New and Enhanced Programs

Fellowships: The Grant Wood Art Colony can house up to seven artists-in-residence. Currently, three Fellows reside in the Colony houses—Painting and Drawing, Printmaking, and Interdisciplinary Performance. The Grant Wood Art Colony National Advisory Board intends to maximize this number in the next ten years.

Public Art: The Colony seeks to establish a Public Art Fellowship. In 1934, Grant Wood was appointed head of the Public Works of Art Project for Iowa. This appointment led to Wood’s eventual hiring as an associate professor in the art department at the University of Iowa. The Office of Outreach & Engagement has received more requests for public visual art in Iowa communities than the current University resources can fulfill. Additionally, students will enhance their curricula vitae with real-world experience. This Fellowship will honor Wood’s career in public art, provide tangible benefits to communities across Iowa, and create opportunities for the next generation of artists. The Fellowship is modeled like the existing Fellowships: teach one class per semester and provide campus and public engagement opportunities. Fellows will also complete one major work in an Iowa community during the residency. ($80,000/year or $1.6 million to endow)

Art History: Advancing research into the life, times, and legacy of Grant Wood is a long-term goal of the Grant Wood Art Colony. This Fellow would conduct such research and assist with the biennial Grant Wood symposium. The Fellow would reside in the Colony from the summer through the fall of 2016 and have no instructional responsibility. ($5,000/year)

Biennial Symposium: In September 2018, the 6^th Biennial Symposium of the Grant Wood Art Colony at the University of Iowa will take place. The theme is "Art in Public." This symposium provides the opportunity to discuss the role art plays in community building, the responsibiliteis of the artist and the community, and more. ($30,000)

Grant Wood Prize: Provide scholarships for outstanding Iowa high school artists to attend the Belin-Blank Center Summer Art Residency. Grant Wood was passionate about promoting young people's creative pursuits. Students travel from across the country to attend the Institute, receive university-level instruction, and exchange ideas. Three outstanding artists will be selected from thousands of applicants for this honor. ($1500)

Colony Improvements: The Grant Wood Art Colony currently consists of four, nearly hundred-year-old houses. Like all homes, these need continual maintenance. The Colony wants to ensure that the Fellows and visitors have a comfortable, updated experiences while staying at the houses. Former Fellows have requested that studio space be built out on the property to enhance the Colony feel. Current studio space is located 20 minutes away and many Fellows arrive without cars. A garage and a basement have been targeted for conversion into studio spaces. ($30,000)

How to give

Individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in giving to the Grant Wood Art Colony of the University of Iowa may do so by writing a check to the University of Iowa Foundation and including in the memo field: Grant Wood Fund 30-160-081. Checks may be mailed to:

UI Foundation
One West Park Road
P.O. Box 4550
Iowa City, Iowa 52244-4550

Or visit www.givetoiowa.org/grantwood.

Gifts of any size are appreciated. Contact Maura Pilcher at maura-pilcher@uiowa.edu for more information.