Have had a great experience at Taag Studios and Gallery. Wonderful, pleasant and knowledgable one…read moreto one attention when needed but ample opportunity to view the wide variety of art styles and mediums at your leisure also. We'll curated art and artists. Many local artists are featured which is such a refreshing experience after visiting local galleries that one might expect to find local artists but find the majority to be from out of state and less than unique works. Taag, in addition to featuring artists that are well known and with many years of experience, has been a starting point for a number of artists that are now very successful, as current -very talented emerging artists. The classes offered have been patiently and knowledgably taught (as told to me by parents and students involved) and a very generous number of scholarships for students are offered. My daughter received mentorship from the director of Taag when an unexpected delay in her college plans occurred (shoulder surgery delayed her attendance at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design for a year). She is now not only attending MIAD full time, on the Deans list and a member of the National Art Honor Society but an exhibiting Artist at Taag. My daughter looked for other opportunities within the area (we are not from iowa city) and found nothing inclusive for new artists with limited funds and chose to contact Bella Vine- Taag's director, after seeing a news report about other artists that had challenges who were mentored by Bella and who had great success following their involvement with Taag. I speak now, both objectively and subjectively in saying that for both artists (which I am not, but have associations with) and art lovers (which I am) Taag is a very great gallery- inclusive, well curated and comfortable, and an awesome mentoring and educational experience. It is unique to find this, especially this combination, anywhere in this area. Taag is a gallery well worth your time to visit....as well as support if you are so inclined!

From the owner: Private artists studios. Art classes. Art Gallery.read more

This was not on our list of places to visit when in town but after seeing good reviews we thought…read morewe would give it a look. The volunteer at the desk was very friendly and gave us a good overview. The entry price was modest. While not big the displays were well done and very interesting. I learned a lot about the emigration of Germans to the US and to this area in the 1800s. They made good use of technology to help tell the stories of these immigrants. It was well worth the hour or so of our time to explore this museum. Also a great job of saving this old historic building.

This museum is incredibly informational, but very wordy! Be prepared to do a lot of reading! They…read moredo a very thorough job of covering German history and immigration to the US as well as specifically to the quad city area. They have a cute little gift store, mainly filled with items directly from Germany. Admission to the museum is definitely reasonable at five dollars a person and parking is free with its own dedicated parking lot.

I was looking for a class in pottery for my 17 year old granddaughter that would teach her to throw…read morepots. I was interested in taking the class also. We contact Tonya Hardy and she had a class coming up so we jumped right in. My granddaughter had thrown a few pots in a high school art class but the instructions were just a you tube video. Tonya was a great teacher and worked with both of us, encouraging us to push the envelope. Lots of fun and experience gained. when the class was over we bought studio time and we are still throwing pots at Happily Handmade.

Live At The Five Spot in the Preston Jackson Gallery is a fun event held at the Contemporary Art…read moreCenter of Peoria. In this case my cousin's blues band was the featured act. Live at the Five Spot is the Contemporary Art Center's bi-monthly Friday night music event featuring regional talent performing a variety of great music, including R&B, Jazz, Blues, Pop, Rock and lots more. Attendees enjoy a nightclub atmosphere while unwinding with your friends and family. The music fills the building and you can stroll through three fine art galleries. You can enjoy anything you desire to eat or drink because you bring it. It is BYOB food and drink as well as glasses, plates and napkins. They provide the table and chairs. My family had wine, (corkscrew of course,) cheese, crackers and fruit. We enjoyed the music and even got up and danced to a few songs. It is a great place for groups even in the pandemic as there is lots of space for social distancing. The entrance fee for this event is $15 per person.

From the owner: Peoria's cultural hub…read more Contemporary Art Center

What an outstanding art venue. There are some outstanding pieces of Art created in many forms. I…read morewas so thankful to stop in while browsing along the shops and eateries on 1st street.

Located on the main commercial street, the Next Picture Show is a great looking space with wooden…read morefloors, brick interior walls, good lighting and friendly people. They sponsor numerous open juried exhibits for area artists to enter each year. The art gallery is used for art shows, recitals, receptions, or any event that is deemed special. In 2003-2004 this vintage 1854 building underwent complete restoration recreating the 1898 facade look and retaining the original wood floors, tin ceilings, and internal structures where possible. In the beginning of 2005, The Next Picture Show Fine Arts Center became a 501 (3c) non-profit organization. The Art Study, on the lower level, is used for art workshops and classes, student art exhibitions, and meetings of the art community.

We had a lovely visit at the Stanley Museum of Art. The art is placed in spacious rooms that allow…read morefor time to gaze and reflect on certain pieces. Friendly and helpful staff. Underground parking makes this a perfect rainy day activity.

Iowa? What's in Iowa? The Stanley is in Iowa and it's worth the road trip just to visit this…read moreincredible art museum. Yeah, but do they have any iconic works? Yes, Jackson Pollock's 'Mural,' a work from 1943, checks that box in a big way. It's been included in Pollock retrospectives in other art museums. Okay, but do they have anything else? Yes. Whoever is on the team that put together this collection deserves kudos because it's especially strong in mid-20th century and African art. Do they have any Grant Wood paintings? Grant Wood is Iowa so, yes, of course, they have a few of his works, too. What about the building itself? Well, it's shiny and new and a true pleasure to walk through. Sound expensive. What's the admission fee? It's free! Bonus: the scholarship here is great and it's directly reflected in the well-written wall labels. This is hands down one of best two art museums in the State.

This is an example of the type of a arts practised by the citizens of the Amanas.read more