Art in Every Corner: 30 New Sculptures Across the Quad Cities

“Twist” by Michael Young being placed at Geifman First Equity, 2172 56th Ave. W.

​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.

“Windwave II” by Bill McGrath, being installed in Riverview Drive, Clinton, IA

“Full Sail II” by John Kamrath on River Drive in Clinton, IA

“Learning to Fly” by Dale Compton installed at DeWitt Library