​Since 2002, Quad City Arts has been a pivotal force in shaping the cultural and urban landscape of the Quad Cities through our Public Sculpture Program. This year, we are proud to facilitate the installation of a record 30 sculptures, reflecting our commitment to fostering cultural engagement and enhancing the urban environment.

Kevin Maynard, Executive Director of Quad City Arts, shares, "The Quad City Arts Public Sculpture Program not only invigorates the community by introducing fresh perspectives but also promotes a dynamic urban landscape. Our recent Arts and Economic Prosperity Study highlights that over 80% of community members view art, including our public sculpture program, as a 'positive experience in a troubled world.' We are thrilled to see this program supported at record levels by our local municipalities, showcasing the profound impact of the arts in our community."

Sculptures, chosen by committees from each city or venue, are leased for one year from talented sculptors across the nation. These artworks are available for purchase by individuals, businesses, or cities for permanent installation post-June 2025. All sculptures, both newly installed and those purchased from past exhibits, can be explored on our website at Quad City Arts Public Sculpture and on our partners' websites.

The most exciting part of the process is watching a Hampton Crane 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 will continue through June 25, with most installations occurring between June 6-12th. If the press would like to watch an installation and interview a sculptor, please contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo at 309-793-1213 X108.

The sculptures enhance numerous public spaces across the Quad Cities. For example, Rock Island is introducing sculptures to beautify two parks and two libraries. Moline's selections along 5th Ave and near the Kone Building are set to transform the cityscape, while Bettendorf focuses on drawing attention to local businesses and public spaces. Downtown Davenport enriches its collection with new pieces along 2nd Street, and the City of Clinton celebrates its new participation with wind-themed sculptures along the Mississippi River. The DeWitt Fine Arts Foundation and the DeWitt Community Library are partnering to create a sculpture garden, featuring two sculptures this year.

For a complete list of sculptures and their installation locations, please visit our website. This initiative provides a perfect opportunity for community members, art enthusiasts, and families to engage with and enjoy the transformative power of art in public spaces.

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. 

Complete list of sculptures with installation location:

Rock Island: (Rock Island Public Art Commission)
1.    “Caution Pump” by Matt Moyer (Columbia, MO). Five Points. 18th Ave. and 17th Street
2.    “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” by Anna Modeland (Somers, IA). Southwest Branch Library: 9010 Ridgewood Rd.
3.    “Bear” by Paul Bobrowitz (Colgate, WI). Longview Park. 1300 17th Street
4.    “Wayward Moose” by Steve Feren (Fitchburg, WI). Downtown Public Library, 401 19th St.

Moline: (Moline Public Art Commission)
1.    “Action Reaction” by Chris Wubbena (Jackson, MO), Kone Building, 1 Montgomery Drive
2.    “Air Garden” by Steven Buduo (St. Louis, MO) 14th St. and 5th Ave.
3.    “Portal to Metamorphosis II” by Glory Hartsfield (Stella, MO) 1605 5th Ave.
4.    “Whistlepig” by Steve Feren (Fitchburg, WI) 1801 5th Ave.
5.    “Helicopter Seeds” by Brian Ferriby (Empire, MI). Heritage Place Plaza
6.    “Florette II” by Sam Spiczka (Apex, N.C.) 504 17th St.
 
Bettendorf (City of Bettendorf, Geifman Properties):
1.    “Balancing Act” by John Adduci (Chicago, IL). Veteran’s Memorial Park entrance
2.    “Writing Figure” by V. Skip Willits (Camanche, IA) Faye’s Field. 2850 Learning Campus Dr.
3.    “Colossus” by Andrew Arvanetes (Kankakee, IL) Waterfront Convention Center
4.    “Rotating Through the Universe” by Paul Bobrowitz (Colgate, WI). Build to Suit (River’s Edge Business Park) 1805 State St.
5.    “Windblown” by Tim Adams (Webster City, IA). Community Center lawn. 2204 Grant Street
6.    “The Catch” by Anna Modeland (Somers, IA). Geifman First Equity, 2172 56th Ave. W. (leased for the 2nd year)
7.    “Twist” by Michael Young (Chicago). Geifman First Equity, 2172 56th Ave. W. (leased for the second year, in new location)
8.    “Bench, Please” by Ben Pierce (Cape Girardeau, MO) Geifman First Equity, 2172 56th Ave. W.
 
