 Tickets are on sale now for an exclusive evening performance by Visiting Artist Barron Ryan, featuring There Arises Light in the Darkness, a moving work for piano, violin, and cello that brings hope to the memory of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The performance will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, in the newly renovated auditorium at the TMBC Lincoln Resource Center. EVENT DETAILS: 📅 Date and Time: Friday, February 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. 📍 Location: TMBC Lincoln Resource Center, Davenport, IA 🎟 Ticket Price: Starting at $10 (Tiered Ticketing) Ryan will be in residence in the Quad Cities February 23–27 through Quad City Arts’ Visiting Artist Series. During his weeklong residency, he will visit nine local schools across five school districts, as well as several community sites, including the Butterworth Center and Wesley United Methodist Church in Muscatine, Iowa.
Quad City Arts is committed to making live performances accessible through tiered ticket pricing that helps reduce financial barriers and welcomes community members of all backgrounds. 🎟 Patrons may choose from four ticket levels:
The Full Roster of Visiting Artists From hip-hop to folklórico dance, the 52nd season of the Visiting Artist Series offers students meaningful opportunities to connect with artists as cultural practitioners, mentors, and role models. Each residency includes educational activities designed to complement school curricula while supporting student engagement and community connection. Artists in residence during the 52nd season include:
Continuing a Legacy of Artistic Engagement
Since 1974, the Visiting Artist Series has connected Quad City residents of all ages with high-quality arts experiences led by professional performing artists. Through demonstrations, workshops, and master classes at early childhood sites, schools, colleges, and community organizations, Quad City Arts continues its commitment to enriching lives and expanding access to the arts. The Visiting Artist Series is made possible with support from Illinois Arts Council, Modern Woodmen of America, the National Endowment for the Arts, Rock Island Community Foundation, Scott County Regional Authority, and Quad City Arts donors.
 Quad City Arts is thrilled to announce the opening of the 2026 Arts Dollars grant cycle, offering $129,150 in funding to support local artists, K-12 schools, and nonprofit organizations partnering with artists. Since 1990, Quad City Arts has helped invest over $1.75 million in the regional arts community, empowering creativity and fostering meaningful connections through the arts. In 2024 alone, Arts Dollars supported 33 projects reaching more than 136,856 people across the Quad Cities, demonstrating the program’s broad community impact and reach.  Grant Overview
Arts Dollars grants are open to all artistic disciplines and focus on enriching the Quad Cities region through community engagement, arts education, and organizational development. The application process is competitive, and Quad City Arts staff are available to provide guidance and support to applicants. Grant Categories
How to Apply Detailed guidelines, category descriptions, and application materials are available online at: https://www.quadcityarts.com/arts-dollars-grants Impact Arts Dollars is more than a grant program—it’s one of the most direct ways we invest in the people, stories, and creative ideas that shape the Quad Cities. Each year, these grants empower artists, teachers, and nonprofits to bring projects to life that might not otherwise have the resources to move forward. In 2024 alone, Arts Dollars supported 33 projects that reached more than 136,856 people across the Quad Cities region, demonstrating the program’s broad community impact and reach. Arts Dollars funding strengthens our region in three key ways:
For Quad City Arts, the goal is simple: to keep creativity thriving across the region through opportunities that strengthen artists, schools, and communities year after year. Funding Funding for the 2026 Arts Dollars cycle is provided by the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council Agency (a state agency), and the Quad Cities Community Foundation--Isabel Bloom Art Education Fund. All Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by Festival of Trees, individual donations, and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency. For more information or assistance with Arts Dollars applications, contact Ben Gougeon at [email protected] or 309-793-1213 ext. 100.  Quad City Arts announces the 2025–2026 Visiting Artist Series lineup, continuing a five-decade tradition of bringing world-class performers and creators into classrooms and communities across eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Like many arts organizations, Quad City Arts is navigating funding challenges that require thoughtful adjustments to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. This year’s series is not about doing less — it’s about focusing on what the organization does best: connecting people to extraordinary artists who spark curiosity, creativity, and connection through the arts. In addition to school and community workshops, each artist will present public performances, giving audiences across the Quad Cities the chance to experience these incredible talents live on stage. Performance dates and ticket information will be announced soon on the Quad City Arts website and social media channels. The season offers a vibrant mix of artists who honor traditional forms while bringing them into the present with fresh, relevant interpretations. Whether it’s classical piano infused with jazz and pop, cultural dance reimagined for today’s stage, or centuries-old musical traditions blended with modern rhythms, each artist bridges the past and present in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences. The 2025–2026 lineup includes:
