Arts + Culture

Arts R Alive

Established in 2011, each year the Arts R Alive Sculpture Committee proudly showcases works from local, regional, and Midwestern artists at West Twin Park in Webster City, Iowa. The mission of the Arts R Alive Sculpture Committee is to promote sculpture as a public art form and to enrich the artistic and cultural interests of our city, region and state.

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Two women of stand in front of an artwork, surrounded by other artworks on the walls of a large, softly-lit gallery in an art museum.

Blanden Art Museum

Built in the Oak Hill Historic District in 1932, the Blanden Art Museum has a permanent collection which includes modern American and European paintings, African sculptures, glassworks, and 16th-20th century American, European, and Japanese prints. They also host adult and youth classes, art education classes, meet and greet artist events, and family fun activities.

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Boone County Freedom Rock

As a way to honor her fallen son, Sgt. Daniel Sesker, Mysty Stumbo organized an effort to have Ray “Bubba” Sorenson paint one of his renowned freedom rocks. The rock sits on the lawn of the Boone County Courthouse and captures the essence of Boone County history while memorializing those who died in service to our country.

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Boulevard of Valor monument in Webster City, IA

Boulevard of Valour

Honoring the Veterans who have served is the Boulevard of Valor in Webster City, Iowa. Located on Des Moines Street, it has memorials honoring our veterans from the Civil War until present.

A public art piece representing a stylized torch with flame on top, sitting in the center of a concrete circle with old city buildings in the background

Chronicle

The public art piece Chronicle was created by artist Dan Perry to commemorate Fort Dodge’s 150th anniversary. The different elements of the piece symbolize Fort Dodge’s natural, industrial, and human resources.

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A young, male artist stands at his easel doing charcoal art. Fine art hangs on the walls around him and a group of ladies in the background chat while crafting.

Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association

The Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association’s mission is to inspire a vibrant community by fostering creativity and celebrating life through the arts. They work towards success through artist events, art shows, and live performances at their newly-renovated Phillips Auditorium.

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Three conjoined silos bearing a full-length painted mural of a man holding pottery stand out against a bright blue sky.

Fort Dodge Grain Silo Mural

The 110-foot tall Fort Dodge Grain Silo Mural was created by international artist Guido Van Helten. This 360-degree concrete mural depicts local residents who are part of the industrial and cultural fabric of the community. Tying these portraits together are pieces of Fort Dodge pottery showcased at the Fort Museum and Frontier Village. This site holds the distinction of being the largest mural in Iowa.

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Hamilton County Freedom Rock

Artist Ray “Bubba” Sorenson II painted patriotic scenes on this 25,000 lb. boulder. This Freedom Rock depicts scenes of local heroes. It includes a Revolutionary War Veteran buried in the local cemetery.

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High Trestle Trail Bridge

The signature piece of Iowa’s most popular paved pedestrian trail is the 2,300 ft. long High Trestle Trail Bridge. Visitors enter the bridge through gateway portals that flank each entrance to the structure and that represent the area’s geology. Iron cribbing across the bridge evoke the feeling of going down a mine shaft. The bridge lights up with blue LED’s for a spectacular night scene.

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James H. Andrew Museum

Before or after riding the rails, check out the James H. Andrew Railroad museum. Mr. Andrews donated more than 4,000 rare and unusual railroad artifacts. The museum also features a vast railroad library and children’s activity area.

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Kendall Young Library Special Collections

Four special collections are open for the public to see. They include the Abastenia St. Leger Eberle Sculpture Collection, The Foster Doll Collection, The Van Ness Native American Collection & the Jane Young Stained Glass Window. The Beaux Arts style library itself is also a destination. It has gold marble columns from Africa, terrazzo & mosaic floors, stained glass windows & a stained glass dome....

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Legacy Learning Boone River Valley

Legacy Learning Boone River Valley offers opportunities to participate in hands-on arts & naturalist classes taught by artists, natural resource professionals, and skilled craftspeople that love to share their skills by teaching others.

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Picture of the building in Ellsworth, Iowa which has murals

Murals in Ellsworth, Iowa

Just into Ellsworth, off the JewEllsworth Trail, are these great murals! Come enjoy today.

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Murals in Webster City Iowa

Come experience the murals in Webster City, Iowa. The Butterfly is located on the west side of 544 Second Street on Willson Avenue. Colorful Murals consists of 6 individual works located above 643 and 645 Second Street. Another 6 individual works continue along the west side of 645 on Des Moines Street. All works represent significant community features and historical figures of Hamilton County, Iowa.

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Rotary Welcome Train

The signature welcome to those entering the city of Boone from US Highway 30 at South Story Street, the Welcome Train was a project undertaken by the Rotary Club of Boone in celebration of it’s centennial year in 2019 and features a steam engine locomotive, coal tender and passenger car.

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A group of men, women, and children sit at a long table painting on canvases. They are surrounded by art supplies and completed works on the walls of the studio.

Studio Fusion

Studio Fusion is a Do-it-Yourself art studio specializing in fused glass, pottery, and canvas painting. They also offer a retail shop for unique pre-made items.

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Swedish Immigrant Museum & Research Library

Preserving and exhibiting the history of Swedish immigrants to the Swede Bend settlement in Iowa. We house and display collections of artifacts which belonged to areas Swedish pioneers. The research library offers a robust collection of genealogical materials. They include access to Swedish record, obituaries, cemetery & church records. Our Museum & Research Library in Stratford, Iowa is temporarily closed to the public for renovations....

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Teddy Roosevelt Statue

This bronze-cast statue was cast as a tribute to our nation’s 26th President by the park’s benefactor, James B. McHose, a great admirer of Mr. Roosevelt. Placed near McHose Park’s southern end, it weighs approximately 2-tons.

A bronze statue of an eagle with wings raised overlooks the outdoor amphitheater of a park flanked by military and national flags. This sits by a lake with forest on the far shore.

Terry Moehnke Veterans Memorial Park

Terry Moehnke Veterans Memorial Park overlooks Badger Lake and includes memorials, artwork, and a natural amphitheater. It is a fitting tribute to the men and women who have served in the military: past, present, and future.

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Veteran’s Train Mural

Located at thew corner of 9th and Story Streets in Boone, this mural spans nearly 100 feet in length and shares a piece of Boone’s history as main stop on the Chicago-Northwestern rail line. Boone Art Class – Johnny Webber/artist (after fire), then re-done in 1986 or so.

Webster City Community Theater

WCCT has been entertaining people for more than 50 years. We are a completely volunteer organization, drawing participants from all over north central Iowa.

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A large boulder of granite is painted with patriotic scenes, featuring a veteran experiencing PTSD and a homeless man in uniform.

Webster County Freedom Rock

The Webster County Freedom Rock sits at a trailhead at the junction of A Street and the Karl King Bridge in Fort Dodge. Artist Ray “Bubba” Sorenson II painted patriotic scenes on the 25,000 pound boulder. Webster County’s Freedom Rock is specific to this county, depicting scenes specific to this county’s veterans, their triumphs, and their struggles.

Williams Veteran Memorial – Williams, Iowa

The Williams Community Veterans Memorial honors their veterans from WWI through the conflicts. It is located within the Williams City Park. Come enjoy this beautifully done memorial.