Davenport: (The Downtown Davenport Partnership)
1.    “Oxbow” by Tim Adams (Webster City, IA). Parking Ramp on W. 2nd Street.
2.    “The Feather” by Kirk Seese (Lutherville, MD). Current Hotel, entrance. 2nd & Main.
3.    “Collaborative Communication” by Paul Bobrowitz (Colgate, WI). 126 Main St., Common Cord Courtyard
4.     “We're Here” by Chris Wubbena (Jackson, MO), Figge Art Museum Plaza, 225 W. Second St.
5.    “Fowl Play” by Tim Adams (Webster City, IA), RiverCenter, east entrance, 2nd St.
 
Clinton (City of Clinton)

1. “Point” by Bill McGrath, (Batavia, IL) Riverview Drive
2. “Windwave II” by Bill McGrath, (Batavia, IL) Riverview Drive
3. “Breezin' Series #3” by Jim Wolnosky, (Bath, MI) Riverview Drive (near city pool)
4. “Full Sail II” by John Kamrath (St. Paul, MN.) Riverview Drive
5. “Opportunity Doors” by Matt Moyer (Columbia, MO). 611 S. 3rd St. (City Hall parking lot)
6. “Enchantment of Reading” by James Haire (Ft. Collins, CO) 306 8th Ave. S. (Public Library)

 
DeWitt Community Library: (DeWitt Fine Arts Foundation)

1. “Agua Dorada” by Peter Gray (Chicago, IL)
2. “Learning to Fly” by Dale Compton (Chehalis, Washington).

Join us in celebrating the transformative power of art in the Quad Cities and experience how public art continues to enrich our community.

Quad City Arts is honored to announce its stewardship of the "Talking Art" podcast, in partnership with WVIK, Quad Cities NPR. Building upon the remarkable legacy of its founders, Dr. Carolyn Martin and the late Bruce Carter, whose insightful conversations have enriched our understanding of the arts for over two decades. This collaboration aims to continue developing the community's cultural landscape by engaging listeners with insightful discussions and stories that impact our local art scene.
 
Kevin Maynard, Executive Director of Quad City Arts, stated, "It is an honor to continue the legacy initiated by Bruce Carter and Dr. Carolyn Martin. Their passion for arts and culture has set a high standard we are eager to uphold. We believe this partnership with WVIK will enable us to highlight even more stories from the Quad Cities and beyond."
 
Listeners can look forward to a series enriched with deeper explorations into the artistic process, impactful community arts initiatives, and personal journeys of both emerging and established artists. Episodes will be released every other Thursday, with part of the first five minutes being broadcast at 8:01 AM on WVIK Classical (98.3 FM) and 2:01 PM on WVIK News (90.3 FM). The entire interview will then be made available in podcast form. “Talking Art” will have various Quad City Arts team members’ host. 
 
"Talking about local art and artists on our airwaves has been integral to WVIK's mission as a local, public radio station ever since we were founded back in 1980. This new collaboration with the engaging and creative team at Quad City Arts is already proving to be an extraordinarily fruitful partnership. I can't wait to hear the conversations they have lined up," says Jared Johnson, General Manager of WVIK, Quad Cities NPR.
 
The "Talking Art" podcast is accessible on WVIK's website and popular podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
 
For additional details about the podcast and upcoming episodes, please visit Quad City Arts or WVIK.

Listen in on the first episode featuring Marc Zyla!  
​

​In this episode of "Talking Art," Kevin Maynard from Quad City Arts sits down with Marc Zyla, principal horn of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO), to discuss the upcoming "Up Close" event. Marc shares his journey to becoming a musician and artist, from his early days to his time in the QCSO.

Listeners will gain insight into the creative process behind musical performances, the intersection of different art forms, and the passion and dedication required to succeed as an artist in the modern world. Join Kevin and Marc for a captivating conversation that delves deep into the heart of music and artistry.

Read more on the WVIK website: www.wvik.org/podcast/talking-art

​Quad City Arts hosted Randy Cohen, VP of Research at Americans for the Arts, on May 16. Cohen was in town to share the findings of the Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 study released in October (AEP6 Results Release Blog). Quad City Arts worked with Cohen and his team in 2022 to collect data in our region from nonprofit arts and culture organizations to ensure the Quad Cities were represented in the national study and to learn more about the impact locally.

