tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13553454826010718532024-03-05T15:20:20.219-06:00The American Gothic HouseAmerican Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-12708490250112194722016-05-26T11:44:00.000-05:002016-05-26T11:44:03.786-05:00American Gothic Days coming up June 10-12 <div style="background-color: white; color: #676767; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
It’s almost time again for Eldon’s American Gothic Days celebration. The American Gothic House Center will host several events as part of the festivities.</div>
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<img align="left" alt="" class="CToWUd a6T alignleft" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgcpQS5vVLM5ly1z5m8R85kL5AN8ZVX0jKS89SXav9W34csEjjDMxIqvW-ntl_ymRiKP09vY96VaFtKdsU7kULVWKn8gemupYDAStpuLlwG4ZfxCWUxDYaqHqktCjeaWIFfVjsSqQ_Erqd65kNaFxAMq3wGDmPHoL_c61RKa2S4j7sb_N7mn8nFoTI=s0-d-e1-ft" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 2px 7px 2px 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" tabindex="0" width="231" />The American Gothic 5K Run/Walk will be held <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1580200721" style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" tabindex="0">Saturday, June 11 at 7:30 a.m.</span> Registration is $20 and entry forms can be picked up at the American Gothic House Center or downloaded <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r%3D68329632%26msgid%3D2020366%26act%3DSMNM%26c%3D616991%26destination%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.americangothichouse.net%252Fplan-your-visit%252Fcalendar%252F&source=gmail&ust=1464366854718000&usg=AFQjCNHq8QiaNpNMRk95Dc94-1lFQRpNXA" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=68329632&msgid=2020366&act=SMNM&c=616991&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.americangothichouse.net%2Fplan-your-visit%2Fcalendar%2F" style="color: #085206; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>. Registration includes a t-shirt, map of the route, and awards for winners in different age/gender categories. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank and Kremer Funeral Home.</div>
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Amateur and professional artists are invited to enter the American Gothic House Art Contest. There will be cash awards for first and second place winners in each division, and registration is free. The works of art will be on display inside the American Gothic House on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1580200722" style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" tabindex="0">June 11-12</span>. The contest is sponsored by the Ottumwa Area Arts Council. Entry forms can be picked up at the American Gothic House Center or downloaded <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r%3D68329632%26msgid%3D2020366%26act%3DSMNM%26c%3D616991%26destination%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.americangothichouse.net%252Fplan-your-visit%252Fcalendar%252F&source=gmail&ust=1464366854718000&usg=AFQjCNHq8QiaNpNMRk95Dc94-1lFQRpNXA" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=68329632&msgid=2020366&act=SMNM&c=616991&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.americangothichouse.net%2Fplan-your-visit%2Fcalendar%2F" style="color: #085206; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">here</a>. Entries must be received by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1580200723" style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" tabindex="0">June 7</span>.</div>
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In addition, the American Gothic House will be open for tours <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1580200724" style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" tabindex="0">Saturday, June 11</span> from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1580200725" style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" tabindex="0">10 a.m.-4 p.m. </span>and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1580200726" style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" tabindex="0">Sunday, June 12</span> from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1580200727" style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" tabindex="0">1-4 p.m.</span></div>
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There are numerous other events taking place during American Gothic Days. Please visit <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r%3D68329632%26msgid%3D2020366%26act%3DSMNM%26c%3D616991%26destination%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.cityofeldon.org%252F2015-american-gothic-days%252F&source=gmail&ust=1464366854718000&usg=AFQjCNFuTm1PqHpJraRVIPABJ2I0NO8_OQ" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=68329632&msgid=2020366&act=SMNM&c=616991&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cityofeldon.org%2F2015-american-gothic-days%2F" style="color: #085206; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.cityofeldon.org/<wbr style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></wbr>2015-american-gothic-days/</a> to see an entire list of events.</div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-27737124190668569332016-04-25T17:31:00.003-05:002016-04-25T17:31:23.218-05:00See “Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel” at the McHaffey Opera House<div style="background-color: white; color: #676767; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px;">
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As part of the American Gothic House Center’s Grant Wood 125th anniversary celebration, the museum is pleased to present Tom Milligan in a performance of “Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel”. The program will take place on Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m. at the McHaffey Opera House.</div>
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In this 45-minute, one-man show, Grant Wood chats with the audience as if talking to an old friend across the backyard fence, or at his home at Five Turner Alley in Cedar Rapids. He shares the story of how he took the moments, the memories, and the people of Iowa, and showed the whole world its specialness. After the presentation, the audience is encouraged to ask questions of the actor about Grant Wood and his life.</div>
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The event is free and open to the public. Funding for this presentation is provided by Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa offers many cultural and historic programs and grants to Iowa’s communities. Persons with disabilities who require special assistance to attend this event are asked to contact the American Gothic House Center in advance at <a href="tel:641-652-3352" style="color: #085206; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">641-652-3352</a>.</div>
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<img align="left" alt="" class="CToWUd a6T" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhm5LURr170IKINqlhOHdGMNqCtfdzosMXoVsELwzrQmgWMN3pFAc7a3psGpG35sj-9rgLXQeVAhzcPp6LFqVPTiF0GOCyi3xsInKTgVBMNeedW-DFJg5SEk9jdWQ5QeNIVp9-rFmQTckc3sSHm9_aimsEoOTP1WPkYht2DeWQQZrCWE9jBVCkBrlpqkyhmmEzWCShkupx_GNERT2Ym7k8QNrdPMe6fOQ=s0-d-e1-ft" style="margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" tabindex="0" width="170" />The Center will also have a special unveiling of a new permanent art piece on Monday, May 2 at 5 p.m. Overalls All Over is a project containing 24 life-sized fiberglass statues depicting the farmer and daughter from <em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">American Gothic</em>. Iowa artists created unique designs for each statue. The Center’s piece, <em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">Through the Eyes of Grant Wood</em> was designed by Ottumwa artist Chris Abigt and painted by her and Joshua Langgin. The statue highlights pieces from twenty other paintings and lithographs by Grant Wood to intrigue visitors to look deeper into the many accomplished works Grant Wood created during his lifetime.</div>
