Are you a Quad Cities native? What brought you to the Quad Cities? I am a Quad Cities native. I grew up in De Witt but was open enrolled in Davenport schools. I stuck around and went to Augustana for undergrad. What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional? One of my biggest achievements has been stepping into leadership roles in the nonprofit and policy sectors and continuing to grow my impact in the community. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work on public health and policy initiatives at both the state and national levels, across Iowa, Illinois, and California, which gave me a broad perspective on systems change and community impact. In my previous roles, I’m proud to have helped support the passage of local tobacco safety ordinances, educated community members on important public health issues, and advocated for policies that create healthier, more equitable communities. I’m also proud to have earned both my Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Public Administration (MPA), which continue to shape how I create meaningful change. How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? I actually volunteered here when I was 16. Since then, I’ve always loved coming in to see the new art and experiencing the creativity the organization brings to the community. What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts? I’m most excited to build meaningful relationships across the community and help expand the impact of Quad City Arts. The opportunity to connect people to the arts while supporting programs that uplift diverse voices—especially ensuring artists from underrepresented communities are seen and supported—is incredibly energizing to me. I’m also looking forward to growing sustainable funding and partnerships that allow the organization to deepen its reach and create lasting cultural impact.
Who is your favorite artist? (This can be any artist – visual, performing, etc.) It’s hard for me to choose just one, but my favorites are Rosalía, Beyoncé, BTS, Mumford & Sons, and My Chemical Romance. What is one thing that might surprise people about you? One thing that might surprise people about me is that I’m really afraid of sharks—which works out well since I don’t live near the ocean. That said, I also think they’re incredibly beautiful and fascinating creatures, so I admire them from a distance. What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV? On Apple TV I am watching The Morning Show and Shrinking Star Wars or Star Trek? Star Wars Where is the best pizza? Happy Joe's, Lo Piez, or Smash pizza What is your favorite book? Two books that have really stayed with me are Eleanor & Park and The Midnight Library. I read Eleanor & Park a long time ago, but it left a lasting impression on me with its emotional depth and storytelling. More recently, The Midnight Library resonated with me because of its reflection on choices, purpose, and the different paths our lives can take. Where is your go-to place for inspiration? My go-to place for inspiration is the internet, especially Instagram Reels. I love that so many people can share their stories, creative work, and experiences—from nonprofit leadership to art and community impact.  What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? If I were to explore a different profession, I’d be interested in pursuing fashion or using my political science background to move into the policy side of politics. Fashion appeals to my creative side and love for self-expression, while policy work would allow me to shape meaningful change through research, writing, and advocacy. Both paths reflect my passion for influence, representation, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead who would it be? If I could have a drink with any artist, it would be Hayao Miyazaki or Ayako Rokkaku. I’ve watched all of Miyazaki’s films, and both of their work—including Rokkaku’s playful use of kawaii culture—has had a huge influence on how I think about creativity and storytelling.   Quad City Arts awards $9,500 to local high school students and art instructors in a ceremony that took place Thursday, April 2. Exhibit runs through April 30 and contains artwork from 15 schools from both sides of the river, 20 exhibiting instructors, and 168 student entries. The 49th High School Art Invitational is made possible by the William Butterworth Foundation (the major sponsor of the event), The Morency Family Giving Fund, the Empeople Credit Union, the Figge Art Academy, the Rock Island Art Guild, Quad City Arts' Board Members, Bereskin Gallery, Midwest Bath Co, and additional sponsors noted for individual awards. Quad City Arts' High School Art Invitational is a significant milestone for high school artists as it provides a platform for them to display and sell their work publicly, gain formal recognition for their creative talents, and compete for awards and scholarships. It encourages young artists to pursue careers in the arts and educates them about the process of competing for gallery shows, an essential aspect of a professional visual artist's career. Additionally, it showcases the creativity of young people to the public, underlining the importance of creative skills in problem-solving across various professions. Through these awards, young artists receive early career recognition, which can be instrumental in their future endeavors in the arts. By recognizing and encouraging young talent, we invest in the next generation of creatives in our community.
