22 Aug 2014

Changes are Coming to "For Tots" Program

By Rick Martin

The Muscatine Art Center is kicking off the school year with some changes to its "For Tots" program. In August, a group of parents and caregivers met with Art Center staff to discuss ways to strengthen the program which targets children ages 2 to 5. High on the list were offering different times of day so that children in morning preschool can continue with the program during the school year and occasional evening classes to accommodate work schedules.

Starting in September, the Art Center will now offer the "For Tots" program on the first and third Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., every Thursday at 1:30 p.m., and the first Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to making changes to the schedule, the Art Center staff has fine-tuned the program with a new recurring structure for each class. When children arrive, they will begin an introductory activity such as sorting objects from a sensory box, building towers with multi-shaped blocks, and creating flowers from tissue paper. The introductory activities vary each week and tie with the theme of the day. Following the introductory activity, children will listen to a story that connects to the theme of the day. After the story, children will then complete the main project of day and later receive a supplemental project as a take home activity or to complete at the Art Center, should the child finish ahead of the group.

Each month will also have a different theme. In September, children will focus on a different artist each week. In October, they will explore the five senses. Principles of art is the theme for the month of November so students will explore line one week, shape in the next, and color in the third week.

The staff at the Art Center is excited about the projects for this fall. "There is a wide variety of activities ranging from painting with shaving cream to exploring optical illusion and making a sculpture with fruit pieces to creating paper cuts in the style of Henri Matisse." There are also some terrific children's books, such as "Lines that Wiggle", "Monsters Don't Eat Broccoli", and "Duck! Rabbit!", included in the fall sessions.

The new fall class brochure is now out. To request a copy, contact the Muscatine Art Center at 563-263-8282.

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.

 

19 Aug 2014

Premier Iowa Art Event: FRESH PAINT 2014

By Regan Hatfield

AMANA, Iowa - Bold, painterly strokes and luminous colors will define the brilliance of the artists at the fourth annual FRESH PAINT, the Plein Air Art Festival at Catiri's Art Oasis in Amana, Iowa.

FRESH PAINT will run from August 29- 31, 2014 and combines the strengths of the talented artisans of the Midwest with Iowa's incredible scenery to produce the most collaborative and comprehensive event in the region. "We are creating a modern day regionalism," explained Jenise Catiri, owner of Catiri's Art Oasis in Amana, sponsor and host of the event.

Plein Air painting is a pertinent and vital part of Eastern Iowa's history with Grant Wood and Carl Flick as well as a form of regionalism in the arts the promotes the flourishing art culture that we have in Eastern Iowa. Fresh Paint has become the largest Plein Air event in Iowa, with over 40 artists participating coming from all over the state and as far as Chicago, Minneapolis and Omaha! It is an incredible weekend to watch painting transform before your eyes, while personally connecting with the artists. The weekend is highlighted by the fantastic dinner party and award ceremony, with a locally favorite band the Awful Purdies playing from 5 to 8pm, it is always an evening to remember. The "fresh" painting of all the artists will be available to purchase after this year's judge, Sean Ulmer, the curator of the Cedar Rapids Art Museum turns in his results. Not only can you purchase affordable, freshly inspired art, but it may be a winner!

Have an aspiring artist in your family? Children will love to participate in the 2nd Annual Kids Fresh Paint event on Saturday, August 30th from 11:00a.m.- 2:00p.m. Volunteers from the Amana Arts Guild will be on hand directing this amazing experience for your children. Easels and art supplies provided by the Community Chest, so each child can create their own Plein Air piece of artwork. After seeing the professional artists out painting, they get a chance to experience it for themselves.

A Call to Artists! There is still opportunity to join the other Plein Air artists in this year's Fresh Paint! All artists, working in any medium, at whatever skill level can be a part of this event. It is a great opportunity to meet other artists, share techniques and have a good time just being amongst fellow artists. The registration is only $30, which gives you 2 dinner tickets to the Fresh Paint party and the opportunity to submit up to 2 pieces of artwork into the competition, giving away $1,000 worth of prize money as well as many purchase awards.

