Quad City Arts
  • About
  • Programs
    • Art Services
    • Visiting Artist Series
    • Public Sculpture Program
    • Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program
    • Arts Dollars Grant Program
  • Events
    • All Events
    • Quad City Arts Presents
    • Chalk Art Fest
    • Riverssance Festival
    • 2025 High School Art Invitational
    • Celebration of the Arts & Lloyd Awards
    • Festival of Trees
  • Galleries
    • Rock Island Gallery
    • Airport Gallery
    • Second Avenue Window
  • Resources
    • Opportunities
  • Artist Index
  • Blog
  • Store
  • Donate
Picture

QUAD CITY ARTS'

RIVERSSANCE FESTIVAL
​OF FINE ART

SEPTEMBER 20, 2025  |  10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2025  |  10 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Lindsay Park in the Village of East Davenport, Iowa

RSVP ON FACEBOOK ☆

celebrating its 36th year as the premier fine arts festival of the Quad Cities, showcasing top artists throughout the greater Midwest.

About Riverssance

Riverssance is known through­out the Midwest for its high qual­ity fine art, beautiful outdoor setting and its unique blend of delight­ful enter­tain­ment and deli­cious food & wine. 

Located on a scenic hill overlooking the Mississippi River in the historic Village of East Davenport, this 2-day festival features over 90 exhibiting artists, a children’s art activity tent, wine tasting, food vendors and live regional music.  Awards are given to exhibiting artists in various categories and the prestigious Harley Award is given to an individual whose affected the arts and artists in the Quad Cities during their lifetime.

Enjoy live music, wine & beer tastings, artist-painted wine glasses, children’s activity tent and the area’s best food, all while shopping for your next artistic treasure.

We look forward to seeing you there!
​
​
Applications Now Open for 2025
Picture

TICKETS

$5 per adult / per day
$8 for a weekend pass
​Individuals 18 and under FREE

Artists’ awards

  • one $1000 Best of Show award
  • five $500 Merit awards
  • one $200 People’s Choice award

Thank you to our 2024 generous Sponsors

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

VOLUNTEER AT Riverssance!

This cool, creative and fun event has numerous volunteer opportunities! Help with admissions and greeting guests, as “art angels” artist support, and at the wine tent. All volunteers receive a FREE festival t-shirt for a two hour shift! 
​​
SIGN UP today!

Live Music Line-up 2024

Saturday:
  • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Mo Carter
  • 12:30 - 2:30 pm: David G. Smith
  • 3:00 - 5:00 pm: CJ Parker
Sunday: 
  • 10:00 - 11:40 am: Frankie Jo & Kinfolk
  • 12:00 - 1:30 pm: Lojo Russo
  • 2:00 - 3:30 pm: Angela Meyer

Food Vendors 2024

Food:
  • Arelys Food Truck
  • Bayside Bistro
  • ​Lagomarcino's
  • Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck
    ​ 
Beverages:​ 
  • Bent River Brewing Company
  • Wines from Olathea Creek Vineyard and Winery

