Another Year of Record-Breaking Public Sculpture Installation

7/5/2025

The Quad City Arts Public Sculpture Program has finished it's largest year of installations, reflecting our commitment to fostering cultural engagement and enhancing the urban environment.

Quad City Arts has facilitated the leasing and installation of public sculptures in the Quad Cities since 2002. This year, we facilitated the installation of a record number of 34 sculptures. Sculptures are chosen by committees representing each city or venue and are leased for one year from sculptors living throughout the country. All the sculptures are for sale and can be purchased by individuals, businesses, or a city for permanent installation after June of 2026. All newly installed sculptures, along with permanent sculptures purchased from past exhibits, can be viewed on Quad City Arts’ website as well as the websites of the sponsors after the installation of new sculptures.

The most exciting part of the process is watching a Hampton Cranes operator use their boom to lift a sculpture from an artist’s vehicle, hoist it high in the air, and skillfully bring it down gently onto a concrete pad, as directed by the artist who created it. The artist will then drill holes into the concrete and secure the sculpture. (Hampton Cranes generously donates their services.)

Due to the large number of sculptures rotating, the process began in May and continued through June 26, with most installations occurring between June 3-13th. A final sculpture in Rock Island will be installed July 25.

We encourage everyone to share their experiences and interactions with the sculptures on social media using #QuadCityArts on Instagram or by tagging @QuadCityArts on Facebook.

Sculptures by City

Bettendorf, IA

The City of Bettendorf rented 10 sculptures this year introducing two new locations: one near the base of the I-74 bridge bike path and the other at Be the Light Park.

NEW Location: Be the Light Park

Starburst by Tim Adams
"Starburst interacts with the natural elements of nature. The silver “rays” of Starburst catch and reflect the sun while the center piece turns in the wind. The irony of the piece is the use of metal objects which are man-made interacting with the natural world."

Build to Suit

Reflective by Tim Adams
"Reflective is an abstract representation of the reflective state of observing, contemplation, and solitude. The piece has a large 'eye' that represents the seeing of a reflective person. While the stainless steel ribbon literally reflects the daylight as it hits the piece. Reflective attempts to portray the state of a quiet meditative state which allows us to wisely observe the world around us and understand our place in it."

Waterfront Convention Center

Miscanthus by Tim Adams
"These giant grasses are majestic in their stature and graceful in their simplicity. Their swaying and rustling in the wind seem like an effortless performance, but below the surface, these plants give shelter to habitat in every season and their ability to live on little water and in marginal soil is a tribute to nature’s wisdom. The arc of the stems attempts to mimic the graceful movement of the plant and its ability to withstand brutal weather through bending and adapting. Miscanthus reminds us of the beauty as well as the robustness of nature."

Faye's Field

Farmhouse Toadstool Town by Anna Modeland
"Revered as the universal symbol of longevity and health, the mighty mushroom is a comforting and welcoming sight for the country and city fold alike. American poet Emily Dickinson, from The Mushroom is the Elf of Plants, wrote, 'The mushroom is a celebration of one of nature’s most fascinating life forms, as well as the tricksters, rebels and nonconformists they represent.' Opting for a natural patina, Farmhouse Toadstool Town is my latest creation for a simple and elegant addition to nature’s purest beauty."

Geifman First Equity

The Catch by Anna Modeland
"I chose this piece because, as the national bird, the eagle embodies the strength and freedom of our country, especially through these tough times. It’s a reminder that through war, hatred, and racism, and a panic inducing pandemic, we can all still stand tall, spread our wings and choose to rebuild this place that we call home."

Geifman First Equity

Twist by Michael Young
"When designing sculpture, I always remember that each viewer will have an individual, emotional response to the piece. Because I want that response to be positive, I frequently use birds in my work – both as imagery and as symbol. The idea of birds swooping up and taking flight is incredibly uplifting, lending an inspirational feel to the sculpture."

Geifman First Equity

"Bench, Please" by Ben Pierce
"Wanting to create a sculpture that was both true to my design aesthetic, functional and identifiable as a bench so people would instantly recognize and utilize the design, hopefully elevating the normal bench sitting experience by at least a little."

NEW Location: I-74 Bike Path

Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear by Chris Plaisted
"Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear: a tongue-in-cheek large-scale abstraction of a pedestrian walking sign and the writing in your rearview mirror."

Veteran's Memorial Park

Icosahedron by Kirk Seese
"The form itself spins when provoked, adding to the excitement and wonder."

Bettendorf Community Center

Dendrite by Sam Spiczka
"When I look at a natural creation, be it a bone, shell or tree, I am struck by the anomalies and variations found in an object that appears symmetrical at first glance. The perfection that life aspires to is forced to adapt into a more irregular and complex form when it encounters an indifferent environment. Yet the ideal still lies just below the surface. It is a whisper only our mind can hear. My sculpture is inspired by this conflict between an ideal state and an imperfect reality. In it can be found both the chaos of growth and the geometry of perfection."

