Quad City Arts Brings Murals, Chalk Art, Silent Disco & More to Alternating Currents

Starting this Thursday, August 14, Quad City Arts will bring vibrant color, community connection, and creative energy to Alternating Currents, the Quad Cities’ can’t-miss summer celebration of music, art, film, and comedy. From large-scale murals to interactive art experiences, we’re making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Mural Fest: August 10–17
In partnership with the Downtown Davenport Partnership, Downtown Bettendorf Organization, and the Downtown Rock Island Alliance, Quad City Arts is facilitating Mural Fest, a weeklong showcase of creativity as artists from near and far transform walls across Bettendorf, Davenport, and Rock Island into stunning works of public art. Murals will take shape from August 10–17, with locations listed below—keep your eyes peeled for the reveal!
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• Bulldog Arms, 2211 Grant St, Bettendorf, IA 52722
• Marigold Resources, 308 E. River Dr., Davenport, IA 52801
• Pedestrian walkway wall of the River Center Building Parking Ramp, 102 E. 2nd St., Davenport, IA 52801
• WHBF, 231 18th St., Rock Island, IL
• Skellington Manor, 420 18th St, Rock Island, IL 61201

Festival Weekend: August 14–17
Once the weekend hits, the creativity continues with multiple ways to join in the fun:

• Arts Alley Block Party – Thursday, August 14
  Arts Alley | 6–10:30 p.m.
  Kick off the weekend with a vibrant street celebration, a gallery opening, live music, and the first Silent Disco of the festival (8:30–10:30 p.m.) under the lights of Arts Alley.
• Dance Projection at Arts Alley Block Party – Thursday, August 14
  Arts Alley | 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
  A bold, kinetic projection created by Bruce Walters for the Arts Alley Block Party—capturing and amplifying the creative pulse of the Quad Cities.
• Gallery Opening: Wayfinding – Thursday, August 14, 5–8 p.m.
  Quad City Arts Gallery – 1715 2nd Ave., Rock Island, IL
  Explore Wayfinding, featuring ceramic sculpture by Lori Roderick, woven tapestries by Rowen Schussheim-Anderson, and abstract paintings by Zaiga Minka Thorson. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and immerse themselves in these thought-provoking works.
• Chalk Zone at Common Chord Block Party – Saturday, August 16, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  Common Chord/Skybridge Courtyard
  Pick up some chalk and color in part of our chalk art creation or create your own masterpiece in our chalkzone.
• Quad City Symphony Orchestra’s Riverfront Pops Chalk Zone – Saturday, August 16
  Stop by our booth before the music starts, pick up some chalk, and fill in a square or design your own creation while enjoying the riverside atmosphere.
• Silent Disco – Three Nights of Music & Movement
  • Thursday, August 14 – Arts Alley | 8:30–10:30 p.m.
  • Friday, August 15 – Skybridge | 9–11 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 16 – Skybridge | 9–11 p.m.
    Grab a set of wireless headphones, choose your DJ channel, and dance the night away under the stars.
• Before I Die Boards – All Weekend
  Share your hopes, dreams, funny quips, or thoughtful reflections on interactive chalkboards placed throughout downtown Davenport. Placed in Davenport at Kaiserslautern Square (K-Square at 19 E. 3rd St., Davenport, IA) and at Arts Alley in Rock Island on Thursday only. Starting on Friday, it will be moved to Wake Brewing in Rock Island (2529 5th Ave, Rock Island, IL).
• "Art is Work" Documentary Screening – Saturday, August 16 | 1 p.m. | The Last Picture House
  Catch the compelling Art is Work documentary, highlighting the creative process, artist journeys through the Metro Arts Apprenticeship Program, celebrating 25 years of projects throughout the Quad Cities.

“Alternating Currents is all about celebrating the talent and creativity of our region,” said Brian Allen, Executive Director of Quad City Arts. “From murals to music to interactive art, we’re proud to help make downtown come alive for locals and visitors alike!”

Stay Connected
The Alternating Currents app is the best way to stay up to date with all the latest information and changes. Download the app to explore the festival's lineup, get directions, and create your own unique experience.

• Website: alternatingcurrentsqc.com
• Apple & Android App Download: https://bit.ly/ACQCApp
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