LINDSAY PARK Map 2024

Picture
1. Russell Duerksen - Painting (acrylic) 
2. Penny Smith - Painting (acrylic)
3. Jim Cronk - Ceramics
4. Robyn Terwilliger - Jewelry
5. Amy Mueggenberg - Photography 
6. Valerie Butcher - Glass
7. Ken Nickels - Mixed Media
8. Tom Hempel - Painting (watercolor) 
9. John VandeWalle - Sculpture  
10. Josh Richardson - Wood ​
11. Christina King Ziegler - Jewelry
13. Danielle Kelso - Painting (acrylic) 
14. Brian Lord - Wood 
15. Marianne Schroeder - Mixed Media
16. Vahan Bedeian - Jewelry 
17. Stuart Roddy - Painting (oil) 
18. Amy Taylor - Jewelry 
19. Laura McGarvey - Other  ​
21. Kent Broadbent - Painting (oil) 
22. Janet Ahrens - Mixed Media 
23. Tim Pietz - Wood
24. Sally Gierke - Ceramics
25. Levi Folker - Painting (watercolor)  
26. Judy Christensen - Jewelry   
27. Rick Andrews - Other  
28. Mark True - Photography  
29. Barbara Hueting - Jewelry  
​30. Bob Brehmer - Ceramics 
31.  Ellie Cupp - Painting (acrylic) 
32. Susan Cunningham - Fiber   
33. Connie Rodgers - Jewelry 
34. Chris Swedzinski - Sculpture  
35. Tyler David - Wood 
36. Denise Fournier - Jewelry  
37. Cheri Olson - Painting (acrylic) 
38. Clark Mcferren - Painting (watercolor) 
39. Christian Ohrt - Wood 
40. ​Barbara Logan - Glass
41. Moriah Bruening - Jewelry  
42. ​Jeffrey Ignatius - Photography  ​
43. Jeremy Marquis - Painting (acrylic) 
44. Laura Lacasa Yost - Jewelry 
45. Mike Mittermeier - Painting (acrylic)  ​
46.  Alissa Rindels-Walton - Mixed Media ​ 
47. Cindy Kuhn - Jewelry 
48. Evan Hoyt - Mixed Media 
49. Clifford Logan - Wood 
50. Pam Ohnemus - Painting (acrylic) 
51. Rebecca Evanovich - Ceramic
52. Jack C Brainerd - Wood   
53. Rose Brainerd - Fiber 
55. Sergiy Nagorny - Mixed Media 
56. Karen Austin - Photography  
57. Mary Campbell - Jewelry 
58. Susan Kennicott - Mixed Media 
59. Naidine D'Angelo - Other 
​60. Chris Kuntz - Fiber 
61. Glen Lowry - Printmaking (screen-print) 
62.  Maggie Joynt - Jewelry ​  
63. Rachel McKinney - Ceramics  
64. Tina Bevan - Painting (watercolor) 
66. Andreas Soemadi - Other 
67. Zanetta Hoehle - Jewelry 
68. Karrie Daniels - Painting (acrylic) 
69. Petra Hallwas - Photography 
70. Jay Nielsen - Jewelry 
71. Richard Robertson - Ceramics 
72. Elizabeth Robertson - Ceramics 
73. Rachel Newell - Mixed Media 
74. Nicole Gyles - Painting (oil)  
75. Betty J Christian - Jewelry  
76. Carrol Brandt - Mixed Media 
77. Benjamin Lafayette - Painting (acrylic) ​
78. Timothy Kremer - Wood 
79. Crystal Wade - Jewelry 
80. Tina Ferrel - Sculpture 
81. Lauryn Ginter - Painting (acrylic) 
82. Kathleen Ginter - Painting (acrylic) 
83.  Erica Gooding - Jewelry ​
84. ​Andy Van Schyndle - Painting (oil)
85. Linda Lindner - Ceramics 
86. Joshua Steele - Photography
87. Ann Hartley - Jewelry  
88. Jay Stratton - Wood
​
A public reception to honor this year’s Harley Award Recipient Award for outstanding support of the visual arts will be held on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Lindsay Park at the Village of East Davenport. All artists, and art supporters are welcome!
Picture

2024 HARLEY AWARD WINNER

Jodean Rousey Meleski

Jodean Rousey Meleski is a dedicated advocate for the arts and the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Harley Award, presented at Riverssance Festival of Fine Art by Quad City Arts for her outstanding support and contributions to the arts community. Known for her passion and commitment to promoting the arts, Jodean has earned her place alongside a distinguished group of talented individuals who share a deep love for advancing creative expression in the Quad Cities area.
Her introduction to the world of art began unexpectedly through the board game Masterpiece, where her desire to own the Georgia O'Keeffe card, even as a forgery, sparked an enduring interest in art. This early curiosity led her to pursue a formal education in Art History, obtaining her Bachelor’s degree from Augustana College and her Master’s in Art History, Theory, and Criticism from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her studies focused on contemporary art, cementing her deep connection to modern creative movements.

Jodean’s first career was in the food and beverage industry, where she spent 20 years working in various roles, including as a manager, bartender, waitstaff, and host, developing essential leadership and communication skills that she later applied to her career in the arts. After transitioning out of the industry, she briefly taught as an adjunct professor at both Black Hawk College and St. Ambrose University but quickly realized that teaching wasn’t her calling, leading her to refocus on her true passion—supporting the arts in her community.

For over two decades, Jodean has been a key figure in coordinating Riverssance Festival of Fine Art, helping to grow the event into a beloved community celebration. Beyond Riverssance, Jodean’s passion for the arts is reflected in her personal collection of more than 400 unique works, each representing meaningful connections she’s made throughout her journey.
 
Professionally, Jodean has spent 28 years with MidCoast Fine Arts, serving as Program Director for 26 years and Gallery Director for over 15 years. She also worked as Program Director for Venus Envy Quad Cities, an organization dedicated to empowering women through the arts, from 2010 to 2014. These roles have helped Jodean shape the Quad Cities arts community and advocate for public support of the arts.
 
Her professional background is as diverse as her contributions to the arts. Since 2018, she has been an Operations Specialist at Army Sustainment Command on the Rock Island Arsenal. Prior to this role, she served as an Operations Specialist at the Rock Island Arsenal Garrison and held various other positions, including as a Visual Information Specialist and Curator of Education at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, where she worked for over 13 years.
 