Clinton, IA

With positive feedback from the public, Clinton has purchased a bronze sculpture by James Haire for their public library and has leased these 6 new sculptures placed near the riverfront.

Clinton Public Library

A Book For Everyone by James Haire
"A young rough and tumble boy reads a book, proving there is a book for Everyone."

Riverview Drive

The Feather by Kirk Seese
"The Feather is my debut sculpture design, after spending four years designing themed climbing walls in the active family entertainment industry for a company called ClimbZone, and almost twenty years painting public and private murals for my own business, BB Murals."

Riverview Drive

Tree Branches by Kirk Seese
"Tree Branches is another adaptation of the Feather design, although more complex as I stray from the singular post and add “branches” sprouting from a main “trunk”. In keeping with the Feather panel style, I use geometric shapes lined in black, with fields of swirling and fading colors inside. These colors repeat themselves in a kaleidoscope fashion, emanating from the center of each panel, and are symmetrical. They have a strong tie-dye or wax batik look. A very organic and psychedelic feel, warm and inviting."

Riverview Drive

Skudelev by Chris Plaisted
"Skuldelev outlines the sail and hull approaching and the churning water in this abstract sculpture. Below are the imagined monsters of the sea. The Skuldelev ships are five original Viking ships recovered from the waterway of Peberrenden at Skuldelev, north of Roskilde in Denmark."

Riverview Drive

Flight by Hilde DeBruyne
"Flight is a contemporary sculpture in mild steel. It is part of the "Migration- series" the artist started exploring in 2018. A feeling of poetry, movement and melancholy in Flight invites the viewer to take a moment of contemplation."

Farmer's Market across from Lyon's Branch Library

Collaborative Community by Paul Bobrowitz
"Collaborative Community is about people striving, and how we need one another so we can discuss and work together so we can reach common goals."

Davenport, IA

The Downtown Davenport Partnership has chosen 5 sculptures to bring new interest to their collection of 10 permanent sculptures along 2nd Street. New this year is the addition of a sculpture in front of the downtown Davenport Library.

W. 2nd St. Parking Ramp

Focal Point by Paul Bobrowitz
"Focal Point explores themes of growth, convergence, and the interconnectedness of nature and art. The organic, almost plant-like form of the sculpture suggests a process of unfolding or emergence, while the central void represents a point of focus, integration, or potential. The reflective surface of the stainless steel further emphasizes this interconnectedness, as the surrounding environment and the viewer's own image become part of the artwork, suggesting that we are all connected to a central point or source."

Figge Plaza

Ascending Perspectives by Craig Snyder
"Sky and water are inextricably linked. Swirls of roots and currents connect us to the earth. Made of steel with a rich blue patina and cedar done in the shou sugi-ban style from Japan."

NEW Location: Davenport Public Library

Wind in the Waves by Chris Plaisted
"This piece is called Wind in the Waves and is part of a series inspired by elements like fire, water, and various storms, embodying the theme "Flow of Wellness." Each piece reflects a unique personality, symbolizing the journey toward balance and well-being. Crafted from welded steel and painted in reflective shades of blue, this artwork captures the essence of tranquility and restorative energy. I intricately cut the details from a 4" x 8" sheet of steel using a plasma torch, then meticulously welded them together. After sandblasting the surface to create texture, I applied a variety of blue tones to create a shimmering effect that dances in the light, inviting viewers to reflect on the calming power of nature and the importance of nurturing wellness in our lives."

Current Hotel

Tree by Sunghee Min
"Tree is a vertical sculpture made of stainless steel, with its design inspired by the three directions in which a tree grows. The rectangular shapes at the top and bottom symbolize the upward and downward growth of branches and roots, while the central circle represents the outward expansion of the trunk. Additionally, Tree emphasizes the accessibility of trees, reflecting an important aspect of public art. I created this piece specifically for display in an accessible public space."

RiverCenter, south entrance

Multi-Purpose Assist Droid (M.P.A.D.) by Kirk Seese
"In a future where technological advancements have seamlessly integrated robots into every facet of human life, the Multi-Purpose Assist Droid stands out as a revolutionary tool with endless capacity. Powered by cutting-edge solar skin and electromagnetic levitation technology, this droid is designed for unparalleled versatility and efficiency. On distant planets, it plays a crucial role in constructing habitats, utilizing its robust adaptability to withstand harsh environments. Moreover, its ability to collect and analyze off-world samples makes it invaluable for scientific exploration and research, paving the way for new discoveries and advancements. The multi-purpose assist droid is not just a tool, but a transformative force, reshaping the possibilities of human achievement across multiple domains."