Don't forget to come in and vote for the People's Choice Award! View all winning award-winning entries online: quadcityarts.com/hs-invitational-2026 Best of Show Lily Almanza, Figge Art Academy & Moline High School First Place Sherry Tang, Pleasant Valley High School Second Place Kate Walsh, Alleman Catholic High School Juror’s Choice Awards for Artistic Excellence Rose Hains, Homeschooled Nathan Kampe, Davenport Central High School Weston Libby, Pleasant Valley High School Lillian Prather, Moline High School Quad City Arts' Staff Picks: Zeth Boyle, Pleasant Valley High School Katharine Stolley, Davenport Central High School The Rock Island Art Guild Members’ Selections Austin Duesterhaus, Moline High School Addie Trees, Pleasant Valley High School Leam Tyler, Pleasant Valley High School Nickolas McConchie, Rock Island High School Liyah York, Moline High School Clifford Coussens Memorial Award Cajayla Crawford, Davenport Central High School Don Heggen Memorial Awards Lily Roth, Moline High School Amanda Oosthuizen, Davenport North High School The Most Original Concept Award sponsored by Joel & Diane Franken Sherry Tang, Pleasant Valley High School The Cutting-Edge Award sponsored by Cutting Edge Productions Karmen Fernandez, Davenport West High School Helen Doehler Memorial Award for Artistic Excellence Madison Campbell-Baker, Mercer County High School Charlotte Doehler-Morrison Award Cajayla Crawford, Davenport Central High School Excellence in Photography Award sponsored by Jack Wilhoit Cody Secoy, Davenport West High School Ralph Iaccarino Awards Elena Diedrich, Davenport Central High School Carlin Petersen, Davenport Central High School Carlo Centore Awards for Mastery of Technique Sol Moldt, Figge Art Academy Maggie Burns, Moline High School Steve Pray Award for Mastery of Technique Carys Ricklefs, Davenport Central High School Marley Shelby, Davenport West High School Zimmerman Honda Award for Mastery of Technique Amani Miles, Davenport Central High School Jazmin Knapp, Davenport West High School Anna Holtz, Holtz Homeschool Academy Living Lands & Waters Award for best use of Recycled Materials Jersey Hajostek, Mercer County High School Excellence Award sponsored by Midwest Bath Co Hailey Williams, Davenport West High School Amy Whiteman Memorial Awards for Portraiture Lily Almanza, Figge Art Academy Rose Hains, Homeschooled Weston Libby, Pleasant Valley High School Carys Ricklefs, Davenport Central High School Cassidy Piersall Memorial Award Jersey Hajostek, Mercer County High School Keith Bonnstetter Memorial Award for Best Use of Paper as Medium Bridget Driver, Davenport West High School Emalyn Millar, Mercer County High School W.C. Griffiths Award for Whimsical Art Esther Barfels, Davenport Central High School Carlin Petersen, Davenport Central High School Evelyn Toher, Davenport Central High School Vivian Wright, Rock Island High School Bereskin Gallery Awards Taylor Fuess, Central DeWitt High School Amani Miles, Davenport Central High School Gia Punchak, Davenport West High School Zoey Schutte, Davenport North High School Awards for excellence in film sponsored by dphilms/TAG Honorable Mention: Lilly Clayton, Mercer County High School 2nd Place: Mason Millar, Davenport West High School 1st Place: Spencer Andresen, Logan Simpson, Mark Graves, Lincoln Scott, Mick Palmer, Jesse DeFrieze, & Kolton Hardin, Mercer County High School Artist of Promise Certificates sponsored by the Figge Art Academy Lincoln Abel, Moline High School KaMa'lah Benefield, Mid City High School Gracie Green, Central DeWitt High School Charis Moore, Rock Island High School Amanda Oosthuizen, Davenport North High School Connor Schultz, Rock Island High School Wyatt Thiesen, Moline High School Kate Walsh, Alleman Catholic High School Teacher’s Awards 1st place: Pat Bereskin, Figge Art Academy 2nd place: Tara Guidinger, Mercer County High School 3rd place: Lisa Stisser, Kewanee High School This exhibition features the Quad Cities’ most promising artists as they express themselves through paintings, drawings, sculpture, metals, ceramics, photography, digital media, and film. View more photos of the event in our Facebook page linked in the post below!   Quad City Arts is pleased to announce 2026 Arts Dollars grant awards totaling $129,150 to 28 organizations and 11 individual artists. Since 1990, Quad City Arts has supported the local art community by awarding more than $1,600,000 in grants to local artists, non-profit organizations, and schools. Arts Dollars funds are generously provided by the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the Quad Cities Community Foundation - Isabel Bloom Art Education Endowment, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS
EDUCATION GRANTS
PROJECT GRANTS