In addition to performances, each artist will lead school and community workshops, giving audiences of all ages the chance to engage with their craft. Quad City Arts will also host a series of community listening sessions this fall to gather ideas and feedback for a reimagined Visiting Artist Series that remains both artistically vibrant and financially sustainable. These sessions are a unique opportunity for community members, arts supporters, and educators to help shape the series for decades to come. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact Executive Director Brian Allen to be included in the conversation. Through intentional planning and community dialogue, the community can help ensure that the Visiting Artist Series continues to connect people of all ages. We are confident that together we can reshape this program to not only be financially sustainable but also responsive, relevant, and inspiring for years to come. “This is a moment of reflection, and more importantly, a moment of collaboration,” Brian Allen, Executive Director of Quad City Arts, noted. “The Visiting Artist Series has always been about more than performances — it’s about opening doors to new perspectives, cultures, and possibilities.” School staff can schedule residency engagements for this fall and next spring by visiting https://www.quadcityarts.com/vas-scheduling. About Quad City Arts Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. The 2025-2026 season of Visiting Artist Series is supported by Scott County Regional Authority, National Endowment of the Arts, Rock Island Community Foundation, and Quad City Arts' Annual Fund. For Programming Questions Please Contact: Ben Gougeon, Director of Community Engagement, [email protected] or (309) 793-1213, ext. 100 For Additional Questions Please: Brian Allen, Executive Director at Quad City Arts, [email protected] or 309-793-1213, ext. 101.   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!
Festival Weekend: August 14–17 Once the weekend hits, the creativity continues with multiple ways to join in the fun:
“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.
 Meet Ben Morris, our new Operations Director at Quad City Arts! A proud Quad Cities native with a knack for both creativity and efficiency, Ben brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the team. After spending nearly a decade exploring life outside the Midwest—from the soulful vibes of Macon, Georgia, to the sunny coastlines of Southwest Florida—Ben has returned home with a mission: to strengthen the operational backbone that supports our creative vision. Whether it’s streamlining workflows or enhancing event logistics, Ben is passionate about creating systems that empower artists, volunteers, and the entire community. Are you a Quad Cities native? What brought you to the Quad Cities? Yes, I’m a Quad Cities native. After high school, though, I spent eight years living outside the Midwest. First was Macon, Georgia - known as the Song and Soul of the South - and then Southwest Florida, otherwise known as “America’s Headline Factory.” While I enjoyed those adventures, I eventually realized I’m no swamp creature. So now I’m back home in the QC, ready to see what trouble I can stir up. What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional? I can’t resist giving a tongue-in-cheek response here, so here goes: I'll have you know I’m among the elite 0.64% of players who successfully completed the epilogue of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare on veteran difficulty - all the way back in 2007 (I'm not old!). I have to flex my gaming credentials now and then to remind everyone that despite my “old man reflexes,” I've still got it. How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? I first encountered Quad City Arts on grade-school field trips to the Festival of Trees. The event's scale left a lasting impression, and I’m excited to now be part of it after all these years. What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts? I’m most excited about building the operational foundation that lets Quad City Arts focus on its creative mission. Whether it’s rolling out digital workflows, fine-tuning event logistics or upgrading our IT infrastructure, every improvement directly empowers our artists, volunteers, and staff. Knowing that behind every exhibit, workshop, or community event there’s a smoother process (and that I played a part in making it happen) is what excites me the most. What is your favorite arts experience in the Quad Cities? As a (very) amateur composer myself, my favorite arts experience is attending the Quad City Symphony Orchestra’s performances - their skill and range always leave me impressed. What is your favorite arts experience outside of the Quad Cities? Outside the Quad Cities, my favorite arts experience was Meow Wolf in Denver. Its sprawling, interactive installation had my friends and me wandering for hours, and I couldn’t stop talking about it for days. It truly felt like exploring an alien planet - an experience that’s as unforgettable as it is hard to describe. Who is your favorite artist? (This can be any artist – visual, performing, etc.) My favorite artist is composer Austin Wintory. Whether it’s the memorable cello motif in Journey or the seven-harp ensemble featured in the score of Abzû, his music always draws me in. Not everyone can say they've received an award from their favorite artist - but a few years back, I had the unexpected honor of receiving a Special Endeavour Award from Austin Wintory himself. What is one thing that might surprise people about you? I think even those who know I’m into music production might be surprised to learn I can actually sing - especially when it comes to hard rock vocal styles. My musical work is purely instrumental and I’m soft-spoken most of the time, but give me some pounding drums and a catchy guitar riff, and I might surprise you. What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV? I’m watching the British