Some of the highlights Cohen covered included:

• The Quad Cities Region’s nonprofit arts industry alone generates $29.0 million in economic activity annually—spending by organizations and their audiences—which supports 712 jobs and generates $6.2 million in local, state, and federal government revenue. (2022)
• Attendees at the Quad Cities Region’s nonprofit arts and culture events spend an average of $27.18 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission on items such as meals, parking, and lodging
• 20% of attendees live outside of Scott County (IA) and Rock Island County (IL); they average $42.71 in event-related spending​

​

The Lloyd Schoeneman Community Impact Awards recognize excellence in the Quad Cities arts community. The award features an enclosed rubber band ball; a symbol of Schoeneman’s playful and creative spirit, and his penchant for making rubber band balls and shooting them over the cubicle walls. Creating something colorful, fun, and unique from everyday objects was second nature to him, and the award acknowledges the creative spirit of all its winners.

This year’s Lloyd Award winners will be recognized at Quad City Arts’ Celebration of the Arts at The Bend Event Center. The evening will also feature remarks from Quad City Arts’ Executive Director Kevin Maynard, performances by Visiting Artist Daniel Pak and Grammy-nominated pianist Josh Rawlings, and a keynote address by Americans for the Arts’ Vice President of Research, Randy Cohen. Since 1991, Randy has propelled national arts advocacy, initiating studies like Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 and collaborating on the National Arts Policy Roundtable with Robert Redford. Experience his profound insights and support our vibrant community! At Celebration of the ARTS dive into a night of inspiring talks, networking, and a special look at the AEP6 study in the Quad Cities, which shows the arts generated over $29 million in economic activity in a single year.

🌟 Keynote speaker Randy Cohen, VP of Research from Americans for the Arts
🎶 Entertainment from award-winning artists Daniel Pak and Grammy-Nominated Pianist Josh Rawlings
🍸 Tickets include complimentary hors d’oevres and cocktails
**All proceeds support the Quad City Arts’ Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program!**

Tickets can be purchased at the Quad City Arts website: https://bit.ly/3Uh184w
​

​
​Residency host sites can sign up for visits ranging from all-school performances to hands-on workshops or performance opportunities with artists in residence hosted by Quad City Arts.
 
The full roster of artists in residence is as follows:

• Kulaiwi, Indigenous Hawaiian performance, Sept. 30 to Oct. 5
• Luciane Dom, Afro-Brazilian music, in residence Oct. 7-10
• WÖR, Belgian 18th century folk crossover band, in residence Oct. 28 to Nov. 1
• Robin Spielberg, Concert pianist and speaker on music and health, in residence Nov. 4-8
• Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, Soulful Southern Big Band, in residence Nov. 20-22
• Sunny Jain and the Wild Wild East, Indian/jazz fusion, in residence Dec. 2-6
• Chicago Dance Crash, street dance fusion company, in residence Jan. 13-17
• “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch”, children’s puppet theatre, in residence Jan. 27-31
• Goitse, traditional Irish music, in residence Feb. 18-21
• San Jose Taiko, traditional taiko drumming, in residence March 10-14
• Twin Flames, Canadian Indigenous Folk, in residence March 24-28
• Jarabe Mexicano, Mexican folk-rock, in residence May 5-9
  
  

Community sites will be able to schedule engagements for their patrons and clients in the coming weeks through the same website. More details will be posted on www.quadcityarts.com/vas.
 
As a keystone program of Quad City Arts, the Visiting Artist Series, which started in 1974 to present multi-disciplinary performing arts residencies in schools and community sites, has brought in 490 residencies, more than 847 artists, over 10,570 school visits, more than 457 concerts, and nearly 2.76 million reached.
 
The series serves students and community members in Clinton, Scott, and Muscatine Counties in Iowa, and Henry, Rock Island, and Mercer Counties in Illinois.
 
Since 1974, the Visiting Artist Series has engaged Quad City residents of all ages in quality arts experiences with professional performing artists. Artists of various disciplines present demonstrations, workshops, and master classes at pre-K sites, elementary, intermediate, and high schools as well as college campuses and community organizations.