HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-03 PAAC Agenda PacketPublic Art Advisory Committee
Thursday, April 3, 2025
3:30 PM
Emma Harvat Hall
City Hall, 410 E. Washington
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Public discussion of any items not on the agenda
3. Consider minutes of the March 6, 2025 PAAC Meeting
4. Determine funding awards for 2025 Public Art Matching Grant Program
5. Staff updates
6. Old or New Business
7. Adjournment
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please
contact Chris O’Brien, Deputy City Manager at 319-356-5012 or cobrien@iowa-city.org. Early requests
are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Draft, p.1
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 3/6/2025
Minutes
Public Art Advisory Committee
March 6, 2025
Emma J Harvat Hall
Public Art Advisory Committee
Members Present: Leslie Finer, Juli Seydell Johnson, Andrea Truitt, Ron Knoche,
Sophie Donta, Jeremy Endsley
Members Absent: Rachel Kinker, Anita Jung, Nate Sullivan
Staff present: Chris O’Brien
Public Present: none
Call to Order
Truitt called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.
Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda
None.
Consider minutes of the February 6, 2025 PAAC meeting.
Truitt noted she was listed in Staff Update as having been contacted by people about
Matching Grant Applications. It should have been Juli Seydell Johnson. Johnson
moved and Finer seconded that the amended minutes from the February 6, 2025,
meeting be approved. Motion passed (6 -0).
Discuss high-Level Public Art Strategic Plan Priorities
Truitt commented that she wants everyone to comment and to have discussion on the
priorities.
Seydell Johnson indicated she liked the idea of a less dense document and that a 5-
year plan makes sense. Suggested a theme of celebrating and engaging the
community as an overarching goal.
Finer felt a good goal of the strategic plan would be to thank about expanding locations
and the applicant pool for programs.
Donta also liked the idea of a shorter document and liked the sample structure
proposed. Suggested keeping it simple with a set number of goals. She was in favor of
a longer term such as the 5-year plan. After reviewing survey liked a goal of moving
past downtown and into neighborhoods with art as well as trying to find locations for
indoor exhibition space.
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Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 3/6/2025
Truitt also agreed with having a shorter document. Liked the idea of a 5-year plan but
wondered if a 3-year would offer more flexibility for budgeting purposes or reflecting on
community needs. Would like more flexibility in what is funded or establish different
pots of money for programs. Liked the idea suggested on indoor exhibition space such
as a formal municipal space or empty business space. Truitt stressed the need for
ongoing care and maintenance of existing collections. Would like to look into revising
the programs we have and evaluate how we fund them. Agreed that there is a need to
expand art installations away from downtown as there are so many areas without art.
Finer, Seydell Johnson and Endsley discussed murals and if there is or needs to be a
timeline for them. Noted that in April a condition assessment of the murals will take
place.
Endsley stated that a goal should be to establish both exhibition space and studio space
for artists.
Knoche stated that he liked the 5-year plan concept as it brings consistency and that it
can always be re-evaluated and changed if needed. As a goal he felt engagement is
key and noted that we should use the relationship with the U of I to jointly discuss public
art.
Seydell Johnson, Truitt, Donta and Knoche discussed permanent vs pop up art.
Outlined the difficulties that occur when attempting to contract for a commissioned piece
while also noting the budgetary constraints that limit the ability to do commissioned
projects. Grants that create opportunity for short turn around projects have been more
successful and are easier to manage. Knoche noted that in order to afford
commissioned project, would have to look at cutting maintenance of existing collections.
The group noted that we need to prioritize maintaining existing installations.
Endsley, Truitt, Seydell Johnson, Finer and Donta discussed concept of finding indoor
space for art installations. The use of grant funds to lease space was discussed as well
as the use of temporarily vacant store fronts in downtown as potential locations. Finer
noted that this would be popular with U of I to have a place for students to have space
for their art after projects are completed.
Donta, Truitt and Finer briefly discussed process for establishing locations for art.
Should specific neighborhoods be targeted based on density of existing art installations
or should outreach be done to neighborhoods to get a feel for what if anything is desired
for an area.
Discussion wrapped up with the committee summarizing next steps. O’Brien indicated
staff would pull items together for May meeting and that we would check back at April
meeting to see if any other thoughts on the process came up. The group agreed in a
smaller document similar to the sample that had been sent out. Seydell Johnson listed
what appeared to be the five goals that came out of discussion; Continue Grant
Program, Keep a mix of short and long term installations, Expanding access and
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Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 3/6/2025
establishing indoor space, Spread out installations into other areas of Iowa City,
Maintenance of existing collection. The committee agreed with these goals.
Staff Updates
O’Brien stated Matching Grant Program applications are due on March 14 and that
there were 0 applications submitted as of the meeting. Also indicated that Alexa Bell
from Midwest Art Conservation Center would be in Iowa City to complete assessment of
murals in April. Knoche discussed that 21 S. Linn project was progressing and that the
potential developers would be presenting concepts at the March 11 City Council
Meeting. Seydell Johnson highlighted a U of I project that would be taking place in
garden space as part of Community Gardens.
Old or New Business
None.
Adjournment
Knoche moved to adjourn at 4:10 pm. Donta seconded. Motion passed (6-0).
Draft, p.4
Public Art Advisory Committee Mtg, 3/6/2025
Public Art Advisory Committee
Attendance Record
2023-2024
Name Term
Expires 9/7/23 11/2/23 12/7/23 1/4/24 4/4/24 6/6/24 8/1/24 9/5/24 10/3/24 11/7/24 12/5/24 2/6/25 3/6/25
Ron Knoche N/A X* X X X* X* X X O/E X X* X X* X
Juli Seydell-
Johnson
N/A X O/E X* X O/E X X X X* X X X X
Steve Miller 12/31/23 X X X X X X X --- --- --- --- --- ---
Eddie
Boyken
12/31/24 O --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Andrea
Truitt
12/31/25 X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X X
Anita Jung 6/30/23 X X X X O/E X X X O X X O O
Jenny
Gringer
12/31/23 O/E O X --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Jeremy
Endsley
12/31/25 O X X X X X X X O/E X O/E X X
Nate
Sullivan
6/30/26 X X X O/E X X X O/E X O/E O/E X O/E
Leslie Finer 12/31/26 --- --- --- --- X X X X X X X X X
Rachel
Kinker
12/31/27 --- --- --- --- X X O/E X X O/E X X O/E
Sophie
Donta
12/31/26 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- X X O/E X
Key:
X = Present
X* = Delegate attended
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a member
Date: April 1, 2025
To: Public Art Advisory Committee
From: Chris O’Brien, Deputy City Manager
Re: Historic Grant Funding for Recurring City Grant Programs
Introduction:
In September 2024, City Council directed staff to provide additional information to boards and
commissions that award funding through annually recurring City grant programs. The goal is to
foster awareness among awarding bodies about which organizations regularly receive funding
through these programs.
Background:
The City provides several recurring grant programs that fund organizations in the community.
These include the City’s Aid to Agencies, Climate Action, Racial Equity and Social Justice, and
Public Art offerings. A description of these grant programs is as follows:
• Climate Action Grant (CAG)
Purpose: to inspire and promote community involvement in reducing energy use,
encouraging low-emissions transportation, reducing consumption of materials and
valuable resources and supporting sustainable lifestyle choices.
Administered By: Climate Action Division of the City Manager’s Office.
Process: Applications are typically accepted and awards made in spring for execution the
following fiscal year. Scoring is completed by a committee of interdepartmental staff and
members of the Climate Action Commission. Staff makes award decisions with an eye
toward leveraging other potential funding opportunities and maximizing the number of
awardees. Funding decisions are shared with the full Climate Action Commission.
• Non-Legacy Aid to Agencies (NLA2A)
Purpose: to provide non-legacy nonprofit agencies with limited, flexible operational
funding to help them serve low-income Iowa City residents based on priorities set in the
City’s Consolidated Plan.
Administered By: Neighborhood Services Division of the Department of Neighborhood &
Development Services.
Process: Agencies submit a short online application. HCDC considers funding allocations
funding becomes available after July 1. Please note that changes to this grant are
anticipated in upcoming fiscal years.
• Legacy Aid to Agencies (LA2A).
Purpose: to provide core nonprofit public service agencies with flexible operational funding
to help them serve low-income Iowa City residents based on priorities set in the City’s
Consolidated Plan.
April 1, 2025
Page 2
Administered By: Neighborhood Services Division of the Department of Neighborhood &
Development Services.
Process: Legacy applications are submitted through the United Way joint funding process
every two years. Staff oversee the application process, facilitate a Q&A for the
commission, score the applications and make a recommendation for funding. HCDC
receives, reviews, and score applications individually, and then propose funding
allocations to City Council as a group. City Council makes final approval of funding
allocations. Please note that changes to this grant are anticipated in upcoming fiscal years.
• Public Art Matching Fund Program (PAMFP).
Purpose: to foster creativity and continue to enhance access and opportunity to the arts
in Iowa City.
Administered By: Economic Development Division of the City Manager’s Office.
Process: Applications are submitted to the Economic Development Coordinator, and are
reviewed by City’s Public Art Advisory Commission, after which the commission makes
funding decisions. Applications are typically accepted in late winter with award decisions
in the spring.
• Racial Equity and Social Justice Grants (RESJ).
Purpose: to encourage, empower, and engage racial equity and social justice initiatives
through programs, activities, or services that help eliminate inequities in the Iowa City
community. Programs addressing priority service areas receive preference: Building
Communities, Criminal Justice, Education, Employment, Health, and Housing.
Administered By: Equity and Human Rights Division of the City Manager’s Office.
Process: Staff oversees the application and holds informational sessions to assist
applicants. The City’s Human Rights Commission perform scoring and make
recommendations to the City Council for awards. City Council makes final award
decisions. Applications are received from Early December to early January. Award
recommendations are typically completed in March with final Council decisions around
June.
Attachment 1 provides the history of awards for the previous four years. It is simply provided for
your awareness.
Attachments:
4-Year Grant History Chart
Recipient Grant Year Award
4 Cs LA2A 2021 $26,119
Arc of SEI LA2A 2021 $20,895
Big Brothers/Big Sisters LA2A 2021 $26,119
CommUnity Crisis Center LA2A 2021 $72,402
A&W Sustainable Planning CAG 2021 $6,175
Bike Library RESJ 2021 $4,000
Artifactory (Arts Iowa City)PAG 2021 $367
Fannie Hungerford PAG 2021 $1,817
Bike Library CAG 2021 $9,940
Domestic Violence Intervention Program LA2A 2021 $52,000
Elder Services/Horizons LA2A 2021 $45,968
Free Lunch Program LA2A 2021 $18,805
Free Medical Clinic LA2A 2021 $26,119
Luther Bangert PAG 2021 $1,700
Food Pantry at Iowa RESJ 2021 $6,075
HACAP LA2A 2021 $26,119
Inside Out Reentry LA2A 2021 $41,839
IV Habitat for Humanity LA2A 2021 $26,119
Neighborhood Centers of JC LA2A 2021 $57,000
Deerfield Commons CAG 2021 $10,000
Johnson County Affordable Housing CoalitionRESJ 2021 $15,000
Domestic Violence Intervention Program CAG 2021 $10,000
Johnson Clean Energy District CAG 2021 $5,000
Multicultural Development Center of Iowa CAG 2021 $8,075
Center for Worker Justice EA2A 2021 $15,000
Pathways LA2A 2021 $26,119
Prelude (MECCA)LA2A 2021 $41,788
Open Heartland RESJ 2021 $14,749
Sankofa Outreach Connection RESJ 2021 $15,000
Shelter House CAG 2021 $10,000
RVAP LA2A 2021 $26,119
Shelter House LA2A 2021 $88,808
Table to Table LA2A 2021 $32,387
UAY LA2A 2021 $34,525
Red Cedar Chamber Music PAG 2021 $817
University of Iowa Labor Center RESJ 2021 $20,000
Center for Worker Justice RESJ 2022 $18,000
Field to Family CAG 2022 $10,000
Free Medical Clinic CAG 2022 $10,000
IV Habitat for Humanity CAG 2022 $10,000
Dream Center EA2A 2021 $10,000
4 Cs LA2A 2022 $26,709
Arc of SEI LA2A 2022 $21,367
Horace Mann Elementary School CAG 2022 $1,400
Big Brothers/Big Sisters LA2A 2022 $26,709
CommUnity Crisis Center LA2A 2022 $74,037
Domestic Violence Intervention Program LA2A 2022 $53,418
Elder Services/Horizons LA2A 2022 $26,709
Great Plains Action Society RESJ 2022 $5,000
Houses into Homes RESJ 2022 $15,000
Free Lunch Program LA2A 2022 $47,007
Free Medical Clinic LA2A 2022 $26,709
HACAP LA2A 2022 $19,230
Inside Out Reentry LA2A 2022 $42,734
South of 6 Business District PAG 2021 $2,000
Sudanese American Community Services EA2A 2021 $5,000
Iowa City Compassion RESJ 2022 $15,000
Trumpet Blossom PAG 2021 $1,000
Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2021 $1,950
Kirkwood College Sustainability Club CAG 2022 $2,500
Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2021 $600
M68 Apts CAG 2022 $3,000
Iowa City Chinese Association RESJ 2022 $3,000
IV Habitat for Humanity LA2A 2022 $26,709
Neighborhood Centers of JC LA2A 2022 $58,759
Pathways LA2A 2022 $26,709
Prelude (MECCA)LA2A 2022 $42,734
Prairie Kitchen Store CAG 2022 $5,000
RVAP LA2A 2022 $26,709
Shelter House LA2A 2022 $90,810
Table to Table LA2A 2022 $33,119
UAY LA2A 2022 $35,256
Multicultural Development Center of Iowa RESJ 2022 $10,000
Open Heartland RESJ 2022 $9,000
Public Space 1/Zen Cohen CAG 2022 $7,920
Bike Library CAG 2023 $10,000
Catholic Worker House CAG 2023 $8,000
4 Cs LA2A 2023 $28,000
Arc of SEI LA2A 2023 $22,400
Big Brothers/Big Sisters LA2A 2023 $27,125
Center for Worker Justice LA2A 2023 $15,000
CommUnity Crisis Center CAG 2023 $3,047
Healthy Kids School Based Clinics EA2A 2022 $15,000
Houses into Homes EA2A 2022 $8,625
NAMI EA2A 2022 $10,000
Deerfield Commons CAG 2023 $10,000
Healthy Kids School Based Clinics EA2A 2023 $11,300
CommUnity Crisis Center LA2A 2023 $69,086
Dream Center LA2A 2023 $25,000
Al-Iman Center of Iowa RESJ 2023 $7,500
Center for Worker Justice RESJ 2023 $7,000
CommUnity Crisis Center RESJ 2023 $18,000
Dubuque Street Apts.CAG 2023 $3,554
Great Plains Action Society RESJ 2023 $6,000
ICOR Boxing PAG 2022 $3,000
Houses into Homes RESJ 2023 $10,000
Domestic Violence Intervention Program LA2A 2023 $60,000
Elder Services/Horizons LA2A 2023 $38,000
Free Lunch Program LA2A 2023 $15,000
Free Medical Clinic LA2A 2023 $40,000
Natural Talent Music RESJ 2023 $23,725
Neighborhood Centers of JC RESJ 2023 $15,500
Iowa City Compassion EA2A 2023 $9,560
Iowa Legal Aid EA2A 2023 $9,300
Iowa City Downtown District PAG 2022 $2,000
TRAIL EA2A 2023 $7,415
Escucha Mi Voz Iowa EA2A 2024 $8,000
Healthy Kids School Based Clinics EA2A 2024 $5,000
HACAP LA2A 2023 $27,270
Houses into Homes LA2A 2023 $15,000
Inside Out Reentry LA2A 2023 $31,000
IV Habitat for Humanity LA2A 2023 $27,029
Old Capitol Quilt Guild PAG 2022 $500
Fin and Feather CAG 2023 $10,000
Wright House of Fashion RESJ 2023 $25,000
Green House CAG 2023 $2,027
PorchLight Literary Arts Center PAG 2022 $600
PromptPress PAG 2022 $3,000
Hawkeye Railroad Club CAG 2023 $10,000
Better Together 2030 RESJ 2024 $8,650
Iowa City Compassion CAG 2023 $5,000
Iowa City Compassion EA2A 2024 $6,000
CommUnity Crisis Center RESJ 2024 $7,000
Neighborhood Centers of JC CAG 2023 $9,509
Summit Apts CAG 2023 $8,750
Neighborhood Centers of JC LA2A 2023 $70,000
Pathways LA2A 2023 $15,000
RVAP LA2A 2023 $28,000
Shelter House LA2A 2023 $99,790
Stephanie Miracle (individual artist)PAG 2022 $2,500
Domestic Violence Intervention Program RESJ 2024 $7,620
Young Minds (youth mini grant)CAG 2023 $500
Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2022 $2,600
Antelope Lending Library CAG 2024 $1,434
Andrea Smisek Gage PAG 2023 $3,200
Eastern Iowa APAPA RESJ 2024 $3,000
Escucha Mi Voz Iowa RESJ 2024 $12,000
Houses into Homes RESJ 2024 $7,698
Burr Oak Land Trust CAG 2024 $2,500
Table to Table LA2A 2023 $40,000
UAY LA2A 2023 $34,500
4 Cs LA2A 2024 $28,240
Arc of SEI LA2A 2024 $22,592
IV Habitat for Humanity CAG 2024 $10,000
CommUnity Crisis Center PAG 2023 $3,280
Family Folk Machine PAG 2023 $3,500
Neighborhood Centers of JC CAG 2024 $8,000
Big Brothers/Big Sisters LA2A 2024 $27,358
Center for Worker Justice LA2A 2024 $15,129
Lisa Roberts (individual artist)PAG 2023 $555
Nomadic Foods CAG 2024 $4,000
Neighborhood Centers of JC PAG 2023 $3,500
CommUnity Crisis Center LA2A 2024 $69,679
Dream Center LA2A 2024 $25,215
Domestic Violence Intervention Program LA2A 2024 $60,515
Elder Services/Horizons LA2A 2024 $38,326
Indigenous Arts Alliance RESJ 2024 $20,340
Free Lunch Program LA2A 2024 $15,129
Free Medical Clinic LA2A 2024 $40,344
HACAP LA2A 2024 $27,504
Houses into Homes LA2A 2024 $15,129
Oaknoll Retirement Residents CAG 2024 $9,121
Northside Neighborhood Association PAG 2023 $1,175
South of 6 Business District PAG 2023 $3,500
Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2023 $3,500
Iowa City Hospice EA2A 2024 $5,000
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church CAG 2024 $10,000
Inside Out Reentry LA2A 2024 $31,266
IV Habitat for Humanity LA2A 2024 $27,261
Neighborhood Centers of JC LA2A 2024 $70,601
Pathways LA2A 2024 $15,129
Iowa City Sober Living EA2A 2024 $7,500
TRAIL EA2A 2024 $5,500
Plated Table CAG 2024 $8,000
Andre Wright (individual artist)PAG 2024 $3,000
RVAP LA2A 2024 $28,240
Shelter House LA2A 2024 $100,647
Table to Table LA2A 2024 $40,344
UAY LA2A 2024 $34,796
Inside Out Reentry RESJ 2024 $2,300
Open Heartland RESJ 2024 $13,738
UAY RESJ 2024 $10,500
Wright House of Fashion RESJ 2024 $7,154
Trinity Episcopal Church CAG 2024 $10,000
Erin Durian (individual artist)PAG 2024 $555
Filmscene PAG 2024 $3,000
Jessica Tucker (individual artist)PAG 2024 $1,725
PorchLight Literary Arts Center PAG 2024 $1,500
Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2024 $3,000
Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2024 $3,000
Iowa City Public Art Matching Fund Program
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this grant opportunity. Prior to completing this application form, please review the Public Art Matching Grant
Frequently Asked Questions at www.icgov.org/publicart.
If your project takes place on City-owned or privately-owned property, you must provide evidence in the following application that you have
support and approval from the appropriate parties to proceed with this project. Failure to obtain prior approval could disqualify or delay an
otherwise good proposal. If you aren’t sure if you need prior approval from a project partner, please contact Neighborhood Outreach &
Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
Beyond initial siting approvals obtained prior to submitting this application, please be advised that some projects may be required to obtain
additional permits or approvals as determined necessary by the City. Any such requirements would be outlined in the grant agreement.
Regardless of whether the project is located on public or private property, the project must be freely accessible by the public.
Awarded applicant(s) are responsible for performing or coordinating the execution of all phases of the project, including but not limited to site
prep, installation, etc. If any component of the proposed project is beyond your capabilities, please explain in the application.
*
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information above.
General Information
The Public Art Matching Grant Program aims to increase public art access and opportunities in Iowa City. The program funds visual, audio, or
performance-based art projects that are located in Iowa City and accessible to the general public.
Successful grant applications will show evidence of a specific planned project which can be completed before December 31, 2025. Please
complete the following application in its entirety. If you have questions or need assistance completing this application form, please contact
Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
It is recommended applicants save the form every 5-10 minutes to avoid losing progress. To do this, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom
of the File Uploads page.
Project Name*
Iowa Art Field
Applicant Name *
Public Space One
Applicant Email*
kalmia@publicspaceone.com
Applicant Phone*
319-855-9365
Applicant Address*
Street Address
229 N Gilbert
Address Line 2
City
Iowa City
State/Province/Region
IA
Postal/Zip Code Country
52245 USA
Are you the project artist *
Yes No
Briefly describe who will be completing the project, including a URL to the artist webpages if available. If unknown, explain how an
artist(s) will be recruited for the project.
We are working with artist/curator Nicholas Cladis (https://www.nicholascladis.com) and will be selected 8 additional artists through an open call.
Have you received Public Art Matching Grant Funds in the past?*
Yes No
Please share if the proposed project has changed or expanded in any way.
We've received Public Art Matching Grant Funds only for a different project; this is a new one.
Project Details
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Provide a brief description of the proposed project*
We are seeking funding from the Public Art Advisory Committee to support Iowa Art Field (IAF), the creation of and programming around paper-
based site-specific installations in different public spaces around the Iowa City area in October 2025. Public Space One is partnering with local
artist/curator/educator Nicholas Cladis to produce this project.
IAF takes inspiration from Imadate Art Field, a decades-running exhibition of paper-based contemporary art that is held in diverse sites scattered
around Echizen, Japan, a historical papermaking village where Cladis lived – and was involved in arts organizing – for many years. Since moving to
Iowa City almost five years ago, Cladis has developed a number of exchange opportunities between Iowa City and Echizen.
The project will include installations by both visiting Japanese artists and Iowa artists selected through an open call that asks the artists to
propose paper-based artwork that is site-specific and/or engages with themes connected to local ecological, historical, or social contexts. The
artwork will be on view for 10 days, during which time visitors will be able to visit with a self-guided model using printed and digital maps,
participate in a tour, and/or attend an event such as a papermaking demonstration, performance, or artist talk at one of the sites.
Our hope is that this project will provide professional support and a unique opportunity for artists working with paper, nurture cross-cultural
relationships, and engage Iowa City residents and visitors through artwork that activates meaningful spaces in our community, highlights
important local issues, and demonstrates diverse modes of working with paper as an artistic medium.
Explain how the project is defined as “public art.” Please include how the artwork will be located in an area open and freely
accessible by the public; and describe how you envision the artwork engaging the public.*
All of the artwork that is part of Iowa Art Field will be installed in locations that are either already publicly accessible or will have daily open hours
during the length of the project.
Each IAF site, even those accessible at other times, will have scheduled visiting hours hosted by a volunteer docent who can provide welcome and
more information about the project. We will also have information about each artwork posted at the site, available online, and shared on our
social media accounts. As described above, we will also host several programs that activate interest in the materials/methods, themes, and/or
locations of the artwork.
We also anticipate that in some locations that are already busy, such as City Park, visitors will stumble across an artwork and have the unexpected
opportunity to engage.
While the installations will only be on view for ten days, we also plan to produce a catalog of the project that will be available to view online and in
print, so that more people can experience the artwork after IAF is complete.
Describe the intended audience for this project, why public art is important to that audience, and any efforts you will make to
benefit the broader community, especially populations which have faced systemic barriers to art access or opportunities *
Iowa Art Field is intended to benefit a wider community than those who typically attend visual art exhibitions, particularly those interested in the
historical, social, and/or ecological contexts of our community. By placing artwork in a variety of venues and having free daily open hours over
the run of the project, running a thorough and collaborative marketing campaign (including intentional outreach to community centers and
groups well beyond the arts community), and creating clear wayfinding materials, we hope to reach a large and diverse audience.
While many individuals will visit IAF artworks in a self-guided mode, some will unintentionally happen across the installations that are near where
they live or travel, and some will participate in guided tours. We intend to provide at least one bus tour that will make the project accessible to
individuals with physical disabilities and/or without access to personal transportation, and one bike tour that may attract community members
looking for a fun physical activity.