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A reminder this is also your last weekend to see our current exhibit, <strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">The American Scene: Prints from the 1930s and 1940s</em></strong><strong style="margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;">!</strong></div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-9415499591900369212016-02-09T10:35:00.002-06:002016-02-09T10:35:58.269-06:00Celebrating Grant Wood's Legacy<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The impact of Grant Wood’s work is far reaching, and this year Iowa will be celebrating 125 years of Grant Wood’s life and legacy. Across the state you will find exhibits, programs, lectures and more all in honor of Wood’s 125th anniversary.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The American Gothic House Center will host several events in 2016 to mark the occasion, beginning this week with the opening of our new exhibit, “The American Scene: Prints from the 1930s and 1940s”, as well as our annual Grant Wood’s Birthday Soup Smorgasbord. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><img align="left" alt="" class="CToWUd a6T" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhYOtV001s-y0lxqC6OXGFUo000oU46CFyT_5xuHBtqYMFGPfWs8RZYiL7GM_8ZdzK66WzvpT82k7XNVSDXNn2s9IY8wudQ7Li50-Vg59JPomrTMWtKuogz0rpLGDxWs7DGOAlZMriAG79YyIbCyeesGKy71pzJsrcpOeM7dWO4EFLqYlE1KMPXa5Hcenn1RjuTaZabJg4SNNUxXN7pzv0kFFPG6V9Pzw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; min-height: 202px; outline: 0px; width: 272px;" tabindex="0" width="272" />“The American Scene” features a selection of prints from the 1930s and 1940s depicting a variety of rural and urban scenes from across America. The Great Depression had a significant impact on the American art community. Many artists pushed to develop art with a social context and appeal to a broad demographic. Many highly recognized artists became a part of this movement, including John Steuart Curry, Thomas Hart Benton, Isabel Bishop, and Grant Wood. The pieces featured are on loan from the Indian Hills Community College Fahrney Collection. The exhibit will be open from February 13-April 30.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Grant Wood’s Birthday Soup Smorgasbord will take place Saturday, February 13 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at the KD Center in Eldon. You can enjoy an amazing array of soups, homemade bread and some birthday desserts. Free will donations from the event will support exhibits and educational activities at the American Gothic House Center. Come celebrate Grant Wood, have a wonderful meal, and support a worthwhile cause at the same time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Please visit our website for a complete list of our 2016 events and be sure to check back as more events are added.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>More upcoming events:</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Woodblock Printmaking workshop</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Saturday, March 19, 12:00-4:00 pm<br />Cost: Free<br />Pre-registration required; limited to 10 participants</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Easter Egg Roll at our “White House” </strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Saturday, March 26, 1:00-3:00 pm<br />Open to children; free admission</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><strong>Humanities Iowa Speakers Bureau presents Tom Milligan<br />Grant Wood: Prairie Rebel</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Saturday, April 30, 2:00 pm<br />McHaffey Opera House<br />Free admission</span></span></div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-25653516630631155872015-12-01T15:30:00.001-06:002015-12-01T15:30:56.919-06:00American Gothic House Center is ready for the holidays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctdt3dss8Fgy11nYuimK50yrFPo_LheAopyakzhOZ5DOjC6uRx2-8HOr47s0mqdgw17zpvwTUon7ToJa4adg5obwEFUW1FACcp4gHTgWQl_CRbzG0BB2oSTKbv2P7qUOunfqjdBE_PMY/s1600/Christmas+in+Eldon+by+Jessi+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctdt3dss8Fgy11nYuimK50yrFPo_LheAopyakzhOZ5DOjC6uRx2-8HOr47s0mqdgw17zpvwTUon7ToJa4adg5obwEFUW1FACcp4gHTgWQl_CRbzG0BB2oSTKbv2P7qUOunfqjdBE_PMY/s200/Christmas+in+Eldon+by+Jessi+022.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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The snow from last week has melted, but holiday excitement is still in the air. This weekend is filled with holiday events for “Christmas in Eldon.” Saturday, December 5 hosts a day jam-packed with activities, including the Christmas Tree Wanderland at the McHaffey Opera House, the Rock Island Depot, Christmas Dinner, a visit from Santa, Boy Scout Soup Supper, and Gingerbread House Decorating at the American Gothic House Center.</div>
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Bring the kids by the Center on Saturday, between 12-4 pm to decorate their very own graham cracker “Gingerbread” House. Graham crackers, candy decorations and gooey frosting will be provided (while supplies last) for participants to make their sugary creations.</div>
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<a href="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/3168545d87f57628f698186b7a18f381/image/jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" class="alignleft" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/3168545d87f57628f698186b7a18f381/image/jpeg" data-mce-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/3168545d87f57628f698186b7a18f381/image/jpeg" height="150" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/3168545d87f57628f698186b7a18f381/image/jpeg" style="height: auto; margin-top: 0.5em; max-width: 100%;" width="200" /></a></div>
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While shopping this holiday season please be sure to keep the American Gothic House Center gift shop in mind! The shop has many unique gifts for all ages—coloring books, candles, and calendars just to name a few. Plus, proceeds from gift shop sales support the Center’s educational programming and operations. A selection of gift shop items can also be found online at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/" data-mce-href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/" href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/">www.AmericanGothicHouse.net.</a></div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-40239132023687944372015-10-02T14:37:00.003-05:002015-10-02T14:37:36.634-05:00Quilt workshops and more coming up at AGHC<div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Summer might be winding down, but excitement is growing for the many great upcoming events at the American Gothic House Center!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><img align="right" alt="FullSizeRender (5)" data-cke-saved-src="http://www.americangothichouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FullSizeRender-5-254x300.jpg" height="150" src="http://www.americangothichouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FullSizeRender-5-254x300.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0px; width: 130px;" width="130" /><img align="right" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://www.americangothichouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FullSizeRender-4.jpg" height="150" src="http://www.americangothichouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FullSizeRender-4.jpg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; width: 117px;" width="117" /></span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">To accompany the “<em>American Gothic</em> in Stitches” exhibit, the Center is hosting a pair of workshops in the fabric arts. The classes will be lead by AGHC volunteer Teresa Chickering and participants will create their own “Gothic Window” wall hanging. The children’s workshop will be held on Saturday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The class is open to children ages 9 and above and has a supply fee of $10.00.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">The “grown up” quilting workshop will take place on Saturday, October 24 at 1 p.m. The class has a supply fee of $15.00. Participants are asked to bring their own sewing machine as well as black and gray thread. A dual feed foot is also recommended. Both workshops require pre-registration and each class is limited to 15 participants. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/e2610d75ae231dd03a5a48f7d924108a/image/jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="" border="0" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/e2610d75ae231dd03a5a48f7d924108a/image/jpeg" height="153" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/e2610d75ae231dd03a5a48f7d924108a/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 153px; margin-top: 0px; width: 150px;" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">The annual American Gothic Halloween Party will be held Saturday, October 31 from 2-4 p.m. on the grounds of the American Gothic House. The event offers free admission and is open to children in Preschool through 5th grade. Attendees will have a ghoulishly great time making crafts, playing games, and eating delicious treats. Remember to come in costume and make your own spooky American Gothic parody!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">A reminder the last American Gothic House tour of the season will take place Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Also, don’t miss your chance to see “American Gothic in Stitches: Quilts Inspired By the Famous Painting” before the exhibit closes October 24th!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">For more information on any of the Center’s upcoming events please contact Holly Berg at 641-652-3352 or email TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com.</span></span></div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-90249696975611871042015-04-20T16:01:00.005-05:002015-04-20T16:01:55.559-05:00American Gothic in Stitches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAjQ9wp7hZHFgY1GGu_AizcEQwtvd2wSRlyTrBscmifqVs6_v258k94T26cVmXk5l_O3J__VvCI1LcE7R7j-qP2MflGA5YIxh2x9wfW2lxKtPGRJNYeoF7jz0inAdsjNy5dd9YJaLHHk/s1600/ms_macdonad+RBG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAjQ9wp7hZHFgY1GGu_AizcEQwtvd2wSRlyTrBscmifqVs6_v258k94T26cVmXk5l_O3J__VvCI1LcE7R7j-qP2MflGA5YIxh2x9wfW2lxKtPGRJNYeoF7jz0inAdsjNy5dd9YJaLHHk/s1600/ms_macdonad+RBG.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">The American Gothic House Center has many great events scheduled for the coming months, but we are most excited to announce our upcoming exhibit: <em>American Gothic in Stitches: Quilts inspired by the famous painting</em>. The exhibition will feature nine works by skilled quilters from around the world who have created their own masterpieces influenced by the famous painting. The quilts will be on view at the American Gothic House Center from June 1-October 18 during regular hours. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">An opening reception will take place Friday, June 5 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. As a special addition for the opening, Grant Wood’s baby quilt will be on display with thanks to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Jacqueline Falco-Smith, Registrar of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, will be present during the opening to answer questions regarding the quilt.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Admission to the exhibit is free and is sponsored by <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.apqs.com/" href="http://www.apqs.com/">APQS-American Professional Quilting Systems</a> and the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://ottumwaarts.org/" href="http://ottumwaarts.org/">Ottumwa Area Arts Council</a>. For information regarding the exhibit, or any other upcoming events, please call 641-652-3352, or email TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>Upcoming events:</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Tours of the American Gothic House</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, and October 10 </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">from 10:00 am-4:00 pm</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Lecture series: Joni Kinsey, Professor, School of Art and Art History “Grant Wood at the University of Iowa: Community and Controversy”</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Sunday, May 3, 2:00 pm at the American Gothic House</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">New exhibit: <em>American Gothic in Stitches: Quilts inspired by the famous painting</em></span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Exhibit open June 1-October 18</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">“American Gothic in Stitches” Exhibit Opening</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Friday, June 5, 4:30-6:30 pm</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">American Gothic 5K Walk/Run</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Saturday, June 13, 7:30 am (Registration begins at 6:45 am)</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">American Gothic House Art Contest</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14; Submissions due with entry forms by 5 pm on Tuesday, June 9</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">American Gothic House Quilt/Fabric Art Challenge</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">On display July 1-October 18; Entries due by June 26</span></span></div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-18692392515481468142015-01-29T14:13:00.002-06:002015-01-29T14:13:29.368-06:00Grant Wood always liked a good party<div style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"> It is almost time again for our Grant Wood Birthday Soup Smorgasbord! Every now and then someone asks if I think Grant Wood would like us having a party in his name. I always respond that I think so…Grant Wood always liked a good party.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"> In <i>My Brother, Grant Wood</i>, Nan Wood Graham shares several stories about the enjoyment Wood had from gatherings of friends. She writes, “Grant constantly threw parties on the spur of the moment. He would come home with a load of steaks and buns and Brie and say, ‘Mom, a gang is coming. Put the coffee pot on.’ The conversation always was lively—about what everyone was doing and the latest plays they’d seen. I never knew of any of Grant’s parties to be a failure.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"> We’ll be sure to have the coffee pot on at our celebration Saturday, February 7 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at the KD Center in Eldon. You can enjoy an amazing array of soups, homemade bread, and birthday desserts, made by our wonderful volunteers (who are also great cooks!). <span style="line-height: 18pt;">Door prizes will be awarded throughout the event. Free-will donations will support educational programs at the American Gothic House Center. Come celebrate what would be Grant Wood’s 124th birthday, have a wonderful meal, and support a great cause at the same time.</span></span></div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-19519829944145692282014-12-05T13:16:00.000-06:002014-12-05T13:17:55.164-06:00Gingerbread house decorating tomorrow at AGHC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulIH7Z75juGEVdVCMF7viMfPHuHNfxUibYg89MNpgERGdzRSfxSuya_XR1pj2acN6wrOQb0M3p4t2IlTUj0U2asQONF7xT1RnTlJkYJUIPa2tKmqh5H3lG5_ERpI5kL6MHuy3w2nzs60/s1600/snowinghouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulIH7Z75juGEVdVCMF7viMfPHuHNfxUibYg89MNpgERGdzRSfxSuya_XR1pj2acN6wrOQb0M3p4t2IlTUj0U2asQONF7xT1RnTlJkYJUIPa2tKmqh5H3lG5_ERpI5kL6MHuy3w2nzs60/s1600/snowinghouse.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Winter has definitely come quickly to the American Gothic House this year! Though the house is beautiful when in snows (which has happened a few times already), we think it could have waited at least a few weeks. The one benefit of this weather is that it has definitely put us in the holiday spirit! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Some of that holiday fun awaits tomorrow, Saturday, December 6 when we host our annual gingerbread house decorating activity. Children of all ages are invited to this free event from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Graham crackers, candy decorations and gooey frosting will be provided for participants to make their sugary creations. For more information please contact the American Gothic House Center at 641-652-3352 or email <a href="mailto:TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.<wbr></wbr>com</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Though this will be our last event of 2014, we are very excited to share our 2015 Calendar of Events with you soon! You will find more programs, workshops, and a new amazing exhibit unlike anything we have hosted before. We hope to have a few final programs confirmed shortly and the calendar shared in the coming weeks. </span></span></div>
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American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-21142764633721866232014-10-15T12:12:00.002-05:002014-10-15T12:12:49.430-05:00<div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">The leaves are changing and a chill is in the air, which is getting us very excited once again for our American Gothic House Halloween Party! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">The festivities will take place Saturday, October 25 from 2-4 p.m. on the American Gothic House Center grounds. Children from preschool through fifth grade are invited to attend and admission is free. Participants will play Boo Bowling, make creepy crafts, decorate monster cookies, and much more. A Mad Scientist will also perform fun experiments and the Eldon Public Library will feature a Spooky Story Walk on the trail. Children are encouraged to come in costume for a fun photo-op in front of the house!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><strong>Upcoming events:</strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><strong>Saturday, October 25: American Gothic Halloween Party</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">2:00-4:00 p.m. at the American Gothic House Center</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Ages: Preschool – 5th grade. Small children should be accompanied by an adult.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Free admission</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Celebrate Halloween in front of the American Gothic House! Arrive dressed in your costume, make your own spooky American Gothic Parody, make fun crafts, play games and enjoy delicious treats.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><strong>Sunday, November 9: Lecture series: “Iowa History in a Cloth Bag” </strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">1:00 p.m. at the American Gothic House</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">All ages welcome, free admission</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">This program explains how cloth bags and the revolutionary idea of marketing to women helped Iowans survive the Great Depression and the shortages of World War II. Flour sacks, feed sacks and seed sacks will tell the story from relief work by Herbert Hoover to clothes and quilts in the 1950’s.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><strong>Saturday, December 6: Gingerbread House Building at AGHC</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">1:00-4:00 p.m. at the American Gothic House Center</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Open to children, free admission</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Join in a great holiday tradition for the family! Arrive early to create your own gingerbread house made out of graham crackers, frosting and candy while supplies last!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">The American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent through gift shop revenues, sponsorships, and by establishing an endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will become endowment funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to our fund drive. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE">Click here</a> to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/support-us/" href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/support-us/">website</a> for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"> Our Mission: Integrating the pieces of American Gothic</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span class="style12">300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com" href="mailto:TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com">TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com</a></span></span></span></div>