In 2025, 38 individuals/organizations in Quad City Arts’ six-county region reached over 105,000 people utilizing funds from Arts Dollars. Approximately 100 events were produced, over 16,000 students reached, and 740 artists were directly paid through the funds. Quad City Arts staff does not judge, score, or determine the distribution of Arts Dollars funds, serving only as administrators and moderators to the process. Grantees are determined by a revolving panel made up of community stakeholders representing the arts, public and private sectors, and funding institutions, with final distribution granted by the Quad City Arts Board of Directors.  The Friends of MLK, Downtown Davenport Partnership, and Quad City Arts are seeking the design and installation of a public mural to be created in Davenport, Iowa. The mural will be on the north-facing wall of the train bridge on the southeast corner of Brady St. and E. 5th St., across from the MLK Interpretive Center. This mural will be the first installation in a series of installations around the Center and park. This mural project seeks to honor the resilience and vibrancy of Black Davenport in the late 1880’s through the early 1900s, focusing on the intersection of race, community, entertainment, and labor. Using archival imagery from the era, the artist should highlight daily life, entrepreneurship, and social gatherings in a style that emphasizes warmth and dignity for all. This mural project is jointly undertaken by the Friends of MLK (FOMLK), Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), and Quad City Arts (QCA). TIMELINE
TO APPLY Email a PDF to [email protected] including the following information or submit online at form.jotform.com/260627026956159
   2025 was a year of collaboration. Working together with our patrons, our cities, our artists, our youth, the Cultural Trust and its Legacy Partners, many exciting projects and events came to fruition for Quad City Arts. Our Mission remains the same: Quad City Arts is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City Region through the arts. Our Vision is to foster a thriving arts community by intentionally building our role as an arts presenter, advocate, connector and resource hub. Both our Mission and Vision helped foster and further artistic growth in our community this past year. In 2025 alone we:
Our schools continue to enjoy sharing the Visiting Artists programs with their students and staff . The public performances allow students to share their excitement of these shows with friends and family-building that connection with art and collaboration with our school communities. As we look forward to 2026, we see more growth, innovations, and artistic celebrations with all those who continue to support Quad City Arts. We are looking forward to the Leading Light project with Moline, gallery openings with new artists, and many more exciting projects. Thank you for your patronage, your support and investment in Quad City Arts. Sincerely, Quad City Arts’ Board of Directors   METRO ARTS YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 PROGRAM OPEN THROUGH APRIL 12, 2026.Metro Arts provides area youth ages 15-21 with a five-week paid summer apprenticeship. These apprentices will create community arts projects that positively impact the community, including mural and street painting as well as poetry. MURAL PAINTING & STREET ART Under local professional muralists, apprentices collaborate with clients to design and paint vibrant murals or street art around the Quad Cities. Apprentices will get feedback from clients on design elements, then work as a team of artists to create two or more concepts to be presented. Once a design has been approved by the client, the apprentices will spend 4 weeks painting the mural or street art installation on-site. Note: these projects are likely to be outdoors, and require apprentices to spend extended time in the elements, including direct sun, extreme heat, humidity, rain, etc., and involve lifting and possible work on scaffolding or lifts. POETRY Apprentices will work closely with a professional poet and educator to learn the art of poetry, both on the page and the stage. This year’s poetry group will be two-pronged, as apprentices will learn the craft of poetry writing for both posterity and performance. Under the guidance of our lead artist, poets will collaborate with our Murals/Street Art team to create pieces that will be incorporated into the public art being created. They’ll also create pieces for spoken word performance at venues throughout the Quad Cities. This year’s Metro Arts program will start on Monday, June 8 and end on Thursday, July 9. Apprentices will meet for up to four hours Monday through Thursday. The program is meant to provide access to the arts, accepting entry level artists, with all supplies and equipment provided by Quad City Arts and its partners. To date, this year’s partners include the Illinois Arts