All sites and programs will be selected and designed with diverse abilities in mind, and with preparation for needed accommodations.
How will you know your project was successful? Please list specific outcomes or measures (qualitative or quantitative).*
We will measure the success of this project through both quantitative and qualitative measures:
attendance numbers
attendance demographics and feedback (provided optionally through surveys available in-person and online)
feedback from participating artists
feedback from venue and program partners
Having not produced a project exactly like this before, we don’t have an exact goal for attendance but anticipate that the project will reach
hundreds of people. Another important measure for success, especially for a large and complex project like this, is the experience of all the
collaborators (venues, artists, organizers) – our aim is that artists feel like the experience was professionally valuable and connective and that
venue partners feel that the project enhances and attracts more attention to their important community and historical spaces.
Will this project take place on public or private property?*
Public/City-Owned
Private Property Owned by the Applicant or project partner listed below
Private Property not owned by the applicant
Location of Project*
multiple locations included one City-Owned (see letter from Juli Seydell-Johnson) -- City Park, Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, PS1 Close
House, and others TBA
Project Partner(s) (if any)
Nicholas Cladis, Johnson County Poor Farm, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department
Describe the role of any project partners listed
Nicholas Cladis will serve as the organizing curator, working with PS1 staff to manage all aspects of the project and in particular the selection of
and coordination with participating artists.
Staff from the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department, and our other venue partners will coordinate with
IAF organizers to provide site information and access for organizers and artists, create artwork installation guidelines, develop a schedule of
public viewing hours and visitor guidelines suitable for the site.
*Please note that we have initiated conversations with several other potential venue partners but since we have not yet made agreements with
them, they are not included in this application. We anticipate having at least three other locations (the Historic Poor Farm may host multiple
installations).
Please check any of the following project aspects that apply to your project.
Note: These selections do not impact scoring, but are informative for the selection committee.
Functional Art: Art that also serves a practical, everyday purpose (i.e. bench, lighting, shelter, timepiece, etc.)
Unexpected Art: Art that offers an element of surprise, perhaps occuring at a place or time where it is unexpected.
Participatory Art: Art that directly engages the audience in the creative process, so they become participants in the event (i.e. an interactive
performance or participation in creation of an artwork).
Ephemeral Art: Art that is intended to be temporary, short-lived, or disappear over time.
Contemplative Art: Art that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness.
Timeline
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Project Timeline
Tell us about the proposed timeline and action steps needed to complete this project. Use one line for each milestone and add additional lines as
needed.
Action Step/Milestone Completed by
Project funding finalized, general agreements with venue partners 04/30/2025
Artists selected and matched with venues, specific partnership
agreements finalized
06/15/2025
Public announcement of artists and locations, general marketing of
project begins
07/01/2025
Site prep details and open hours schedules, programming (tours,
workshops, etc.) finalized
09/01/2025
Public announcement of programming details, specific marketing of
project begins
09/15/2025
Installation of artwork complete 10/01/2025
Installations on view, programming, photo and video documentation
of artwork and events
10/12/2025
Deinstall complete 10/19/2025
Catalog production complete 12/01/2025
Budget
To save progress, click "Save as Draft" at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Please use the budget templates below. A completed budget should tell us what sources of funds your project will use and how you plan to spend
the grant money.
Project Funding Sources
Total Project Cost*
$48,950.00
Matching Grant Request*
$4,000.00
Please list any other funding sources supporting your project. Add additional rows as needed.
Other funding source*Amount*Committed or Anticipated?*
Japan Foundation $22,500.00 Committed Anticipated
Think Iowa City Tourism Grant $2,000.00 Committed Anticipated
Iowa Arts Council $5,000.00 Committed Anticipated
organizational fundraising/private
foundation support
$10,450.00 Committed Anticipated
local business sponorships $5,000.00 Committed Anticipated
Please describe any project supplies, equipment, or labor which are being donated in-kind
Project Budget
Please list a breakdown of project expenses and funding sources. Funding for personal property or gain will not be authorized. Example:
Amount:Describe Expense Item:Amount paid by Matching Grant:Amount paid in-kind or by other
funding source:
$400 Paint $400
$200 Paint Supplies $200
$1,500 Artist labor $500 $1,000
$150 Plaque/signage $150
Amount Expense Item Amount paid by Matching
Grant
Paid in-kind or by other
funding source
$5,000.00 curator stipend $5,000.00
$2,250.00 stipends for local/regional
artists ($750/artist)
$2,250.00
$1,500.00 travel and lodging for
local/regional artists
$1,500.00
$15,000.00 travel, lodging, and per diem for
Japanese artists
$15,000.00
$5,500.00 installation and production
supplies
$1,750.00 $3,750.00
$1,400.00 insurance $1,400.00
$2,000.00 marketing $2,000.00
$1,800.00 wayfinding design and
production
$1,800.00
$8,500.00 PS1 overhead ((admin costs,
labor use of supplies,
equipment, and space))
$8,500.00
$5,000.00 printed/digital catalog
production including
documentaiton
$5,000.00
$1,000.00 accessibility accommodations $1,000.00
-Next
File Uploads
Letters of support, if available (?)
Iowa City Public Art Grant PS1_Historic Poor Farm Letter of Support_Signed.pdf 233.37KB
IC_ParksRec support letter Iowa Art Field.pdf 19.13KB
Images (?)
PAAC.pdf 709.71KB
Site Plan (?)
Additional Information (?)
letter of support cladis.pdf 80.32KB
Signature
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
855 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA 52240
319-688-5840
idewald@johnsoncountyiowa.gov
www.jchistoricpoorfarm.com
3/13/25
To the Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee,
We are writing in support of the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm’s collaboration with Public
Space One and Iowa City artist Nicholas Cladis on the Iowa Art Field project.
In 2017, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors adopted a 10-Year Plan for the 160-acre
Johnson County Historic Poor Farm (HPF). As staff at the County, we support the mission of the
HPF to provide a public space for connecting to the land and local history through inclusive,
community-led opportunities.
We plan to work with PS1 to make multiple buildings and historic spaces at the farm accessible
to artists and their site-responsive projects for the duration of Iowa Art Field (2 weeks in Fall
2025). This project aligns with the HPF mission to partner with community-led endeavors open
to the public and fits our site priorities of community engagement and historical education. This
project also supports our vision to host more art at the farm, both permanent and ephemeral, to
illustrate the difficult and complex history of the site and through community gathering and
learning, evoke joy and community connection.
We fully support the Iowa Art Field project’s application to the Public Art Advisory Committee
Matching Grant.
Sincerely,
Ilsa DeWald
Local Food and Farm Manager
Julie Watkins
Event and Program Assistant
March 14, 2025
To Whom It May Concern,
This letter is to confirm my wholehearted support for Public Space One’s “Iowa Art Field” initiative, being proposed
as a public art exhibition event for Iowa City.
I am an Iowa City-based artist and papermaker who is actively working with Public Space One to create site-
specific handmade paper installation programming for Iowa City. We hope to activate many of IC’s historical
structures, bring awareness to the region’s ecology and culture, and connect the Iowa City public with artists from a
variety of backgrounds.
Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any questions regarding this project or my support for it.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Cladis
Johnson County Poor Farm
JCPF has agreed to host several site-specific/activating art installations that respond to Iowa’s
ecology and heritage. The installations will be placed in different historical structures on the
grounds, including the west barn, the corn crib, the dairy barn, and – if an artist proposes an
artwork that is sensitive to the subject matter – the asylum.
Image courtesy of Nicholas Cladis
The papermaking village of Echizen
This village, with over 1,500 years of papermaking history, is the inspiration for our project in
Iowa City. This is where Iowa City artist Nicholas Cladis lived and worked for many years, and
the location of “Imadate Art Field,” the non-profit arts organization that originally inspired Iowa
Art Field. We hope to continue the connection between Echizen and Iowa City through this art
project by inviting Japanese artists to work alongside Iowa artists.
Image courtesy of Nicholas Cladis
Thomas Collet’s artwork for Imadate Art Field (2019)
An example of an artwork that responds to a historical structure (in this case, in Echizen, Japan).
Image courtesy of Nicholas Cladis
The Johnson County Log Cabins at City Park
Iowa City Parks & Recreation have given us permission to utilize both of these log cabins for art
installations. With different sites around town, visitors will be able to – with a map – discover
much of Iowa’s heritage and ecology, alongside the responsive artwork made by local and
visiting artists.
Image courtesy of Our Iowa Heritage
An example of pathfinding for Imadate Art Field
Nicholas Cladis’ contribution to Imadate Art Field in Japan was the responsible use of historical
structures for art installations that respond to, activate, and engage the local community – a
mission he now has here in Iowa. Pathfinding was important for this purpose; these flags were
created to mark where installations were held, so visitors (following a map) would know exactly
where to find artwork. We propose a similar pathfinding structure for Iowa Art Field.
Image courtesy of Nicholas Cladis
Iowa City Public Art Matching Fund Program
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this grant opportunity. Prior to completing this application form, please review the Public Art Matching Grant
Frequently Asked Questions at www.icgov.org/publicart.
If your project takes place on City-owned or privately-owned property, you must provide evidence in the following application that you have
support and approval from the appropriate parties to proceed with this project. Failure to obtain prior approval could disqualify or delay an
otherwise good proposal. If you aren’t sure if you need prior approval from a project partner, please contact Neighborhood Outreach &
Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
Beyond initial siting approvals obtained prior to submitting this application, please be advised that some projects may be required to obtain
additional permits or approvals as determined necessary by the City. Any such requirements would be outlined in the grant agreement.
Regardless of whether the project is located on public or private property, the project must be freely accessible by the public.
Awarded applicant(s) are responsible for performing or coordinating the execution of all phases of the project, including but not limited to site
prep, installation, etc. If any component of the proposed project is beyond your capabilities, please explain in the application.
*
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information above.
General Information
The Public Art Matching Grant Program aims to increase public art access and opportunities in Iowa City. The program funds visual, audio, or
performance-based art projects that are located in Iowa City and accessible to the general public.
Successful grant applications will show evidence of a specific planned project which can be completed before December 31, 2025. Please
complete the following application in its entirety. If you have questions or need assistance completing this application form, please contact
Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
It is recommended applicants save the form every 5-10 minutes to avoid losing progress. To do this, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom
of the File Uploads page.
Project Name*
Paint the Park
Applicant Name *
Erykah Danner
Applicant Email*
erykahwildflowers@gmail.com
Applicant Phone*
319-259-9892
Applicant Address*
Street Address
1914 Hollywood Blvd.
Address Line 2
City
Iowa City
State/Province/Region
IA
Postal/Zip Code Country
52240 US
Are you the project artist *
Yes No
Please upload your artist resume/CV*
Erykah Danner_CV.pdf 58.57KB
URL to your website, digital portfolio, or social media.
https://www.instagram.com/erykahwildflowers?igsh=MTJ0eno3b3I4Ym0zdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Have you received Public Art Matching Grant Funds in the past?*
Yes No
Project Details
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Provide a brief description of the proposed project*
In 2012 the City of Iowa proposed a master plan to build Riverfront Crossings Park and develop an artist district in the area around South Gilbert
Street. Phase 1 of the park was completed in 2017 but plans have slowed for development in the surrounding area in the last few years. A new
bike path was also installed in Phase 1, connecting Terry Trueblood Recreation Area to Riverfront Crossings Park. Directly north of the park, the
bike trail leads to Open Heartland, a handful of small businesses and buildings owned by Johnson County.
Most public art in Iowa City is concentrated in the downtown area so this project is meant to extend public art further into neighborhoods, parks
and underserved areas of the city. I would like to create a bright, nature based mural on the east and south sides of the building at 821 South
Clinton Street. This would extend green space and ecological education beyond the park, create a trail connection from the park to the river trail
and help elevate the surrounding neighborhood. There are additional plans to paint a complementary mural on the blue building across the
street if approved, creating a larger gateway mural to welcome residents and visitors.
The design concept will be based on native plants and animals and the city and county staff will have final design approval. The mural is
considered ephemeral and could be removed at anytime if the county sells the property. Because of the location and unknown timeline for
development in the area, it’s not likely this section of the city would be approved for a mural without the support of programs like this.
Explain how the project is defined as “public art.” Please include how the artwork will be located in an area open and freely
accessible by the public; and describe how you envision the artwork engaging the public.*
Located near a large public park, the mural will be free and easily accessible to the public. The mural will serve as a visual anchor to Riverfront
Crossings Park and the Benton Street Bridge, creating a space that feels more vibrant and inviting. The public will be able to enjoy the mural
traveling by car and also interact with the mural walking or riding their bike on the nearby trails. With a focus on native plants and animals the
mural serves as an artistic piece as well as an inspiration for the public to explore the outdoors and inspire curiosity about the natural world.
Describe the intended audience for this project, why public art is important to that audience, and any efforts you will make to
benefit the broader community, especially populations which have faced systemic barriers to art access or opportunities *
The intended audience for this project are park users, local small businesses in the area, employees and residents needing assistance at the
Johnson County Administration Buildings and other community members traveling through this area of the city. Much of the art in Iowa City is
located downtown which makes public art difficult to access for anyone not in those areas. This project will bring art to community focused
spaces that generally don’t have funds to invest in public art or may not have the available resources to afford rent in the downtown area where
public art is prioritized. A public park, a community center helping immigrant families, county services and a non-profit art space are all necessary
and helpful to our community, but have limited resources and don’t often have the extra funds to invest in projects like public art. It also might
be difficult to get help investing in that area of the city as some of the abandoned sites sit with old foundations, old train tracks and may need
from remediation due to previous industrial contaminates.
How will you know your project was successful? Please list specific outcomes or measures (qualitative or quantitative).*
1. Visual Impact-helps to brighten the area and elevate neighborhood
2. Creates Place-marker- visual anchor to park and Benton St. bridge
3. Highlights Native Ecosystems- creates curiosity about the natural world through public art
4. Underserved Areas Represented- creates access to public art in areas that may not have equal opportunities to access art
5. Community Pride- creates a sense of ownership and responsibility of area around mural
6. Economic Impact- encourage public to explore local businesses and parks
Will this project take place on public or private property?*
Public/City-Owned
Private Property Owned by the Applicant or project partner listed below
Private Property not owned by the applicant
Please list which City staff/departments you have discussed your proposal with and whether they are supportive of the project.
Failure to contact appropriate City staff prior to submitting this form may result in disqualification of your application. If you aren’t sure who to
contact, please contact Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-
5093.
Erin Shane, Johnson County Executive Director of Board of Supervisors- Erin has been very excited and supportive to have this project cross her
desk. She is helping to make sure all the necessary legal documents for the County are complete for the project as well. She said this project is
the first of it’s kind partnering with Johnsons County and she would like you to use it to create a precedent for future similar projects.
Location of Project*
821 S. Clinton St. Iowa City
Project Partner(s) (if any)
Johnson County
Describe the role of any project partners listed
I will work in partnership with the county to make sure they have final design approval. There are example design concepts uploaded with this
document based on previous projects involving a community garden and focus on watersheds, but I will create an original design for this project.
The County also mentioned they would like to use this project to establish a precedent for future work and would like to work together to create
the official guidelines.
Please check any of the following project aspects that apply to your project.
Note: These selections do not impact scoring, but are informative for the selection committee.
Functional Art: Art that also serves a practical, everyday purpose (i.e. bench, lighting, shelter, timepiece, etc.)
Unexpected Art: Art that offers an element of surprise, perhaps occuring at a place or time where it is unexpected.
Participatory Art: Art that directly engages the audience in the creative process, so they become participants in the event (i.e. an interactive
performance or participation in creation of an artwork).
Ephemeral Art: Art that is intended to be temporary, short-lived, or disappear over time.
Contemplative Art: Art that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness.
Timeline
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Project Timeline
Tell us about the proposed timeline and action steps needed to complete this project. Use one line for each milestone and add additional lines as
needed.
Action Step/Milestone Completed by
Apply for Iowa Arts Council Grant 04/22/2025
Complete paperwork with County 05/01/2025
Design Concept approved by county/city 06/01/2025
Grant Approval 07/01/2025
Gather Supplies/Paint 08/01/2025
Pressure Wash Wall/Prime 08/15/2025
Paint Wall 09/01/2025
Budget
To save progress, click "Save as Draft" at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Please use the budget templates below. A completed budget should tell us what sources of funds your project will use and how you plan to spend
the grant money.
Project Funding Sources
Total Project Cost*
$20,000.00
Matching Grant Request*
$4,000.00
Please list any other funding sources supporting your project. Add additional rows as needed.
Other funding source*Amount*Committed or Anticipated?*
Iowa Arts Council Art Project Grant $10,000.00 Committed Anticipated
In-Kind Donation $6,000.00 Committed Anticipated
Please describe any project supplies, equipment, or labor which are being donated in-kind
Industry standard for murals is $10-30 sq.ft so this project is budgeted just a little over the minimum at about $10.50 sq.ft. I plan on donating
$6,000 in labor to complete the project on budget.
Project Budget
Please list a breakdown of project expenses and funding sources. Funding for personal property or gain will not be authorized. Example:
Amount:Describe Expense Item:Amount paid by Matching Grant:Amount paid in-kind or by other
funding source:
$400 Paint $400
$200 Paint Supplies $200
$1,500 Artist labor $500 $1,000
$150 Plaque/signage $150
Amount Expense Item Amount paid by Matching
Grant
Paid in-kind or by other
funding source
-Next
$1,800.00 Paint $1,000.00 $800.00
$600.00 Pressure Wash/Wall Prep $600.00
$400.00 Scaffolding/Ladder $400.00
$200.00 Paint Tools $200.00
$17,000.00 Artist Labor $3,000.00 $14,000.00
File Uploads
Letters of support, if available (?)
Images (?)
IMG_0494.jpeg 752.52KB
IMG_0493.jpeg 614.74KB
IMG_0495.jpeg 912.8KB
Site Plan (?)
IMG_0496.jpeg 357.27KB
Additional Information (?)
Signature
Erykah Danner
319-259-9892
erykahwildflowers@gmail.com
IG: erykahwildflowers
Erykah is a painter and tattoo artist interested in exploring the intersections of nature, community and
surrealism. She grew up in Prince George’s County, MD next to the ocean than moved to New Orleans, which
inspired her love of the endless summer, bright colors, flora and fauna. She earned her BFA in painting with a special
interest in garden design. Much like gardens, she hopes to harness the magic of nature and color to reimagine urban
spaces and transform them into vibrant places for community connection and environmental education.
Experience
Mural Artist/Community Event Painter
Freelance
July 2018 to Present
•Researched site and designed client specific mural proposals for large scale application. Met strict deadlines
and completed project to accurately reflect original design proposal.
•Communicated with city officials, researched and gathered materials, produced budget and project plan,
prepared surface for mural application and finishing coat.
Stanley Museum Art Educator-Keith Haring Mural Project
The Stanley Museum/University of Iowa- Iowa City, IA
September 2024-December 2024
•Collaborated with The Stanley Museum, the University of Iowa and ICCSD elementary schools to teach 4th
grade classes about mural art so each school can create their own mural. The idea comes after The Stanley
museum acquired Keith Haring’s mural A Book Full of Fun, painted at Horn Elementary in 1989.
•Taught elementary students about art styles, color theory, collaboration and designed art projects to prepare
them for collaboration on a large community mural.
Floral Designer
Freelance- Iowa City, IA
December 2021- March 2023
•Designed and installed custom floral displays for wedding, event venues and special occasions. Created a variety
of arrangements including corsages, vases, baskets and custom containers.
•Provided consultation with clients and communicated with team members and vendors to effectively manage
inventory, shipment of flowers and shop supplies.
Commissions
Summer in the Garden, August 2024, Armored Gardens, Davenport, IA, Quad Cities Arts, acrylic on metal, 8’x 20’
C’mon Let’s Go!, June 2024, Jordon Creek Trail, WDM, IA, City of West Des Moines, acrylic on cement, 10’x 30’
Green is Always in Season, April 2024, City of Cedar Rapids, IA, digital media, 5.5’x 30’
Buzz Shelter, September 2023, Iowa City, IA, City of Iowa City, cellophane on glass, 200’’x 70’’
Prairie Shelter, September 2023, Iowa City, IA, City of Iowa City, cellophane on glass, 188”x 73”
Music on the Mississippi, August 2023, Davenport, IA, Quad Cities Arts, acrylic on metal, 10’x 12’
Galaxy Sunset, June 2023, Heirloom Salad Company, Iowa City, IA, Downtown District, acrylic on metal, 10’x5’
Butterflies and Coffee, June 2023, Java House, Iowa City, IA, Downtown District, acrylic on metal, 8’x12’
The Only Way Out is Through, June 2023, Record Collector, Iowa City, IA, Downtown District, acrylic on metal,
34”x 84”
Petrichor, October 2021, Refuse and Recycling Building, Iowa City, IA, City of Iowa City, acrylic on metal, 12’x160’
Community Involvement/Events
2025 MLK Art and Expression Day Community Mural, Lead Artist, Stanley Museum of Art and University of Iowa
Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement
2024 Keith Haring To My Friends at Horn 4th grade Mural Project, Art Educator, Stanley Museum of Art, the
University of Iowa and Iowa City Community School District
2024 Climate Festival, City of Iowa City, Lead Artist/Designer Collaborative Community Bus Shelter Project
2024 Alternating Currents Mural Festival, Quad Cities Arts
2023 Alternating Currents Mural Festival, Quad Cities Arts
2021 Petrichor Community Mural for Climate Festival, Lead Artist and Event Manager, City of Iowa City and Iowa
City Bike Library
Education
B.F.A. in Painting and Art History
University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA
September 2012 to December 2015
Skills
Photoshop/Procreate Client Communications
Acrylic Painting Scaffolding/Lifts
Spray/Aerosol Painting Timeline Management
Concept Development Surface Prep/Finishing
Teaching Event Planning
Mosaics Installations
References
Sarah Gardner Climate Action Coordinator, City of Iowa City
(319)887-6162
sarah-gardner@iowa-city.org
Atlanta Dawn ATLD Murals Lead Artist, Quad Cities
309-207-5630
atlantadawnart@gmail.com
Heidi Sallows Mural Soup, Lead Artist, Quad Cities Arts
309-781-2891
muralsoup@gmail.com
Iowa City Public Art Matching Fund Program
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this grant opportunity. Prior to completing this application form, please review the Public Art Matching Grant
Frequently Asked Questions at www.icgov.org/publicart.
If your project takes place on City-owned or privately-owned property, you must provide evidence in the following application that you have
support and approval from the appropriate parties to proceed with this project. Failure to obtain prior approval could disqualify or delay an
otherwise good proposal. If you aren’t sure if you need prior approval from a project partner, please contact Neighborhood Outreach &
Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
Beyond initial siting approvals obtained prior to submitting this application, please be advised that some projects may be required to obtain
additional permits or approvals as determined necessary by the City. Any such requirements would be outlined in the grant agreement.
Regardless of whether the project is located on public or private property, the project must be freely accessible by the public.
Awarded applicant(s) are responsible for performing or coordinating the execution of all phases of the project, including but not limited to site
prep, installation, etc. If any component of the proposed project is beyond your capabilities, please explain in the application.
*
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information above.
General Information
The Public Art Matching Grant Program aims to increase public art access and opportunities in Iowa City. The program funds visual, audio, or
performance-based art projects that are located in Iowa City and accessible to the general public.
Successful grant applications will show evidence of a specific planned project which can be completed before December 31, 2025. Please
complete the following application in its entirety. If you have questions or need assistance completing this application form, please contact
Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
It is recommended applicants save the form every 5-10 minutes to avoid losing progress. To do this, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom
of the File Uploads page.
Project Name*
Meandering River (Interactive Performance)
Applicant Name *
Heather Parrish
Applicant Email*
heather-parrish@uiowa.edu
Applicant Phone*
512-589-0241
Applicant Address*
Street Address
1020 Kirkwood Ct.
Address Line 2
City
Iowa City
State/Province/Region
IA
Postal/Zip Code Country
52240 United States
Are you the project artist *
Yes No
Please upload your artist resume/CV*
CV Heather Parrish_March2025.pdf 274.69KB
URL to your website, digital portfolio, or social media.
www.heatherparrish.art
Have you received Public Art Matching Grant Funds in the past?*
Yes No
Project Details
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Provide a brief description of the proposed project*
Meandering River is a series of site-specific, multimedia, interactive performance events emerging from a long-term interdisciplinary
collaboration. Through moving performance accompanied by dance, sound, printed matter, and multimedia elements, it will illuminate the
intricate ecological networks between people, nonhumans, water, and infrastructure along the Iowa River. Participants will gather at the
accessible Lagoon Shelter House along the river’s western bank and process north, guided by recorded and live audio and dancers moving along
the river’s edges. A ‘kit’ of printed material will accompany the procession, offering contextualizing material and interactive prompts inviting the
audience to engage during and after the event. Meandering River offers a multifaceted view of "place" that encompasses local land and water,
architecture and intangible elements such as water quality, history, politics, and energy, fostering a deeper understanding of ecological networks
and human relationships with the Iowa River. It is iterative in that each performance will evolve in response to the previous one. There are
currently two scheduled events: May 18, 2025 and Fall 2025 (exact date TBD).