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American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-88881746552098653702014-06-12T12:11:00.002-05:002014-06-12T12:11:25.507-05:00Celebrate Iowa Museum Week by attending the Southeast Iowa Museum Crawl<div class="MsoNormal">
Museums across <st1:state w:st="on">Iowa</st1:state>
are participating in Iowa Museum Week, which runs from June 9-15. Iowa Museum Week was created to highlight the
importance of museums in <st1:state w:st="on">Iowa</st1:state>. To celebrate this event, the American Gothic
House Center has teamed up with other area museums for the inaugural Southeast
Iowa Museum Crawl. </div>
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The event will take place Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. There are four museums being featured on this year’s Museum Crawl: Davis
County Historical Complex (Bloomfield), Maasdam Barns (<st1:city w:st="on">Fairfield</st1:city>),
Pearson House (Keosauqua) and the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">America</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Gothic</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">House</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> (Eldon). As a part
of this Museum Crawl, “Star Passports” will be available. People having
their “passport” punched at all four locations will be eligible to win a
Southeast Iowa Museum Crawl gift basket.</div>
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<b>Highlights at
each of the locations include:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><em style="outline: 0px;"><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">American</span></b></em></st1:placename><em><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> <st1:placename w:st="on">Gothic</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">House</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></span></b></em></st1:place><em><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">, Eldon</span></b></em></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Exhibit of Grant Wood original works on loan
from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Indian</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Hills</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Community College</st1:placetype></st1:place></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Art station to sketch your own version of the
iconic house</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tour the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">American</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Gothic</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">House</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Strike a pose for your own “American Gothic
photo” (costumes, pitchforks and glasses available)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<st1:placename w:st="on"><em><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Davis</span></b></em></st1:placename><em><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype> Historical Complex, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bloomfield</st1:place></st1:city></span></b></em></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Rededication of Civil War Medal of Honor at 11 a.m.</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Activities throughout the day: spinning wheel,
quilting, blacksmithing, dutch oven cooking, butter making, cream separating, and
more</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="outline: 0px;"><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Maasdam Barns, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Fairfield</st1:place></st1:city></span></b></em></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Youth activities from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. – egg
gathering, tug of war, hay stacking, wheelbarrow races, egg toss</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Demonstrations – putting up hay at 11 a.m. and 2
p.m., milk separating<br />
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<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Pearson House,
Keosauqua</span></b></em></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Quilting demonstrations showing technique and
revealing the hidden meaning of some blocks</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Old Time Revival Sing with performances at the
top of every hour</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Guided tours of the complex</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->School-in-Session at the one-room schoolhouse</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Free refreshments- sorghum and molasses cookies,
butter cookies, and glasses of Ginger Switchell</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
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Whether you attend the museum crawl, or stop by your
hometown favorite, we hope you take the time this week to visit and celebrate <st1:state w:st="on">Iowa</st1:state> museums!</div>
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American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-10351441996675939472014-05-15T13:15:00.002-05:002014-05-15T13:15:58.608-05:00American Gothic Days Approaching!<div>
It is almost time again for Eldon’s annual American Gothic Days! The Center is hosting three events in conjunction with American Gothic Days, which take place June 13-15. <br />
<br />
The American Gothic 5K Run/Walk will be held Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 a.m. Early bird registration is $15 if paid by May 23, or $18 after. Registration includes a t-shirt, map of the route, and awards for winners in different age/gender categories. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank and Crossroad Graphics.<br />
<br />
The American Gothic Bike Ride 18 mile bike ride takes place Sunday, June 15 at 7:30 a.m. Early bird registration is $15 if paid by May 23, or $18 after. Registration for the 18-mile ride includes a t-shirt, map, and post-ride pizza. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank, Riverside Cyclery, and AJ’s Bicycle Shop.<br />
<br />
Amateur and professional artists are invited to enter the American Gothic House Art Contest. There will be cash awards for first and second place winners in each division, and registration is free. This event sponsored by GATE. Entries must be received by June 10 and entries will be on display at the Center during American Gothic Days.<br />
<br />
An entire schedule of events for American Gothic Days can be found <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Gothic-Days-2014.pdf" href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Gothic-Days-2014.pdf">here</a>. For more information, or for registration forms, please call 641-652-3352 or visit <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/" href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/">www.AmericanGothicHouse.net</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">The American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent through gift shop revenues, sponsorships, and by establishing an endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will become endowment funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to our fund drive. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE">Click here</a> to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/support-us/" href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/support-us/">website</a> for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"> Our Mission: Integrating the pieces of American Gothic</span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span class="style12">300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com" href="mailto:TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com">TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-8571442393162273072014-04-02T16:13:00.002-05:002014-04-02T16:13:15.476-05:00A new connection to the Wood family<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt02LmrJPm1gi_-sGo06UBuTwTvSew6PqsnUyrs9Z-hZ-8DMB2fLfGeqn4fCh-cgWAjJQdAjdQq4Dy0-h3w6KAZpNpWOnO4h9qrLAiMjgBXbWmpcdPDrpdkMGetgZD5g2jABfSe-FxIzY/s1600/1891177_1404565283142686_178492036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt02LmrJPm1gi_-sGo06UBuTwTvSew6PqsnUyrs9Z-hZ-8DMB2fLfGeqn4fCh-cgWAjJQdAjdQq4Dy0-h3w6KAZpNpWOnO4h9qrLAiMjgBXbWmpcdPDrpdkMGetgZD5g2jABfSe-FxIzY/s1600/1891177_1404565283142686_178492036_n.jpg" height="200" width="195" /></a></div>
I recently had the privilege of talking to Debbie Beilstein, the great niece of Frank Wood, Grant Wood’s brother. Frank served very much as a grandfather figure to Debbie and she also shared a close relationship with Nan Wood Graham as Nan resided nearby in Riverside, California. As none of the Wood siblings had any immediate descendants, it has been a joy to speak to Debbie about her memories. To the right is a photograph from 1960 of Debbie and Frank when she was 3 in his backyard in San Diego.<br />
