardian will also each receive a free flight to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception held in their honor (all other expenses must be covered by the winner). This year, Loebsack's office received nearly 50 entries from 12 different high schools in 10 counties.

Once again this year, to open the process to as many Iowans as possible, the winner will be chosen by the public. Voting is now open and will close on Friday, April 24th at 5:00pm CDT. The winner will be notified and announced the week of April 27th.

To vote, visit http://Loebsack.house.gov/2015ArtVote, scroll through the entries and select from the dropdown list at the bottom.

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17 Apr 2015

"Plant Your Park" Volunteer Project at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Starts Off Celebration of National Parks

By Rick Martin

WEST BRANCH, IOWA– On Saturday April 25th help the National Park Service plant trees around the historic site commemorating Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States. People of all ages are welcome to come out and help.  The tree planting is part of National Park Week and is a great chance to help make your National Park an even better place to be.

If you would like to help, contact Denise Collar at (319) 643-2541. Meet at the Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. for an orientation and to get signed up. Work will be from 9:00 a.m. to about 1:00 p.m. Please dress for the weather, and wear comfortable work clothes.  Long pants and closed toe shoes are required.  Bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, long sleeved shirt, and a snack.  The park has work gloves and other required tools.

National Park Week is from April 18th to the 26th.  It the annual week to celebrate and recognize your national parks.  This year's event is also the beginning of the "Find Your Park" campaign that will run through 2016, the National Park Service's 100th anniversary.  "Find Your Park" is aimed at getting people out to experience all their national parks have to offer and to share their favorite stories about National Parks. Visit www.findyourpark.com to learn more.

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. 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

15 Apr 2015

Parents! Has your child's class had a Putnam experience yet?

By Putnam Museum

There is still time for your students to experience a trip to the Putnam Museum and Science Center, where learning comes to life!

At the Putnam, your children can:

Explore more than 40 hands-on science interactives in our Science Center!

Go back in time and around the world!
See an authentic Samurai Warrior suit of arms and an Egyptian mummy.
Explore our region! 
Examine an albino squirrel and Bix Beiderbecke's own cornet.

Discover new frontiers!

Take in a 3D documentary on Mars explorations or the Marianas Trench in Iowa's largest Giant Screen Theater.

Look to the future!

Our latest traveling exhibition, Alien Worlds and Androids, has a special discounted student rate when included with a field trip!

 


Tell your favorite teachers to contact the Putnam for more information!
13 Apr 2015

Heart to Art: Art Exhibit and events presented by Bucktown Center for the Arts and Genesis Heart Institute

By Pat Bereskin

We are pleased to announce a celebration of the heart brought to you by Bucktown Center for the Arts and Genesis Heart Institute.  Art from a wide variety of talented artists, interpreting the theme "Heart to Art," will be showcased in Atom Studio + Gallery and on the second floor of Bucktown.  We have many exciting events scheduled for the public during out "Heart to Art" exhibit including film premiers, live music, yoga, tai chi, massage, essential oils, heart talk and healthy snacks.

Schedule:

Friday, April 24, 2015 - Bucktown Center for the Arts Opening Reception "Heart to Art" Exhibit, 6 to 9 p.m. • Blood Pressure Checks and Heart Health information provided by Genesis Heart Institute • Heart Healthy Refreshments provided by the Bucktown Galleries • Chair Massage by Pam Kaufman • Special Music by the Hand and Heart Drumming and the Bettendorf High School Symphony Quartet • 6 p.m. Reception Studio 56 - 7 p.m. film screening, Ste. 203. "Buried Hearts" by Jeremy Wernli, "The Chase" and "Chambers County" by Jonathan Burnett, Q&A immediately following.

Saturday, April 25- Bucktown Center for the Arts 9 and 10 a.m. - Yoga with Betsy Meartens * 10 and 11 a.m. - Guided Meditation Sessions Angie Sands, Cloud Nine Meditation 11 a.m. - Tangling in Atom Studio + Gallery 12:00 p.m. Essential Oils by Felicia Southward 1:00 p.m. - Heart Healthy Diet with Marilyn Riley 2:00 p.m. - Dr. Rafat F. Padaria, MD speaks about Women and Heart Disease

Thursday, April 30- Bucktown Center for the Arts 5:15 to 6:15 - Yoga with Betsy Meartens*

Saturday, May 2- Bucktown Center for the Arts 10 a.m. Tai Chi with Erica Heinrichs

Thursday, May 6- Bucktown Center for the Arts 5:15 to 6:15 Tai Chi with Erica Heinrichs Second

Saturday, May 9- Bucktown Center for the Arts 9 and 10 a.m. - Yoga with Betsy Meartens* 10 a.m. Tai Chi with Erica Heinrichs 10 and 11 a.m. - Guided Meditation Sessions Angie Sands, Cloud Nine Meditation

Tuesday May 12 - Genesis Heart Institute Art Exhibit opens

Tuesday May 19 - Genesis Heart Institute 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Hand and Heart Drumming 10:00 a.m. Tangling with Pat Bereskin and 10:30 a.m. - Guided Meditation Sessions Angie Sands, 11:00 a.m. Essential Oils by Felicia Southward

* wear loose fitting comfortable clothing, bring mat and water

10 Apr 2015

From Wolf to Woof: Dogs of Deutschland!