Explain how the project is defined as “public art.” Please include how the artwork will be located in an area open and freely
accessible by the public; and describe how you envision the artwork engaging the public.*
This project is ‘public’ in its location: outdoors and easily accessible by paved paths and nearby parking. Free admission removes financial
barriers to participation. The moving performance includes dance, music, printed material with tactile and textual communication, sensor-data
amplification, and interactive guides along the Iowa River, inviting public engagement through a multitude of flexible modalities, centering
audience agency in allowing them to choose their engagement preferences.
Describe the intended audience for this project, why public art is important to that audience, and any efforts you will make to
benefit the broader community, especially populations which have faced systemic barriers to art access or opportunities *
The intended audience is anyone drawn to the river, particularly those who live and work in Iowa City in near proximity to the river who may not
have intentionally cultivated an awareness of the river’s presence, history, flow, behavior, preferences, water quality and cohabitants. Our plan
entails 1) Accessibility: ensuring all performance, exhibition, and walking tour spaces are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including
nearby parking, clear signage, wheelchair accessibility, and ASL interpretation from Hands Up, and golf cart operation for those with mobility
limitations. 2) Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local groups to ensure diverse participation. 3) Digital Engagement: Creating online
content, including virtual tours and recorded performances, for virtual participation.
How will you know your project was successful? Please list specific outcomes or measures (qualitative or quantitative).*
Attendance (quantitative): we hope to draw an audience of 35 to 50 participants per event.
Engagement (qualitative): if participants engage with the multiple modalities - listen to the audio and live tour, follow the procession, read and
interact with the printed material, and move along the chosen, meandering path of the performance. Some wandering and exploration is desired;
but confusion and bewilderment are not.
Will this project take place on public or private property?*
Public/City-Owned
Private Property Owned by the Applicant or project partner listed below
Private Property not owned by the applicant
Please list which City staff/departments you have discussed your proposal with and whether they are supportive of the project.
Failure to contact appropriate City staff prior to submitting this form may result in disqualification of your application. If you aren’t sure who to
contact, please contact Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-
5093.
Location: Property of the University of Iowa. Permissions acquired and project supported by Joshua Weiner, Associate Dean of Research and
Caleb Recker, Associate Director of Facility Operations, Recreational Services, Uiowa.
Location of Project*
Pathway along the Iowa River between the Lagoon Shelter House, Hancher Auditorium, and Park Street Bridge
Project Partner(s) (if any)
Stephanie Miracle (Dance), Jenna Supp-Montgomerie (Communications/Religious Studies), Elizabeth McTernan (Visual Art), Eric Gidal (English),
Larry Weber (Hydraulics), David Cwiertny (Civil Engineering), Ramin Roshandel (Music)
Describe the role of any project partners listed
Complete bios of all contributors are provided in Supplementary Material. All aspects of this project emerge from extensive and ongoing dialogue
among all collaborators, with each bringing our area of expertise to the project.
*Jenna Supp-Montgomerie leads the archival research on the Iowa River and surrounding infrastructure, conducting community interviews, and
composing the audio tour content.
*Stephanie Miracle leads the dance choreography and performance.
*Elizabeth McTernan and myself are creating, printing and constructing kits of printed material to facilitate participant engagement with the river
environment both during and after the events. We will also sonify several streams of live data that come from hydroscience sensors placed all
along the river for the audience to listen to.
*Eric Gidal brings his experience leading the Blue Gap Project, bridging science, ecology, and the arts to generate meaningful communication. He
provides connection to a number of related community members and organizations, and is contributing content for the printed matter kits and
audio tour.
*Ramin Roshandel is composing music for the events, will perform live, and is assisting in audio-engineering of the audio tour and recording
community member interviews.
*Larry Weber brings expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, floods, and water quality monitoring centered on the Iowa River.
*David Cwiertny brings expertise in public health impacts of water ecology from a chemistry and engineering perspective.
Please check any of the following project aspects that apply to your project.
Note: These selections do not impact scoring, but are informative for the selection committee.
Functional Art: Art that also serves a practical, everyday purpose (i.e. bench, lighting, shelter, timepiece, etc.)
Unexpected Art: Art that offers an element of surprise, perhaps occuring at a place or time where it is unexpected.
Participatory Art: Art that directly engages the audience in the creative process, so they become participants in the event (i.e. an interactive
performance or participation in creation of an artwork).
Ephemeral Art: Art that is intended to be temporary, short-lived, or disappear over time.
Contemplative Art: Art that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness.
Timeline
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Project Timeline
Tell us about the proposed timeline and action steps needed to complete this project. Use one line for each milestone and add additional lines as
needed.
Action Step/Milestone Completed by
Site assessments for performances and ‘artistic field stations’ along
the river, including locations upriver and downriver from the UIowa
campus. Team of collaborators meet for weekly ‘walk and talks’ along
the river
01/31/2025
Permissions secured for events site 01/15/2025
Overall progression, choreography and elements of performance
established
02/07/2025
Dance rehearsals begin 02/14/2025
Printed matter design begins 02/14/2025
Audio tour draft presented to group 03/14/2025
Music composition draft presented 04/18/2025
Printed Matter production and assembly begins 04/21/2025
All audio equipment rental secured for Iteration #1 (May 18))04/18/2025
Press release, social media, and publicity push for Iteration #1 05/01/2025
Finalize Iteration #1- Dance, Music, Printed Matter 05/01/2025
Iteration #1 Interactive Performance Rehearsal 05/17/2025
Iteration #1 Interactive Performance Event 05/18/2025
Group Assessment of Iteration #1, Revisions, Additions, etc.05/31/2025
Begin Iteration #2 revisions and prep 08/01/2025
Finalize Iteration #2: Audio, Printed Matter, Dance, Music 09/15/2025
Iteration #2 Event will be Sept/Oct 2025. Date TBD
Budget
To save progress, click "Save as Draft" at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Please use the budget templates below. A completed budget should tell us what sources of funds your project will use and how you plan to spend
the grant money.
Project Funding Sources
Total Project Cost*
$18,000.00
Matching Grant Request*
$4,000.00
Please list any other funding sources supporting your project. Add additional rows as needed.
Other funding source*Amount*Committed or Anticipated?*
Iowa Arts Grant $6,000.00 Committed Anticipated
Big Field Fund/ Warhol Foundation $8,000.00 Committed Anticipated
Please describe any project supplies, equipment, or labor which are being donated in-kind
Project Budget
Please list a breakdown of project expenses and funding sources. Funding for personal property or gain will not be authorized. Example:
Amount:Describe Expense Item:Amount paid by Matching Grant:Amount paid in-kind or by other
funding source:
$400 Paint $400
$200 Paint Supplies $200
$1,500 Artist labor $500 $1,000
$150 Plaque/signage $150
Amount Expense Item Amount paid by Matching
Grant
Paid in-kind or by other
funding source
$400.00 Artist Fees $400.00
$2,000.00 Composer Fee $2,000.00
$1,000.00 Performer Fees $1,000.00
$1,500.00 Headphone rental (75 sets)$1,500.00
$1,000.00 Video Documentation $1,000.00
$500.00 Costumes and fabric $500.00
$1,600.00 Lagoon House Rental $0.00 $1,600.00
$100.00 Poster/flyer design $100.00
$200.00 Social Media Promotion $100.00
$500.00 Golf Cart Rental $500.00
$700.00 ASL Handsup Communication $700.00
$700.00 Print materials & services $700.00
$1,000.00 Print studio assistants $10,000.00
$280.00 Belts and pouches for prints $280.00
$800.00 Max/MSP programming
assistance
$800.00
$100.00 Poster Printing & Distribution $100.00
-Next
File Uploads
Letters of support, if available (?)
2024-25_BFF_Letter_of_Support_Elizabeth_McTernan.pdf 88.41KB
IC Public Arts Meandering River LOS CLAS.pdf 86.53KB
Images (?)
ICPAMG_Parrish_1.jpg 3.16MB
ICPAMG_Parrish_2.jpg 1.75MB
IGPAMG_Miracle_1 .jpg 5.09MB
ICPAMG_Miracle_2 .jpg 3.53MB
ICPAMG_McTernan_1 .jpg 7.34MB
Site Plan (?)
Meandering_River_Site_Plan.pdf 9.79MB
Additional Information (?)
Meandering_River_Collaborators.pdf 56.55KB
Signature
Heather Parrish
heather.r.parrish@gmail.com
www.heatherparrish.art (2018-present)
www.heatherparrish.net (pre-2018)
512.589.0241
Education
2014 MFA, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
1999 BA, Kinesiology with K-12 Teaching Certification, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
2004-11 Austin Community College, numerous courses in studio art and metal arts
Gallery Representation
Flatbed Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Austin, Texas
Collaborative Public Event
2025 [Upcoming] Meandering River Project A multi-dimensional event series fostering connection
through space, time and community with the Iowa River. This is an iterative project
with two participatory performances planned for May and September/October.
Contributors are Stephanie Miracle (Dance), Jenna Supp-Montgomery
(Communications/Religious Studies), Liz McTernan (Visual Art), Eric Gidal (English),
David Cwiertny (Civil Engineering), Larry Weber (Hydraulics), Ramin Roshandel
(Music)
Solo Exhibitions
2025 [Upcoming] Project Art, University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, IA
2024 Cocoon with a Universe, Public Space One, Iowa City, IA
2023 Precipitate, a Scope Collective project, Open Source Gallery, Brooklyn, NY, link
2022 Seeing Out the Other Eye: A view through Waller Creek, Flatbed Center for Contemporary
Printmaking, Austin, TX link
Fugitive::Grounds, Ezra Stiles College Gallery, Yale University, New Haven, CT
In conjunction with Desert Futures: Sahara conference, a Border Work collaboration
with political geographer Dr. Leslie Gross Wyrtzen
2019 Border Disruption, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Canada
In conjunction with The Line Crossed Us: New Directions in Critical Border Studies, a
Border Work collaboration with political geographer Dr. Leslie Gross Wyrtzen
2018 TimeSpaceShadow, Artlink Gallery, Fort Wayne, IN
2014 Homing, Snite Museum of Art, Notre Dame, IN
Passages, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, MI
Two/Three-Person Exhibitions
2023 Narrated Memories TAG Gallery, Austin Community College, Austin, TX
Invited distinguished alumni artist in celebration of 50th Anniversary link
2017 Constructed Atopia/Structured Utopia, Flatbed Press, Austin, TX
Select Group Exhibitions
2024 Channel, Water Stories Exhibition, with Scope Collective, BioBAT Art Space, Brooklyn, NY
(curated by Elena Soterakis) link
As the Phoenix, Mid America Print Council Exhibition, displayed in permanent collection at
Department of Cancer Biology, KU Med Cancer Center, Kansas City, MO
River Below, River Within, Open Air Media Festival, Public Space 1, Iowa City, IA
Print & Craft Showcase: Known Points, Form & Concept Gallery, Santa Fe, NM link
Mad World 24, SoMad Gallery, New York, NY, with Scope Collective link
2023 Insurgent Ecologies, Antenna and the New Orleans Center for the Gulf South at Tulane
University, New Orleans, LA (curators Imani Jacqueline Brown and Shana M. Griffin) in
collaboration with Ryan Griffis, Sarah Kanouse, Corinne Teed, Jon Lund, link
11th International Printmaking Douro Biennial, Douro Museum in Régua, Portugal
(curated by Nuno Canelas) (catalog) link
The Contemporary Print, Zane Bennett Gallery, Santa Fe, NM link
The Contemporary Print, PrintAustin, TAGallery, Austin Community College, Austin, TX link
Trazando Las Líneas / Tracing the Lines, Inkfest at St. Michael’s Printshop, Newfoundland
and Labrador, Canada link
The Inky Photographers, Flatbed Press, Austin, TX link
2022 31x12 Flatbed Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Austin, TX link
2021 5th Global Print 2021, Douro Museum, Régua, Portugal
Landscape of Material and Mind, SciArt Initiative Exhibition, Scope Collective, New York
Hall of Science, Queens, NY link
Epiphanies, Scope Collective, Manifest Gallery, Cincinnati, OH link
Overflow: The Mississippi in Every State Imaginable, CoProsperity Sphere, Chicago, IL
(collaboration with Sarah Kanouse, Ryan Griffis, Corinne Teed and Over the Levee,
Under the Plow: An Experiential Curriculum Project) link
Many Waters, Minnesota Museum of American Art, St. Paul, MN (collaboration with Sarah
Kanouse, Ryan Griffis, Corinne Teed) link
2020 Shape of a Practice, The Current: Mississippi. An Anthropocene River, HKW, Berlin,
Germany (collaboration with Sarah Kanouse, Ryan Griffis, Corinne Teed) link
Trazando Las Líneas / Tracing the Lines, Center for Embodied Pedagogy and Action,
San Juan, Puerto Rico [postponed due to pandemic to 2025]
Sympoeisis: Printmaking in the Expanded Field, Clara Hatton Gallery, Ft. Collins, CO
10th International Printmaking Biennial of Douro 2020, Douro Museum, Portugal
Intersecting Methods Portfolios Exhibitions: Bringing Together the Arts & the Sciences,
University of Stockton Art Gallery, Galloway Township, NJ
Habitus: Contemplative Manifesto, Lufrano Intercultural Gallery, University of North
Florida, Jacksonville, FL
2019 4th New York International Miniature Print Exhibition, Manhattan Graphics Center, NY, NY
Experimental Engagements, SLSA (Society for Literature, Science and Art), University of
California, Irvine, CA
4th Global Print 2019, Teixeira Lopes Museum/Diogo de Macedo Galleries, Gaia, Portugal
Scope: Theater of Collaborative Survival, DEPTH Exhibition, Science Gallery, Detroit, MI
In collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Hénaff (Biologist; Assistant Professor, Integrated
Digital Media, NYU) and Léonard Roussel (Sound Engineer, Arup Firm, NY)
Habitus: Contemplative Manifesto, Juried Exhibition, University of Dallas, Dallas, TX
Traveling Juried Members Show, Southern Graphics Council International, Dallas, TX
2018 Celebration: 5th Year Anniversary Invitational, Linea de Costa Gallery, Rota, Spain
INTERSTICES / the space between, PINEA de Costa Gallery, Rota, Spain
2017 Mid America Print Council Juried Members’ Exhibition, Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence,KS
Awagami International Miniature Print Exhibition, Tokushima, Japan
Art of Valor, South Bend Museum of Art, South Bend, IN
HereThere, Ink Shop Printmaking Center, Ithaca, NY
Place, Crossroads Gallery, South Bend, IN
Print Austin Exchange Portfolio, NJ Weaver Studio, Austin, TX
2016 Talleres de la Frontera, Notre Dame Center for Arts & Culture, South Bend, IN
WPA Exhibition, The Noble Swede Gallery, LaGrange, TX
Return, Print Austin, Austin Community College Kramer Gallery, Austin, TX
Intersecting Methods, R&D Editions, Juried Portfolio Exchange, Greenbelt, MD
2015 Homecoming, Flatbed Press, Austin, TX
Intertwined, Airside Gallery East, Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Austin, TX
Special Blend - The Contemporary Austin Teen-Mentor Collab, Pump Project, Austin, TX
People’s Show, People’s Gallery, City Hall, Austin, TX
Due West, University Park, Austin, TX
2014 Rust City Portfolio, Mid-America Print Council, Detroit, MI
Indefinite Spaces, Crossroads Gallery of Contemporary Art, South Bend, IN
Bibliography/Media
2024 link
(also new one about Water Stories)
2023 John Richards, Bocce Ball Films, “How Do You Ask Consent of a Microbe? Questioning
Coexistence in the Anthropocene at the Gowanus Canal”, a short documentary film
about Scope Collective, featuring the Precipitate exhibition, Open Source Gallery. link
Adelaide Roueche-Beard, “Art + Political Engagement: TAG In-Gallery Programming
Recap” TAG Gallery on-line article, November 8, 2023 link
TAG Gallery, Interview, Narrated Memories Exhibit - Heather Parrish, link
2022 Jeanne Claire Van Ryzin, “Questioning Waller Creek: Heather Parrish at Flatbed
Press”, Sightlines Magazine, June 24, 2022 Exhibition Review link
2022 “Top 5 in Texas, July 14-22, 2022: Seeing Out the Other Eye” Glasstire {Texas Visual
Arts}, July 14, 2022 link
2022 Seeing Out the Other Eye. The Line-up: Eight Exhibitions to See In Austin, Texas,
June 2022. Reviewed by Sightlines: Arts, Culture, News, Idease, online magazine.
link
2020 Circular Linear SciArt Magazine: Culture of Contamination, Vol. 43, December 2020
link
Publications as Author/Contributor
2024 [book chapter, peer-reviewed, at press] Working the Border: Interdisciplinary encounters
across intellectual, material and political boundaries, co-authored with Leslie
Gross-Wyrtzen, PhD., Challenging Borders: Contingencies and Consequences, edited by
Sheila McManus, Paul McKenzie-Jones and Julie Young, published by Athabasca
University Press, Lethbridge, Canada link
[collection, peer-reviewed, at press] Experimental Practices in Interdisciplinary Art:
Engaging the Margins, edited by Jesse Jackson and Antoinette LaFarge, published by
BRILL Academic Press, Leiden, Netherlands
2023 Open Source Gallery 2023 Exhibitions Catalog, with essay Helen Betya Rubinstein
11th International Printmaking Douro Biennial Catalog, Douro Museum in Régua,
Portugal (curated by Nuno Canelas) link
2019 ‘Between Floodlines: The Driftless Area in the Anthropocene’, field guide/artist book
created in collaboration with Prof. Sam Munoz (Geography, Northeastern University) in a
five volume set with other contributors Sarah Kanouse (Northeastern University), Corinne
Teed (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis), Ryan Griffis (Univeristy of Illinois,
Urbana-Champagne), Rozalinda Brocila (Chicago Art Institute), Nicholas Brown
(Northeastern University). Part of the Mississippi.Anthropocene Project, sponsored by
HKW, Berlin, Germany link
‘Video/Animation: Heather Parrish and Nathan Melz’, MAPC Journal, Volume 28/29:
The Membership Edition, p. 61
Individual Project Collaborations
2018 Field Notes: 1, handmade editioned artist book with poet Nekeisha Alayna Alexis &
illustrator Dorothy Jean
2017 ‘The River that Binds Us’, community mural project, with Nalani Stolz and Maclovio Cantú,
commissioned by the Near Northwest Neighborhood Association, South Bend, IN
‘Faces of Our Beloved Community’, community photo booth project with Zane Norman,
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, People’s History of Elkhart, Elkhart, IN
2016 ‘Dystopic Solutions: Bio-remediation’, editioned silkscreen on archival print, with Dr.
Elizabeth Hénaff, R&D Editions Portfolio, College Park, MD
‘Parallel Transparencies’, editioned artist book, with Cherie Weaver, SIFT Book Arts
Collective, New Orleans, LA
‘Bitter Harvest’, editioned screen print, with Jason Shenk of People’s History of Elkhart, IN
2015 ‘Hive Mind’, stop-motion animation installation in a bee hive, with Brenna Dwyer, The
Contemporary Austin, Artist Mentor Program, Austin, TX
Artist Lectures, Presentations, Workshops
2024 University of Iowa, Faculty Research Presentation, Iowa City, IA
Cornell College, Visiting Artist Lecture, Intermedia Class, Mt. Vernon, IA
Grinnell College, Visiting Artist Lecture, Art Department, Grinnell, IA
Grinnell College, Workshop: Experimenting with Natural Ink, Grinnell, IA
2023 TAG Gallery, Panel discussion: Artists in Conversation, in conjunction with Narrated
Memories exhibition, Austin Community College, Austin, TX
Civic Art Lab, Symposium presentation with Scope Collective, New York, NY
Frogman’s Print Workshop, Workshop Instructor: Polymer Photogravure, Iowa City, IA
Frogman’s Print Workshop, Artist/Faculty Lecture, Iowa City, IA
2022 Flatbed Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Artist Talk, Seeing Out the Other Eye
Exhibition, in conversation with historian Katherine Pace, Austin, TX
University of Texas at Austin, Visiting Artist Talk, Advance Printmaking Class, Austin, TX
2021 Iowa State University, Visiting Artist Talk, Printmaking Area, Ames, IA
2020 Embracing the Wilds Conference, Western Printmakers Association, Panel
Presentation/chair, [Not] A Trace: Bordering, Memory, and Belonging, University of
Colorado, Boulder, CO (virtual)
The Hour of Decision: Power, Persistence, Purpose and Possibility in African Studies,
African Studies Association Annual Meeting, Presenters/Authors: Gross-Wyrtzen,
Leslie, Parrish, Heather Policing the Virus: Borders, prisons and racialized containment
in Morocco and the United States, virtual, Peer-Reviewed/Refereed Composed images
presented in collaboration with Dr. Leslie Gross-Wyrtzen’s performative presentation
2019 The Line Crossed Us: New Directions in Critical Border Studies, Conference Presentation,
Working the border: Interdisciplinary encounters across intellectual, material and
political boundaries, collaboration with Dr. Leslie Gross Wyrtzen, Lethbridge
University, Lethbridge, Canada
Stanley Museum of Art, SmART Talk, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
SLSA (Society for Literature, Science and Art) Conference, Artist Round Table Discussion,
University of California Irvine Experimental Engagements,, Irvine, CA
2015 The Contemporary Austin, Teen Mentor Program- seven-months of weekly mentorship
culminating in a collaborative art exhibition, Austin, TX
2014 Krasl Art Center, Artist Lecture, St. Joseph, MI
Fellowships & Grants
2024 Brooklyn Arts Fund Grant $5,000, supported by the Greater New York Arts, Development
Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), for Scope Collective’s
exhibition at BioBAT Art Space in Brooklyn, NY
New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Local Arts Support Grant, $5,000 for Scope
Collective’s exhibition at BioBAT Art Space in Brooklyn, NY
Performance/ Exhibition Subvention Grant, $2,500 for Scope Collective’s exhibition
BioBat Art Space in Brooklyn, NY
2023 Exhibition Subvention Grant, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, $2,500 University of Iowa
for Narrated Memories exhibition, TAG Gallery, Austin, TX
2022 Art & the Humanities Initiative Grant, $7,500 University of Iowa, for Border Work
Fugitive::Grounds Exhibition at Ezra Styles Gallery, Yale University, CT
2021 Old Gold Fellowship, $3,000 University of Iowa
2020 Obermann Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty Fellowship, University of Iowa
2019 IP Stanley International Travel Award, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Artist Residencies
2024 BioBAT Art Space, Brooklyn, New York - one-year residency with Scope Collective
Urban Soils Institute Artist Residency, Governor’s Island, NY, with Scope Collective
2022 Devto Printmaking Institute, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
2021 Collaborative Print Studio/Artist Residency, Flatbed Press for Contemporary Print, Austin, TX
2018 PINEA-LINEA DE COSTA Artist Residency, Rota, Spain
2016 Segura Studios, Themed Group Residency: Borders, South Bend, IN
2013 Flatbed Press Artist Residency, Austin, TX
Professional Work Experience
2018-present Assistant Professor Printmaking, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Courses: Printmaking & the Politics of Protest, New Media in Printmaking, Intaglio,
Woodcut & Relief, Screenprint, Advanced Printmaking, Graduate Print
Workshop
Service: Area Head of Printmaking, Curriculum Committee, DEI Committee, Faculty
Senate Representative, BFA/MA/MFA Thesis Committees, Search
Committees for Visiting Assistant Professor, Instructional Track Faculty,
and Grant Wood Fellows
2016-2018 Visiting Lecturer/Research Associate, Printmaking, University of Notre Dame,
Notre Dame, IN. Courses: Screenprint, Woodcut & Relief, Studio/Safety Specialist
2011-2014 Instructor of Record, Printmaking, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Courses: Screenprint, Woodcut & Relief, Poster Shop, Book Arts and Paper Making
2008-2011, Professional Lead Printer and Workshop Instructor, Flatbed Press, Austin, TX
2014-2015 (Intaglio, Book Making, Relief Printing, Monotype, Experimental Prints)
Professional Contributions
2019-present Assistant Editor, Mid America Print Council Journal
2024-present Board of Directors, Public Space One (local non-profit, artist-run community org)
2023 Faculty Instructor, Frogman’s Print Workshop, Polymer Photogravure, Iowa City, IA
2023 MFA Program Visiting Artist Studio Critiques, Maharishi University, Fairfield, IA
2022 Mentor, Southern Graphics Council International Conference
2021 Critical Creative Working Group,Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, University
of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Professional Organizations
College Art Association
Society of Science, Literature and the Arts
Mid America Print Council
Southern Graphics Council International
March 13, 2025
To whom it may concern,
I am writing on behalf of the Big Field Fund to confirm Elizabeth McTernan has received a
project grant of $8000 in support of MEANDERING RIVER for the 2024-25 funding cycle.