Council, the City of Rock Island, and the Brissman Foundation. Lead artists for this year’s program include Sarah Robb (Murals/Street Painting) and Aubrey Barnes (Poetry), and projects will be happening in Rock Island, Davenport, and Milan. In addition to honing apprentices’ artistry, Metro Arts teaches applicants the beginnings of the business skills needed to succeed in the arts. From a competitive interview process to client proposals and pitches, Metro Arts can be the start of a young artist’s pipeline into the professional world. Quad City Arts’ Director of Community Engagement Ben Gougeon sites that a number of Metro apprentices go on to have showings around town or receive Arts Dollars grants as they continue their work in their chosen field. Gougeon states that in addition to Metro’s impact on young artists, it has also “…been a study in collaboration with non-profits, municipalities, and the private sector for over 25 years. Public art doesn’t happen by magic. It takes a lot of people working together to manifest a vision. Time, interest, funding; these all need to align to get a Metro Arts program off the ground. But, as Sarah [Robb] and I like to say, ‘Where there’s a wall, there’s a way.’” Metro Arts is celebrating its 26th year in 2026, and the ripples from 2025, the program’s silver anniversary, are still reverberating. Art is Work, the documentary film created by Documentary Filmmaking apprentices and lead artist Stacy Barton, is currently appearing in film festivals around the region. It also had multiple airings on WQPT.   Do you enjoy fostering community partnerships, have a passion for the arts, & experience in fundraising and development? This could be the role for you! Quad City Arts seeks a collaborative and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and execute our annual fundraising efforts in partnership with the Executive Director. This is a hands-on role for a development professional who enjoys building meaningful donor relationships, managing grant activity, and strengthening community partnerships within a small nonprofit environment. The Director of Development will oversee the annual fundraising plan, manage donor engagement strategies, secure institutional and corporate support, and help ensure sustainable revenue aligned with organizational priorities. The position plays a key role in advancing Quad City Arts’ mission while working closely with leadership and staff in a team-oriented setting. Key Responsibilities Fundraising Strategy & Execution · Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the Executive Director. · Secure financial support from individuals, corporations, and foundations. · Identify and cultivate prospective donors and sponsors. · Manage a portfolio of annual and mid-level donors. · Assist with major donor cultivation efforts in partnership with the Executive Director. Grants & Institutional Support · Identify grant opportunities aligned with programs and strategic priorities. · Prepare and submit grant proposals and required reports. · Maintain accurate grant tracking and reporting systems. Campaigns & Donor Engagement · Oversee annual giving campaigns and donor appeals. · Collaborate with the Marketing & Design Director on digital and print fundraising initiatives. · Strengthen donor stewardship and ongoing communication efforts. Events & Community Engagement · Partner with staff to support fundraising events. · Secure sponsorship support for programs and special events. Data & Reporting · Maintain and utilize development software for donor tracking and reporting. · Analyze fundraising data to inform strategy and provide regular updates to leadership. Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, nonprofit administration, or related field (or equivalent professional experience). · Minimum of three years of professional fundraising experience. · Demonstrated experience in grant writing and donor relationship management. · Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. · Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with the Executive Director and staff. · Experience in a small nonprofit environment is preferred. What We’re Looking For · A proactive, relationship-focused fundraiser. · A team-oriented professional who values collaboration. · Someone comfortable working in a small organization where flexibility and initiative are essential. · A development professional who enjoys both strategy and hands-on execution. Working Environment This is a full-time position based in a professional office setting. Some evening and weekend work may be required for events. Occasional regional travel may be necessary. Know someone who may be a good fit? Help us spread the word and share this blog.  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. |
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