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Sculpture Garden Opening Saturday at the Figge Art Museum

Davenport, Iowa (April 9, 2024) – An innovative exhibition opens Saturday in the Figge’s second-floor Katz Gallery that invites visitors to immerse themselves in contemplation, mindfulness, and relaxation surrounded by a peaceful garden of sculpture.   

Sculpture Garden features a selection of large works from the Figge’s permanent collection, including sculptures by Marilyn Davidson, George Rickey, Gene Horvath, and Julius Schmidt. These works will be accompanied by traditional label interpretation as well as mindfulness prompts and activities generated by Iowa City Artist and Art Therapist Dana Keeton and local yoga instructor, Reiki Master, sound healer, and Thai Bodywork practitioner Becky Nakashima Brooke.Keeton and Brooke have joined forces to infuse Sculpture Garden with soothing energy by creating a meditative space in the gallery, with floor seating and peaceful music where visitors are encouraged to contemplate the surrounding sculptures and see them through new perspectives. The exhibition’s carefully selected activities, such as communal journaling, yoga instruction, and meditation prompts, are designed to foster fresh insights.

“In today's fast-paced world, taking moments for introspection and mindfulness is crucial for maintaining mental health,” says Brooke. “The mindfulness prompts in the exhibition are designed to spark introspection and encourage mental well-being.”

Joshua Johnson, Figge Co-Senior Curator, is looking forward to having a space where art and mindfulness converge. “Through this collaboration with Dana Keeton and Becky Nakashima Brooke, we invite visitors to experience how art has the power to inspire, heal, renew, and uplift the spirit." he said. 

Contributing sponsors for Sculpture Garden include Kay K. Runge, KK Runge Associates, and TBK Bank. The media sponsor is Quad Cities Business Journal. This exhibition will be on view through June 16, 2024.

Dana Keeton Bio: 
Dana Keeton is an artist and art psychotherapist in private practice in Iowa City. Her work with clients is centered on an integrative mind-body approach rooted in trauma-informed art psychotherapy. In addition to her clinical work, Dana provides art therapy informed workshops in museum settings. As an artist, Dana is interested in exploring new ways to create with both tactile and lens-based media. Trained as a photographer, her current work focuses on collaborative multimedia projects that investigate themes connected to nature, the environment, and the innate human need for calming and soothing amidst the natural cycles of change. 

Becky Nakashima Brooke Bio: 
Becky Nakashima Brooke has a diverse background as an end-of-life doula, Reiki Master, yoga Instructor, Thai Bodyworker, sound healer, and qigong teacher. Becky uses her knowledge of qigong and sound healing to guide meditation. Through her guidance, individuals can experience profound relaxation and harmonization of the body, mind, and spirit.

COMPANION PROGRAMMING:
FREE FAMILY DAY
Sunday, May 5, Noon-3 p.m.
FREE event with FREE museum admission all day.
Sponsored by MidAmerican Energy 

SECOND SATURDAY: SCULPTURE GARDEN
Saturday, May 11
FREE event with FREE museum admission all day. Check www.figgeartmuseum.org for a full list of activities.
Second Saturdays are free and made possible by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

SCULPTURE SUNDAYS
Sundays, April 14, 28; May 5, 12
Free activities from 1-3 p.m.
FREE event with FREE museum admission all day.
Sculpture Sundays are free and made possible by Art Bridges.

 
About the Figge Art Museum: 
The Figge Art Museum is dedicated to bringing art and people together. Located on the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street, the Figge is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines. Its landmark glass building, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, is home to one of the Midwest’s finest art collections and presents world-class exhibitions, art classes, lectures, and special events that attract visitors of all ages. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursdays; and 12-5 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are not required but can be made at www.figgeartmuseum.org or by calling 563-345-6632. Admission to the museum is $14 for adults, $10 for seniors and students with ID and $8 for children ages 4-12. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and to all on Thursday evenings. You can become a member for as little as $50 by visiting the Figge website. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804 or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.   

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