In its inaugural year, the Big Field Fund (BFF) awarded $61,134 to 11 grantees, all Iowa
artists or collectives living within an 80 mile radius of Iowa City. MEANDERING RIVER was
one of 6 ambitious project proposals selected by this year’s panel of jurors, four artists
and cultural workers – Jane Gilmor (Cedar Rapids, IA), Jill Wells (Des Moines, IA), alea
adigweme (Providence, RI/Los Angeles, CA), and Connie Yu (Philadelphia, PA). BFF grants
support publicly-engaged experimental, collaborative, and connective artist-led visual
arts projects in eastern Iowa. Big Field Fund is a Regional Regranting Program supported
by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and administered by Iowa City arts
organization Public Space One (PS1).
Please reach out if you have further questions regarding this Big Field Fund award.
Sincerely,
Lydia Diemer she/her
Artist Resource Manager
Public Space One
a community-driven contemporary arts organization in Iowa City, IA
home of The Center for Afrofuturist Studies, IC Press Co-op, and Media Arts Co-op
info@bigfieldfund.org
bigfieldfund.org
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Office of the Dean
University of Iowa
240 Schaeffer Hall
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1409
Phone: 319-335-2625 | Fax: 319-335-3755
Email: clas@uiowa.edu | Web: clas.uiowa.edu
14 March, 2025
City of Iowa City
Public Arts Matching Grant Program
Dear Iowa City Friends,
I am happy to provide this letter of support for the project Meandering River, a fascinating
interdisciplinary collaboration led by a core group of six faculty members, five of whom are part of
the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Professors Stephanie Miracle, Jenna Supp-Montgomerie,
Heather Parrish, Liz McTernan, Eric Gidal, David Cwiertny, and Larry Weber. The group is planning
two public performances along the Iowa River on the University of Iowa (UI) campus, the first on
May 18, 2025 and the second in sometime in September 2025 (exact date to be determined).
The public presentation of this project will begin on the west side of the Iowa River at the Lagoon
Shelter House and continue along the river in the form of a dance performance and multi-media
walking tour. The event, and the use of each of the confirmed locations on the route, have been
cleared by all of the designated authorities involved, including: myself as Associate Dean for
Research and Infrastructure in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Pete Matthes, Vice
President for External Relations and Senior Advisor to the President at UI; Aaron Greenwald,
Programming & Engagement Director of Hancher Auditorium at UI (adjacent to the outdoor
performance site); and the staff of UI’s Recreation Services.
Meandering River is a year-long interdisciplinary collaboration that aims to create a site-specific
multi-media performance illuminating the intricate ecological networks between people, non-
humans, water, and infrastructure in Iowa City. Central to the project is the body as a source of
knowledge and connection. Through dance, music, visual art, and conversation, Meandering River
will raise awareness of the river and the dynamic flows of energy it participates in by offering a
multifaceted view of "place" that encompasses local land and water, architecture and intangible
elements such as water quality, history, politics, and energy. We are very excited for the upcoming
first performance and very much hope that with additional support we can host an additional event
in September. This is a wonderful collaboration between Iowa City, the UI, the College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Hancher Auditorium that exemplifies the special
interdisciplinary spirit of our institution and our hometown.
If I can provide any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Warm Regards,
Joshua A. Weiner, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Research and Infrastructure
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Professor, Departments of Biology and Psychiatry
Associate Director, Iowa Neuroscience Institute
The University of Iowa
(319) 335-0091
joshua-weiner@uiowa.edu
MEANDERING RIVER COLLABORATORS
Elizabeth McTernan is an artist based in Berlin and Iowa City. Her work is a research-oriented and
mixed-media exploration of measurement and media ecologies. Through an interdisciplinary
practice of mapping, she problematizes and plays with methods of empiricism to access
subjectivities from which knowledge is produced. Working with scholars across fields, she is a
member of the research group Experimenting, Experiencing, Reflecting, an interdisciplinary
collaboration led by artist Olafur Eliasson and scientist Andreas Roepstorff of Aarhus University,
Denmark. In 2023, Elizabeth led an artist group in Field_Notes, a two-week art-science field
laboratory organized by the Bioart Society in Arctic Finland. https://www.elizabethmcternan.com/
Stephanie Miracle is an Assistant Professor in Dance at the University of Iowa, a certified teacher
of Klein Technique™, and the artistic director of FAKERS CLUB (est. 2015). Her interdisciplinary
work investigates dance within everyday public spaces. Described as “iconic and nuanced…with an
irreverence that makes you smile unconsciously”, her place-based performance interventions,
experimental films, sound installations, and live stage performances have been presented by
nationally and internationally festivals and institutions in NYC, DC, Los Angeles, Germany, Russia,
Mexico, Ireland, Italy, Turkey, Hungary, Portugal, and France.
https://www.stephaniemiracledances.com/
Heather Parrish’s artistic inquiry uses printmaking, experimental photography, and installation
with video projection to explore negotiations of perception and belonging across fluid boundaries.
Collaboration is a sustaining part of her practice, including work with scientists, poets and activists.
Parrish received an MFA from the University of Notre Dame and a BA from the University of Texas
at Austin. She worked as a fine art collaborating printer at Flatbed Center for Contemporary
Printmaking, and has exhibited work in the United States and internationally. She is currently an
Assistant Professor of Printmaking at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA.
https://www.heatherparrish.art/
Jamshid Jam, an award-winning album featuring Ramin Roshandel on setar and Jean-Francois
Charles on live electronics. A collision between Persian classical music and live sampling and re-
mixing. www.jamshidjam.com
Jenna Supp-Montgomerie is associate professor of religion and media at the University of Iowa,
with a joint appointment in the Department of Religious Studies and the Department of
Communication Studies. She is the author of When the Medium Was the Mission: The Religious
Origins of Network Culture (NYU Press, 2021). Her current research offers a queer utopianist take
on the historical and emergent relationships among religion, infrastructure, and water.
Eric Gidal is Professor of English and Editor of Philological Quarterly. He is the author of Poetic
Exhibitions: Romantic Aesthetics and the Pleasures of the British Museum (2001), Ossianic
Unconformities: Bardic Poetry in the Industrial Age (2015), and numerous articles on literary and
environmental history. He is Senior Personnel for the Blue-Green Action Platform, an NSF-funded
program to connect data and storytelling to address nitrogen pollution in waterways across Iowa,
Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. https://blue-gap.org/index.html
David Cwiertny, the William D. Ashton Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Iowa,
serves as Director for both the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination and the
Environmental Policy Research Program. His research within the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Institute, and as a Faculty Research Engineer at IIHR--Hydroscience & Engineering, highlights his
interest in environmental chemistry and innovative water treatment methods.
Larry Weber is the Edwin B. Green Chair in Hydraulics and Director of IIHR – Hydroscience and
Engineering, the nation’s oldest academic research program focused on hydraulics, hydrology and
fluid mechanics. He co-founded the Iowa Flood Center at the University of Iowa and the Iowa
Nutrient Research Center with Iowa State University. Weber and his team recently completed the
Iowa Watershed Approach project focused on improving community resilience to floods, droughts
and declining water quality.
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Meandering River Site Images
Lagoon House & surrounding area
Under the Park Rd Bridge – performance culmination location
Iowa City Public Art Matching Fund Program
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this grant opportunity. Prior to completing this application form, please review the Public Art Matching Grant
Frequently Asked Questions at www.icgov.org/publicart.
If your project takes place on City-owned or privately-owned property, you must provide evidence in the following application that you have
support and approval from the appropriate parties to proceed with this project. Failure to obtain prior approval could disqualify or delay an
otherwise good proposal. If you aren’t sure if you need prior approval from a project partner, please contact Neighborhood Outreach &
Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
Beyond initial siting approvals obtained prior to submitting this application, please be advised that some projects may be required to obtain
additional permits or approvals as determined necessary by the City. Any such requirements would be outlined in the grant agreement.
Regardless of whether the project is located on public or private property, the project must be freely accessible by the public.
Awarded applicant(s) are responsible for performing or coordinating the execution of all phases of the project, including but not limited to site
prep, installation, etc. If any component of the proposed project is beyond your capabilities, please explain in the application.
*
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information above.
General Information
The Public Art Matching Grant Program aims to increase public art access and opportunities in Iowa City. The program funds visual, audio, or
performance-based art projects that are located in Iowa City and accessible to the general public.
Successful grant applications will show evidence of a specific planned project which can be completed before December 31, 2025. Please
complete the following application in its entirety. If you have questions or need assistance completing this application form, please contact
Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
It is recommended applicants save the form every 5-10 minutes to avoid losing progress. To do this, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom
of the File Uploads page.
Project Name*
Minds in Bloom
Applicant Name *
Chantal Rozmus, DO
Applicant Email*
chantal.rozmus2@unitypoint.org
Applicant Phone*
319-338-7884
Applicant Address*
Street Address
1039 Arthur St
Address Line 2
City
Iowa City
State/Province/Region
Iowa
Postal/Zip Code Country
52240 United States
Are you the project artist *
Yes No
Briefly describe who will be completing the project, including a URL to the artist webpages if available. If unknown, explain how an
artist(s) will be recruited for the project.
Erykah Wildflowers, a local artist, will be completing the grant. I chose her because she is a local artist. Additionally, Erykah has Native heritage
with the Saginaw and Chippewa tribes, and it is aligned with our values to become more involved with the local Indigenous community.
https://www.instagram.com/erykahwildflowers/?hl=en
Have you received Public Art Matching Grant Funds in the past?*
Yes No
Project Details
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Provide a brief description of the proposed project*
The project would bring an art mural to an area of Iowa City that hasn't been the recipient of public art. The east side of Iowa City, particularly the
Towncrest neighborhood, is home to people who are part of various marginalized groups. The building is the Abbe Community Mental Health
Center, which serves people with serious, chronic mental illness who are often stigmatized against and forgotten about as recipients of projects
such as this. Additionally, I would love to collaborate with other neighborhood organizations to make an event so that people can come by and
watch the mural be painted while engaging with their community members, such as at a "block party" barbeque on a weekend day.
Explain how the project is defined as “public art.” Please include how the artwork will be located in an area open and freely
accessible by the public; and describe how you envision the artwork engaging the public.*
Abbe Center is a focal point for this neighborhood and across the street from section 8 housing. Currently, the building next to us is undergoing
renovations to be a child development center which will bring much needed services to an under-served community. Ideally, we will be working
with the child development center, along with other community partners, to make this a focal point of the community that can serve various
needs of the community including hosting traveling food banks and clothing closets.
Describe the intended audience for this project, why public art is important to that audience, and any efforts you will make to
benefit the broader community, especially populations which have faced systemic barriers to art access or opportunities *
The intended audience will be not only patients of the Abbe Center, but also others in the community surrounding the Abbe Center. We serve a
population of folks who fall into racial, socioeconomic, and other marginalized groups, including a high percentage of people who use substances
and experience significant mental illness. Often, public art projects are not focused in areas like ours. I firmly believe that the community we serve
deserves to have accessible public art that is welcoming and makes the area brighter and more approachable. Additionally, the mural would face
a child development center that will be opening in the community.
How will you know your project was successful? Please list specific outcomes or measures (qualitative or quantitative).*
Comments from the community- both people we see as patients and people who live in the neighborhood.
Will this project take place on public or private property?*
Public/City-Owned
Private Property Owned by the Applicant or project partner listed below
Private Property not owned by the applicant
Please provide the names and contact information of private property owners where the project will take place, and describe
whether they are supportive of the project.
Failure to obtain prior approval from private property owners where the project is proposed to take place may result in disqualification or delay
of the project application.
Abbe Community Mental Health Clinic; please contact Kathy Johnson at 319-361-3354; Abbe owns the building and administration/leadership are
aware and have voiced support and approval of the project
Location of Project*
Abbe Community Mental Health Center 1039 Arthur St Iowa City, IA 52240; south facing side of clinic building
Project Partner(s) (if any)
Erykah Wildflower
Describe the role of any project partners listed
Erykah Wildflower- artist
Please check any of the following project aspects that apply to your project.
Note: These selections do not impact scoring, but are informative for the selection committee.
Functional Art: Art that also serves a practical, everyday purpose (i.e. bench, lighting, shelter, timepiece, etc.)
Unexpected Art: Art that offers an element of surprise, perhaps occuring at a place or time where it is unexpected.
Participatory Art: Art that directly engages the audience in the creative process, so they become participants in the event (i.e. an interactive
performance or participation in creation of an artwork).
Ephemeral Art: Art that is intended to be temporary, short-lived, or disappear over time.
Contemplative Art: Art that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness.
Timeline
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Project Timeline
Tell us about the proposed timeline and action steps needed to complete this project. Use one line for each milestone and add additional lines as
needed.
Action Step/Milestone Completed by
Develop possible designs with Erykah (artist)05/01/2025
Discuss possible design options with Abbe Center leadership 05/12/2025
Identify possible community partners for event 05/19/2025
Determine date for event 05/26/2025
Event 07/14/2025
Collect feedback from community members 10/15/2025
Project fully funded 06/16/2025
Provide feedback to City of Iowa City to show impact of
event/artwork
11/17/2025
Budget
To save progress, click "Save as Draft" at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Please use the budget templates below. A completed budget should tell us what sources of funds your project will use and how you plan to spend
the grant money.
Project Funding Sources
Total Project Cost*
$15,000.00
Matching Grant Request*
$4,000.00
Please list any other funding sources supporting your project. Add additional rows as needed.
Other funding source*Amount*Committed or Anticipated?*
State of Iowa Art Project Grant $10,000.00 Committed Anticipated
Private Donors $1,000.00 Committed Anticipated
Please describe any project supplies, equipment, or labor which are being donated in-kind
Unknown at this time, however the goal would be to collaborate with local community partners for things such as food for the event
Project Budget
Please list a breakdown of project expenses and funding sources. Funding for personal property or gain will not be authorized. Example:
Amount:Describe Expense Item:Amount paid by Matching Grant:Amount paid in-kind or by other
funding source:
$400 Paint $400
$200 Paint Supplies $200
$1,500 Artist labor $500 $1,000
$150 Plaque/signage $150
Amount Expense Item Amount paid by Matching
Grant
Paid in-kind or by other
funding source
$1,000.00 power washing surface, primer,
paint, anti-graffiti coating
$1,000.00 $0.00
$9,000.00 $13/square foot for 1,125 sq
foot
$3,000.00 $6,000.00
$5,000.00 event $0.00 $5,000.00
File Uploads
Letters of support, if available (?)
Letter of Support Abbe Center.pdf 273.14KB
Dr.ChantalRozmusLetterofRec.pdf 1.56MB
-Next
Images (?)
5F470A7E-AB61-4C0B-970B-63B64A6E2AA4.JPG 75.5KB
Site Plan (?)
Additional Information (?)
LOR.3.13.25.docx 14.8KB
Signature
Dear Committee Members,
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County is pleased to submit this letter in
support of the Abbe Center’s application for the 2025 Public Art Matching Grant.
As previous recipients of these funds, we understand the profound impact that
public art projects can have on our community. We are excited to be new
neighbors to the Abbe Center in the Towncrest neighborhood, and we look
forward to forging a strong collaborative relationship with them.
The proposed project, titled "Minds in Bloom," will brighten up the Towncrest
neighborhood and aligns perfectly with the Iowa City’s commitment to fostering
creativity, enhancing its reputation as an arts and cultural hub, and increasing
access to public art within our community.
We wholeheartedly support the Abbe Center’s application and are enthusiastic
about the positive impact this project will have on our community.
Rachel Rockwell
Executive Director
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County
Neighborhood Centers
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
President: Mel Sanders
Vice President:
Jeff Edberg
Treasurer:
Elizabeth Constantine
Executive Director
Rachel Rockwell
Directors
Sarah Majerus
Ahmed Ismail
Ashley Clemons
Tyeisha Washington
P.O. Box 2491
Iowa City, IA 52244
319-354-2886
Fax: 319-354-2634
ncjc@ncjc.org
www.ncjc.org
Abbey Ferenzi Executive Director
AbbeHealth GuideLink Center
300 Southgate Ave Iowa City, IA52240 abbey.ferenzi@unitypoint.org 319-775-3909
03/12/2025
Grant Committee Iowa City Public Art Matching Grant Program 410 E Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Grant Committee,
I am honored to support Dr. Chantal Rozmus’s proposal for a mural at the Abbe Mental Health Center in Iowa City. As an exceptional psychiatrist and advocate for mental wellness, equity and inclusion, Dr. Rozmus understands the power of public art to foster connection, reduce stigma, and create welcoming spaces.
This project aligns with the Iowa City Public Art Matching Grant Program’s priorities. The mural will use vibrant imagery to promote mental health awareness while enhancing public engagement. Its location ensures high visibility, making it an accessible and impactful addition to the community. Additionally, the use of durable, high-quality materials ensures long-term sustainability.
Dr. Rozmus’ leadership and dedication to mental health advocacy make her an ideal candidate
for this grant. This mural will leave a lasting impact on Iowa City, filling a vital gap in public art that highlights mental health and wellness. I strongly urge you to fund this meaningful project.
Please feel free to contact me for any additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Abbey Ferenzi Executive Director
AbbeHealth GuideLink Center
300 Southgate Ave Iowa City, IA 52440 319-775-3909
Iowa City Public Art Matching Fund Program
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this grant opportunity. Prior to completing this application form, please review the Public Art Matching Grant
Frequently Asked Questions at www.icgov.org/publicart.
If your project takes place on City-owned or privately-owned property, you must provide evidence in the following application that you have
support and approval from the appropriate parties to proceed with this project. Failure to obtain prior approval could disqualify or delay an
otherwise good proposal. If you aren’t sure if you need prior approval from a project partner, please contact Neighborhood Outreach &
Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
Beyond initial siting approvals obtained prior to submitting this application, please be advised that some projects may be required to obtain
additional permits or approvals as determined necessary by the City. Any such requirements would be outlined in the grant agreement.
Regardless of whether the project is located on public or private property, the project must be freely accessible by the public.
Awarded applicant(s) are responsible for performing or coordinating the execution of all phases of the project, including but not limited to site
prep, installation, etc. If any component of the proposed project is beyond your capabilities, please explain in the application.
*
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information above.
General Information
The Public Art Matching Grant Program aims to increase public art access and opportunities in Iowa City. The program funds visual, audio, or
performance-based art projects that are located in Iowa City and accessible to the general public.
Successful grant applications will show evidence of a specific planned project which can be completed before December 31, 2025. Please
complete the following application in its entirety. If you have questions or need assistance completing this application form, please contact
Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
It is recommended applicants save the form every 5-10 minutes to avoid losing progress. To do this, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom
of the File Uploads page.
Project Name*
Bike Library mural: I came to life with cool waters by Katlynne Hummmell Underhill
Applicant Name *
Kate Wiley
Applicant Email*
kate@bikelibrary.org
Applicant Phone*
641-990-6627
Applicant Address*
Street Address
1222 S Gilbert Ct.
Address Line 2
City
Iowa City
State/Province/Region
Iowa
Postal/Zip Code Country
52240 United States
Are you the project artist *
Yes No
Briefly describe who will be completing the project, including a URL to the artist webpages if available. If unknown, explain how an
artist(s) will be recruited for the project.
Katlynne Hummell Underhill, https://katlynnehummell.com/home.html
Have you received Public Art Matching Grant Funds in the past?*
Yes No
Project Details
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Provide a brief description of the proposed project*
This application proposes a mural titled “I came to life with cool waters” in the Bike Library Courtyard. It will be painted on the Southern facade, a
wall which measures 47 feet x 11 feet and is bisected by French doors.
Local artist Katlynne Hummell Underhill designed a mural to cool the concrete courtyard. In it, a woman stands tall wearing a headdress made of
a puma head and butterfly wings. She cradles a giant goldfish. Water streams from the fish’s mouth, filling the wall. Stars twinkle while water lilies
and filigree swirls flow throughout the image. A person wearing a crane mask with wings rides a bicycle through the water. The image is surreal,
dada-esque, bright and vibrant.
Explain how the project is defined as “public art.” Please include how the artwork will be located in an area open and freely
accessible by the public; and describe how you envision the artwork engaging the public.*
This public art project will enhance opportunities for cycling and the arts. This mural is meant to draw the public and Bike Library patrons into the
Bike Library Courtyard, a Third Space which folks are welcome to inhabit unconditionally and at any time of the day. We hope that this artwork
encourages patrons and the public to spend more time in the Courtyard.
We envision an explosion of color in the Courtyard. Petrichor (2021) by Erica Danner on the City’s Resource Management Building will soon be
joined by a newly painted Bike Skills Loop and this project, I came to life with cool waters (2025) by Katlynne Hummell Underhill.
Placing these artworks in conversation with each other will stimulate literal conversation between viewers. Petrichor celebrates the role
composting plays in sequestering carbon and nurturing healthy soil. The title references the pleasant smell that accompanies the first rain after a
long period of warm, dry weather. Introducing petrichor’s impetus, cool water, will prompt consideration of our environment’s cycles. Together,
the murals remind us of our inherent interconnectedness with the land, water, and each other.
The artists’ stylistic choices, palettes and mediums align with their chosen subject matter. Danner’s work is graphic, clearly defined like strata,
while Underhill’s use of spray paint to create a gradient background which flows as water. Simple comparison is an effective, low-stakes way for
folks to begin engaging with artwork, which often feels intimidating. What is the same? What is different? Does your eye jump or wander along
the wall? These questions may have concrete answers. Then, we gently prompt subjective responses. How do the colors make you feel? How does
the scale, or size, of the figures compare between murals? How does that affect you, at human scale? The ground is ripe (thanks to compost) for
discussion!
Artist Katlynne Hummell Underhill states in her bio, “I believe that public art is beneficial to community, that access to art is important. Many
communities may not have access to art in a traditional sense. Public art is a great way to bridge the gap. I strongly believe that public art is
beneficial to those who experience it, especially if they can engage in the creation.”
This project will be open to the public for observation or participation. OutSpoken Teens program participants will be encouraged to learn about
and participate in Public Art. Katlynne Hummell Underhill will teach 30-50 teens about designing, funding, preparing for and painting a mural.
Kate Wiley, author of this application, will share information about this specific Public Art Match Grant and and be available to advise on
applications come Spring. This project will inform and inspire Iowa City’s next generation of muralists.
Describe the intended audience for this project, why public art is important to that audience, and any efforts you will make to
benefit the broader community, especially populations which have faced systemic barriers to art access or opportunities *
The Bike Library proudly cultivates an intergenerational, cross-class and racially diverse community. Our facility is located in a warehouse district
dense with social services. It is important to us that our patrons know that we (and the City of Iowa City) value creating a beautiful, functional
space for them to inhabit. Our location is advantageous, as City of Iowa City citizens reported a desire for more public art in Iowa City’s
marginalized neighborhoods, outside of downtown. Katlynne Hummell Underhill’s design also reflects survey responses requesting public art by
local artists which reflects a community’s cultural diversity.
Equally important, our shop reflects our patronage. Inside, young women are pictured in a youth cyclo-cross race, a cartoon details the
intertwined history of women’s liberation and cycling, while a prominently positioned portrait of Major Taylor celebrates black excellence.
Katlynne Hummell Underhill’s mural will similarly assert that women, POC, queer folks are celebrated at the Bike Library.
The educational component of this project is aligned with our OutSpoken Teens program on Thursday afternoon. The benefits of arts
engagement in youth is well documented, especially for those at-risk. OutSpoken Teens targets support to at-risk youth in our community
through partnerships with United Action for Way and Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County. 3 in 5 are from low or very low income
backgrounds and eight-six percent are nonwhite. Ahmad, a West High student, amazed by the sense of belonging he found at the Bike Library. "I
did not know there was a space like this. I have not felt welcomed this way before," he shared. Although he initially came for the bike he earned, it
was the supportive community and welcoming environment that keeps him coming back. By presenting this opportunity to learn about and
participate in Public Art here in a known, safe environment, we hope that teens will feel free to participate and express their interests.
