The Moline Public Art Commission, in partnership with Quad City Arts, is excited to announce that Moline resident Jeremiah Ketner, an artist with an impressive portfolio, has been selected to create the next mural on Bass Street. After careful consideration of 13 submissions from local artists, Ketner was chosen for his dynamic and colorful vision, helping to diversify the vibrant local art scene.
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Ketner's murals can be found in various locations, including Nordstrom department stores across the country and, most recently, murals in the Chicago area. He holds a BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design and an MFA from Southern Illinois University. His work has been exhibited in solo shows in Chicago and New York, as well as prestigious group exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally. His creative endeavors include painting one-of-a-kind creatures on custom wooden and vinyl toys, which have gained a strong following among collectors. With his unique aesthetic of 'small and round' forms, inspired by his experiences in Japan, Ketner blends traditional art foundations with pop culture influences.

Jeremiah Ketner's work is celebrated for its vibrant, lush environments and pensive, dreamlike characters. His signature style, a key contribution to the pop surrealism movement, combines whimsical patterns with deeply imaginative female figures. Ketner’s art has evolved from mischievous sprites into richly colored landscapes, often inspired by Japanese culture, which he regularly incorporates into his designs.

Quad City Arts has been contracted to facilitate this mural project, from placing the call for submissions to assisting the artist in completing the work, ensuring a smooth process. Placemaking is central to Quad City Art’s mission, focusing on creating vibrant public spaces that foster connection, community, and cultural enrichment. By leveraging the power of the arts, Quad City Arts aims to transform these spaces into beloved, aesthetically pleasing areas that strengthen community bonds and enhance cultural engagement.

The mural will be completed in November 2024, adding a dynamic new element to the artistic landscape of Bass Street Landing and downtown Moline. The Moline Public Art Commission and Quad City Arts share the common goal of showcasing artists, connecting them with the community, and inspiring the region through the arts.

To learn more about Jeremiah Ketner’s work, view his website https://www.jeremiahketner.com

About the Moline Public Art Commission: http://moline.il.us/1794/Public-Art-Commission
About the City of Moline: https://visitquadcities.com/plan-your-trip/our-communities/moline
About Quad City Arts: https://www.quadcityarts.com/

​From October 12 to December 6, 2024, Quad City Arts will showcase the thought-provoking group exhibition titled “It’s Fine. Everything is Fine.” The exhibit features a collection of works that respond to the poignant, often humorous theme of resilience in the face of uncertainty. The public was invited to a FREE opening reception on October 12 from 5-8pm at Quad City Arts’ downtown Rock Island gallery. During the event, attendees had the opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy refreshments as they explored the diverse collection.
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Group exhibitions like "It’s Fine. Everything is Fine." hold significant value in the art community, offering a platform for diverse voices to come together and create a rich, multifaceted dialogue. By featuring multiple artists in one show, Quad City Arts encourages collaboration, cross-pollination of ideas, and a shared creative experience for both the artists and the audience. These group shows provide artists the chance to connect with one another and the community, fostering a spirit of inclusivity while showcasing a variety of styles, mediums, and perspectives under a unifying theme.

In a strong response to Quad City Arts' Call for Entries, 63 artists submitted 141 pieces of art, with 62 pieces from 45 artists ultimately selected for display. The exhibit proudly highlights diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with at least five artists from underrepresented backgrounds. Notably, 42 of the artists had never previously exhibited at Quad City Arts, illustrating the gallery’s role in expanding artistic engagement in the region.

​Geographically, this exhibition draws from a wide array of locations. While 36 entries came from the greater Quad Cities area, artists from Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Des Moines, Chicago, Geneseo, Peoria, and other Midwestern towns also contributed. A special acknowledgment goes to the boost in submissions following a Facebook post promoting the exhibit, which led to a surge of entries, particularly from the Cedar Rapids area. Special thanks also go to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art for sharing this opportunity with its’ artists.
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By embracing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, group shows like this create a dynamic exhibition that speaks to different facets of human experience and emotion. “It’s Fine. Everything is Fine.” is not only a celebration of artistic resilience and humor but also a testament to the importance of providing opportunities for both emerging and established artists to share their voices on a larger stage.
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​October 7, 2024 – Rock Island, IL – Quad City Arts, a cornerstone of the arts and culture community in the Quad Cities region for over 50 years, announces the departure of Executive Director Kevin Maynard, effective October 25, 2024. Maynard has accepted a new role as Executive Director of Opening Nights at Florida State University, where he will begin on November 4, 2024.
 
During his time at the helm of Quad City Arts, Maynard significantly advanced the organization’s mission of enriching the cultural vitality of the Quad Cities through arts programs and public art initiatives. Under his leadership, Quad City Arts expanded its impact by strengthening local partnerships, increasing accessibility to the arts, and championing arts education and advocacy.
 
“Kevin Maynard’s time at Quad City Arts has been transformative. With his vision and energy, he has raised the profile and reach of Quad City Arts to new heights. While we will miss his leadership and skill, we wish him well and are grateful that Quad City Arts has such a bright future because of his efforts,” said Nate Augustine, Quad City Arts Board member.
 
One of Maynard's notable achievements was the launch of the Artist Index, a comprehensive online directory designed to support and promote local artists. He also played a key role in the Arts and Economic Prosperity study, which highlighted the significant economic impact of the arts sector in the Quad Cities. Additionally, Maynard’s commitment to public art resulted in transformative placemaking projects, such as the mural on the side of Analog Arcade Bar in Moline and two murals in Arts Alley in Rock Island by notable local and national artists.
 
Beyond his administrative and strategic contributions, Maynard served as a dynamic ambassador for Quad City Arts on both regional and national stages. His advocacy and presentations at major conferences, including the Midwest Arts Expo and the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, elevated the profile of Quad City Arts and underscored the region’s importance in the national arts landscape.
 
Quad City Arts Board and Maynard will collaborate over the next few weeks to identify an interim director. Maynard will also assist with the transition, ensuring the organization continues its important work without interruption.
 
Reflecting on his time at Quad City Arts, Maynard shared, "It is bittersweet to close this chapter. Quad City Arts has been an extraordinary place to lead, and I am grateful for the support of our dedicated board, staff, and the community. Together, we have accomplished much to strengthen the arts in the Quad Cities. There is a new, exciting chapter ahead for placemaking and art in the Quad Cities! I have been honored to be a part of it and look forward to returning as a tourist to see the lasting impact of our work. I look forward to seeing the team continue to bring this vision to life."
 
For over five decades, Quad City Arts has provided access to the arts through a wide range of programs, including public art installations, educational outreach, the Visiting Artist Series, and Festival of Trees. As the organization embarks on this leadership transition, Quad City Arts remains committed to fostering creativity and connecting the community through the arts.