<br />
Debbie has started a Facebook page where she is sharing photographs and stories about Frank and Nan. I welcome you to visit and follow her page to learn more: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.facebook.com/nanwoodgrahamandfrankmwood" href="http://www.facebook.com/nanwoodgrahamandfrankmwood">www.facebook.com/nanwoodgrahamandfrankmwood</a><br />
<br />
One of my favorite things Debbie shared with me is a recipe for cheese bread that Nan Wood Graham would bring to every family gathering. Debbie’s family has kept the tradition alive and still makes “American Gothic cheese bread” today. To join in the tradition, I plan to make Nan’s recipe this weekend to serve at our lecture series event on Sunday. Be sure to join us Sunday at 2:00pm for a great presentation by Mark McWhorter on “Regionalist Art During the Great Depression” and try some of Nan’s cheese bread for yourself!<br />
<br />
Holly Berg, Administrator<br />
American Gothic House Center<br />
<br />
<strong>Upcoming Events:</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Friday, April 4: New exhibit: Fruits, by Grant Wood</strong><br />
5:00pm-7:00pm at the American Gothic House Center<br />
All ages welcome with free admission.<br />
In his last few years of work, Grant Wood turned his focus to the print medium. Fruits is an important piece of this work. The American Gothic House Center is pleased to display this work as part of the Center’s permanent collection. View the work and learn about the history behind this series of lithographs and its relationship to the Great Depression. The acquisition of this work made possible with funding from Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation, City of Eldon, and John Deere Ottumwa Works.<br />
<br />
<strong>Sunday, April 6: Lecture series: “Regionalist Art During the Great Depression”</strong><br />
2:00pm at the Eldon Library Hall<br />
All ages welcome with free admission.<br />
Join us as Mark McWhorter, director of the Indian Hills Art Gallery discusses the implications the Great Depression had on the Regionalist art community. Several works from the IHCC collection will be on display, including works by Grant Wood.<br />
<br />
<strong>Saturday, April 19: Easter Egg Roll at our “White House”</strong><br />
Easter Egg Hunt at 1:00pm<br />
1:00pm-3:00pm on the American Gothic House grounds<br />
Open to children and free admission.<br />
Join us for our annual Egg Roll! A popular tradition at the White House, this event will be sure to please! Spring themed crafts and activities to accompany the event. Sponsored by the American Gothic House Center and GATE.<br />
<br />
<strong>Saturday, May 3: Wildflower Pastel Class</strong><br />
1:00pm-2:00pm on the American Gothic House grounds<br />
Open to children K-6 grade<br />
$9.00 fee for supplies<br />
Pre-registration needed, limited to 15 participants<br />
Celebrate May Day with a stroll through the Center’s wildflower gardens! Students will learn about of the flowers and create their own with pastel chalk. Local artist Chris Abigt will host the class and guide the students in their creations.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">The American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent through gift shop revenues, sponsorships, and by establishing an endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will become endowment funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to our fund drive. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE">Click here</a> to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/support-us/" href="http://www.americangothichouse.net/support-us/">website</a> for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"> Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic</span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span class="style12">300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com" href="mailto:TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com">TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-63528541673059687392014-01-29T15:14:00.003-06:002014-01-29T15:14:50.488-06:00Celebrate Grant Wood on February 8<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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The chill in the air must mean it’s almost time again for
our annual Grant Wood Birthday Soup Smorgasbord. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The celebration will take place Saturday,
February 8 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at the KD Center in Eldon. You can enjoy an amazing
array of soups, homemade bread, and birthday desserts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who help
make this event possible—their cooking is out of this world!</div>
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Door prizes will be awarded throughout the event, donated by
the following businesses:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chommy’s, Just
A’little Junk’e in the Trunk, Libertyville Savings Bank, and Ostrander Flowers
and Greenhouses.</div>
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Free will donations will support educational programs at the
American Gothic House Center. Come celebrate what would be Grant Wood’s 123rd
birthday, have a wonderful meal, and support a worthwhile cause at the same
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to mark your calendars!</div>
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Don’t forget to take a look at all of the great events we
have coming up this year at the American Gothic House Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visit our website to see our Calendar of
Events: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
http://www.americangothichouse.net/plan-your-visit/calendar/<br />American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-17706062962145650092013-11-04T14:47:00.003-06:002013-11-04T14:47:40.684-06:00All aboard for an Iowa rail adventure!<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Thank you to everyone who attended our Halloween Party last weekend. Despite the strong winds we had a wonderful turnout and the kids had a great time. Pictures of the event can be viewed on our Facebook page here: <a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=68329632&msgid=1799323&act=SMNM&c=616991&destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmedia%2Fset%2F%3Fset%3Da.10152007157211449.1073741829.80025816448%26type%3D3" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>media/set/?set=a.<wbr></wbr>10152007157211449.1073741829.<wbr></wbr>80025816448&type=3</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><img align="right" alt="" height="267" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/b4b0f131797ef21b1836299203d9f422/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: right; margin: 0px 0px 12px 12px; min-height: 267px; width: 200px;" width="200" />It always seems as we finish one event it is on to the next! Please join us for a special presentation by “Iowa’s Super Conductor” Rudolph Daniels on Sunday, November 10 at 1:00pm at the Eldon Library Hall. Daniels will describe the past, present and future of the Hawkeye State’s railroads. The program will explore Iowa’s unique position in the construction of the first transcontinental railroad and Iowa’s great contribution to railroad safety. Daniels will highlight the famous steamliners that rode Iowa’s rails.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">The presentation is free and open to the public. After the presentation the Eldon Depot Museum will be open for tours. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">This event is held in partnership with the Eldon Depot Museum and funding for this presentation is provided by Humanities Iowa. All aboard for an Iowa rail adventure!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><strong>Upcoming events:</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><strong>November 10: Humanities Iowa Lecture by Rudolph Daniels: “Trains Across Iowa”</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">All ages welcome</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Free admission</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">1:00pm at the Eldon Library Hall</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Eldon, Iowa is known for being the home of the American Gothic House, but it also is home to the historic Eldon Depot, which boasts a rich history of railroad life. Join us as Rudolph Daniels describes the past, present and future of the Hawkeye State’s railroads. The program explores Iowa’s unique position in the construction of the first transcontinental railroad and Iowa’s great contribution to railroad safety. The talk also describes the famous steamliners that rode Iowa’s rails. All aboard for an Iowa rail adventure!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">After the presentation the Eldon Depot Museum will be open for viewing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">This event held in partnership with the Eldon Depot Museum.