How will you know your project was successful? Please list specific outcomes or measures (qualitative or quantitative).*
-30-50 teens learn about the process of making Public Art from local muralist, Katlynne Hummell Underhill
-Community members invest time to developing community space through participating in the painting process
-The Bike Library Courtyard bursts with color, welcoming new patrons and encouraging our community members to spend more time in the
Courtyard, developing community connections
-The murals Petrichor and I came to life with cool waters prompt thoughtful consideration of the nature world
Will this project take place on public or private property?*
Public/City-Owned
Private Property Owned by the Applicant or project partner listed below
Private Property not owned by the applicant
Location of Project*
Bike Library, 1222 S Gilbert Ct.
Project Partner(s) (if any)
Describe the role of any project partners listed
Please check any of the following project aspects that apply to your project.
Note: These selections do not impact scoring, but are informative for the selection committee.
Functional Art: Art that also serves a practical, everyday purpose (i.e. bench, lighting, shelter, timepiece, etc.)
Unexpected Art: Art that offers an element of surprise, perhaps occuring at a place or time where it is unexpected.
Participatory Art: Art that directly engages the audience in the creative process, so they become participants in the event (i.e. an interactive
performance or participation in creation of an artwork).
Ephemeral Art: Art that is intended to be temporary, short-lived, or disappear over time.
Contemplative Art: Art that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness.
Timeline
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Project Timeline
Tell us about the proposed timeline and action steps needed to complete this project. Use one line for each milestone and add additional lines as
needed.
Action Step/Milestone Completed by
Our summer 2025 electrical overhaul will shift conduits and meters
on the Southern facade. After, the wall will be ready for a mural.
08/08/2025
In the fall, we will begin engaging OutSpoken Teens about Public Art.08/08/2025
We anticipate that this project will begin in August. Painting should
take 4-6 weeks. Multiple sessions will take place during OutSpoken
Teens programming (Thursday 3-5 PM) to facilitate participation.
09/26/2025
Budget
To save progress, click "Save as Draft" at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Please use the budget templates below. A completed budget should tell us what sources of funds your project will use and how you plan to spend
the grant money.
Project Funding Sources
Total Project Cost*
$8,600.00
Matching Grant Request*
$4,000.00
Please list any other funding sources supporting your project. Add additional rows as needed.
Other funding source*Amount*Committed or Anticipated?*
Paint Iowa Beautiful $800.00 Committed Anticipated
Please describe any project supplies, equipment, or labor which are being donated in-kind
We anticipate that Paint Iowa Beautiful will donate in-kind paint supplies.
Project Budget
Please list a breakdown of project expenses and funding sources. Funding for personal property or gain will not be authorized. Example:
Amount:Describe Expense Item:Amount paid by Matching Grant:Amount paid in-kind or by other
funding source:
$400 Paint $400
$200 Paint Supplies $200
$1,500 Artist labor $500 $1,000
$150 Plaque/signage $150
Amount Expense Item Amount paid by Matching
Grant
Paid in-kind or by other
funding source
$7,800.00 Artist Labor $4,000.00 $3,800.00
$800.00 Paint $800.00
-Next
$100.00 Plaque $100.00
File Uploads
Letters of support, if available (?)
Images (?)
I came to life with cool waters.jpg 2.57MB
detail.jpg 879.15KB
another detail.jpg 940.28KB
Site Plan (?)
051322 Site Plan A 1.pdf 95.88KB
Additional Information (?)
Hummell_katlynne_CV.pdf 127.29KB
Signature
KATLYNNE HUMMELL UNDERHILL
EDUCATION
2019 | BFA Painting and Drawing, University of Iowa
2012 | AA Indian Hills Community College
FELLOWSHIPS, RESIDENCIES, AND LECTURES
2019 | Grant Wood Public Art Residency, Iowa City, IA
2018 | A Special Edition of the Green Room: Prompt for the Planet lecture
PUBLIC WORKS
2025 | Garden wall (private residence), Iowa City, IA (forthcoming)
2025 | Wabash bridge, Ottumwa, IA (forthcoming)
2025 | Dairy Wall mural, New Pioneer Co-op, Coralville, IA (forthcoming)
2024 | Signage, New Pioneer Co-op, Coralville, IA
2024 |Adoption Corridor, Iowa City Animal Center, Iowa City, IA
2024 | American flag (private residence), Newport road, Iowa City, IA
2024 | Mount Fuji (private residence), Iowa City, IA
2023 | Fish Barn mural (private residence), Oxford, IA
2023 |Office - New Pioneer Co-op, Coralville, IA
2023 | Draft Horse Mural, Maasdam Barns, Fairfield, IA
2023 | Food Pantry, Coralville, IA
2022 | Muhammad Ali, ICOR Boxing, Iowa City, IA
2021 | Cedar Valley Nature Trail, Cedar Rapids, IA
2021 | American Gothic Postcard, Eldon, IA 2021
2021 | Peach Tree (Private), Iowa City, IA
2020 | Set of 15 picnic tables, Iowa City, IA
2020 | Lowden Postcard, Agvantage, Lowden, IA
2019 | Harvest time, New Pioneer Co-op, Coralville, IA
2017 | Hippies please close the door, New Pioneer Co-op, Coralville, IA
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2021 | Sitting Duck House Sitting, Tip Top Cakes, Coralville, IA
2020 | The Joy of Dead Trees, Tip Top Cakes, Coralville, IA
2020 | Sustenance vs. Substance, Tip Top Cakes, Coralville, IA
2019 | They fill you with the faults they had: BFA exhibition, University of Iowa, Iowa city, IA
2019 | Erasure, VAB Atrium, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2020 | Iowa Exhibited XXXV, Polk County Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, IA
2019 | Senior show, Levett gallery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
2019 | Collaboration of All the Arts, Revival, Iowa City, IA
2019 | Earthwords 37 launch, Prairie lights, Iowa City, IA
2019 | Emerging artist display, Kendall Gallery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
2018 | Elbow Room, 2nd floor gallery, University of Iowa, Iowa city, IA
2018 | Free space, Drewelowe Gallery, University of Iowa, Iowa city, IA
2018 | Abby’s Comedy Hour, The Deadwood, Iowa City, IA
2011 | Student exhibition, IHCC Art Gallery, Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa, IA
PUBLICATIONS
Linder, Katie “Iowa Artist honors her hometown, Grant Wood in public mural”, Iowa Magazine,
June 30, 2021.
Marsh, Jatyra “Eldon, Iowa muralist shares details behind her recent artwork” KYOU, June 14.
2021.
Hallman, Andy “Ribbon-cutting for a new mural in Eldon”, Southeast Iowa Union, June 13, 2021.
Styles, Romelo “Eldon gets new mural”, KTVO, May 8th, 2021
Hawes, Chris “Coralville artist returns to Eldon hometown for massive “American Gothic” mural”,
The Real Mainstream, April 12, 2021
McClatchey, Emma “Road closure allows Northside restaurants to take to the streets”, Little
Village magazine, June 22, 2020. “University of Iowa Art students and faculty create public art
for Webster City and communities across Iowa”, Webster Iowa website, June 18, 2019.
Nelson, Emily “UI student, faculty artists leaving their mark on 10 Iowa communities,” Now Iowa,
July 07, 2019.
Jette, Cliff “UI students learn about public art by working on murals in Iowa communities.” The
Gazette, July 08, 2019.
Triem, Haley “UI artist explores the hereditary nature of mental illness,” Daily Iowan, February
13, 2019. https://dailyiowan.com/2019/02/13/ui-artist-explores-the-hereditary-
natureofmental-illness/ Earthwords 37, spring 2019.
Iowa City Public Art Matching Fund Program
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this grant opportunity. Prior to completing this application form, please review the Public Art Matching Grant
Frequently Asked Questions at www.icgov.org/publicart.
If your project takes place on City-owned or privately-owned property, you must provide evidence in the following application that you have
support and approval from the appropriate parties to proceed with this project. Failure to obtain prior approval could disqualify or delay an
otherwise good proposal. If you aren’t sure if you need prior approval from a project partner, please contact Neighborhood Outreach &
Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
Beyond initial siting approvals obtained prior to submitting this application, please be advised that some projects may be required to obtain
additional permits or approvals as determined necessary by the City. Any such requirements would be outlined in the grant agreement.
Regardless of whether the project is located on public or private property, the project must be freely accessible by the public.
Awarded applicant(s) are responsible for performing or coordinating the execution of all phases of the project, including but not limited to site
prep, installation, etc. If any component of the proposed project is beyond your capabilities, please explain in the application.
*
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information above.
General Information
The Public Art Matching Grant Program aims to increase public art access and opportunities in Iowa City. The program funds visual, audio, or
performance-based art projects that are located in Iowa City and accessible to the general public.
Successful grant applications will show evidence of a specific planned project which can be completed before December 31, 2025. Please
complete the following application in its entirety. If you have questions or need assistance completing this application form, please contact
Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
It is recommended applicants save the form every 5-10 minutes to avoid losing progress. To do this, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom
of the File Uploads page.
Project Name*
"Women: Hood" Third Phase
Applicant Name *
Satomi Kawai
Applicant Email*
satominakawaiina@gmail.com
Applicant Phone*
6417818925
Applicant Address*
Street Address
1436 Buresh Avenue
Address Line 2
City
Iowa City
State/Province/Region
IA
Postal/Zip Code Country
52245 United States
Are you the project artist *
Yes No
Please upload your artist resume/CV*
Satomi Kawai Resume_ updated Feb 2025.pdf 175.45KB
URL to your website, digital portfolio, or social media.
https://satomikawai.com/
Have you received Public Art Matching Grant Funds in the past?*
Yes No
Project Details
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Provide a brief description of the proposed project*
The “Women: Hood” is a community-based and collaborative art project, starting in 2018. The collaborative team comprises five artists (Vero
Smith, Dani Sigler, Douglas Baker, Janis Bultman, and Satomi Kawai) who have worked together for over 8 years. The art project focuses on
interviewing various women of different cultures, ages, social statuses, and backgrounds in Iowa City and beyond. It is a biannual project: the first
edition was released in 2021, the second in 2023, and this year, 2025, the third edition will be released.
For the third edition, Kawai has interviewed eight women about their life stories and is editing them into one short video clip for “Women: Hood
III.” The team artists will then create new artworks inspired by these life stories. The third edition will culminate in a public reception with its video
screening, pop-up art exhibition including two- and three-dimensional arts, a performance video, and a creative form of writing at the University
of Iowa Women’s Resources and Action Center (WRAC) on October 11th. All these art materials will be accessible online via project website and
the University of Iowa Women’s Archive (IWA) at the University in the Main Library.
This project will highlight and celebrate the various voices of women, creating artworks inspired by their stories. We ultimately seek to create a
broader understanding of these experiences and encourage community engagement through art.
Explain how the project is defined as “public art.” Please include how the artwork will be located in an area open and freely
accessible by the public; and describe how you envision the artwork engaging the public.*
The “Women: Hood” is a community-based public art project. We interview women and listen to their life stories in Iowa City and beyond. The
project regards a woman of any social background who identifies as a woman and invites participation. Thus, community involvement is essential
for the project process. We are advantaged to be in Iowa City, which is an international college community. We have been connecting with various
women, and they have been willing to share their experiences since the project started in 2018.
The third Phase of the "Women: Hood" will culminate in a public reception and art exhibition at the UI Women's Resources and Action Center (UI-
WRAC) in October 2025, at the same place as we launched the second edition in October 2023. The WRAC's mission links to our project's purpose:
“to foster positive development for people.” WRAC has kindly provided us with an easily accessible space in the community. The project will
display the team’s new 2D and 3D visual artworks inspired by the third phase interview clip, video screening of the video clip, and new
performance video in the main room at WRAC. Like the previous editions' reception, there will be a discussion session and take the project
survey, which will give an essential experience for the audience to listen to other women's stories for self-reflection. So, they can discuss their
emotional responses in a non-judgmental setting. In addition, the third Phase adds more participatory opportunities at the opening reception,
setting up a small chatting room where a couple of volunteer participants and their accompanist, such as a friend or a family member who comes
to the reception, have a short conversational interview about a brief life story. With Iowa City’s support, the project can build its website to post
these short life story chats online. In addition, the public can access all these contents at the UI Iowa Women's Archive. In this way, the audience
can always listen to the life stories from anywhere anytime.
By incorporating community members and alternative formats in our art, we offer a unique experience that fosters learning and participation.
We aim at uniting people through public art, highlight marginalized voices, and spark dialogues to build a more compassionate and inclusive
environment through respect for our individual stories.
Describe the intended audience for this project, why public art is important to that audience, and any efforts you will make to
benefit the broader community, especially populations which have faced systemic barriers to art access or opportunities *
The “Women: Hood” art project can embody universal concepts and provoke thought in the community and beyond through listening to women’s
life stories and artworks inspired by the stories. The project is a form of community-based public art that invites a wide range of audiences in this
community and beyond; not only women but also anyone who is interested in others' life experiences, and even those who are not familiar to
visual art, to understand what it means to be inclusive and to generate ideas to create a more inclusive environment.
The project believes visual art is a good way to think of universal concepts. Visual art ignites a change, especially when it highlights issues
affecting communities, including our topic, "how to be a woman. "The "Women: Hood" project values each participant's voice, and the project
wants to collect their unique voices and values. This must be a way to inspire and lift each other in the community. Thus, the project's vision with
a universal concept of being a woman is to manifest compassion by bringing people together to acknowledge they are not or forgotten or alone.
Our goal is to encourage dialogues and amplify the voices of marginalized and minority people.
Through our interactive video screening and discussion at the UI WRAC, we anticipate uncovering valuable insights into how community-based
art can enhance inclusivity and amplify diverse voices. This engagement is expected to provide insights, perspectives, and emotional responses
from participants, offering critical feedback that will guide future decisions on content and presentation.
The sharing of women’s experiences at a time when their rights are insecure will elevate their and our stories beyond ourselves and individual
studio practices as artists by involving community members and activities with alternative formats into an art experience. This methodology
allows us to expand our horizons to create community-based art that invites an audience to understand what it means to be inclusive and
generate ideas to make a better place.
How will you know your project was successful? Please list specific outcomes or measures (qualitative or quantitative).*
The project's success can be measured by the number of attendees at the opening reception, the number of signups for the next phase interview,
the number of website visits, the reputation and feedback from attendees, the feedback of website visitors, and reviews in newspaper/ magazine
articles and radio topics.
Number of participants at the project release reception and new partnership:
The project released its first edition in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and created a Zoom community that resulted in more than twenty
participants. The second edition (2023) culminated in a pop-up exhibition and collaborative performance video at the feminist organization,
Women’s Resource & Action Center at the University of Iowa. Over fifty guests attended the reception. Since 2023, the project started a
partnership with Iowa Women’s Archives, and they archive all the project materials, complete interviews, and review the interview clips from the
first and second phases.
The project introduction by Press:
The project of the first phase was introduced in Iowa City Press-Citizen as the article "Iowa City artist's 'Woman: hood' virtual exhibit has creatives
interpret interviews as art pieces" (https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/2021/05/29/woman-hood-virtual-exhibit-has-creatives-interpret-
interviews-art-pieces/5184092001/),
University of Iowa school of Art/ Art History Newsletter (https://apps.its.uiowa.edu/dispatch/messages/view/56826f50-b361-4658-a7b0-
b7db2d67f671),
Kawai and Smith were invited as guest speakers at a radio talk show at WVIK "Talking Art with Satomi Kawai and Vero Smith
(https://www.wvik.org/podcast/talking-art/2021-06-03/talking-art-with-satomi-kawai-and-vero-rose-smith)
Also, an article on the University of Iowa school of Art/ Art History Newsletter introduced the second phase release
(https://apps.its.uiowa.edu/dispatch/messages/view/4144675f-c2f5-4cf8-9149-5324a6ed23ce) and a website article, "Kawai's journey from jewelry
to performance art is part of ‘Woman: hood’ responsive art exhibit" on MainStream. (https://therealmainstream.com/kawais-journey-from-
jewelry-to-performance-art-is-part-of-woman-hood-responsive-art-exhibit/)
With "Women: Hood III", we will continue to carry out the above efforts, contact additional news organizations (Cedar Rapids Gazette, Des
Moines Register) for the new release, and to attract audiences in Iowa City, Johnson County, across the USA, and around the Globe.
Reputation, feedback, and other responses by event participants, and the management of website visitors and art quality:
Participation in the project interviews and a discussion session at the new release opening reception are essential, because our methodology
involves continuously accommodating opinions and insights from other women of diverse backgrounds. We strive for the project to provide
participants with increased active roles to broaden their interaction with people at large, feedback on the project at the reception, sign up for the
following phase interviews, and an opportunity to tell a brief life story.
To meet the project objectives, we will work promptly on each step, from the interviews to the video/ artwork production based on the interview
video. The team members and invited artists' work should meet quality standards.
With the support of Iowa City Public Art Patching Fund Program, the project can build its website separately from Kawai's personal website. The
third phase is the online show, and an additional post on short life stories will occur on the new website. In this way, the project can attract and
increase the number of the project visitors.
The measure of overall success:
The third phase of "Women: Hood" in 2025 will cultivate a larger audience by keeping and expanding partnerships with WRAC and IWA at the
University of Iowa. In addition to these organizations, the project has been actively seeking new collaborations with local creative people and
organizations that work for improvements of women's life, including creative writers (e.g. Olivia Sio), creative art groups (e.g. Iowa City Joy March),
and local art organizations (e.g. Public Space One). The third phase will be the next step-up opportunity to expand the audience not only in the
Iowa City community, but also outside of Iowa City, including national and international communities. With funding from Iowa City, the "Women:
Hood" anticipates building its website where people can access the project anytime around the globe. The "Women: Hood" project needs
financial support for art production (materials and labor included) to support team-artists in ensuring our artwork remains relevant, impactful,
and high-quality. The project continues to meet the community's demands to improve women’s lives, which leads to improve human activity.
Will this project take place on public or private property?*
Public/City-Owned
Private Property Owned by the Applicant or project partner listed below
Private Property not owned by the applicant
Please list which City staff/departments you have discussed your proposal with and whether they are supportive of the project.
Failure to contact appropriate City staff prior to submitting this form may result in disqualification of your application. If you aren’t sure who to
contact, please contact Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-
5093.
Women's Resource & Action Center at the University of Iowa, Iowa Women's Archives at the University of Iowa
Location of Project*
Women's Resource and Action Center at the University of Iowa, Iowa Women's Archives at the University of Iowa
Project Partner(s) (if any)
1. “Women: Hood” core team members include Vero Rose Smith, visual artist, arts and culture advocate Dani Sigler, feminist artist and activist
Janis Bultman, a writer, editor, and former journalist Douglas Baker, local musician, composer, and movement practitioner 2. Two organizations
at the University of Iowa Women’s Resources and Action Center (WRAC) Iowa Women’s Archives (IWA) at the University 3. Local individuals
Professor Asha Bhandary, the University of Iowa Philosophy Department Maria Bribriesco, a community pollinator and poet 4. Possible partners
of the third Phase Non-profit art organization, Public Space One Artists’ group Iowa City JOY March Creative writer, Olivia Sio
Describe the role of any project partners listed
Many partnerships strengthen this project as follows.
1. The project team members creates artworks inspired by women’s life story interviews and take responsibility to proceed each edition with
different roles.
- Smith brings organization to the project and builds public relations.
- Sigler gives unique insights that complement the political perspective - Bultman assists in editing logics and contributes her writings as a
creative writer at the project show.
-Bultman assists in interview video editing logistics.
- Baker, working as Kawai’s performance partner, collaborates through “DS MOVES.” He overseas music/sounds effects and joined the team as a
generous fluid contributor of dance and music. He also assists in bridging and navigating cultures.
2. The support of two organization at the University of Iowa is essential.
-Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC) has been served as a focal point for presenting and discussing our project and inviting community
feedback. They are located on the university campus where easily access to this safe and free accessible.
- Iowa Women Archives actively archiving and preserving all materials of the “Women: Hood” 1st and 2nd edition, and continuously of the third
phase.
3. Individual partners
Dr. Bhandary offers scholarly insights that enrich the philosophical underpinnings of our work. She gave a presentation, “Femininity vs
Womanhood” for the first Phase reception. Maria Bribriesco, a community pollinator and poet. has contributed original materials that have
formed a significant part of our creative output.
4.Possible partners of the third phase
A creative writer, Olivia Sio will join the third phase to create a poem inspired by the interview clip of the third phase. Also, we are actively
seeking additional partnerships; we would like to participate in an Iowa City Joy March, and “Women: Hood” project will soon start talking about a
possible partnership with Public Space One.
Many partnerships strengthen this project as follows.
1. The project team members creates artworks inspired by women’s life story interviews and take responsibility to proceed each edition with
different roles.
- Smith brings organization to the project and builds public relations.
- Sigler gives unique insights that complement the political perspective - Bultman assists in editing logics and contributes her writings as a
creative writer at the project show.
-Bultman assists in interview video editing logistics.
- Baker, working as Kawai’s performance partner, collaborates through “DS MOVES.” He overseas music/sounds effects and joined the team as a
generous fluid contributor of dance and music. He also assists in bridging and navigating cultures.
2. The support of two organization at the University of Iowa is essential.
-Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC) has been served as a focal point for presenting and discussing our project and inviting community
feedback. They are located on the university campus where easily access to this safe and free accessible.
- Iowa Women Archives actively archiving and preserving all materials of the “Women: Hood” 1st and 2nd edition, and continuously of the third
phase.
3. Individual partners
Dr. Bhandary offers scholarly insights that enrich the philosophical underpinnings of our work. She gave a presentation, “Femininity vs
Womanhood” for the first Phase reception. Maria Bribriesco, a community pollinator and poet. has contributed original materials that have
formed a significant part of our creative output.
4.Possible partners of the third phase
A creative writer, Olivia Sio will join the third phase to create a poem inspired by the interview clip of the third phase. Also, we are actively
seeking additional partnerships; we would like to participate in an Iowa City Joy March, and “Women: Hood” project will soon start talking about a
possible partnership with Public Space One.
Many partnerships strengthen this project as follows. 1. The project team members creates artworks inspired by women’s life story interviews
and take responsibility to proceed each edition with different roles.
- Smith brings organization to the project and builds public relations.
- Sigler gives unique insights that complement the political perspective - Bultman assists in editing logics and contributes her writings as a
creative writer at the project show.
-Bultman assists in interview video editing logistics.
- Baker, working as Kawai’s performance partner, collaborates through “DS MOVES.” He overseas music/sounds effects and joined the team as a
generous fluid contributor of dance and music. He also assists in bridging and navigating cultures.
2. The support of two organization at the University of Iowa is essential.
-Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC) has been served as a focal point for presenting and discussing our project and inviting community
feedback. They are located on the university campus where easily access to this safe and free accessible.
- Iowa Women Archives actively archiving and preserving all materials of the “Women: Hood” 1st and 2nd edition, and continuously of the third
phase.
3. Individual partners
Dr. Bhandary offers scholarly insights that enrich the philosophical underpinnings of our work. She gave a presentation, “Femininity vs
Womanhood” for the first Phase reception. Maria Bribriesco, a community pollinator and poet. has contributed original materials that have
formed a significant part of our creative output.
4.Possible partners of the third phase
A creative writer, Olivia Sio will join the third phase to create a poem inspired by the interview clip of the third phase. Also, we are actively
seeking additional partnerships; we would like to participate in an Iowa City Joy March, and “Women: Hood” project will soon start talking about a
possible partnership with Public Space One.
1. The project team members creates artworks inspired by women’s life story interviews and take responsibility to proceed each edition with
different roles.
- Smith brings organization to the project and builds public relations.
- Sigler gives unique insights that complement the political perspective - Bultman assists in editing logics and contributes her writings as a
creative writer at the project show.
-Bultman assists in interview video editing logistics.
- Baker, working as Kawai’s performance partner, collaborates through “DS MOVES.” He overseas music/sounds effects and joined the team as a
generous fluid contributor of dance and music. He also assists in bridging and navigating cultures.
2. The support of two organization at the University of Iowa is essential.
-Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC) has been served as a focal point for presenting and discussing our project and inviting community
feedback. They are located on the university campus where easily access to this safe and free accessible.
- Iowa Women Archives actively archiving and preserving all materials of the “Women: Hood” 1st and 2nd edition, and continuously of the third
phase.
3. Individual partners
Dr. Bhandary offers scholarly insights that enrich the philosophical underpinnings of our work. She gave a presentation, “Femininity vs
Womanhood” for the first Phase reception. Maria Bribriesco, a community pollinator and poet. has contributed original materials that have
formed a significant part of our creative output.
4.Possible partners of the third phase
A creative writer, Olivia Sio will join the third phase to create a poem inspired by the interview clip of the third phase. Also, we are actively
seeking additional partnerships; we would like to participate in an Iowa City Joy March, and “Women: Hood” project will soon start talking about a
possible partnership with Public Space One.
Please check any of the following project aspects that apply to your project.
Note: These selections do not impact scoring, but are informative for the selection committee.
