Thursday, August 26, 2010

On the web this week...Marvin Cone and a note from AGHC's new administrator

Greetings from Eldon! As the new administrator at the American Gothic House Center, I would like to thank you for your interest in Grant Wood and American Gothic. I am excited to be part of the preservation of this important piece of American history, and have been fortunate in meeting many welcoming and dedicated supporters in my short time at AGHC. I invite you to continue to enjoy the Center, and look forward to your visit!

Hear parting words from previous administrator Jessica Strom in this great story by KTVO’s Matt Buhrman.

Grant Wood and Marvin Cone, two prominent Cedar Rapids artists, were close friends. They met as young men and traveled together to Paris, then worked together at the Stone City Art Colony. Both artists influenced the shaping of a truly American style of art, and the two friends influenced one another as well. On Monday, the Des Moines Register featured Cone in their Famous Iowans segment.

Learn more about Grant Wood’s close friend, Marvin Cone.

When travelling to the American Gothic House Center via highway 34, have you wondered about the black signs with a red bull you see on the roadside? As a newcomer to Southeast Iowa, I wanted to know more. A discussion with an AGHC volunteer informed me that Marvin Cone designed the Red Bull insignia when he was a member of the 34th Infantry Division during World War II. US 34 was designated the 34th Infantry Division Memorial Highway in honor of the unit.

Read about the 34th Infantry Division and Cone’s role in creating the insignia.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

On the web this week...God Bless America Statue Moves Again

God Bless America statue moves to Indiana for the State Fair.

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Blogger comments on Grant Wood and Regionalism.

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