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><strong>December 7: Gingerbread House Building</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">1:00-4:00pm at the American Gothic House Center</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Open to children</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Free admission</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Join in a great holiday tradition for the family! Arrive early to create your own gingerbread house made out of graham crackers, frosting and candy while supplies last!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Holly Berg</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Administrator<br />American Gothic House Center<br /><a href="mailto:TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.<wbr></wbr>com</a></span></span></div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-70253471526243218152013-10-04T15:17:00.003-05:002013-10-04T15:17:36.663-05:00Volunteers an important "piece" of the museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvr9Be00B5SCaoFJ-_jSwM_aK1qX4Qgnsgis2L5-cyU9YUjf1u98fZbvTD3Fx-6CWc3vteqxhTlRy8qC2X583j1Iqk-SZl6vCmXskgbY1dO_gzh0_93_qOZqfxspthzhQN7I0ouscTL0/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvr9Be00B5SCaoFJ-_jSwM_aK1qX4Qgnsgis2L5-cyU9YUjf1u98fZbvTD3Fx-6CWc3vteqxhTlRy8qC2X583j1Iqk-SZl6vCmXskgbY1dO_gzh0_93_qOZqfxspthzhQN7I0ouscTL0/s200/photo+(5).JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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The American Gothic House Center hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Potluck this past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1485927775" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span>. This year’s potluck theme was “Volunteers are an important piece of our museum.” It was a very fitting theme as the Center would not be able to operate without the help of our dedicated volunteer staff. </div>
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Though the weather did not cooperate to have it outside, we hope everyone had an enjoyable time! As not everyone could attend, I would like to take this time to thank all of the volunteers at the Center for their hard work and dedication and we greatly appreciate your continued efforts.</div>
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<strong>Upcoming events:</strong></div>
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<strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1485927776" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">October 26</span></span>: Children’s Gothic Halloween Party</strong></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1485927777" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">2:00-4:00pm</span></span> at the American Gothic House Center</div>
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Ages: Preschool – 5th grade. Small children should be accompanied by an adult.</div>
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Free admission</div>
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Celebrate Halloween in front of the American Gothic House! Arrive dressed in your costume, make your own spooky American Gothic Parody, make fun crafts, play games and enjoy delicious treats.</div>
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<strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1485927778" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">November 10</span></span>: Humanities Iowa Lecture by Rudolph Daniels: “Trains Across Iowa”</strong></div>
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All ages welcome</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
Free admission</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1485927779" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">1:00pm</span></span> at the Eldon Library Hall</div>
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Eldon, Iowa is known for being the home of the American Gothic House, but it also is home to the historic Eldon Depot, which boasts a rich history of railroad life. Join us as Rudolph Daniels describes the past, present and future of the Hawkeye State’s railroads. The program explores Iowa’s unique position in the construction of the first transcontinental railroad and Iowa’s great contribution to railroad safety. The talk also describes the famous steamliners that rode Iowa’s rails. All aboard for an Iowa rail adventure!</div>
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After the presentation the Eldon Depot Museum will be open for viewing.</div>
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This event held in partnership with the Eldon Depot Museum.</div>
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<strong><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1485927780" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">December 7</span></span>: Gingerbread House Building</strong></div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1485927781" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">1:00-4:00pm</span></span> at the American Gothic House Center</div>
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Open to children</div>
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Free admission</div>
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Join in a great holiday tradition for the family! Arrive early to create your own gingerbread house made out of graham crackers, frosting and candy while supplies last!</div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-5811335451062038172013-08-16T12:49:00.004-05:002013-08-16T12:50:56.848-05:00Learning extends past the classroom at AGHC<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Museum internships provide students hands-on, in-depth educational experiences which cannot be found in the classroom. Over the past year the American Gothic House Center has been developing an internship program to provide these opportunities to help fulfill our educational mission. The Center was privileged to have an intern as part of our team the past few months. Amanda Baker, a student at Central College in Pella, Iowa, spent her summer immersed in the Center’s collections of artifacts, newspaper clippings, and photographs. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><img align="left" alt="" height="157" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/79439947c144a1d230845073b13f7964/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(34, 34, 34); float: left; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px; min-height: 157px; width: 200px;" width="200" /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">The Center was able to receive a grant from the Wapello County Foundation to purchase a laptop, software, and scanner for Amanda to use during her time here. With their assistance we were able to teach Amanda many new aspects of museum collection care and management. She learned the ins and outs of museum software and helped add new artifacts to our database. She also organized our archives and scanned old letters and newspaper clippings making them more accessible to researchers and historians. Amanda said she especially enjoyed assisting with the installation of our new exhibit “Parodies of a Portrait: An American Icon’s Place in Pop Culture.” </span></span><br />
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<img align="right" alt="" height="167" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/91b847c794b1432d1edae2ef46282813/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(34, 34, 34); float: right; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px 0px 12px 12px; min-height: 167px; width: 190px;" width="190" /><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Most importantly, Amanda was able to experience the daily operations of a museum and the fascina</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px;">ting job of working with a</span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px;"> diverse public. However, one aspect she did not enjoy was being on camera--somehow she always managed to disappear every time a television crew stopped by! Luckily, we were able to at least take a few snapshots of her working in the collection.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">The Center was fortunate to have Amanda’s help this Center and are excited to have her back during her winter break. We also plan to continue developing our internship program and are arranging to have a social media intern this fall.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Holly Berg</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;">Administrator<br />American Gothic House Center<br /><a href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">theamericangothichouse@gmail.<wbr></wbr>com</a></span></span></div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-24656350604463534992013-07-05T12:18:00.000-05:002013-07-05T12:18:54.529-05:00AGHC says thanks to military families<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tbx76loJhkydRxyCgZLBXnWQQI9VNklRjIsGHw0ZFH8GifzMMEr3eliTMt9g2JLWDSZOeJCatfxQD6bHzZ7azGhPNoWkwH6ln2E6rHB9M8XQHoQC7_9Z4roFcxb1zk45gokf7Wee6Bs/s1600/bluestar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tbx76loJhkydRxyCgZLBXnWQQI9VNklRjIsGHw0ZFH8GifzMMEr3eliTMt9g2JLWDSZOeJCatfxQD6bHzZ7azGhPNoWkwH6ln2E6rHB9M8XQHoQC7_9Z4roFcxb1zk45gokf7Wee6Bs/s1600/bluestar.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We hope
everyone had a wonderful Independence Day. Thank you to our volunteers
who kept the doors of the American Gothic House Center open for the
holiday!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Fourth of July is a time to reflect and appreciate the great efforts of
men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, for our freedom.