comedy series Taskmaster, where a panel of comedians competes in absurd challenges. It’s one of those rare shows where I’ve caught myself smiling or laughing nonstop for the entire 45 minutes. Star Wars or Star Trek? Star Trek: The Next Generation is particularly special - a real banger, as the kids say. Where is the best pizza in the Quad Cities (or where you are from)? Harris Pizza is probably the first place that comes to mind when people mention Quad Cities pizza. It’s hard for me to pick a single best pizza, though - I love pizza so much that honestly, some nights even a gas station slice hits just as hard. What is your favorite book? My favorite books are from the A Song of Ice and Fire series. When the first season of Game of Thrones first aired on HBO, I was hooked and knew it was going to be rough waiting for season two. As soon as I found out it was based on a book series, I tore through all the available books while waiting for the next season to drop. Where is your go-to place for inspiration? For me, it's less about a specific place and more about the activity itself. Inspiration often strikes when I'm listening to music - usually a cinematic score from a movie or video game. Bonus points if I happen to have a good coffee in hand at the same time. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I could see myself doing something in design - maybe interior design or creating unique spaces for people. There’s something satisfying about carefully crafting an environment that people connect with and genuinely enjoy spending time in. If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead who would it be? Hans Zimmer. I'd love to sit down and talk music and creativity with the person responsible for so many of the greatest film scores ever written. Just hearing his perspective would be fascinating. We’re thrilled to have Ben on board as we continue to grow and evolve at Quad City Arts. His love for music, passion for the arts, and dedication to building a solid foundation for creativity make him a perfect fit for our team. Join us in giving Ben a warm welcome—you’ll likely find him fine-tuning processes behind the scenes or soaking in the sounds of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Here’s to the exciting projects and possibilities ahead!
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 CityBettendorf, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rock Island, IL
The City of Rock Island leased 4 sculptures to beautify their parks and libaries.
At Quad City Arts, we believe that the people behind the scenes are just as inspiring as the work we do in the community. In this edition of In the Spotlight, we’re featuring our Executive Director—a creative thinker, arts advocate, and all-around interesting human! From career highlights to favorite pizza spots, get a glimpse into the personality and perspective of the person helping guide our organization forward. Are you a Quad Cities native? What brought you to the Quad Cities? I am from the Chicago suburbs. My wife and I met at Illinois State University in the middle of the state. At the time we were working on small organic farms, so we chose her side of the state to start our future. Hello Quad Cities! We now live in the small town of Orion. What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional? My biggest achievement is 16 years of marriage to the most wonderful woman on the planet. Together we have three beautiful children who are eleven, nine, and seven. My wife teaches elementary music and each of our kids are engaged in the arts, be it music, dance, art, or theater. How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? I first learned about Quad City Arts through the Rock Island gallery. After I moved here, I wanted to see what local artists were doing, and Quad City Arts was and is the place to do that! What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts? I am most excited to work alongside the amazing staff at Quad City Arts. I am looking forward to empowering and enabling area artists and enriching the lives of all people in the Quad Cities through the arts – all the arts! In schools, on sidewalks, in parks, on the sides of buildings, in the airport, in the gallery, and on a stage near you – Quad City Arts brings art and culture to the community and truly meets people where they are. I am excited to be a part of that! What is your favorite arts experience in the Quad Cities? When I was working at the Figge Art Museum, we hosted an exhibition by Vanessa German called Miracles and Glory Abound. We received an Arts Dollars grant from Quad City Arts to work with Colleen Tomlinson as an artist and as a teacher. I worked with Colleen, Heidi Hernandez, and the Creative Arts Academy of the Quad Cities to create an installation of a front porch covered in mosaics in our Studio 1 space. The day when Vanessa German came to visit with the students was magical. She related to the students on a whole other level, not just about going to an arts magnet school, but they even sang together. I still get chills thinking about it. What is your favorite arts experience outside of the Quad Cities? My favorite arts experience is visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago with my brother to see a Richard Tuttle exhibition. He doesn’t pay attention to visual art, but when we left, he said, “I like that. It’s cool.” I don’t think Tuttle is the easiest artist to enjoy for someone new to art. I like the memory of sharing that experience with my brother. Who is your favorite artist? (This can be any artist – visual, performing, etc.) Historically, I am fascinated by the works of Giotto. I need to visit the Arena Chapel in Padua, Italy before I die to see the Lamentation and the other amazing frescoes painted within. More recently, I am a fan of Thomas Nozkowski and his small non-objective paintings that create fun and quirky worlds for the viewer. I am sucked into the paintings, and they make me