Functional Art: Art that also serves a practical, everyday purpose (i.e. bench, lighting, shelter, timepiece, etc.)
Unexpected Art: Art that offers an element of surprise, perhaps occuring at a place or time where it is unexpected.
Participatory Art: Art that directly engages the audience in the creative process, so they become participants in the event (i.e. an interactive
performance or participation in creation of an artwork).
Ephemeral Art: Art that is intended to be temporary, short-lived, or disappear over time.
Contemplative Art: Art that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness.
Timeline
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Project Timeline
Tell us about the proposed timeline and action steps needed to complete this project. Use one line for each milestone and add additional lines as
needed.
Action Step/Milestone Completed by
Eight life-story interviews for the third phase 01/20/2025
Editing eight interview videos 03/23/2025
Make the "Women: hood III" video clip 04/15/2025
Team artists' art production based on the video clip, including a new
performance
09/21/2025
Press contact 09/27/2025
"Women: hood" Third Phase online show prepartion 10/10/2025
The opening reception/ pop-up show 10/11/2025
The interview videos and art images submission to the Iowa
Women's Achieves
11/28/2025
Budget
To save progress, click "Save as Draft" at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Please use the budget templates below. A completed budget should tell us what sources of funds your project will use and how you plan to spend
the grant money.
Project Funding Sources
Total Project Cost*
$7,542.00
Matching Grant Request*
$3,771.00
Please list any other funding sources supporting your project. Add additional rows as needed.
Other funding source*Amount*Committed or Anticipated?*
Kawai $3,621.00 Committed Anticipated
Local grocery stores (Pionner Coop and
Bread Garden)
$150.00 Committed Anticipated
Please describe any project supplies, equipment, or labor which are being donated in-kind
Because the project core is interviews and performance, technical support labor is essential to edit the interviews and make interview clip video,
and to edit a performance video. These are donated in-kind. In addition, the project has collaborated with two organizations at the University of
Iowa: The Women’s Resources & Action Center hosts the project opening reception/ exhibition. The Iowa Women’s Archives stores our art
materials digitally. These are another in-kind match. The third phase of the “Women: Hood” might add new partnership as in-kind match, such as
local artists as well as creative groups, such as Iowa City Joy March and Public Space One.
- Technical labor for interview editing and performance editing.
- Event print materials.
- Supplies at the reception, including fabric for display. Paper and other art supplies for the event survey.
- Event print materials.
- Supplies at the reception, including fabric for display. Paper and other art supplies for the event survey.
- Event print materials.
- Supplies at the reception, including fabric for display. Paper and other art supplies for the event survey.
Project Budget
Please list a breakdown of project expenses and funding sources. Funding for personal property or gain will not be authorized. Example:
Amount:Describe Expense Item:Amount paid by Matching Grant:Amount paid in-kind or by other
funding source:
$400 Paint $400
$200 Paint Supplies $200
$1,500 Artist labor $500 $1,000
$150 Plaque/signage $150
Amount Expense Item Amount paid by Matching
Grant
Paid in-kind or by other
funding source
$2,500.00 artist labor) 500 x 5 $2,271.00 $229.00
$756.00 Equipment for interviews and
performance production Lights
168, microphone 264, hard-
drive 224
$756.00
$138.00 Equipment for performance
production (Bluetooth speaker
138)
$138.00
$2,198.00 The equipment for art
production: Computers for
editing interview/ performance
(MacBook Air 999.00 +Mac
1,199)
$2,198.00
$1,500.00 Project website buiiding
(webdesign and domain)
$1,500.00
$150.00 Print materials $150.00
$150.00 Supplies for the opening show/
reception
$150.00
$150.00 reshment at the reception $150.00
File Uploads
Letters of support, if available (?)
BhandaryLetterforWomenhood.pdf 74.38KB
WomenHood Project Letter of Recommendation.pdf 1.07MB
Images (?)
Kawai_Eating My Tongue _1st eition.jpg 1.85MB
Sigler_Queen Platter_RBG_1st Edition.jpg 1.12MB
Smith_drawing Becky_2nd edition.jpg 508.26KB
Smith_Maria_2nd edition.jpg 457.85KB
Kawai_Blooming Together_performance image.jpg 1.13MB
Site Plan (?)
Kawai_Site Plan at WRAC.jpg 769.29KB
Additional Information (?)
Iowa City Press-Citizen article_1st phase.pdf 149.31KB
Signature
-Next
1
Department of Philosophy
University of Iowa
251 W Iowa Ave
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
March 11, 2025
Dear Selection Committee,
I am writing to most strongly support Satomi Kawai and collaborators’ “Women: Hood” project in
their application to the Iowa City Public Art Matching Fund Program. Let me first describe my
qualifications for assessing her project. I am a feminist philosopher, and an Associate Professor
in the Department of Philosophy and in the Department Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality
Studies at the University of Iowa. I also previously served as Chair of the national feminist
organization Feminist Ethics and Social Theory (FEAST), and I am currently the Chair of the
American Philosophical Association’s Committee on Asian and Asian American Philosophers
and Philosophies.
I have known Satomi for approximately eight years, during which time I have also greatly
appreciated her visual art. I also regularly participate in her remarkably inclusive Zumba
classes, and I gave the inaugural keynote lecture for the first edition of “Women: Hood”. I
therefore have ample evidence of her leadership ability, capacity to cultivate community, and
incisive feminist art.
At a time when seemingly everyone wants to weigh in on the meaning of what it is to be a
woman, Kawai and collaborators offer a refreshing approach to the question, one that is imbued
with creativity and clarity. They are asking a wide range of women about the meaning of being a
woman to them personally. The conversational approach to interviews presumes nothing about
the value or disvalue of womenhood to the interviewees, nor does it presuppose feminist
precepts.
Indeed, there proposed project builds on the artists’ proven track record, with two editions
already completed. Funding the third edition would bring this project into contact many more
people, who would likely find it a source of comfort, discourse, and community. Financially
supporting the development of their website will also propel these diverse voices from the into
the national discourse, where our voices are needed. This is the case even more strongly
because national understandings of what it means to be Iowan are impoverished or overly
shaped by narrow understandings of the subjectivities of the people who live in Iowa. Therefore,
hearing from Iowans, and, more specifically, from the people of Iowa City, will greater
complicate national perceptions of who we are, and for the better.
The fact that this project is guided by artists in our community has resulted in a project that is
not didactic or programmatic. Instead, its openness means that those who participate learn
much about others, and even about ourselves. I can write about this authority, having been
interviewed for the first edition. Another innovative aspect of this project is that the artists make
work that is responsive to the interviews. In this way, there is the making of a creative
community, and a dialogue between art and life. Indeed, the title of the project, “Women: hood”,
attests to its emphasis on the plurality of subjects (“women” rather than “woman”), and on our
2
ability to together constitute a kind of community shaped by living in the same place, rather than
an identity (“hood”).
I hope it is clear why I give this application my strongest support. It is innovative, it is interesting,
and it demonstrates the best kind of collaboration within a community, advancing a grass roots
approach to the meaning of “women”. “Women: hood” is a much-needed intervention in a
contested topic, and it takes a completely different approach to it, one that diffuses the polarized
terms of contemporary debates.
Please don’t hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions at all.
Sincerely,
Dr. Asha L. Bhandary
Associate Professor
Department of Philosophy
Affiliated Faculty, Department of Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies
258 English-Philosophy Building
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
asha-bhandary@uiowa.edu
cell: 860-268-3734
NEWS
Iowa City artist's 'Woman: hood' virtual
exhibit has creatives interpret interviews
as art pieces
Published 8:07 p.m. CT May 28, 2021 Updated 2:59 p.m. CT May 30, 2021
From practicing Zumba to examining her own cultural background, Satomi Kawai
is interrogating notions of womanhood.
“My piece is ... based on my research of one of the Japanese old customs of blackening teeth,"
Kawai, an Iowa City artist who graduated from the University of Iowa with a Master of Fine
Arts degree in 2006. “I was curious about how my behavior and how (I’ve been socialized) as
a Japanese woman comes from old customs.”
Her wearable art piece "Always on the Quiet Side" is not only inspired by the practice teeth
blackening but is also commentary on "the stereotype of Japanese women" as "modest and
obedient," Kawai explained.
Practicing Zumba further prompted her to examine and question physical characteristics and
body types culturally associated with womanhood in her art. In exploring the theme, Kawai
began to become interested in how people from different cultures conceptualize their own
womanhood.
In 2018, she began to interview others, a process that has culminated in a new multimedia
project that finally comes to fruition this week.
More:'We’ve been able to hold on': After a year of COVID-19, how have Iowa City businesses
changed and evolved?
"Woman: hood" is Kawai's newest virtual exhibit that goes online Tuesday, accessible
through her website: satomikawai.com
Isaac Hamlet
Iowa City Press-Citizen
9/1/24, 10:40 PM University of Iowa graduate shows multimedia project on womanhood
https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/2021/05/29/woman-hood-virtual-exhibit-has-creatives-interpret-interviews-art-pieces/5184092001/1/3
The virtual exhibit is comprised of interviews with 10 Iowa-based women. These interviews,
each of which originally ran roughly an hour-long, have been edited down to be presented
alongside art inspired by them.
"The artists who have created work in response to this work include myself, Satomi,
Allison Heady and Dani Sigler," said Vero Rose Smith, formerly at the University of Iowa
Stanley Museum of Art, now an artist based out of Chicago. "So all of our work will be
displayed on our website and have a small artist's statement about how the work relates back
to the interviews that Satomi and Alison have done over the past couple of years.”
Each artist took their own approach in interpreting the interviews as art pieces. Heady sat in
on the interviews as they were conducted, beginning portraits of the interviewees which were
completed once the abridged interviews had been created.
More:The artist of creation says final farewell to Iowa City
Smith herself had planned to have a musical component to her pieces but ended up creating
10 wearable pieces of three-dimensional art with a particular word that synthesized each
respective interview for her.
"I like to do a lot of analysis especially around the linguistics and the words that people use to
describe their experience," she said. "For many of our interviewees (English) is their second
or third or fourth language. The words that they choose are so intentional.”
In addition to having the virtual exhibition on display through the month, there will also be a
short virtual Zoom reception for the art piece on Saturday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m. During the
reception, artists will speak about their work.
Information regarding access to this event can be found on its Facebook event page "Virtual
Reception of 'Woman: hood' Iowa City."
While nothing is as of yet cemented, Kawai hopes to make this exhibit a recurring one. Her
desire is to have another set of interviews be interpreted by artists again in the future.
“It’s important to share our experience and know each other and understand each other,"
Kawai said. “If we pass our information to many people we can share experience and then
understand each other."
Isaac Hamlet covers arts, entertainment and culture at the Press-Citizen. Reach him at
ihamlet@press-citizen.com or (319)-688-4247, follow him on Twitter @IsaacHamlet.
9/1/24, 10:40 PM University of Iowa graduate shows multimedia project on womanhood
https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/2021/05/29/woman-hood-virtual-exhibit-has-creatives-interpret-interviews-art-pieces/5184092001/2/3
9/1/24, 10:40 PM University of Iowa graduate shows multimedia project on womanhood
https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/2021/05/29/woman-hood-virtual-exhibit-has-creatives-interpret-interviews-art-pieces/5184092001/3/3
Iowa City Public Art Matching Fund Program
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this grant opportunity. Prior to completing this application form, please review the Public Art Matching Grant
Frequently Asked Questions at www.icgov.org/publicart.
If your project takes place on City-owned or privately-owned property, you must provide evidence in the following application that you have
support and approval from the appropriate parties to proceed with this project. Failure to obtain prior approval could disqualify or delay an
otherwise good proposal. If you aren’t sure if you need prior approval from a project partner, please contact Neighborhood Outreach &
Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
Beyond initial siting approvals obtained prior to submitting this application, please be advised that some projects may be required to obtain
additional permits or approvals as determined necessary by the City. Any such requirements would be outlined in the grant agreement.
Regardless of whether the project is located on public or private property, the project must be freely accessible by the public.
Awarded applicant(s) are responsible for performing or coordinating the execution of all phases of the project, including but not limited to site
prep, installation, etc. If any component of the proposed project is beyond your capabilities, please explain in the application.
*
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information above.
General Information
The Public Art Matching Grant Program aims to increase public art access and opportunities in Iowa City. The program funds visual, audio, or
performance-based art projects that are located in Iowa City and accessible to the general public.
Successful grant applications will show evidence of a specific planned project which can be completed before December 31, 2025. Please
complete the following application in its entirety. If you have questions or need assistance completing this application form, please contact
Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
It is recommended applicants save the form every 5-10 minutes to avoid losing progress. To do this, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom
of the File Uploads page.
Project Name*
FAMILY FOLK MACHINE: Love
Applicant Name *
FAMILY FOLK MACHINE (Jon Ranard, Associate Director)
Applicant Email*
Note58us@yahoo.com
Applicant Phone*
319-321-1219
Applicant Address*
Street Address
P.O. Box 1421
Address Line 2
City
Iowa City
State/Province/Region
IA
Postal/Zip Code Country
52244 USA
Are you the project artist *
Yes No
Briefly describe who will be completing the project, including a URL to the artist webpages if available. If unknown, explain how an
artist(s) will be recruited for the project.
Members of the FAMILY FOLK MACHINE, Iowa City’s intergenerational choral ensemble, will be completing the concert project on May 4, 2025 at 2
p.m. at the Englert Theatre with 100+ singers (young adults to Senior Citizens), 15-20 kids (Pre-K through 5th grade), and a 10-piece instrumental
ensemble, with a potential collaboration with the U.I. School of Dance. For more information about the FAMILY FOLK MACHINE, please visit our
website at www.familyfolkmachine.org
Have you received Public Art Matching Grant Funds in the past?*
Yes No
Please share if the proposed project has changed or expanded in any way.
This concert project, entitled Family Folk Machine: LOVE, is an ever-evolving project as we continue to rehearse and learn musical selections.
Specially-crafted vocal and instrumental arrangements that specifically cater to our diverse membership roster (from kids to mature adults)
continue to be adjusted and adapted throughout our spring session. Because we now have the highest recorded number of participants in a
single session in our 12-year history, physical staging and placement has expanded, and is also ever-changing. Through songwriting workshops
and specific programming for our kids choir, we will also be able to add original compositions and presentations to our already-established
concert repertoire. We have recently been in contact with a representative from the U.I. School of Dance to include students for a choreography
collaboration during one of our concert pieces.
Project Details
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Provide a brief description of the proposed project*
Family Folk Machine: LOVE is a concert slated for May 4, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City. We will be presenting songs about love
in all of its forms, emphasizing compassion, care, friendship, family, comfort, community support, acceptance, and joy. This project is designed to
reach out to the very community that our own membership represents: kids, teens, young and mature adults, parents, grandparents, families,
senior citizens, and people of all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. The audience(s) will hear and see familiar and not-so-familiar songs,
and will be treated to three original compositions, written by members of our own Family Folk Machine. Featuring accompaniment by an
instrumental ensemble (piano, synthesizer, guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, flute, violins, violas, cello, ukuleles, and saxophone), we will have a
combined total of approximately 130 onstage participants, including a potential collaboration with the U.I. School of Dance.
Explain how the project is defined as “public art.” Please include how the artwork will be located in an area open and freely
accessible by the public; and describe how you envision the artwork engaging the public.*
The concert is open to the public with no admission fee, and will be held at the fully-accessible Englert Theatre. The concert itself engages those
in attendance through audience participation, with lyrics to each song included in our printed concert program for specific sing-along moments.
The concert also engages other aspects of the public by offering opportunities for local businesses, organizations, and entities to become
involved through sponsorship or advertising within our printed concert program. We will also have a lobby display on the day of the concert
featuring information about the Scattergood Friends School, one of our advertising sponsors for this project. By engaging our local and area
businesses, we celebrate teamwork, community, and collaboration, both on and off the stage.
In addition, members of the FAMILY FOLK MACHINE also contribute their own visual art and graphic designs for inclusion in our printed concert
program and publicity posters, fliers, postcards, and other materials.
Describe the intended audience for this project, why public art is important to that audience, and any efforts you will make to
benefit the broader community, especially populations which have faced systemic barriers to art access or opportunities *
The intended audience for this project includes absolutely anyone who chooses to attend the live performance, experience it through the live
stream on the day of the concert, and/or view it at a later date through our eventual edited and filmed version (available on the Iowa City Senor
Center and Family Folk Machine YouTube channels.) By striving to offer our concerts free of any admission fee(s), we hope to remove any
systemic barriers, and to provide unlimited access to art opportunities. One of our prominent goals is and always will be to offer an experience
(onstage and off) that is available to every interested person, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, nationality, or culture.
How will you know your project was successful? Please list specific outcomes or measures (qualitative or quantitative).*
It is nearly impossible to determine a specific level of success for a concert such as ours, but we can certainly reflect upon the impact that music
and the arts can have in the long term. Music and the arts speak an international language that seemingly knows no boundaries, and they serve
as a connection through melodies, thematic lyrics, images, and spirit, and can resonate long after a public display, concert, show, or exhibit.
The FAMILY FOLK MACHINE had its largest live audience on record in November of 2024 at the Englert Theatre, with 500+ in attendance, including
family members, friends, at-large community members, and the general public, many who had never seen a FAMILY FOLK MACHINE concert
before. Now having our largest number of participants in our 12-year history for our May 2025 concert, we anticipate that our live audience
attendance may well exceed our previous count of 500+, and that our online audience numbers may reflect a significant increase as well.
Beyond audience attendance (in person and/or via live stream or YouTube channels), we see, feel, and hear the joy experienced by our own
members during rehearsals and on performance day. We are also so fortunate to receive positive written and oral communication by those who
attend our concerts, either through letters, emails, personal conversations, or social media posts. We also hear from community sponsors and
advertisers about the impact that a FAMILY FOLK MACHINE concert day provides for their own businesses and organizations through our printed
concert program, not to mention the increased presence of concertgoers for the downtown business district (restaurants/retailers/parking
facilities, etc.)
Will this project take place on public or private property?*
Public/City-Owned
Private Property Owned by the Applicant or project partner listed below
Private Property not owned by the applicant
Please provide the names and contact information of private property owners where the project will take place, and describe
whether they are supportive of the project.
Failure to obtain prior approval from private property owners where the project is proposed to take place may result in disqualification or delay
of the project application.
The Englert Theatre (Keegan Colletta Huckfeldt, contact person)
email: keegan@englert.org
Location of Project*
The Englert Theatre, 221 E Washington Street, Iowa City, IA
Project Partner(s) (if any)
Describe the role of any project partners listed
Please check any of the following project aspects that apply to your project.
Note: These selections do not impact scoring, but are informative for the selection committee.
Functional Art: Art that also serves a practical, everyday purpose (i.e. bench, lighting, shelter, timepiece, etc.)
Unexpected Art: Art that offers an element of surprise, perhaps occuring at a place or time where it is unexpected.
Participatory Art: Art that directly engages the audience in the creative process, so they become participants in the event (i.e. an interactive
performance or participation in creation of an artwork).
Ephemeral Art: Art that is intended to be temporary, short-lived, or disappear over time.
Contemplative Art: Art that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness.
Timeline
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Project Timeline
Tell us about the proposed timeline and action steps needed to complete this project. Use one line for each milestone and add additional lines as
needed.
Action Step/Milestone Completed by
Song selection and choral and instrumental arrangements 01/12/2025
Rehearsal Tracks 03/02/2025
Concert Program/Publicity Artwork 03/31/2025
Kids' Choir songwriting project 03/09/2025
Advertising and Sponsorship 04/21/2025
Band/Instrumental Rehearsals 05/03/2025
Printed concert program duplication 05/01/2025
Publicity Poster/Flier printing and duplication 04/11/2025
Choir rehearsals and preparation 05/03/2025
Singer placement and staging 04/27/2025
Budget
To save progress, click "Save as Draft" at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Please use the budget templates below. A completed budget should tell us what sources of funds your project will use and how you plan to spend
the grant money.
Project Funding Sources
Total Project Cost*
$15,245.00
Matching Grant Request*
$3,300.00
Please list any other funding sources supporting your project. Add additional rows as needed.
Other funding source*Amount*Committed or Anticipated?*
Hill Bank $200.00 Committed Anticipated
Preucil School of Music $75.00 Committed Anticipated
West Music $75.00 Committed Anticipated
Astraea Legal $75.00 Committed Anticipated
Suzanne Stock, D.D.S.$200.00 Committed Anticipated
Martin Construction $75.00 Committed Anticipated
Phoebe Martin Real Estate $75.00 Committed Anticipated
Wig and Pen $75.00 Committed Anticipated
Scattergood Friends School $500.00 Committed Anticipated
The Dental Lab, Inc.$250.00 Committed Anticipated
Murphy-Brookfield Books $100.00 Committed Anticipated
Veterans for Peace $100.00 Committed Anticipated
Please describe any project supplies, equipment, or labor which are being donated in-kind
Hospers and Brother Printers are donating 100% of our printing and materials for this concert (approximately $1,000+).
The Englert Theatre provides an in-kind discount for this concert of approximately $1,900.
Project Budget
Please list a breakdown of project expenses and funding sources. Funding for personal property or gain will not be authorized. Example:
Amount:Describe Expense Item:Amount paid by Matching Grant:Amount paid in-kind or by other
funding source:
$400 Paint $400
$200 Paint Supplies $200
$1,500 Artist labor $500 $1,000
$150 Plaque/signage $150
Amount Expense Item Amount paid by Matching
Grant
Paid in-kind or by other
funding source
$4,645.00 Englert Theatre Rental $0.00 $1,900.00
$650.00 Rehearsal Childcare $0.00 $0.00
$300.00 Music and supplies $250.00 $0.00
$1,000.00 Printing/Publicity $0.00 $1,000.00
$300.00 Bass Guitarist $300.00
$300.00 Cellist $300.00
$300.00 Violin #1 $300.00
$300.00 Violin #2 $300.00
$300.00 Synthesizer $300.00
$100.00 Flutist $100.00
-Next
$100.00 Viola #1 $100.00
$100.00 Viola #2 $100.00
$950.00 Kids' Program Director $950.00
$2,500.00 Director $0.00
$2,500.00 Associate Director $0.00
$3,500.00 Associate Director $0.00
$300.00 Percussionist $300.00
File Uploads
Letters of support, if available (?)
SUPPORT LETTER Hospers.pdf 42.13KB
SUPPORT LETTER Janet Lessner.pdf 32.04KB
Images (?)
Site Plan (?)
Englert Stage Layout May 2025.pdf 121.16KB
Additional Information (?)
FAMILY FOLK MACHINE COLLAGE 2025.pdf 1.86MB
Signature
I am writing to express my support for the work that Family Folk Machine does in our
community. I am particularly inspired by your mission to create a welcoming environment
where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences can come together.
By embracing people of all generations—whether they are young or old, you create
an environment that fosters mutual understanding, collaboration, and growth. This
approach is vital to strengthening the fabric of our community and ensuring that no one
feels left out, regardless of where they are in life.
I believe that your organization's work is not only commendable but essential. Your
commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for all members of the community
contributes to the emotional, social, and personal development of individuals of every age.
You are helping to build a future.
I am confident that Family Folk Machine’s continued efforts will have a significant
and lasting impact on those it serves.
Sincerely,
Shane Hendricks, President
Hospers & Brother Printers
March 11, 2025
To: Iowa City Public Art Matching Grant Program
This letter is in support of the Family Fok Machine’s (FFM) application for the Public Art
Matching Grant Program. I am a member of this organization, and I would like to outline
some FFM features that support this grant request.
With regard to the purpose of the grant program, namely “To foster creativity and continue
to enhance access and opportunity to the arts in Iowa City”, FFM could not be more on
target. We are a multi-generational, non-auditioned choir that attracts and values a diverse
cross-section of the community—people of all ages, backgrounds, and musical abilities
who come together in a supportive environment for the pleasure of communal singing and
the satisfaction of contributing to excellence in public performance.
It can be said that FFM is goal oriented in that we prepare each season for our free, public
concerts that are popular across the community. Our concerts offer uplifting audience
experiences through messages of hope, love, social awareness and creativity. Audience
members are invited to sing along with the choir, and with our printed programs in hand,
they are treated to original art by FFM members and see expressions of support from a wide
variety of Iowa City businesses and individuals. These concerts are wonderfully well
attended by hundreds of people regardless of socioeconomic status, age, culture, physical
challenge or background.
But while the concerts comprise a context and goal for FFM activity, and while the concerts
offer both entertaining and inspiring audience experiences, the process of working toward
the performance goal is of the utmost value. FFM members at all levels of musical ability
are offered opportunities for growth. From sight reading in rehearsals, to ear training with
the prepared practice tracks, to song writing workshops for both kids and adults, to open
mic performance opportunities for all members (including the youngest!), FFMers find
themselves moving easily to ever increasing levels of comfort and competence that lead to
the satisfaction of excellence in performance--a truly unmatched reward!