One small way museums such as the American Gothic House Center are
saying thanks and giving back to these individuals and their families is
by participating in the Blue Star Museums program.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blue
Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the
Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000
museums across America including many right here in Iowa. The program
runs through Labor Day, September 2, 2013.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
free admission program is available to active duty U.S. military -
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the
National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned
Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps - and up to five family members.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To find out which museums are participating, visit <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums" href="http://www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums">www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums</a>. The site includes a list of participating museums and a map to help with visit planning. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Holly Berg</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Administrator</span><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span">American Gothic House Center</span><br /> TheAmericanGothicHouse@gmail.com</span></span>American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-34254892596679918602013-05-16T11:58:00.001-05:002013-05-16T11:58:35.125-05:00Center gears up for new exhibit<img align="left" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/663f7773f32a52f5c248d0859e5307ec/image/gif" height="253" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/663f7773f32a52f5c248d0859e5307ec/image/gif" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; height: 253px; margin: 12px; width: 180px;" width="180" />The drums are rolling and the tension is building in preparation for
the unveiling of a new exhibit at the American Gothic House
Center—“Parodies of a Portrait: An American Icon’s Place in Pop
Culture.”<br /><br /> The exhibit will premier from 6 to 7 pm on Friday, May
24, and, of course, will remain on display indefinitely. It proves to
be a compelling—and fun—look into contemporary America using <em>American Gothic </em>as the backdrop.<br /><br />
Beginning with Gordon Park’s photograph of Ella Watson, a cleaning
woman employed by the Farm Security Administration in 1942, and
traveling forward through time, the exhibit will showcase how the iconic
image has been used to bring attention to cultural and societal issues.<br /><br /> <img align="right" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/28c20dc523016f0d397c32be1d31b672/image/jpeg" height="213" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/28c20dc523016f0d397c32be1d31b672/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: right; height: 213px; margin: 12px; width: 166px;" width="166" />Many of the parodies will be familiar, such as the 1963 <em>Saturday Evening Post </em>cover featuring Jed Clampett and Granny—aka Buddy Ebsen and Irene Ryan—of <em>The Beverly Hillbillies.</em> Some might say this parody, along with the shot in the opening credits of <em>Green Acres</em> of Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor (Oliver Douglas and his wife Lisa in the series), was the seminal moment for parodies of <em>American Gothic</em>. From that point on parody became an art form of its own.<br /><br />
Predictably the parodies on display in the new exhibit will feature
celebrity-type characters. However, once in a while local (if not to
Eldon, then to the area targeted), people will be the characters in the
parody.<br /><br /> Such is the case with one particular parody that should
hit home to many local Eldon citizens—Tom and Roseanne Arnold pictured
near the site of their planned mansion in Eldon.<br /><br /> <img align="left" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/9676bffa304f0fcc719be958d2c1adb9/image/jpeg" height="165" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/9676bffa304f0fcc719be958d2c1adb9/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; height: 165px; margin: 12px; width: 180px;" width="180" />As anyone who remembers the story knows, this endeavor of Tom and Roseanne’s didn’t fare so well. Steven Biel, in his book, <em>American Gothic</em>, accurately sums up the outcome of the Arnold’s Eldon peccadillo.<br /><br />
“But this gothic house [Tom and Roseanne’s mansion] was never built.
Roseanne and Tom split up, the cornfield was leased to a farmer, the
‘loose meat’ restaurant they had opened in Eldon didn’t survive, and the
local community college took over the property.”<br /><br /> In case you
are not aware of the story, an article in the April 21, 1997 edition of
People magazine provides a good overview. To read the article <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20121898,00.html" href="http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20121898,00.html"><em>click here.</em></a><br /><br />
Tom and Rosanne’s parody reflects all parodies of American Gothic, as
it takes a topical issue and satirizes it to drive home a point. In the
case of the Arnold’s their excess (the multi-million dollar mansion and
their jet-setting style), was in sharp contrast to the modest ways of a
small town—and of the characters in the painting. Such is the nature of
parody.<br /><br /> This is a taste of what will be in store for visitors at
the American Gothic House Center beginning next Friday. It will be
worth the trip.<br /><br /> Also, don’t forget about the other upcoming
events at the Center during Eldon’s American Gothic Days, the art
contest, the 5K walk/run and the 20-mile bike ride. For details on these
events <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/index.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/index.htm"><em>click here.</em></a><br /><br /> One more thing:<br /><br />
This morning, while reviewing the National Public Radio website (and my
kids say I lead a boring life), I ran across an interview and song that
I wanted to share.<br /><br /> It is not upbeat, funny, or soul-lifting,
but it is a story that any parent who has lost a child carries with them
daily. It is about the aftermath. Specifically, it is the story of a
soldier and his dad. If you would, take time to listen to the story and
the imbedded song, but be warned, it will cause a tear to drop. In my
case, it was a flood. Please click here: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.npr.org/2013/05/15/184246172/a-songwriter-and-an-army-dad-share-one-touching-story" href="http://www.npr.org/2013/05/15/184246172/a-songwriter-and-an-army-dad-share-one-touching-story"><em>A Songwriter And An Army Dad Share One Touching Story.</em></a><br /><br /> Take care.<br />
Brian Chambers<br /> Media Coordinator<br /> American Gothic House Center<br /> 641-652-3352<br /> wapellocountymediacoordinator@gmail.com<br /><br /> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The
American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent
through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an
endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the
Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment
funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the
weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American
Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the
valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to
our fund drive. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE">Click here</a> to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm">website</a> for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!</span></span><br />
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic</span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="style12">300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com" href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com">theamericangothichouse@gmail.com</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-43205771411361601262013-05-09T10:57:00.001-05:002013-05-09T10:57:33.749-05:00Some parallels are hard to ignoreThe story of Grant Wood finding the house in <em>American Gothic</em>,
as well as the two models, his sister Nan Wood Graham and his dentist
Dr. Byron McKeeby, is well known. Especially Nan Wood Graham, as she
remained an active promoter of her brother for decades. But how much is
known about an equally famous portrait and a woman named Monika