think of the fantastical worlds of Dr. Seuss that I grew up looking at. Reading Dr. Seuss with my mother was definitely the reason I wanted to draw. My left-brained, accountant mother loved his absurd language and characters, and I did too. What is one thing that might surprise people about you? My wife and I once owned a 1980 Volkswagen Vanagon. We named the van Double Fantasy in honor of the John Lennon and Yoko Ono album that came out in 1980. We drove it across the country twice – stopping only for friends, breweries, and national parks. What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV? I just finished The Residence. I am a sucker for those Sherlockian characters that have above average intelligence and problem-solving skills. Star Wars or Star Trek? Sherlock (The BBC Version with Benedict Cumberbatch) Where is the best pizza in the Quad Cities (or where you are from)? I am from the Chicago area, but I love Quad Cities style pizza. Living out in Orion, we usually find ourselves at Benny’s in Milan or Bad Boy’z in Moline. What is your favorite book? For all of the sentimental value of my childhood and that I am passing on to my kids – anything by Shel Silverstein. Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic are our favorites. Where is your go-to place for inspiration? Outside. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I would love to work in a library or to write and illustrate children’s books. If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead who would it be? What about a drink and a game of cards? I’d like a bourbon and a game of euchre with Charles Bukowski, Tom Waits, and Philip Guston. After winning, I’d move on to face Miranda July, Joni Mitchell, and Sylvia Plath. From cross-country road trips in a vintage van to collaborative arts experiences that spark lasting memories, our Executive Director brings both heart and a hands-on approach to his work at Quad City Arts. He’s driven by a belief that the arts should be accessible to all—whether in schools, parks, galleries, or unexpected places. Now 85 days into the role, he’s already making meaningful connections and setting the stage for what’s next. If you see him at an event or in the gallery, be sure to stop by and say hello!  Metro Arts is Underway—Celebrating 25 Years of Youth Creativity in Action! This summer marks a major milestone: 25 years of the Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, one of Quad City Arts’ most impactful and beloved initiatives. Since its start in 2000, Metro Arts has empowered young creatives across the region with a powerful message: art is work, and young artists are essential to the vitality and creative backbone of our communities. Open to youth ages 15 to 21, Metro Arts is a paid, five-week summer apprenticeship where participants work side-by-side with professional artists on real, public-facing projects. From murals and mosaics to poetry, live performances, and digital storytelling, apprentices shape the creative landscape of the Quad Cities while gaining invaluable professional experience. This year’s session features four bold projects that speak to the heart of community:
The program will be celebrating with a special Metro Arts 25th Anniversary Showcase on Tuesday, July 15 at the Figge Art Museum. Sponsored by MetroNet, the evening will feature finished projects, alumni reflections, and a celebration of the mentorship, creativity, and youth voice that have defined Metro Arts for a quarter century. Metro Arts Alumni
We’d love to hear your stories. If you’ve participated in Metro Arts over the years, send photos or reflections to [email protected] to be featured in the upcoming showcase and documentary. To learn more about the program or apply for future sessions, visit: quadcityarts.com/metroarts Special Thanks to our 2025 Program Supporters: MetroNet, Modern Woodmen of America, the Morency Family Foundation, Quality Control Restoration, and many other generous sponsors who help make this work possible.  When you support Quad City Arts, you’re not just funding programs—you’re investing in the creative heart of the Quad Cities. Here are five reasons to give today through Birdies for Charity, where your gift will be matched 5–10% for even greater impact: 1. Art is Work.  Art isn’t a hobby—it’s a career. Through our Artist Index, rotating exhibitions, mural projects, festivals, and more, we connect regional artists with paid opportunities that sustain their livelihoods and showcase their talent. Your support makes it possible for creativity to be a viable profession in our community. 2. Art is Opportunity  Through Quad City Arts programs like Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program and High School Art Invitational, we offer professional mentorship, job training, and creative validation during critical stages of artistic development. These programs turn passion into purpose and often into a career. 3. Art Shapes Young People  Our Visiting Artist Series brings professional artists from around the world directly into local schools--enhancing the curriculum, broadening cultural awareness, and exposing students to artistic forms they may never encounter otherwise. In 2024, we reached 40,126 students K-12. 4. Art Builds Cities  Whether it’s a dramatic mural, a metal sculpture, a light installation, or otherwise -- our public art and placemaking initiatives help each of our cities express their unique identity. Art creates belonging, pride, and a sense of place. 5. Art Powers the Economy  Art isn’t just beautiful; it’s a powerful economic engine. Creative placemaking increases tourism, strengthens small businesses, and attracts new residents and talent. According to Americans for the Arts, every dollar invested in nonprofit arts organizations generates $5–7 in local economic activity. Will you join us? Give by June 26 and your support will be matched between 5-10% through Birdies for Charity!
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