This Spring our choir will perform songs that express the theme of “love”, a balm for our
souls during contentious times. Included in the program will be three original
compositions by FFM members who have been encouraged and supported by FFM
songwriting workshops and by member enthusiasm. Additionally, in workshops
specifically designed for them, FFM kids produce delightful songs that are included in our
concerts. In this way novice songwriters of all ages, many working with established FFM
mentors, experience the thrill of having their work performed in concert, thus adding both
art and artists to the community.
The enduring value of the Family Folk Machine comes from the creation and performance
of music practiced in a caring, welcoming, and supportive community of singers, with
“community” being the lure and the glue of the enterprise. Under the leadership of
directors of exceptional talent and skill, the Family Folk Machine makes a unique and
valuable contribution to the arts in Iowa City.
Janet E. Lessner
Iowa City, Iowa
Proposed Stage Plot
FAMILY FOLK MACHINE
May 4, 2025
The Englert Theatre
(12 x 8 platform)
Monitor
Monitor
Monitor
Monitor
Director
X X X
Mic 1 Mic 2 Mic 3
X X X
Mic 4 Mic 5 Mic 6
AUDIENCE
KIDS
Microphone(s) for KIDS
Choral Risers
Drums Guitar Electric Guitar Bass Guitar Piano Synthesizer Flute
Violin 1 Violin 2 Viola 1 Viola 2 Cello 1 Cello 2 Saxophone
Monitor
POTENTIAL DANCE AREA POTENTIAL DANCE AREA
LOBBY
Scattergood Friends School Display
FA
M
I
L
Y
F
O
L
K
M
A
C
H
I
N
E
D
i
s
p
l
a
y
ST
A
I
R
C
A
S
E
Family Folk Machine onstage at the Englert Theatre
Kids show their stuff
Our name up in lights Directing the Veterans For Peace Concert
Singing for warmer weather
Jeff Capps and Mike Severino-Patterson duet
Instrumentalists tune up for the day Performing for the Summer of the Arts
Kids ham it up
Grandma & Granddaughter duet
Soulful playing and singing
Young Trombonists
Live Music
Members building for success!
The band rehearses
Kids singing their hearts out
“Lean On Me” Three on a tune
Sharing music for a Peace Rally
Singing for the IOWA ARTS FESTIVAL
Music lessons with Pappy and Nicole
Iowa City Pride Parade
One of many Family Folk Machine group photos Kids reach for the stars
Smiling singers Masked rehearsals
Jean Littlejohn directs the audience at the Englert Theatre
Saxophone, Trumpet, and choir
A future cellist looks up to his band mentor
Flutes on parade
Iowa City Public Art Matching Fund Program
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this grant opportunity. Prior to completing this application form, please review the Public Art Matching Grant
Frequently Asked Questions at www.icgov.org/publicart.
If your project takes place on City-owned or privately-owned property, you must provide evidence in the following application that you have
support and approval from the appropriate parties to proceed with this project. Failure to obtain prior approval could disqualify or delay an
otherwise good proposal. If you aren’t sure if you need prior approval from a project partner, please contact Neighborhood Outreach &
Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
Beyond initial siting approvals obtained prior to submitting this application, please be advised that some projects may be required to obtain
additional permits or approvals as determined necessary by the City. Any such requirements would be outlined in the grant agreement.
Regardless of whether the project is located on public or private property, the project must be freely accessible by the public.
Awarded applicant(s) are responsible for performing or coordinating the execution of all phases of the project, including but not limited to site
prep, installation, etc. If any component of the proposed project is beyond your capabilities, please explain in the application.
*
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information above.
General Information
The Public Art Matching Grant Program aims to increase public art access and opportunities in Iowa City. The program funds visual, audio, or
performance-based art projects that are located in Iowa City and accessible to the general public.
Successful grant applications will show evidence of a specific planned project which can be completed before December 31, 2025. Please
complete the following application in its entirety. If you have questions or need assistance completing this application form, please contact
Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
It is recommended applicants save the form every 5-10 minutes to avoid losing progress. To do this, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom
of the File Uploads page.
Project Name*
Revision
Applicant Name *
FilmScene
Applicant Email*
hayley@icfilmscene.org
Applicant Phone*
3198557740
Applicant Address*
Street Address
404 E College #100
Address Line 2
City
Iowa City
State/Province/Region
IA
Postal/Zip Code Country
52240 USA
Are you the project artist *
Yes No
Briefly describe who will be completing the project, including a URL to the artist webpages if available. If unknown, explain how an
artist(s) will be recruited for the project.
The artist(s) for Revision, our Refocus Looping Video Installation, will be selected via a competitive RFP process. We will partner with Public Space
One to promote this project to their robust community of local artists and will advertise via FilmScene’s email listserv (13,000 subscribers) and
social media channels (18,000 followers). The 2024 artist, Ian Bennett, will provide all archival footage used for the 2024 installation to the
selected 2025 artist(s).
Have you received Public Art Matching Grant Funds in the past?*
Yes No
Please share if the proposed project has changed or expanded in any way.
The Refocus Looping Video Installation, titled Revision, is an ongoing experimental art project that continually adapts a work on an annual basis.
The project began in 2024 with the commissioning of “We Always Come Here,” a 52-minute archival-based exploration of Iowa City’s Ped Mall that
utilized public archives from Iowa City residents, Public Space One, City Channel 4, and the State Historical Society.
For the second iteration of this video art piece, a new artist will be selected to adapt the existing piece in a transformative way. Once a new artist
is selected, they will receive the piece in its current form, and will be encouraged to take it in a new direction using additional archival material or
new content, to tell an adjacent story rooted in the original piece.
This perpetual annual art project will continue to evolve annually, and will be subsequently adapted by a new artist in the year that follows, and
again the next year, and so on — an ever-changing collaborative art project that will evolve in perpetuity during the lifespan of the festival. The
film will be presented annually at the four-day Refocus Film Festival as a free experiential immersive video installation.
Project Details
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Provide a brief description of the proposed project*
The Refocus Looping Video Installation, titled Revision, is a free public art experience during the four-day Refocus Film Festival. 2025 marks the
fourth year of the festival, celebrating the art of adaptation in downtown Iowa City - to our knowledge, the only film festival of its kind. The
Refocus Film Festival always features dozens of new adaptations, a handful of repertory adaptations, dialogues with filmmakers and other
creative guests, community events and celebrations, and an Opening Night screening at The Englert Theatre. In 2024 we welcomed nearly 4,000
festgoers.
The City of Iowa City provided a generous Public Arts Matching Grant in 2024 for the creation of the “We Always Come Here” looping video
installation, highlighting the community that has shaped the Ped Mall in downtown Iowa City. “We Always Come Here” played throughout the
festival weekend in a vacant space on the 4th floor of The Chauncey, viewed by approximately 170 attendees during the festival. We also played
“We Always Come Here” during X Marks The Arts Free Week in February 2025, welcoming 174 patrons. And we intend to put “We Always Come
Here” online, so it is always accessible to residents and visitors interested in this archival exploration of the Ped Mall.
A subsequent grant from the City of Iowa City’s Public Arts Matching Grant Program will fund the continuation of Revision for 2025. It will build off
the 2024 installation - “We Always Come Here” - using a new artist to adapt that piece in a transformative way. It will be free and on display during
the four-day Refocus Film Festival (October 9 - 12, 2025). The exact space is still to be determined - the Iowa City Downtown District will help us
find and activate a vacant downtown space. In the event that we cannot find a suitable vacant downtown space, we will utilize one of FilmScene’s
five screens for the 2025 installation.
Explain how the project is defined as “public art.” Please include how the artwork will be located in an area open and freely
accessible by the public; and describe how you envision the artwork engaging the public.*
Refocus Film Festival is a big screen celebration of the art of adaptation. For the fourth edition of the festival, October 9-12, 2025, FilmScene will
commission a looping video art piece adapted from “We Always Come Here,” by Ian Bennett. From this seed, a perpetual annual art project will
grow in new ways. This first film will be subsequently adapted by a new artist in the year that follows, and again the next year, and so on — an
ever-changing collaborative art project that will evolve in perpetuity during the lifespan of the festival. The film will be presented annually at the
four-day Refocus Film Festival as a free experiential immersive video installation, open to the public at a to be determined accessible downtown
space (as discussed previously).
Revision will be participatory. Viewers will be prompted to consider the life — past, present, and future — of this eternal adaptation, and share
their reflections in a virtual guestbook, as a form of documenting consistent and changing experiences as the project progresses through years.
These audience responses will then inform the next artist chosen to take the adaptation forward, creating an ongoing conversation between
artists and audiences. FilmScene’s adapted video installation will be free and open to the public during its annual Refocus Film Festival, held every
year in October and celebrating the art of adaptation on the big screen.
Describe the intended audience for this project, why public art is important to that audience, and any efforts you will make to
benefit the broader community, especially populations which have faced systemic barriers to art access or opportunities *
The film will encourage both Iowa City residents and visitors to our community to consider both dominant and intentionally disregarded histories
of our city. What is present? What is absent? By being publicly presented during both Refocus Film Festival and its collaborative partner Iowa City
Book Festival, the film will be convenient for anyone engaged in the arts that weekend, as well as anyone who visits downtown over the course of
the extended weekend.
FilmScene’s Community Engagement & Programming Coordinator will work to promote this free public art component of the festival to
communities underrepresented by the arts. We intend to create flyers for this component of the festival as well. And as we seek out a vacant
downtown space to host Revision, we will focus on a space that is highly visible and accessible, so we may draw more residents and visitors into
the installation.
How will you know your project was successful? Please list specific outcomes or measures (qualitative or quantitative).*
We will track attendance as well as record audience responses in a digital guestbook. We will also measure digital engagement with the piece, like
on social media.
Will this project take place on public or private property?*
Public/City-Owned
Private Property Owned by the Applicant or project partner listed below
Private Property not owned by the applicant
Please provide the names and contact information of private property owners where the project will take place, and describe
whether they are supportive of the project.
Failure to obtain prior approval from private property owners where the project is proposed to take place may result in disqualification or delay
of the project application.
The Iowa City Downtown District will partner with us to find a vacant downtown space to host the 2025 Refocus Looping Video installation. In the
case that a suitable space is unavailable, we will utilize one of our five screens to host the installation.
Location of Project*
A vacant downtown Iowa City space (Iowa City Downtown District will help source) or one of FilmScene's five theaters
Project Partner(s) (if any)
Describe the role of any project partners listed
Please check any of the following project aspects that apply to your project.
Note: These selections do not impact scoring, but are informative for the selection committee.
Functional Art: Art that also serves a practical, everyday purpose (i.e. bench, lighting, shelter, timepiece, etc.)
Unexpected Art: Art that offers an element of surprise, perhaps occuring at a place or time where it is unexpected.
Participatory Art: Art that directly engages the audience in the creative process, so they become participants in the event (i.e. an interactive
performance or participation in creation of an artwork).
Ephemeral Art: Art that is intended to be temporary, short-lived, or disappear over time.
Contemplative Art: Art that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness.
Timeline
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Project Timeline
Tell us about the proposed timeline and action steps needed to complete this project. Use one line for each milestone and add additional lines as
needed.
Action Step/Milestone Completed by
Finalize RFP for video installation artist 04/19/2025
Deadline for RFP submissions from artists 05/31/2025
Artist selected for Refocus video installation project 06/06/2025
Video installation draft completed 08/08/2025
Video installation completed 09/12/2025
Screening installation space build out completed 10/03/2025
Installation live at Refocus Film Festival 10/09/2025
Budget
To save progress, click "Save as Draft" at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Please use the budget templates below. A completed budget should tell us what sources of funds your project will use and how you plan to spend
the grant money.
Project Funding Sources
Total Project Cost*
$4,525.00
Matching Grant Request*
$2,000.00
Please list any other funding sources supporting your project. Add additional rows as needed.
Other funding source*Amount*Committed or Anticipated?*
Refocus Film Festival sponsorship & ticket
revenue
$2,252.00 Committed Anticipated
Please describe any project supplies, equipment, or labor which are being donated in-kind
The following contribute to FilmScene's in kind contributions towards the match requirement: FilmScene's projection and sound equipment for
the video installation and staff and volunteers to manage the exhibit during the festival
Project Budget
Please list a breakdown of project expenses and funding sources. Funding for personal property or gain will not be authorized. Example:
Amount:Describe Expense Item:Amount paid by Matching Grant:Amount paid in-kind or by other
funding source:
$400 Paint $400
$200 Paint Supplies $200
$1,500 Artist labor $500 $1,000
$150 Plaque/signage $150
Amount Expense Item Amount paid by Matching
Grant
Paid in-kind or by other
funding source
$1,500.00 Artist fee $1,500.00
$500.00 Artist expense stipend $500.00
$100.00 Packaging fee and consultation
for 2024 artist
$100.00
$350.00 Screening installation assembly
- parts
$350.00
$625.00 Screening installation assembly
- labor
$625.00
$450.00 Projection and sound
equipment (existing, at rental
rates)
$450.00
$450.00 Festival engagement team (staff,
hourly wages)
$450.00
$450.00 Festival engagement team
(volunteers, in kind labor)
$450.00
$100.00 Design of Virtual Guestbook $100.00
File Uploads
Letters of support, if available (?)
2025 Public Art Grants Letter of Support - FilmScene.pdf 201.12KB
FilmScene x PS1 Letter of Partnership 2025 .pdf 199.13KB
Images (?)
RF-day3.040 (1).jpg 5.03MB
RF-day3.041 (1).jpg 4.65MB
Site Plan (?)
Additional Information (?)
-Next
Signature
March 11, 2025
Rachel Kilburg Varley
Public Art Coordinator
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Rachel,
The Iowa City Downtown District is pleased to support FilmScene’s application to the 2025
Public Arts Matching Grant program.
The Refocus Film Festival is not only a singular arts experience (the only film festival dedicated
to the art of adaptation), but it brings thousands of people to downtown Iowa City over its four-
day span. These patrons support other local downtown businesses; the AEP6 survey from the
Americans for the Arts found that patrons to downtown arts establishments like FilmScene on
average spend $46.77 on other businesses when they come to an arts event.
By including a free public arts experience supported by the City of Iowa City, FilmScene can
bring even more residents and visitors to the festival to enjoy this adaptation of the 2024 public
art project - “We Always Come Here.” The Iowa City Downtown District is committed to helping
FilmScene activate a vacant downtown space to showcase its 2025 free arts experience as part
of the 2025 Refocus Film Festival.
We welcome more opportunities to bring our communities together in downtown Iowa City,
including through the arts. The Refocus Film Festival’s alignment with Iowa City’s status as a
UNESCO City of Literature as well as the Iowa City Book Festival only adds to the value of this
unique offering - to our local downtown businesses, to our residents, and to our visitors.
This is an essential arts experience in downtown Iowa City, while also contributing to the
economic vitality of this community. Thank you for considering FilmScene’s request for the
Public Art Matching Grant program.
Betsy Potter
Executive Director at Iowa City Downtown District
103 E. College St. Ste. 200
Iowa City, IA 52240
PUBLIC SPACE ONE
229 N. Gilbert St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
publicspaceone.com
March 11, 2025
Rachel Kilburg Varley
Public Art Coordinator
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Rachel,
On behalf of Public Space One, Iowa City’s artist-led, community-driven, contemporary art center, I am pleased
to provide this letter of support to FilmScene’s application to the Public Arts Matching Grant Program.
FilmScene proposes to build off its previously Public Arts Matching Grant-funded project - the looping video art
installation as part of its 2024 Refocus Film Festival. The Refocus Film Festival celebrates the art of adaptation
on the big screen, and I am thrilled that FilmScene will continue its commitment to a free arts experience
during its 4-day festival.
The 2024 project, “We Always Come Here,” incorporated archival footage from Iowa City’s Ped Mall to capture
how this singular space builds and reinforces community here in downtown Iowa City. FilmScene’s proposed
project as part of its application to the 2025 Public Arts Matching Grant Fund program will build off “We Always
Come Here,” an adaptation of its own. Public Space One is committed to helping promote this adaptive creative
opportunity to local artists as well as promote this part of the festival to its community of artists.
The Refocus Film Festival has become an essential arts experience here in Iowa City. It leans into Iowa City’s
designation as a UNESCO City of Literature and overlaps (intentionally) with the Iowa City Book Festival. The
festival has grown to nearly 4,000 attendees, bringing dozens of filmmakers as well as world class cinematic
adaptations each fall.
Thank you for considering FilmScene’s request for the Public Art Matching Grant program. More
investment in the arts, including film as art, only makes our community stronger.
John Engelbrecht
Executive Director
Public Space One
Iowa City Public Art Matching Fund Program
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this grant opportunity. Prior to completing this application form, please review the Public Art Matching Grant
Frequently Asked Questions at www.icgov.org/publicart.
If your project takes place on City-owned or privately-owned property, you must provide evidence in the following application that you have
support and approval from the appropriate parties to proceed with this project. Failure to obtain prior approval could disqualify or delay an
otherwise good proposal. If you aren’t sure if you need prior approval from a project partner, please contact Neighborhood Outreach &
Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
Beyond initial siting approvals obtained prior to submitting this application, please be advised that some projects may be required to obtain
additional permits or approvals as determined necessary by the City. Any such requirements would be outlined in the grant agreement.
Regardless of whether the project is located on public or private property, the project must be freely accessible by the public.
Awarded applicant(s) are responsible for performing or coordinating the execution of all phases of the project, including but not limited to site
prep, installation, etc. If any component of the proposed project is beyond your capabilities, please explain in the application.
*
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information above.
General Information
The Public Art Matching Grant Program aims to increase public art access and opportunities in Iowa City. The program funds visual, audio, or
performance-based art projects that are located in Iowa City and accessible to the general public.
Successful grant applications will show evidence of a specific planned project which can be completed before December 31, 2025. Please
complete the following application in its entirety. If you have questions or need assistance completing this application form, please contact
Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
It is recommended applicants save the form every 5-10 minutes to avoid losing progress. To do this, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom
of the File Uploads page.
Project Name*
Down at The Mill: Music, Memories, and Mortality
Applicant Name *
Adrian Gronseth
Applicant Email*
ajgronseth03@gmail.com
Applicant Phone*
(909) 576-6949
Applicant Address*
Street Address
513 Dearborn Street
Address Line 2
City
Iowa City
State/Province/Region
IA
Postal/Zip Code Country
52240 United States
Are you the project artist *
Yes No
Please upload your artist resume/CV*
Adrian Gronseth_Artist Resume.pdf 360.08KB
URL to your website, digital portfolio, or social media.
https://www.adriansnowsounds.com/
Have you received Public Art Matching Grant Funds in the past?*
Yes No
Project Details
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Provide a brief description of the proposed project*
“Down at The Mill: Music, Memories, and Mortality” is a narrative podcast and oral history project chronicling the history of The Mill, a beloved
Iowa City restaurant, bar, and music venue that was torn down in 2022. One pilot episode was already created in a graduate music seminar
during the fall of 2024, featuring musical clips, field recordings, voiceover narration, and interviews with five individuals: Pete Balestrieri, Marty
Christensen, Marc Janssen, Brian Johannesen, and Andre Perry.
This episode only scratched the surface of The Mill’s storied history and its multifaceted meaning to the Iowa City community. Several other
musicians, patrons, and former employees of The Mill have expressed interest in being interviewed for this project, which I plan to expand into a
triptych of three episodes. Once these episodes are complete, an interactive display will be installed at the Iowa City Public Library for one month,
featuring Mill-related archival material, artwork, and a QR code connecting listeners to the podcast.
Explain how the project is defined as “public art.” Please include how the artwork will be located in an area open and freely
accessible by the public; and describe how you envision the artwork engaging the public.*
This project consists of two parts: the production of the podcast itself and the public installation at the Iowa City Public Library. Visitors to the
library will be able to engage with visuals (photographs, articles, and artwork related to The Mill) and listen to clips of the podcast on their phones
with a QR code, or at one of the library computers with a link. I have been in contact with Heidi Kuchta, the Outreach Assistant in charge of
displays at the Iowa City Public Library, and she has expressed enthusiastic support for this project, which will most likely be located on the “T-
Walls” on the second floor of the library.
The installation will combine archival photographs and articles, visual art commissioned specifically for this project, and a portal to the podcast
via a QR code and link. There will also be a “public memory wall” section where visitors can write their memories of The Mill and post them on the
installation, in addition to a “virtual wall” – a digital forum linked to the podcast where listeners can share their stories. The production of the
podcast itself will also have a public component, as I will be interviewing various Iowa City residents with connections to The Mill – in a sense,
then, some of the art itself will be created by the public. This is also a timely endeavor, as I want to document the oral histories of some of The
Mill's earliest patrons, performers, and employees, many of whom are now in their 70s and 80s.
Describe the intended audience for this project, why public art is important to that audience, and any efforts you will make to
benefit the broader community, especially populations which have faced systemic barriers to art access or opportunities *
The audience for this project is capacious – Iowa City residents with a connection to The Mill, younger and newer residents who never got to
experience its magic, and any visitors to the library who are curious about local history. I envision this project to be an important site of public
memory for the Iowa City community. People will be given space to reminisce about The Mill and imagine the many ways its legacy is being
carried forward into the future. Some of the podcast’s major themes involve community and place – how communities come together to build
meaningful places and, in turn, how institutions like The Mill play crucial roles within a community. Placing this installation in a public gathering
place like the Iowa City Public Library will hopefully stimulate generative conversations and reflections about Iowa City and its identity as an
incubator for the arts. While The Mill and the Iowa City Public Library seem like very different places, they were/are both accessible and
welcoming sites for all kinds of community members, so I’m hoping this installation will attract visitors who have felt comfortable in either or both
of those places.
How will you know your project was successful? Please list specific outcomes or measures (qualitative or quantitative).*
I will know this project is successful if it sparks meaningful responses and dialogue in the people who engage with it. These could range from
emotional memories of The Mill to discussions about the future of live music in Iowa City. One of the ways I plan to track this, and to make the
installation more interactive, is through the “public memory walls” mentioned above, both physical and digital. I have already witnessed the
powerful emotional connections many people have with The Mill, so being able to provide a public forum for those feelings and ideas would
make this project a success.
Will this project take place on public or private property?*
Public/City-Owned
Private Property Owned by the Applicant or project partner listed below
Private Property not owned by the applicant
Please list which City staff/departments you have discussed your proposal with and whether they are supportive of the project.
Failure to contact appropriate City staff prior to submitting this form may result in disqualification of your application. If you aren’t sure who to
contact, please contact Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-
5093.
I have been in contact with Heidi Kuchta, the Outreach Assistant in Community & Access Services at the Iowa City Public Library. She has
expressed enthusiasm and support for this project, which will mostly likely be located on the "T-Walls" display on the second floor of the library
for one month.
Location of Project*
Iowa City Public Library
Project Partner(s) (if any)
Heidi Kuchta; Nathan Platte; Dave Moore; Greg Wickenkamp; Juliana Smith
Describe the role of any project partners listed
Heidi Kuchta (Outreach Assistant in Community & Access Services, Iowa City Public Library): Heidi will continue to provide permission and
guidance for the display installation at the Iowa City Public Library.
Nathan Platte (Musicology Professor at the UI School of Music): Nathan will serve as a Project Advisor. His graduate seminar provided the original
basis for this project, and he has extensive experience in music history research and podcast production. Nathan will also be able to provide
supplemental podcast recording equipment through the School of Music.
Dave Moore (Singer-Songwriter): Dave will serve as an additional Project Advisor and Interviewee. Dave has a long and deep history with The Mill,
as one of its regular and most beloved performers. I have been in contact with Dave for several months, and he has provided me with valuable
information, context, and contacts. He has also expressed a desire to be interviewed for future episodes of the podcast.
Greg Wickenkamp (PhD Candidate in the UI Department of History): Greg will help as a Production and Research Assistant. Greg has many
relevant connections in the Iowa City area, as well as valuable experience in research, writing, interviewing, and sound editing.
Juliana Smith (Social Worker, Singer, and Artist): Juliana will contribute as a Visual Artist, providing some of the graphic design and artistic
elements for the library installation.
Please check any of the following project aspects that apply to your project.
Note: These selections do not impact scoring, but are informative for the selection committee.
Functional Art: Art that also serves a practical, everyday purpose (i.e. bench, lighting, shelter, timepiece, etc.)
Unexpected Art: Art that offers an element of surprise, perhaps occuring at a place or time where it is unexpected.
Participatory Art: Art that directly engages the audience in the creative process, so they become participants in the event (i.e. an interactive
performance or participation in creation of an artwork).
Ephemeral Art: Art that is intended to be temporary, short-lived, or disappear over time.
