posted
on Thursday, March 25, 2021
Dusk at the Hearst Center for the Arts
The legacy of local poet, James Hearst, lives on at the Hearst Center For the Arts in Cedar Falls. He authored more than a dozen collections of poetry, published two books of prose, and was a professor for more than 30 years at the University of Northern Iowa. Over the years, his works appeared in more than 30 publications.
After his passing in 1983, James Hearst left his home to the city of Cedar Falls to be converted into a community arts center. His home was reconstructed, and the 12,000 square-foot arts center opened to the public in 1989. It’s home to galleries, meeting rooms, classrooms, offices, a performing arts facility and sculpture garden (which is adjacent Cedar Valley Trails).
The center is a hub of literary and musical events, workshops for all ages and the backdrop for artwork of local artists and nationally-known artists. Since its opening, more than two million people have visited the Hearst Center for the Arts. The center is located at 304 W. Seerley Boulevard and the galleries can be visited for free, Tuesday through Sunday.
Exhibits
Throughout the year, there may be as many as ten different exhibitions on display, in addition to works from their permanent collection.
Playful Investigations, an exhibit by professional illustrator and printmaker, Kate Brennan Hall, will be on display April 16 - May 15, 2021. It will showcase daily works created while experimenting with her craft without the pressure of an end goal.
Also on display between April 16 and May 16, 2021, will be portraits from photographer and filmmaker, Sky Bergman. Portraits from her Iowa PBS film, Lives Well Lived Well, will be on display. Her film celebrates the wit and wisdom of adults ages 75 to 100.
Workshops
The Hearst’s spring 2021 brochure, listing virtual and and in-person workshops for youth, teens and adults is available online. Upcoming spring classes for adults include Garden Stakes, a watercolor workshop and Terracotta Birdhouses.
In May 2021, explore your creativity every Sunday in the Hearst Sculpture Garden. Bring the family and celebrate spring with yard games and hands-on activities as well as a feature project such as May Day Basket-making, decorating a small flower pot, making tree-themed art or chalking the garden paths.
Programs
The Hearst Center for the Arts offers something for everyone with a variety of programs to pique your interest in the arts. This spring, celebrate Earth Day, virtual panel discussions, virtual film screenings, and virtual book readings.
Music
The Hearst also hosts several musical events throughout the year such as Lunchtime Concerts. It’s a great way to enjoy lunch and unwind while listening to musical guests over the lunch hour.
This year, on special Thursday evenings, Backyard Concerts in the sculpture garden will feature popular artists such as The Blue 2 Band, Kevin Burt, and Avey Grouws Band.
Garden
Cedar Falls is home to more than 20 public works of art and eight of those sculptures are featured on the grounds and in the sculpture garden of the Hearst. Any time of year is a good time to visit the gardens and stroll the winding paths, take photos, or create an impromptu sketch of the center’s flora and fauna.
There’s more for visitors and locals to enjoy at the Hearst Center for the Arts than we can share here. The Hearst shares new opportunities often. Stop in and say hello. Stroll the sculpture garden. Take a walk through the galleries. And, if you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to like them on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and catch upcoming events, classes and more!
If you’d like information about more Things to Do, Places to Eat & Drink or a Place to Stay, we invite you to contact the Cedar Falls Visitor Center at 319-268-4266 (800-845-1955). We’re open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. And, if you want to find additional events taking place in the Cedar Valley, visit our online calendar at CedarValley365.com.
Sculpture Garden at the Hearst Center for the Arts
- things to do