By G A H C

Opening  Sun. April 12

Germany has been the homeland of many breeds of dogs, even some you might not expect! Join GAHC in learning about these fascinating animals with information on how we help man's best friend to how they can help us! You can have your German dog in the exhibit by posting a photo of your pooch with #qcgermandogs on Instagram or Facebook. Or you can email kelly.lao@gahc.org. We salute these dogs with this exhibition and related programs:

Sunday, April 19

2pm: Dachshunds- Local author Pam Bulat will read from her book "Lucy, Queen of the Sofa" which features her dachshund. Books will be for sale to benefit GAHC and will have a visit from someone low and lean!

Sun. June 14

2pm: Patriotic Pooch Parade- In partnership with the Human Society of Scott County, this Flag Day event will be held outside in the GAHC parking lot! Bring your costumed pet in red, white, and blue to honor Old Glory! All pets must be leashed and youth under 14 must have adult supervision. Prizes awarded for best costumes! The Humane Society will bring some shelter pets and explain how to give them fur-ever homes. No charge for outdoor event; regular admission for exhibits.

Sun. June 21

2pm-Scott County Kennel Club will be bringing four legged friends to demonstrate obedience and agility training.

Sun. July 12

2pm- Animal Behaviorist Melanie Brown and her German Shepherd Sam will be visiting GAHC to show off Sam's skills and talk about training.

Please join us for these events at the German American Heritage Center, located at 712 W2nd St. Davenport, IA. For more information contact Kelly at 563-322-8844 or kelly.lao@gahc.org.

06 Apr 2015

Figge to Launch Mobile Audio Tour

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (April 6, 2015) - The Figge Art Museum is launching an exciting new platform that will enrich the visitor experience. The Figge mobile audio tour is designed to deliver behind-the-scenes content and facts about hand-selected works right to a visitor's own cell phone or tablet-completely free of charge.

"The tour allows us to build a relationship between objects in our collection and visitors," said Raelene Pullen, director of development. "We've worked to create a breadth of objects from different collections, so there's something for everyone to call into."

Each tour stop has been crafted by Figge staff, with special guest recordings by prominent Quad Cities community members including Artist Rose Franzen, Davenport Alderman Barney Barnhill, Dispatch-Argus Reporter Jonathan Turner, Marketing Director and Owner of Happy Joe's Kristel Whitty, Vice President of John Deere Foundation Nate Clark, Figge Executive Director Tim Schiffer, Quad City Arts Executive Director Carmen Darland, Music Educator Ron May, Lawyer Henry Nueman, Creative Arts Academy Department Chair Joel Franken and many more.

The tour currently has over forty different mobile stops including: The Figge Art Museum building, designed by Sir David Chipperfield, Half-Moon by Deborah Butterfield, Self Portrait by Grant Wood, Soundsculpture by Henry Bertoia. Moonlight by Ralph Blakelock, Vase de Fleurs sur un Table (Flower Vase on a Table) by Pablo Picaso, Elegy to the Spanish Republic by Robert Motherwell among others.

To participate, visitors simply dial the Figge's local tour number 563.424.3997 or scan the QR code. Once connected, participants will hear a short greeting and instructions to continue the mobile tour.

The mobile tour has been gifted by the Hunt and Diane Harris Family Foundation in honor of Tom and Mary Waterman Gildehaus to continue their vision for the Figge as a world-class art facility serving both residents and visitors.

Hunt Harris, Figge Board of Trustees member and chief sponsor of the museum's mobile tour, said the investment is a long-awaited and welcome addition to the Figge. "Art museums can be intimidating to those of us without art backgrounds. Having an audio explanation of major works makes the museum a less intimidating place and enhances our understanding and appreciation of the works before us," he added.

 

The Figge joins more than 1,200 U.S. and international venues using this technology, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian and Iowa's own Des Moines Art Center.

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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06 Apr 2015

Iowa State Fair to Debut Mural Painting Contest

By Gary Slater

DES MOINES, IA (04/03/2015)(readMedia)-- The 2015 Iowa State Fair, set August 13-23, will feature a custom mural designed and painted by a local artist. Individuals are invited to submit their own designs for the 12x16-ft. mural, which will be completed throughout the Fair in the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center.

To enter, submit an entry form along with a detailed rendering of your proposed design. For full consideration, applicants must also send an exhibition record, three to five samples of previous work and at least two professional references. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Iowa State Fair website: http://www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/art/. All entries must be received or e-mailed to jcannon@iowastatefair.org by May 1.

The selected design will be chosen June 1. The winner will receive a $2,500 stipend, up to $500 in reimbursement for supplies and an invitation to plain the mural on-site during the Fair.