Common Cord Courtyard

Dance Diagram by Kristin Garnant
"This work gives the viewing public an opportunity to attempt a bit of fancy footwork, if so inspired. A very basic dance step diagram is enlarged and cut into 11 gauge steel. This instructive piece teaches a simple move that can be performed by young and old while also being a visually interesting work."

DeWitt, IA

The DeWitt Fine Arts Foundation and the DeWitt Community Library are partnering to bring sculpture to the garden area outside the library featuring 2 sculptures this year.

DeWitt Community Library

Drip-Drop by Peter Gray
"A fun piece that continues my focus on water. In this case rain water is captured by the troughs and flows towards the lower sections. When it is not raining the colorful balls appear to drop from one level to the next."

DeWitt Community Library

Agua Dorada by Peter Gray
"Agua Dorada was created to emphasize the importance and value of our need and perception of water. We have reached a point in many regions of the United States and the world where water has the value of gold and life without it is perilous. The concept for this sculpture is a riff on the “black gold” oil-based products we have been using and burning since 1859. Even though oil has enhanced many aspects of our lives, it has led to irreparable environmental damage and issues."

Moline, IL

The Moline Public Art Commission has chosen 5 sculptures placed along 5th Ave. in Moline, plus one near the Kone Building along the Great River Trail.

Kone Building, near walking path

Prioritizing by Matt Miller
"When I stopped doing things, I started filling my time with what I found truly important."

Heritage Plaza

Cohesive Narration by Kristin Garnant
"This towering work cascades eight feet down in shimmering ribbons of light catching stainless steel. It is constructed of 5 panels of equal dimensions."

Sound Conservatory

Angles, Shadows, Reaching by Bill McGrath
"Angles, Shadows, Reaching explores the relationships among simple repeating right angles in what is a monolithic, monochromatic object. This requires closer observation and a deeper relationship with how the piece works, which is my goal. People want to move around it, to peer through the different openings to see different patterns. I want the observer to have to 'figure out' the piece. This piece also creates a parade of different shadows in the sun."

14th St. & 5th Ave.

Sum Pig by Kyle Fokken
"The title Sum Pig is a play on the spider web statement in Charolette’s Web and the interdependency of monetary systems around the world. This 'piggy bank' is comprised of castings of multiple coins that I’ve collected from around the world. It stands astride a mock altarpiece referencing the façade of Wall Street but also alluding to the ‘Golden Calf’ from the Old Testament Bible story."

The Atlas Collective

Magnify by Kirk Seese
"This interactive, kinetic sculpture acts as a giant magnifying glass, except sunbeams pour through the colored lens as the viewer swivels the rings into position to catch the light, casting a stained glass reflection on the ground, or anything else it hits."

LeMekong Vietnamese

Athena by Sam Spiczka
"When I look at a natural creation, be it a bone, shell or tree, I am struck by the anomalies and variations found in an object that appears symmetrical at first glance. The perfection that life aspires to is forced to adapt into a more irregular and complex form when it encounters an indifferent environment. Yet the ideal still lies just below the surface. It is a whisper only our mind can hear. My sculpture is inspired by this conflict between an ideal state and an imperfect reality. In it can be found both the chaos of growth and the geometry of perfection."

Rock Island, IL

The City of Rock Island leased 4 sculptures to beautify their parks and libaries.

Rock Island Downtown Public Library

Text Pods by V. Skip Willits
"Sometimes I like to write on my work. I use a brush and oil stick. No commands, nothing profane. Just lines from a poem or a song I've been humming in the studio while I work. In this case I created pod shapes by stitch welding together odd pieces of plate steel. This created lines of demarcation for writing sections of text."

Rock Island Public Library - SW Branch

Bloom by Hilde DeBruyne
"Bloom is a contemporary sculpture of an abstract organic flower. It is part of the Botanical Series. Flowers speak a universal language and are able to put a smile on people's faces."

Longview Park

Learning to Fly by Frederick Napoli
"Learning to Fly was created as the second edition to my 'Learning Curve' series of sculptures. It is part of a series of curvilinear pieces that manipulate space to represent motion through implied momentum, positive and negative spatial juxtaposition, and tension and release. In terms of abstract imagery this sculpture can be perceived as a representation of the form and movement of a living creature engaging in the challenge of flight. The shapes are chosen to represent wings and the motion of air as it provides the needed lift for flight."

Five Points, 18th Ave.

Listen by Chris Wubbena
"Listen, inspired by classical figurative sculpture along with geologic and Neolithic rock formations, takes a closer look at the individual, the person, and the weight they assume. The abstracted figurative form exists in a state of perpetual action and reaction as its stainless-steel body constructs and twists under a large, painted, rock-like mass. The painted, layered histories accumulated atop the figurative form expresses the here and now with the use of applied text and imagery."

Listen will be installed July 25, 2025.

View Public Sculpture Map