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A ten-week series to spark conversation and curiosity, and inspire creative writing, related to Iowa’s iconic artist-son Grant Wood and the beautiful land he painted.
Friendships through Words & Art: A Journey into the Life, Legacy and Land of Grant Wood
This online series is for anyone interested in learning and responding, conversationally or through creative writing (short fiction, poetry, lyrics/songs, creative non-fiction, short essay), to the enduring legacy of Grant Wood, his artworks and many artistic friendships/associations, as well as the land, history and culture of Iowa across time. The series includes enlightening presentations, conversations and tools/resources for writers and observers. Also included are scheduled reading/conversation sessions for writers to respond creatively to featured art and content.
Culminating online and in-print projects (submission details available during the series) are built in to the series, including an in-person Celebration Reception on Sunday, August 28, 2022, held at Cedar Rapids Public Library’s Living Learning Rooftop.
Attendance at all sessions is not required. However, participation is necessary to be considered for publication and for inclusion in the Celebration Reception as reader/performer (which will be presented in the spirit of Sunday afternoon happenings during the days of the Stone City Art Colony).
This dynamic initiative is a continuation and expansion of the series first presented by Grant Wood Writers Forum and the Anamosa Library & Learning Center in ’20-’21. Collaborating partners now include: The Grant Wood Country Writers Forum, Anamosa Library & Learning Center, Cedar Rapids Public Library, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and Iowa Poetry Association. Please register at any point in time for the series. Register for one event to be signed-up for the entire series. The Zoom link will be sent each Monday morning for the evening's event.
The Downtown Library is located at 450 5th Avenue SE, in the heart of Downtown Cedar Rapids. It is a 94,000 square foot building with a variety of civic spaces and a vibrant collection of library materials. Special features of this location are the Whipple Auditorium, a 200 seat auditorium overlooking Greene Square; and the LivingLearning Roof, a green roof with public seating and space to hold special events. Roasters Café is located in the Downtown Library, providing a full service coffee shop for visitors, as well as catering for meetings and special events.