14 Aug 2014

Figge Plaza to become Outdoor Woodshop

By Natalie Dunlop

Liam O'Neill: Big Turnings

Davenport, Iowa (August 14, 2014) - The Bechtel Plaza in front of the Figge Art Museum will become an outdoor woodshop starting Monday when internationally acclaimed Irish wood artist Liam O'Neill sets up shop for the Liam O'Neill: Big Turnings project.

O'Neill will be constructing a temporary woodturning lathe made of cast concrete that he will use to create a large-scale turned wood sculpture. The raw material will be a locally sourced tree trunk provided by the Davenport city arborist.

Over the course of four weeks, the three feet in diameter and six feet long tree trunk, will be transformed into a throne or chair. The piece will be sculpted first using chainsaws followed by finer tools and concluding with sandblasting and torching to achieve the desired finish.

Figge visitors will be able to interact with the artist on an ongoing and informal basis while he is creating the sculpture. O'Neill will work on the plaza August 18-22, September 4-6 and September 9-13 (dates are subject to change).

Visitors are invited to view the progress of the sculpture while the concrete cures during the Beaux Arts Fair on September 6-7.

The finished piece will be placed on long-term exhibition in the downtown Davenport RiverCenter Adler Theatre in front of a large window that overlooks the Mississippi River.

Liam O'Neill's artist residency and the Big Turnings project are funded in part by the Downtown Davenport Partnership, Alcoa, the City of Davenport and the Collectors of Wood Art.

Artist's Schedule:

Please note these dates are subject to change
August 18-22 (preparation work/concrete to be poured 8/22)
September 4-6 (sculpture will begin being formed)
September 9-13 (final touches) 

 

About Liam O'Neill:

O'Neill is an internationally acclaimed wood artist who has exhibited his work across the United States. He began as an apprentice under John Shiel in Bagenalstown, Ireland, and worked for nearly 11 years setting up and managing the woodturning section of Retos, a rehabilitation facility for adults

with disabilities in Shannon, County Clare. O'Neill also was influential in establishing the Irish Woodturners Guild.From 1983 to 1985, O'Neill won First Prize in the Royal Dublin Society's Craft Competition (Wood Turning Section). In 1984, he was awarded the Dr. Muriel Gahan Scholarship to the U.S.A. to travel and study with leading American wood turners. He built his first large scale outdoor lathe in 1997, and has continued to develop and refine his outdoor works since then.

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 12-5 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. - 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-
14 Aug 2014

Living Proof Exhibit: Cancer Survivor Art

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (August 13, 2014) - Living Proof Exhibit: Cancer Survivor Art will open in the Mary Waterman Guildehaus Community Gallery at the Figge Art Museum on Saturday. This exhibition is in collaboration with the group Living Proof Exhibit (livingproofexhibit.org), a non-profit organization that provides free art therapy classes for cancer patients and survivors

The exhibit showcases the passion, courage and talent of cancer survivors and patients within a 150-mile radius of the Quad Cities who use art as a way to reflect on and celebrate survival.

Over fifty works will be featured and range in scope from multi-artist pieces created during group therapy sessions to highly individualized artworks. From recycled bed sheets, watercolor and acrylic on canvas to photography, oil on canvas and fiber, a broad array of media is represented.

Submissions were collected earlier this year through Living Proof Exhibit. A total of eighty-five works were submitted and participants were eligible to submit up to five works each for consideration.

"These works of art not only express creativity, but also a passion for life," said Pamela Crouch, co-founder of Living Proof Exhibit. "Survivors come through their cancer journey with a renewed strength, and that strength is reflected in their work."

"We are thrilled that the community will have the opportunity to see the survivors' work," said Mary Ellen Cunningham, co-founder of Living Proof Exhibit. "The exhibit will also feature a booklet filled with each survivor's unique artist statement."

Figge Director of Education Melissa Mohr played a prominent role in bringing Living Proof to the Figge. "The community gallery is a special place at the Figge and this exhibition provides a platform for the contributing artists to share their own story of strength and survival through art," said Mohr. "Visitors will have the chance to experience those stories first-hand."