Jodean’s dedication, vision, and genuine love for the arts have made her an integral part of the Quad Cities’ cultural landscape, and she continues to inspire others through her advocacy and unwavering support for creative expression.
​

About The HARLEY AWARD

MidCoast Fine Arts and Quad City Arts honors individuals who've positively affected the visual arts and artists in the Quad Cities during their lifetime with the prestigious Harley Award. The Harley award has been presented since 1988 and was first awarded to John Bloom, a DeWitt, Iowa native who studied with Grant Wood. The prestigious award has been awarded to artists, teachers, museum officials, and people who've affected the arts and the artists in the Quad-Cities in their lifetime.  
Past Harley Award Winners
  1. Dee ​​Schricker (2023)
  2. Pat Bradley Bereskin (2022)
  3. Sherry Case Maurer (2021)
  4. Terry Rathje (2019)
  5. Rachael Mullins Steiner (2018)
  6. Jeanne O'Melia (2017)
  7. Mary Ellen Chamberlin (2016)
  8. A year of silence in memory of Bruce Carter (2015)
  9. Megan & Kristin Quinn (2014)
  10. Nick DeGioia (2013)
  11. Les Bell (2012)
  12. James Konrad (2011)
  13. Kay Hall (2010)
  14. Mimzi Haut (2009)
  15. Dean Schroeder (2008)
  16. Ruth Evelyn Katz (2007)
  17. Jeanne Tamisiea (posthumously) (2006)
  18. Ralph Iaccarino (2005)
  19. Thomas Chouteau, Sr. (2004)
  20. Shirley Heysinger (2003)
  21. Jean Sieben (2002)
  22. Lloyd Schoeneman (2001)
  23. Larry DeVilbiss (2000)
  24. Marge Heir (1999)
  25. Don Heggan (1998)
  26. Betty Luther (1997)
  27. Sally Sahlmark MacMillan (1996)
  28. Isabel Bloom (1995)
  29. Sr. Clarise & Left Bank Art League (1994)
  30. Marilyn Morrison (1993)
  31. Elizabeth Rochow (1992)
  32. Ben Sunday (1991)
  33. William Hannan (1990)
  34. Father Edward Catich (1989)
  35. John Bloom (1988)
​ <!-- Tracking tag. Place in the <body> section of webpage -->
<!-- Privacy policy at http://tag.brandcdn.com/privacy -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="//tag.brandcdn.com/autoscript/quadcityarts_vgtsqk5vmxfuveu9/Quad_City_Arts.js"></script>

SUPPORT THE ARTS THROUGH SPONSORSHIP

Quad City Arts' events would not be possible without the support of our many generous sponsors. Whether it is an in-kind sponsorship of goods or services, or a cash sponsorship towards an event or attraction, the opportunities are nearly endless. Contact us to learn more!
Picture

BEN GOUGEON

Events Coordinator
309.793.1213 ext. 100
Email

Let's Get Social

Be first to know about our digital programming, insider news, our latest projects, and much more!
Quad City Arts does not trade, share, or sell information that you provide to us. 

​Rock Island Gallery
​& Store Hours

Mon–Fri: 10a–5p
Sat: 11a–5p
Closed Sundays

CONTACT

Phone: 309.793.1213
[email protected]
1715 2nd Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201

HOME
About
Programs

 • Visiting Artist Series
 • Public Sculpture Program 
 • Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship 
 • Arts Dollars Grants
 • Visual Art Opportunities
 • Artworks Expo
 • High School Art Invitational

EVENTS

  • Chalk Art Fest
  • Riverssance Festival
  • Festival Of Trees
  • Annual Celebration
      & Lloyd Awards

  • Performing Arts Signature Series

GALLERIES

  • Rock Island Gallery
  • ​Airport Gallery

STORE
BLOG
SUPPORT & Donate

​SUPPORT 

Make a tax-deductible donation to Quad City Arts and support art in your community!
DONATE

ABOUT

Quad City Arts is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. The organization’s dual role of presenting the arts and humanities, as well as serving as an arts resource, allows us to serve more than 350,000 people annually in the Arts Center in Rock Island and at over 200 rural and urban community sites.​

Looking for something?

VIDEO FOOTAGE PROVIDED BY DPHILMS AND MICKLE COMMUNICATIONS
© 2024 Quad City Arts is a 501(c)(3). Privacy Statement
  • About
  • Programs
    • Art Services
    • Visiting Artist Series
    • Public Sculpture Program
    • Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program
    • Arts Dollars Grant Program
  • Events
    • All Events
    • Quad City Arts Presents
    • Chalk Art Fest
    • Riverssance Festival
    • 2025 High School Art Invitational
    • Celebration of the Arts & Lloyd Awards
    • Festival of Trees
  • Galleries
    • Rock Island Gallery
    • Airport Gallery
    • Second Avenue Window
  • Resources
    • Opportunities
  • Artist Index
  • Blog
  • Store
  • Donate