Send entries to:

Jen Cannon, Competitive Events Director

Iowa State Fair

PO Box 57130

Des Moines, Iowa 50317-0003

Or e-mail all materials to jcannon@iowastatefair.org

For questions about the contest, contact Jen Cannon at 515-262-3111, ext.245 or jcannon@iowastatefair.org.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at www.iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

03 Apr 2015

IOWA WATERCOLOR TRAVELING SHOW for 2014 - 2015

By Lynn Bartenhagen

On View in the Musser Mansion Gallery at the Muscatine Art Center

April 26 - May 22, 2015

FREE ADMISSION

The Muscatine Art Center is pleased to present the Iowa Watercolor Society Annual Traveling Show for

2014 - 2015. This exhibit includes this year's top five award winning paintings, as well as, Best Translucent Watercolor, and five Honorable Mentions.  There are a total of 31 watercolor paintings in the show representing the work of 29 Iowa artists.   Internationally known artist Carol Carter, from St. Louis, Mo, juried and judged this year's annual competition that was held in West Des Moines, Ia.   There were 142 entries for this year's juried show, of these, sixty-one where chosen for the Annual Show.  Carol Carter chose the eleven award winners and twenty additional paintings for the traveling show.  One can truly say the Iowa Watercolor Society Traveling Show is the best of the best.

The Iowa Watercolor Society (IWS) is an organization made up of beginning, amateur and professional artists.  The only requirement for membership is an interest in watercolor painting.  The IWS was organized in 1977 by a group of devoted artists that loved watercolor painting.  They were led by Joe Messner of Cedar Rapids.  Each year the organization holds an annual meeting, an annual juried show and one or two watercolor workshops.  The organizations primary purpose is to promote and support the arts in Iowa with an emphasis on watercolor painting.

The exhibit will be on display in the Musser Mansion Gallery from April 26 to May 22, 2015.

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.

01 Apr 2015

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Loebsack Announces 2015 Congressional High School Art Competition

By Joe Hand

Original works by local high school students now due April 10th  

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that high school students in the Iowa's Second Congressional District may now submit their original artwork to be considered for the 2015 Congressional Art Competition. The annual competition is hosted by the United States House of Representatives to recognize talented young artists from across the nation. The winning student from each district is invited to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception held in their honor and will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Due to local schools schedules, the deadline for entries to be received has been extended to April 10th.  

"The vast amount of talent that Iowa's students display year after year continues to amaze me. The creativity of our talented young artists demonstrates that the arts are thriving in Iowa," said Loebsack. "For a young artist, having your artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol is quite a remarkable accomplishment. I look forward to seeing this year's entries and meeting the winning student."

Once again, to make the contest as easy as possible and open to as many students as possible, this year's winner will be chosen by the public through an online vote. Details on how to submit art work are available by clicking here to visit Loebsack's website. All entries must be received no later than Friday, April, 10th at 11:59pm. The artist of the winning piece will receive two round trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend the reception and unveiling of their artwork in the Capitol (all other expenses must be covered by the winner). For additional details about the competition, students or teachers should contact Jared Mullendore at 563-323-5988 or by email at Jared.Mullendore@mail.house.gov.

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01 Apr 2015

University of Iowa Faculty Biennial Exhibition Opens Saturday

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (March 30, 2015) - Opening Saturday at the Figge Art Museum in the fourth floor gallery is the University of Iowa Art Faculty Biennial exhibition.

Curated by University of Iowa Museum of Art (UIMA) Museum Director Dr. Sean O'Harrow, the UIMA will kick off the spring season with this annual exhibition featuring the recent work of world renowned UI Studio Arts professors including: Eliza Au, Isabel Barbuzza, Peter Chanthanakone, Monica Correia, John Dilg, Laurel Farrin, Sue Hettmansperger, Anita Jung, Sarah Kanouse, Michele Lauriat, Amanda Lechner, Steve McGuire, Daniel Miller, Virginia Myers, Jeff Rich, Ronald M. Rozencohn, James Snitzer, Margaret Stratton, Serina Sulentic, Serhat Tanyolacar, Breanne Trammell, Josh Van Stippen, Susan Chrysler White, Rachel Williams, Jon Winet and Kee-Ho Yuen.

As a direct reflection of the range of medium taught in the Studio Arts program, the pieces and installations on display will include works of paint, sculpture, inter-media, mixed-media, metal arts, photography, 3-dementional design and graphic design. This year, works by the fellows of the Grant Wood Colony will also be included.

A free public reception celebrating the opening of this exhibition as well as the Eye on UI: Brodsky, Dorfman, Kipniss, Lanyon exhibition will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 with light appetizers and a cash bar. Free and open to the public.

University of Iowa students, faculty and staff receive free admission to the Figge with their UI ID cards; UIMA members get in free with their UIMA Membership cards.

The exhibition will be on display April 4 - May 31, 2015.

Companion Programming:

Dancers in Company Performance

6 p.m. Thursday, April 9

Free Admission
Dancers in Company consists of twelve dancers, undergraduates and graduate students from the University of Iowa. The group will return to the Figge for a performance in the lobby as part of a night that celebrates the artistic traditions at the University of Iowa. Presently, the company is directed by Charlotte Adams. Sponsored by the River Cities' Reader.

Artist Talks

7 p.m. Thursday, April 9
Free Admission
University of Iowa faculty from the School of Art will speak about their pieces included in the exhibition University of Iowa Art Faculty Biennial (April 4-May 31).

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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