Living Proof Exhibit: Cancer Survivor Art will be on view through October 26, 2014 and is sponsored by UnityPoint Health-Trinity.

 

Companion Programming:

Opening Reception (Free)

5:30 p.m. Thursday, August 21

7 p.m. Formal Remarks

Complimentary refreshments, cash bar

 

Full Circle Project Classes (Free)

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, September 6 - Papermaking

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, September 13 - Bookmaking and Journaling

Space is limited. To register, contact Pamela Crouch at 309.236.1360 or pamelajanecrouch@gmail.com.

 

Film: NED the Movie (Free)

2 p.m. Sunday, September 21

Sponsored by NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Foundation

 

PechaKucha Night: Celebrating Survivors (Free)

6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 25

Complimentary snacks, cash bar and $5 burger baskets

 

Special Wine & Art: Cancer Survivors & Caretakers Art Night

6 p.m. Thursday, October 2

$20/person

To register, contact Heather Aaronson at haaronson@figgeartmuseum.org or 563.326.7804

 

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 12-5 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. - 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-
13 Aug 2014

Railroad History Talk

By Lynn Bartenhagen

All Aboard!  Join local railroad enthusiast, Bill Lindsay, for a talk and guided-tour of the exhibition, "Railroads of Muscatine County". Bill will share his knowledge of the seven main lines which serviced Muscatine such as the Rock Island Line; Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern; Muscatine North & South; and the Muscatine City Railway. This program is FREE.  This event is coming up on Sunday, August 17, 2014 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM at the Muscatine Art Center.  Lindsay will begin in the Music room of the Muscatine Art Center.

Admission to this event is FREE.

The Muscatine Art Center is open to the public Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM Admission is FREE.

Please contact Deidre Pearson, Program Coordinator, with any questions at 563-263-8282 or by email at dpearson@muscatineiowa.gov.
13 Aug 2014

Double Film Feature - two Berlin Wall related movies at BHS auditorium!

By G A H C
Sunday, August 24th at Bettendorf High School Auditorium -
Join us for two great films on Sunday, Aug 24th at the BHS auditorium-
12:00 pm- Night Crossing - FREE FAMILY FILM! See this Disney classic based on the true story of two families who escape over the Berlin Wall via a home-made hot air balloon!
PG 1 hr 37 mins
2:30 pm- Good Bye Lenin! - $5 Movie! This critically acclaimed German dramedy takes place in 1989 Germany! A modern classic!
Rated R 2 hrs - must have ID and be over 17
Don't miss out on this day of fun and film!
Bettendorf High School- 3333 18th St. Bettendorf, IA

These films are being shown in conjunction with our exhibition, Berlin: Divided Past/United Future, on display now until Nov. 3rd and our exhibit Berlin: Made in the USA which comes to us from the German American Heritage Museum in Washington, DC and will be on display until Sept. 28th. These exhibits and events are generously sponsored by HJ Lane Law Office!

German American Heritage Center
712 W Second Street
Davenport, Iowa 52802
563-322-8844

