2008 Woodie Awards
Home is where the art is
Joe Starnes and Trent Orris
Issue date: 9/29/05 Section: A&E
"American Gothic," arguably Grant Wood's most recognizable painting, has found its way to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (CRMA) via the Art Institute of Chicago.
The famous painting will join a collection, including some of Wood's early and later works. Some of these include lamps and chandeliers Wood created before turning to painting. Other Wood paintings on display include "Appraisal" and "Stone City, Iowa."
The museum starts the tour with a look at Wood's early work and moves throughout his life to his death in Iowa City at age 50.
Part of the exhibit will include Wood's 5 Turner Alley studio, his former home and workplace. Many little-known pieces by Wood are also on display, such as a small sketch believed to be the first of "American Gothic."
"It's a good look at classic Americana and it's probably going to be a nice experience for anyone who's not exactly a huge art fan or knows their art history," said Kirkwood student Weston Weatherington.
For many, "American Gothic" is just a recognizable painting seen countless times. With this exhibit, organizers hope to educate people and show a seldom-seen portion of Wood's life.
"Grant Wood's artwork reflects Iowa's heritage and what Iowa is still about today; illustrating the importance of agriculture in this state," said Katie Mills, CRMA communications coordinator.
With so many parodies and copies made of "American Gothic," it's expected to be the most popular piece of the exhibit.
To get "American Gothic" for the exhibit, CRMA traded Wood's "Young Corn," a similar style painting, to take the place of the much more famous piece. "American Gothic" was last in Iowa in 1996 at the Davenport Museum of Art.
The exhibit runs from Sept. 10 to Dec. 4 at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Ave. SE. Cost to enter the museum is $9 for adults and $5 extra for a tour of Wood's 5 Turner Alley studio.
The famous painting will join a collection, including some of Wood's early and later works. Some of these include lamps and chandeliers Wood created before turning to painting. Other Wood paintings on display include "Appraisal" and "Stone City, Iowa."
The museum starts the tour with a look at Wood's early work and moves throughout his life to his death in Iowa City at age 50.
Part of the exhibit will include Wood's 5 Turner Alley studio, his former home and workplace. Many little-known pieces by Wood are also on display, such as a small sketch believed to be the first of "American Gothic."
"It's a good look at classic Americana and it's probably going to be a nice experience for anyone who's not exactly a huge art fan or knows their art history," said Kirkwood student Weston Weatherington.
For many, "American Gothic" is just a recognizable painting seen countless times. With this exhibit, organizers hope to educate people and show a seldom-seen portion of Wood's life.
"Grant Wood's artwork reflects Iowa's heritage and what Iowa is still about today; illustrating the importance of agriculture in this state," said Katie Mills, CRMA communications coordinator.
With so many parodies and copies made of "American Gothic," it's expected to be the most popular piece of the exhibit.
To get "American Gothic" for the exhibit, CRMA traded Wood's "Young Corn," a similar style painting, to take the place of the much more famous piece. "American Gothic" was last in Iowa in 1996 at the Davenport Museum of Art.
The exhibit runs from Sept. 10 to Dec. 4 at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Ave. SE. Cost to enter the museum is $9 for adults and $5 extra for a tour of Wood's 5 Turner Alley studio.