Contemplative Art: Art that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness.
Timeline
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Project Timeline
Tell us about the proposed timeline and action steps needed to complete this project. Use one line for each milestone and add additional lines as
needed.
Action Step/Milestone Completed by
Schedule 12 interviews for remaining two podcast episodes 06/01/2025
Record first set of four interviews 06/15/2025
Record second set of four interviews 06/29/2025
Record final set of four interviews 07/13/2025
Conduct archival research on The Mill, gathering relevant
photographs, posters, and articles for the installation
07/15/2025
Transcribe and organize interviews; gather relevant field recordings 07/27/2025
Record voiceover narration and edit first episode 08/10/2025
Commission artwork for library display 08/15/2025
Record voiceover narration and edit second episode 08/24/2025
Write placards for library display 09/15/2025
Print out all materials for library display 10/15/2025
Set up display at Iowa City Public Library 11/01/2025
Take down display at Iowa City Public Library 12/01/2025
Budget
To save progress, click "Save as Draft" at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Please use the budget templates below. A completed budget should tell us what sources of funds your project will use and how you plan to spend
the grant money.
Project Funding Sources
Total Project Cost*
$3,400.00
Matching Grant Request*
$1,700.00
Please list any other funding sources supporting your project. Add additional rows as needed.
Other funding source*Amount*Committed or Anticipated?*
Community Fundraising $1,700.00 Committed Anticipated
Please describe any project supplies, equipment, or labor which are being donated in-kind
The podcast recording gear will be provided by Nathan Platte through the UI School of Music. I already own some recording gear, as well as the
sound editing software. I have also spoken to many people who are willing to provide recordings, photographs, and other materials related to The
Mill. The project advisors are willing to donate some of their time and expertise to help guide the project.
Project Budget
Please list a breakdown of project expenses and funding sources. Funding for personal property or gain will not be authorized. Example:
Amount:Describe Expense Item:Amount paid by Matching Grant:Amount paid in-kind or by other
funding source:
$400 Paint $400
$200 Paint Supplies $200
$1,500 Artist labor $500 $1,000
$150 Plaque/signage $150
Amount Expense Item Amount paid by Matching
Grant
Paid in-kind or by other
funding source
$2,500.00 Artist labor (podcast production)$1,250.00 $1,250.00
$500.00 Artist labor (artwork for library
installation)
$250.00 $250.00
$250.00 Artist labor (production
assistant)
$125.00 $125.00
$150.00 Printing costs for library
installation
$75.00 $75.00
File Uploads
Letters of support, if available (?)
Letter of Support_Gronseth.pdf 95.27KB
Images (?)
Down at the Mill logo.pdf 11.44MB
Site Plan (?)
T-Walls Display Example.pdf 111.69KB
Additional Information (?)
Down at The Mill_Pilot Episode Link.pdf 112.56KB
-Next
Signature
ADRIAN GRONSETH
Iowa City, IA 52240 • (909) 576-6949 • adrian-gronseth@uiowa.edu
Education
University Iowa Expected Graduation: May 2025
Master of Arts, History
o Specialization: 19th/20th Century U.S. Music History
o Advisor: Nick Yablon
University of California, Santa Barbara June 2014
Bachelor of Arts, English; Minor: History
Honors: magna cum laude; Distinction in the Major; Phi Beta Kappa
Recent Experience
Teaching Assistant / University of Iowa / Iowa City, IA 08/2023 to Present
Facilitate weekly discussion sections of 25 undergraduates per class across a range of History Department courses
Foster students’ analytical and writing skills, and teach them how to engage with primary and secondary sources
Create lesson plans, grade assignments and papers, communicate with professors, and address students’ concerns
Vice President & Colloquium Chair / UI Graduate History Society / Iowa City, IA 10/2024 to Present
Organize a colloquium series for History graduate students to share their research and engage with relevant speakers
Graduate Student Committee / Open Rivers / Minneapolis, MN 09/2024 to Present
Collaborate with graduate students and editorial staff on an open-access digital journal dedicated to water issues
Summarize articles, curate collections of content, and develop creative and scholarly projects for the journal
BlueGAP Team Member / BlueGAP Project / Iowa City, IA 05/2024 to 08/2024
Created a sound collage called “Monocrop Music” which layered interviews, field recordings, and musical
compositions to chronicle the history of industrial agriculture and water pollution in Iowa
Visited local farms, water treatment plants, and environmental organizations to learn about nitrogen pollution
Worked with graduate students, faculty members, and community members across a range of disciplines and fields
Residencies and Awards
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (Nominated) / University of Iowa / Iowa City, IA 2025
Artist-in-Residence / Stones River National Battlefield / Murfreesboro, TN 10/2021 to 11/2021
Grand Prize Lyric Contest Winner / American Songwriter Magazine / Nashville, TN 11/2017
Presentations
“Monocrop Music: The History of Iowa Agriculture and Water Pollution through Sound” October 4, 2024
University of Iowa School of Music Colloquium
“Hemispheric Brass: Mexico, the Military, and Early New Orleans Jazz” April 6, 2024
Midwest Graduate Music Consortium Conference
“’No Place Like Home:’ Songs of Home and History at Stones River National Battlefield” November 6, 2021
Stones River National Battlefield
Video Link: “No Place Like Home”
Works-in-Progress
“The Music of a Massacre: Listening to the New Orleans Race Riot of 1866” Expected completion: May 2025
Master’s Paper / University of Iowa / Department of History
“’Down at The Mill’: Music, Memories, and Mortality” First episode completed in December 2024; others TBD
Podcast & Oral History Project / University of Iowa / School of Music
“Monocrop Music: The History of Iowa Agriculture and Water Pollution through Sound” Expected publication: 2025
Sound Collage / University of Iowa / BlueGAP Project
Gronseth 2
Publications
“Grand Prize Lyric Contest Winner Adrian Gronseth Co-Writes with John Paul White; February 2018
Records Demo on Music Row,” American Songwriter Magazine Website
“Highway Sky,” American Songwriter Magazine June 2017
“Incandescent Caves,” The Catalyst Literary Arts Magazine, Issue 5 Spring 2015
“Ode to Holly,” The Catalyst Literary Arts Magazine, Issue 2 Spring 2014
Past Experience
Senior Writer / Dallas Writing Project / Austin, TX 01/2022 to 08/2023
Writer and Editor / Governor’s Woods Foundation & Clio / Austin, TX 10/2019 to 01/2022
Piano Instructor and Music Director / Cheviot Hills Recreation Center / Los Angeles, CA 06/2016 to 08/2019
Performing Musician / Independent / Los Angeles, CA & Austin, TX 11/2015 to 03/2020
Apartment Manager / L.A. Housing Solutions / Los Angeles, CA 02/2016 to 08/2017
Writing Tutor / Santa Barbara City College and Premier Tutoring / Santa Barbara, CA 08/2014 to 11/2016
Editor and Instructor / The Catalyst Literary Arts Magazine / Santa Barbara, CA 02/2014 to 12/2014
Catering Supervisor / UCen Catering / Santa Barbara, CA 01/2012 to 06/2013
To whom it may concern,
Here is a Google Drive link to the first episode of “Down at The Mill: Music, Memories, and
Mortality”:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NFYDWn6WFIRrny8ktYk59Twxw9iT0ulc/view?usp=sharing
This episode was created with two other graduate students in Nathan Platte’s and Trevor
Harvey’s fall 2024 musicology seminar, “Resonant Historical Ethnography: Musical
Communities of Iowa’s Past and Present.” This episode can serve as a proof of concept for the
larger podcast series/oral history project I am proposing.
This episode has not yet been published, so please do not share the link.
Thanks,
Adrian Gronseth
School of Music
University of Iowa
93 E. Burlington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-0000
319-335-1603
uiowa.edu
March 14, 2025
To whom it may concern:
I am happy to offer enthusiastic support for Adrian Gronseth’s project, “Down at the Mill:
Music, Memories, and Mortality.” I’m a music history professor at Iowa, and I’ve known Adrian
since the summer of 2023. At that time, he had just moved to Iowa City to begin graduate studies
in History and was looking to connect with faculty at the School of Music. Since then, I’ve
observed and worked with Adrian in a variety of different contexts. I’ve learned that he’s a
diligent historian, an insightful writer, a fantastic singer-songwriter, and a devoted community
member. I can’t think of a more qualified or committed individual for documenting and sharing
the legacy of the Mill through oral history, audio narrative, and a public installation.
This project began in a graduate seminar that I co-taught with ethnomusicologist Trevor Harvey.
The students partnered with community members to create podcasts that documented past and
present musical communities within Iowa. Adrian’s background made him an ideal contributor.
In addition to his regular participation in musicology courses, he had begun networking with
local musicians and performing at community events. Adrian also had previous experience
producing an audio narrative for Iowa’s BlueGAP project, which is dedicated to community
building around waterways and nitrogen management. As an active musician himself, Adrian
was enthusiastic about the chance to connect with more Iowa City musicians and learn about the
Mill’s storied history.
The podcast episode that Adrian produced with his classmates is impressive. Through its
engaging blend of music, interviews, and local history, the episode is easily on par with
professional podcasts that possess a larger staff. It also represents a timely intervention: we are
lucky to have these oral histories preserved when memories of the Mill are still vivid among
those who played, listened, and worked there. The episode is a compelling proof of concept for
the series that Adrian has proposed, and it shows that he has the requisite skills as a historian,
interviewer, musician, and media production manager to create work that will benefit the Iowa
City community and inspire future artists.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
Nathan Platte
Associate Professor of Musicology
nathan-platte@uiowa.edu
An example of the “T-Walls” display at the Iowa City Public Library.
Source: https://www.icpl.org/services/displays
Iowa City Public Art Matching Fund Program
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this grant opportunity. Prior to completing this application form, please review the Public Art Matching Grant
Frequently Asked Questions at www.icgov.org/publicart.
If your project takes place on City-owned or privately-owned property, you must provide evidence in the following application that you have
support and approval from the appropriate parties to proceed with this project. Failure to obtain prior approval could disqualify or delay an
otherwise good proposal. If you aren’t sure if you need prior approval from a project partner, please contact Neighborhood Outreach &
Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
Beyond initial siting approvals obtained prior to submitting this application, please be advised that some projects may be required to obtain
additional permits or approvals as determined necessary by the City. Any such requirements would be outlined in the grant agreement.
Regardless of whether the project is located on public or private property, the project must be freely accessible by the public.
Awarded applicant(s) are responsible for performing or coordinating the execution of all phases of the project, including but not limited to site
prep, installation, etc. If any component of the proposed project is beyond your capabilities, please explain in the application.
*
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the information above.
General Information
The Public Art Matching Grant Program aims to increase public art access and opportunities in Iowa City. The program funds visual, audio, or
performance-based art projects that are located in Iowa City and accessible to the general public.
Successful grant applications will show evidence of a specific planned project which can be completed before December 31, 2025. Please
complete the following application in its entirety. If you have questions or need assistance completing this application form, please contact
Neighborhood Outreach & Engagement Specialist T'Shailyn Harrington at THarrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5093.
It is recommended applicants save the form every 5-10 minutes to avoid losing progress. To do this, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom
of the File Uploads page.
Project Name*
Zero to Sixty
Applicant Name *
Molly Costello
Applicant Email*
molly-costello@uiowa.edu
Applicant Phone*
6086306302
Applicant Address*
Street Address
820 E Burlington St
Address Line 2
City
Iowa City
State/Province/Region
Iowa
Postal/Zip Code Country
52240 United States
Are you the project artist *
Yes No
Please upload your artist resume/CV*
Molly Costello Resume 2025.pdf 290.18KB
URL to your website, digital portfolio, or social media.
Have you received Public Art Matching Grant Funds in the past?*
Yes No
Project Details
To save progress, click “Save as Draft” at the bottom of the File Uploads page.
Provide a brief description of the proposed project*
The creative endeavor that we’re applying for funding for, is called Zero to Sixty, and is the final capstone project for the public digital arts
certificate. The creative work will be an installation piece taking place within the body of a broken/destroyed car (or a deconstructed portrayal of a
car depending on resources). Durational video and sound content will be presented alongside physical artifacts. Family-style home video/collage
video content telling the story of an unexpected car crash will be projected onto the windows and body of the car, and an accompanying
soundscape will play throughout the audience interaction with the car. The car will contain physical artifacts, time-capsule inspired mementos
that might have been in a real car, that can be interacted with and help convey the story.
The conceptual issues and concerns addressed by this work will be the brevity and unexpectedness of life, and how quickly it can be taken from
us. Themes will revolve on cherishing what you have while you can, and not taking your life for granted. The audience will enjoy the physicality of
being able to sit in the space and rifle through the provided items while taking in the video and audio content. Hopefully the audience will leave
the experience with an increased awareness of the brevity of life and more appreciation for their own.
Explain how the project is defined as “public art.” Please include how the artwork will be located in an area open and freely
accessible by the public; and describe how you envision the artwork engaging the public.*
The project, pending collaboration with venue, will take place in a public space. The project might take place in a public area, or on publicly
accessible space on private property. Audience members will be able to come take a seat in the interior of the car and watch the video content
and listen to the audio, as well as rifle through the belongings in the backseat.
Describe the intended audience for this project, why public art is important to that audience, and any efforts you will make to
benefit the broader community, especially populations which have faced systemic barriers to art access or opportunities *
The intended audience for this project are young adults/adults. The content of the presentation is a little dark for children, and they might not
have the understanding to grasp the messages we're trying to convey. There is no specific audience in mind in terms of race, class, or lifestyle
choices.
How will you know your project was successful? Please list specific outcomes or measures (qualitative or quantitative).*
We will know our project is successful if all of the technical elements work according to plan. This project, while it has an important meaning to
the both of us, is primarily a demonstration of our technical and art-making abilities as part of the public digital arts certificate program at the
university.
Will this project take place on public or private property?*
Public/City-Owned
Private Property Owned by the Applicant or project partner listed below
Private Property not owned by the applicant
Please provide the names and contact information of private property owners where the project will take place, and describe
whether they are supportive of the project.
Failure to obtain prior approval from private property owners where the project is proposed to take place may result in disqualification or delay
of the project application.
We're in talks with Public Space One to see if it would be possible to stage this project somewhere on their property in Iowa City. Weve reached
out to several other public venues/areas with no luck in responses. If Public Space One falls through, we would have to pivot to an indoor location
somewhere on University property
Location of Project*
TBD
Project Partner(s) (if any)
Sophia Young
Describe the role of any project partners listed
Equal collaborator
Please check any of the following project aspects that apply to your project.
Note: These selections do not impact scoring, but are informative for the selection committee.
Functional Art: Art that also serves a practical, everyday purpose (i.e. bench, lighting, shelter, timepiece, etc.)
Unexpected Art: Art that offers an element of surprise, perhaps occuring at a place or time where it is unexpected.
Participatory Art: Art that directly engages the audience in the creative process, so they become participants in the event (i.e. an interactive
performance or participation in creation of an artwork).
Ephemeral Art: Art that is intended to be temporary, short-lived, or disappear over time.
Contemplative Art: Art that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness.
Timeline
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Project Timeline
Tell us about the proposed timeline and action steps needed to complete this project. Use one line for each milestone and add additional lines as
needed.
Action Step/Milestone Completed by
Budget
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Please use the budget templates below. A completed budget should tell us what sources of funds your project will use and how you plan to spend
the grant money.
Project Funding Sources
Total Project Cost*Matching Grant Request*
$1,100.00 $682.00
Please list any other funding sources supporting your project. Add additional rows as needed.
Other funding source*Amount*Committed or Anticipated?*
Sophie and Molly $1,000.00 Committed Anticipated
Please describe any project supplies, equipment, or labor which are being donated in-kind
Projectors, cables, and all other technology needs are being provided by the university
Project Budget
Please list a breakdown of project expenses and funding sources. Funding for personal property or gain will not be authorized. Example:
Amount:Describe Expense Item:Amount paid by Matching Grant:Amount paid in-kind or by other
funding source:
$400 Paint $400
$200 Paint Supplies $200
$1,500 Artist labor $500 $1,000
$150 Plaque/signage $150
Amount Expense Item Amount paid by Matching
Grant
Paid in-kind or by other
funding source
$300.00 Car Rental/Car Parts $300.00
$400.00 Car Towing $400.00
$200.00 Venue Rental Estimate $200.00
$100.00 Venue Power Offset Estimate $100.00
$100.00 Physical Media $100.00
$150.00 Frosted Glass Adhesive $150.00
File Uploads
Letters of support, if available (?)
Images (?)
Site Plan (?)
Additional Information (?)
Capstone Proposal.pdf 135.79KB
Signature
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Zero to Sixty
COMBINED PROPOSAL
Molly Costello and Sophie Young
Anticipated Roles
Molly and Sophie will share responsibilities at the beginning of the project, and as resources are
evaluated there will be decisions on how to divide the labor, as the scope of the project is
variable at the moment.
Preferred Project Advisor: Daniel Fine
Artistic Statement
1. What is the artform?
Durational video and sound content presented alongside physical artifacts; an
installation piece taking place within the body of a broken/destroyed car (or a
deconstructed portrayal of a car depending on resources)
2. Overview:
Family-style home video/collage video content telling the story of an unexpected
car crash will be projected onto the windows and body of the car, and an
accompanying soundscape will play throughout the audience interaction with the
car. The car will contain physical artifacts, time-capsule vibe mementos that might
have been in a real car, that can be interacted with and help convey the story.
3. Conceptual issues and concerns reflected in your work?
The conceptual issues and concerns addressed by this work will be the brevity and
unexpectedness of life, and how quickly it can be taken from us. Themes will
revolve on cherishing what you have while you can, and not taking your life for
granted.
4. How will you use the technology?
Found and/or created video content will be projected onto the body and windows
of the car.
A soundscape will be presented alongside video content.
5. Details
a. Why you want to create the work, historic overview of such creative works or
your overall vision:
The idea for this work originated from an idea for a highly localized sound-based
installation taking place within a car/representation of a car. The original idea
didn’t have a specific motivation behind it, that came later during the proposal
process. Throughout the proposal process, the project became less about
storytelling through localized sound, and more about conveying the feeling of a
life changed or taken suddenly.
b. What you expect from your audience and how they will react.
Hopefully the audience will enjoy the physicality of being able to sit in the space
and rifle through the provided items while taking in the video and audio content.
Hopefully the audience will leave the experience with an increased awareness of
the brevity of life and more appreciation for their own.
c. How this current work relates to your previous work, if any.
This current work is tangentially related to past works of Molly’s, touching on
similar themes of the ways that life can be suddenly changed or taken, and
encouraging the appreciation of what you have.
d. Where this work fits in with current contemporary art and technology. This
work fits in with contemporary art and technology because it combines the
mediums of video editing, projection mapping, auditory storytelling, and physical
media to interact with.
e. How this work fits in with the history of this type of art practice.
This work takes inspiration from several different types of art practice, including
video projection mapped to objects and interactions with physical media. While
we were unable to find examples of this kind of presentation in art, there’s no
doubt it’s not the first of its kind.
f. Any artists or concepts that you have been influenced by?
Escape rooms: having a space so detailed and built out in the world of a story for
the audience to touch and interact with.
Mock Car Crash: High school safe driving PSA event performed by the drama
club where performers would act out as though a violent car crash had just taken
place. EMS and police were also involved and would interact with performers.
The idea of the freezing of time right before/after a tragedy:
• Motorcycle short video
• Speeding PSA - Thailand
• Dance Moms - "The Last Text"
Research Materials
• Mock Car Crash
• Motorcycle short video
• Speeding PSA - Thailand
• Dance Moms - "The Last Text"
• Pinterest Board
The People: We do not plan to have anyone collaborate with us artistically, but we may bring on
collaborators depending on the resources available and what we need to install the
car/deconstructed car.
Feasibility
1. What resources do you already have?
We have laptops with the Adobe Suite and editing softwares for the content
creation steps of our process.
2. What resources do you need?
We need access to 2-4 projectors. We could make the project work with 2
projectors if needed based on resources available.
We need an additional laptop capable of running projections and audio through
Isadora.
We need access to at least 2 speakers, ideally Bluetooth. If we cannot access these
through the university’s resources, we have a couple of outsourcing possibilities.
We need projection material that we could cut and attach to the car or car parts.
Additional cabling as necessary.
3. Does your project require additional resources?
The primary outside resource we would need for this project is a car (or just the
shell of a car). Based on what we can source, we will decide whether the project
can be done using a real car or if it is better presented as a deconstruction of a car.
We plan to attempt to source a car and/or various car parts from local junkyards.
Will also source physical media to include in the space for audience members to
interact with.
We also need to find a space where we can keep the car to work on it for several
months. We have a list of potential places, and based on where we can keep the
car and present the piece, we will decide whether or not to move forward with
sourcing a real car. This location would need to have power, be out of the way of
the public, and have enough space surrounding the car that we can project onto
the body.
Possible locations if using a real car:
▪ Riverside theatre outdoor venue
▪ City Park gazebo
▪ Sophie’s garage
▪ Rentable storage area
Possible locations for deconstructed car:
▪ Empty gallery space in PAX
▪ VR Room
The special sauce: Why is this project so special? Why does the world need it? What will
we gain by this project being made?
. This project is special because it combines the use of digital media/video with sound design and
physical space/media. By requiring the audience to interact with the physical space of the car,
where a tragic event has supposedly taken place, and presenting them with visual, aural, and
physical media, we endeavor to create an intimate experience that leaves the audience with a new
sense of appreciation for their life. Following the events of this past semester, where a former
University of Iowa student passed away suddenly in a car crash, the both of us have a new
understanding of the ways life can change suddenly and without warning. The purpose of this
project is to impart that understanding onto others, without the firsthand experience of loss.
mollyecostello@outlook.com
Employment History
Seasonal Shop Employee May 2024 - August 2024 Upstaging Inc.
Pulled and prepped rental and production equipment
Assisted with the creation of data systems and data racks
Performed basic upkeep and maintenance on a variety of equipment including moving lights, and LED fixtures
Digital Media Assistant September 2023 - Present University of Iowa Performing Arts Production Unit
Program, troubleshoot, and operate media server for dance, theatre, and opera productions
Calibrate, hang, and focus OptiTrack cameras/system in motion capture studio
Associate Scenic Carpenter September 2021 - Present University of Iowa Department of Theatre Arts
Construct, install, strike sets, rig and hang scenic elements and soft goods for mainstage productions
Collaborate with electrics, audio/video, props, and paint departments in the production process
Assist with tool qualification process for undergraduate students each semester
Facilitate a safe working environment and adhere to professional standards
Design Experience - University of Iowa
Assistant Sound Designer Gallery 2025
Sound Designer Mainstage 2025
Sound Designer Workshop 2024
Sound Designer Workshop 2024
Sound Designer & Mixer New Play Festival 2024
Co-Media Designer UI Dance Company 2024
Sound Designer Mainstage 2024
Sound Designer Workshop 2023
Sound Designer New Play Festival 2023
Other Related Experience
Motion Capture Assistant Pittsburgh Playhouse 2025
Mixer Independent Project 2024
Sound Board Operator Mainstage 2024
Media Board Operator Dance Thesis 2023
Education and Awards
B.A. Theatre Arts with Distinction and Honors - Expected graduation May 2025
Certificate in Public Digital Arts
Spanish Minor
E.C. Mabie Scholarship; National Scholars Award
Skills
Audio: Qlab 4 & 5; Pro Tools; Adobe Audition, Yamaha mixing consoles
Media Servers & Video: Isadora; Watchout; Pandora's Box; Motive; Adobe Premiere Pro; Adobe After Effects
Additional Skills: Vectorworks Spotlight; Soldering; Carpentry; ETC Ion
References
Bryon Winn Robert Durham Emily Berkheimer
Director of Theatre Digital Arts Technical Director Digital Media Specialist
Professor Associate Professor robert-durham@uiowa.edu emily-berkheimer@uiowa.edu
bryon-winn@uiowa.edu daniel-fine@uiowa.edu
MFA Dance Thesis Dir: Kidd, Rhoades
Aratorio for the Misremembered Dir: Mary Beth Easley
608-630-6302
Molly Costello
Daniel Fine
Ascend Dir: Kiesha Lalama
Winning Dir: Stephanie Miracle
Install and hang projectors and other video equipment in five theatrical venues
You're Still Here Dir: Natalie Villamonte-Zito
Reflections Dir: Sara Alvidrez
Dance Nation Dir: Sarah Gazdowicz
American Rusałki Dir: Kayla Adams
The (T)re(x)formation Dir: Emelia Wenzel
When You Read This Dir: Charlie Schmelzer IV
Iowa Director's Festival Dir: MFA Directing Cohort
The Indoctrination of Bananas Dir: Søren Olsen
Men On Boats Dir: Mary Beth Easley