07 Aug 2014

RASCAL'S PUTNAM PITCH: BANDITS PARTNER WITH PUTNAM MUSEUM FOR SPECIAL OFFERS

By Marco LaNave
Fans and visitors can purchase a package for ballpark and museum admission at either venue
DAVENPORT, Iowa. (August 6, 2014) - Two of the region's favorite family institutions, the Quad Cities River Bandits and the Putnam Museum, are partnering to offer a special package including admission to both Modern Woodmen Park and the Putnam Museum during the month of August.
Through Friday, Aug. 29, fans and visitors can purchase the special packages at either the River Bandits Box Office or the Putnam Museum. A package of Putnam admission or Putnam movie ticket and a general admission voucher to a River Bandits game is just $15. A package of Putnam admission or Putnam movie ticket and a box seat voucher to a River Bandits game is just $18. The offer will be available through Friday, Aug. 29, when the River Bandits host their final regular season home game.
"Rascal's Putnam Pitch this August combines two of my favorite things: saving money and having fun" said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "We are excited to partner with the Putnam Museum for a great promotion enabling area families to enjoy two of their favorite family-friendly venues at discounted rates for the entire month of August. Rascal's Putnam Pitch is a home run for Quad Cities families!"
Putnam President and CEO Kim Findlay says, "Every day we see the delight on family members faces - from 2 to 92 years old - as they enjoy time with each other at the Putnam, particularly the new Science Center.  And when my family, including grandkids, goes to see the River Bandits, it's another great time together.  We're very pleased to combine learning, fun and family memory-making times by offering a package with the Bandits."
The team's mascot, Rascal the River Bandit, will also make special appearances at the Putnam Museum and at Modern Woodmen Park with the mascot for the new 3D movie "Pandas: The Journey Home," which plays at the Putnam Museum through November.
Filmmakers of "Pandas: The Journey Home" were granted unprecedented access to the Wolong Panda Center in China. The movie gives viewers the amazing opportunity to meet all of the pandas at the center as they get ready for their new lives in various parts of the world, and learn about their fascinating habits and personalities.
Also during the month of August at the Putnam Museum, the resident robot, Socibot, will be decked out in River Bandits gear and be programmed to say special facts and messages about the River Bandits.
"The month of August is packed with exciting promotions and a new kids' ride, the Drop-N-Twist, at the ballpark, and new activities and must-see attractions at the Putnam Museum," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "Rascal's Putnam Pitch is one Quad Cities families will not want to miss."
The River Bandits have 14 home games remaining August, including a current homestand through Sunday, Aug. 10, a three-game series Friday, Aug. 15, through Sunday, Aug. 17, and a six-game homestand Sunday, Aug. 24, through Friday, Aug. 29.
UP NEXT: Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank and Mix 96. Two fans will have their bills paid up to $100 by the River Bandits, and for Ninja Turtles Night, fans who wear a Ninja Turtles shirt will receive $1 off the regular ticket price, and fans in a Ninja Turtles costume will receive $2 off the regular ticket price. Thursday is the Craig Biggio Bobblehead giveaway presented by Prairie Farms and FOX18, along with $2 drink specials on a Thirst-Day presented by the River Cities' Reader. The homestand continues through Sunday. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership recently made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, and Space Camp opened June 20; the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line has also reopened. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.
ABOUT THE PUTNAM: The Putnam has been inspiring ideas, dialogue and interaction among people of all ages for nearly 150 years! And today, we're better than ever with hands-on fun for the whole family! Launch rockets or interact with a robot in our Science Center, visit our famous mummies in Unearthing Ancient Egypt, climb into a treehouse in Black Earth | Big River or go back in time to see our region's history in River, Prairie, and People. Also experience internationally-recognized traveling exhibits or take in a movie in our National Geographic Giant Screen Theater with a screen towering 6 stories tall! Our welcoming team is dedicated to helping you discover and explore in a friendly and engaging place. For more information about current and upcoming events, exhibits and movies, visit putnam.org.
*****
28 Jul 2014

The Brucemore Garden and Art Show

By Tara Richards

The annual Brucemore Garden & Art Show will return Saturday, August 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. amidst the historic charm of the Brucemore gardens and landscape. More than 60 artists and garden vendors from across the Midwest will share their expertise by showcasing unique products, vivid presentations, and pertinent information, including ceramics, plantings, jewelry, sculpture, glass, textiles, and more.

Educational opportunities will captivate attendees, whether it's engaging in a one-on-one conversation, participating in an interactive display, or listening to a featured lecture. Main Stage presentation topics include seasonal gardening, and historic grottos. The Linn County Master Gardeners will showcase several displays and demonstrations in the formal garden, including "walkabouts" identifying trees, invasive pests, and seed saving. Plant vendors and horticultural organizations will share unusual and standard specimens, and artists will discuss their original paintings, pottery, and more. . Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency will provide free compost to all interested attendees. Children can participate in a complimentary, special project with the Ceramics Center, Linn County Master Gardeners, Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency, and Brucemore during the event.

