43^rd Rock Island Art Guild Fine Arts Exhibition Opening at the Figge Art Museum

Davenport, Iowa (February 15, 2024) –The 43rd Rock Island Art Guild’s Fine Arts Exhibition at the Figge Art Museum is opening Saturday. This exhibition is a vibrant testament to the unparalleled artistic talent residing within a 200-mile radius of the Quad Cities.   

Since 1970, the Rock Island Art Guild has been the driving force behind organizing this exhibition, a tradition deeply rooted in the celebration of art and culture. Elyse Nurenberg, Assistant Registrar at the Figge, has been instrumental in coordinating this year's installation, showcasing the museum's dedication to fostering community pride and building a sense of belonging through the arts. The partnership between the Rock Island Art Guild and the Figge Art Museum highlights a shared mission to honor and uplift artists from the Quad Cities and beyond. 

Applicants for this year’s exhibition submitted over 580 works made by over 210 individual artists. A total of 62 works of art by 48 artists were selected by this year’s juror Dr. Mia Laufer, Associate Curator at the Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, Iowa. Video, digital art, painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and works on paper, will all be on view in the diverse and varied exhibition.   

"This exhibition continues to showcase the range of incredible artistic talent and creativity within our region," said Nurenberg. “The works featured in this exhibition provide the opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in rich artistic narratives and offer unique perspectives through the recontextualization of familiar objects and scenes."

Awards will be given for first and second place, the Digital Art, Performance, Sound, and Video Award, the Sally MacMillPrean Watercolor Award, the Founder’s Award, the Zeivel Harris Sculpture Award, and Honorable Mention Awards. All awards will be presented at the Opening Celebration on March 7. Award winners will be selected by juror Dr.Mia Laufer. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to help select the People’s Choice Award and Children’s Choice Award winners. The public is invited to check out the exhibition and cast a vote for their favorite work.  Winners of the People’s Choice Award and Children’s Choice Award will be announced at the end of the exhibition on June 2, 2024.  

Rock Island Art Guild Fine Arts Exhibition made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Rock Island Art Guild and will be on view through June 2, 2024. Don’t miss this unique celebration of creativity and talent within our community. 

COMPANION PROGRAMS:  
FREE Family Day 
Sunday, February 25, 12-3 p.m. 
Free event with free museum admission all day.  
Sponsored by Cohham Mission Systems 

Rock Island Art Guild Fine Arts Exhibition Opening Celebration 
Thursday, March 7, 6:30 p.m.  
Celebrate the opening of the 43^rd Rock Island Art Guild Fine Arts Exhibition, alongside exhibition juror Mia Laufer, many of the participating artists, and representatives from the Figge and the Rock Island Art Guild. 

Second Saturday: Rock Island Art Guild 
FREE event with free admission all day.  
Second Saturdays are free and made possibly by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.  

FREE Artist Talks: Rock Island Art Guild Fine Arts Exhibition 
Thursday, April 11 and May 9 
Join us for presentations and performances from a selection of artists featured in the Rock Island Art Guild Fine Arts Exhibition 

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