Admission is $6.00 per person. Children 10 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are sold at the gate the day of the event or online at www.brucemore.org.  Parking is off-site. Shuttle service is available from Washington High School throughout the day. Handicap parking is available on-site by entering the First Avenue gate only. No pets, coolers, or outside food allowed during the event. Food and beverage vendors will be available on-site. The Brucemore Garden and Art Show is sponsored by Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency and Penford Products.  The festival's main stage presentations are sponsored by Hills Bank and Trust Company. Free self-guided tours of the mansion's first floor are brought to you by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. For further information on the Brucemore Garden and Art Show, please call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

###
25 Jul 2014

2nd Fridays in the Chicago Arts District

By Sandra Zhong

Please join us at the Chicago Arts District, located in the vibrant artist community of Pilsen East, Chicago,  for an evening of gallery openings! Over 30 galleries open their doors and invite participants into their galleries and personal studios for art, conversation and celebration. Free to the public.

Event Date and Times: Friday, August 8th, 2014 - 6:00-10:00pm

Event Location: This is a multi-location event in the format of a self-guided walking tour. The event spans approximately 6 blocks. The central location of the event is South Halsted and 18th Street in Chicago. Please visit the Info Center at 1821 South Halsted St. for maps and event details.

Event Details: One of Chicago's most vibrant and well-established creative communities, the Chicago Arts District, hosts 2nd Fridays Gallery Night every month. Don't miss the action at South Halsted and 18th Street as 30 galleries, creative spaces, and over 100 artists welcome you to experience art at its source.

Long time neighborhood favorites include the PosterchildArt improve series at TEMPLE Gallery, Bryan Sperry's Warriors of the Apocalypse, Chocolat by Uzma Sharif, the floral designs of Blumgarten & Co., NYCH Gallery, Anna Todaro Studio, and Xavier Nuez photography. Exciting new additions to the event includes Studio Oh!, elee.mosynary Gallery, and K Models Talent.

The Chicago Arts District coordinates 2nd Fridays Gallery Night, the Pilsen East Artist's Open House, and other special programs throughout the year. Please see our website at www.chicagoartsdistrict.org for more information.

Upcoming Dates:

Friday, August 8th, 2014 - Friday, September 12th, 2014

Friday, October 10th - Saturday, October 11th, 2014: 44th Annual Pilsen East Artists' Open House

21 Jul 2014

Sharing The Glass Art Experience To Better Our Community

By Mary McNeil
Hot Glass provides an opportunity for at-risk and under served youth in the Quad Cities (tuition free) to engage in a unique art experience while learning leadership and job skills that will encourage them to stay in and finish school. We also offer a variety of fee based classes to the public to sustain our mission of offering tuition free classes for youth.

Hot Glass uniquely uses art - specifically glass blowing - to provide youth with a life changing experience. Working with glass, students develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, planning and decision-making, as well as job-related applications.  Most importantly, they learn that they have the responsibility and power to shape their futures. Some may find their passion in glassblowing and a future career. For others, Hot Glass offers a place to meet other teens with a similar interest and an opportunity to engage in a positive activity. Art provides a unique opportunity for teens to experience the success of creating something beautiful without the competition inherent in sports, academics, and other activities. A National Endowment for the Arts report found that at-risk students who have access to the arts in or out of school tend to have better academic results, better workforce opportunities, and more civic engagement.

We also offer an opportunity for interested students to join our Glass Team. These teens complete projects for commission, to sell to organizations (on special order for awards, for example), and possibly sell at the Farmers Market or the  Riverssance Festival. Glass Team members develop and exercise leadership and business skills while creating revenue to sustain Hot Glass' operations. Mentors - professional artists and business leaders - further these students' skills. We may ask some who truly excel on the Glass Team to teach future classes or mentor other youth.

Joel Ryser, Executive Director
104 Western Ave. Davenport, IA 52801
www.hotglassart.org hotglassdavenport@gmail.com 309.236.9223

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