Pon-su-san?<br /><br /> I will be the first one to admit until the other day
I had no idea who Monika Pon-su-san is, but, upon discovery, the
parallels with Nan Wood Graham are too close to dismiss.<br /><br />
Pon-su-san’s story begins two decades later than Wood’s and in a much
different location—Cape Town, South Africa, in 1950. Pon-su-san was
working in her uncle’s launderette when she was spotted by Russian expat
and artist <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.vladimirtretchikoff.com/biography.htm" href="http://www.vladimirtretchikoff.com/biography.htm"><em>Vladimir Tretchikoff.</em></a><br /><br />
Tretchikoff (who I wasn’t much aware of either prior to this research)
saw something in the young lady and asked her to model for him. The
result was <em>Chinese Girl</em>, one of the highest selling art prints in the 1950s and 60s. Don’t see the connection? Read on.<br /><br /> <img align="left" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/826b90dd6c8d4bbf81dcded934662b2b/image/jpeg" height="206" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/826b90dd6c8d4bbf81dcded934662b2b/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; height: 206px; margin: 14px; width: 180px;" width="180" />According to an article in <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/21/chinese-girl-painting-sells-for-15-million-auction-south-africa_n_2922729.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/21/chinese-girl-painting-sells-for-15-million-auction-south-africa_n_2922729.html"><em>The Huffington Post,</em></a>
“Vladimir Tretchikoff's iconic painting ‘Chinese Girl,’ said to be one
of the most reproduced in the world, is coming home to South Africa
after more than half a century in a private Chicago collection.”<br />
In a recent interview with <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22344710" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22344710"><em>BBC News</em></a>, Pon-Su-San recounted the story of how she came to be a model for the iconic portrait and comments on the final product.<br /><br /> “A lot of people ask me: ‘What is that stern look you had on your face? What were you thinking about?’"<br /><br />
Stern face? This is much like the review Nan Wood Graham received after
American Gothic became known, as one person was said to remark, “her
face would sour milk.”<br /><br /> <img align="right" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/cd880f418648941ed5598e0e15c1409a/image/jpeg" height="165" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/cd880f418648941ed5598e0e15c1409a/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: right; height: 165px; margin: 14px; width: 180px;" width="180" />Granted,
the style of Tretchikoff and Wood differ greatly (Wood, to my
knowledge, didn’t paint any green faces) but nonetheless both paintings
have been reproduced extensively and found their way into pop culture,
with <em>Chinese Girl </em>featured on “mugs, T-shirts, posters and wallpaper,” according to <em>The Huffington Post.</em><br /><br /> I am not aware of any <em>American Gothic</em>
wallpaper out there but it has been plastered on mugs and T-shirts for
decades, as well as a host of other venues. Both paintings also hold the
title—depending on whom is doing the talking—of the most reproduced
painting in the world. In short, both are notable in the own right and
are similar in popularity.<br /><br /> There is another parallel between the
two artists and their paintings that must be mentioned. Wood, in
certain circles, was never considered a serious artist. Early in his
career, and for decades after his death, Wood and his work was often
labeled “sentimental,” and not worthy of intellectual examination.
Evidently, Tretchikoff suffered much of the same criticism, at least for
<em>Chinese Girl.</em><br /><br /> As per The Huffington Post, “’Chinese
Girl’ sometimes is called the ‘Mona Lisa of kitsch,’ angering
Tretchikoff who insisted he was a serious artist.”<br /><br /> One more parallel: Both artists, regardless of their critics, will live long in the public’s eye. So much for the art critics.<br /><br /> <strong>Things to remember</strong><br /><br />
This Sunday, May 12, Orchestra Iowa’s will perform “American Gothic,”
an original composition by three-time Grammy Award-Winner Michael
Daugherty, at the Bridge View Center at 3 p.m. Admission is free.<br /><br />
On Friday, May 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the American Gothic House Center,
a new exhibit, “Parodies of a Portrait: An American Icon’s Place in Pop
Culture,” will premier. Stop by and check out how American Gothic has
been portrayed in pop culture. Some may even surprise you!<br /><br />
Register and enter the American Gothic Days festivities at the American
Gothic Center on June 8-9: the art contest, 5K run/walk and the 20-plus
mile bike ride. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/index.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/index.htm"><em>Click here for more details.</em></a><br />
<br />Brian Chambers<br /> Media Coordinator<br /> American Gothic House Center<br /> 641-652-3352<br /> wapellocountymediacoordinator@gmail.com<br /><br /> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The
American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent
through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an
endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the
Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment
funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the
weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American
Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the
valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to
our fund drive. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE">Click here</a> to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm">website</a> for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!</span></span><br />
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic</span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="style12">300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com" href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com">theamericangothichouse@gmail.com</a></span></span></span></div>
</div>
American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-39808626477951764392013-05-02T12:07:00.000-05:002013-05-02T12:07:28.135-05:00American Gothic now set to musicIt was only a matter of time when it would happen. After all, <em>American Gothic </em>has
been the focus of numerous parodies, advertising gimmicks and the
backdrop for social commentary, so why not set it to music? Composer and
Cedar Rapids native Michael Daugherty decided to do just that.<br /><img align="right" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/ce68a8b33344b98c2ada1839c666dfab/image/jpeg" height="117" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/ce68a8b33344b98c2ada1839c666dfab/image/jpeg" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: right; height: 117px; margin: 14px; width: 216px;" width="216" /><br />
This weekend, May 4 and 5, Iowa Orchestra (formerly the Cedar Rapids
Symphony) will give a world premiere performance of Daugherty’s
“American Gothic,” a 20-minute tribute to Grant Wood and <em>American Gothic</em>, at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids on May 4 and at West High School in Iowa City on May 5.<br /><br />
A trip to the Iowa City area doesn’t fit into your travel plans? Not to
worry as Orchestra Iowa, along with the premier of Daugherty’s
“American Gothic,” will be at Bridge View Center in Ottumwa on Sunday,
May 12 for a 3 p.m. performance. Cost a concern? Shouldn’t be as
admission is free at the Bridge View Center.<br /><br /> According to an article by Diana Nollen in <a data-cke-saved-href="http://hooplanow.com/2013/05/02/orchestra-iowa-premieres-american-gothic/" href="http://hooplanow.com/2013/05/02/orchestra-iowa-premieres-american-gothic/"><em>Hooplanow.com</em></a>, Daugherty composed the arrangement as a “homage to Eastern Iowa’s most famous artist, Grant Wood.”<br /><br />
Shortly after being commissioned by Orchestra Iowa to write the piece,
Daugherty, a professor at the University of Michigan and Grammy-award
winning composer, took some time off and revisited his roots—Eastern
Iowa, what he calls “Grant Wood country.”<br /><br /> According to the
article, he also visited the Art Institute of Chicago to view the
original painting, which influenced his final composition.<br /><br /> “‘The
thing about the painting is that it’s a mystery. No one really knows
what it means. People never really understood Grant Wood as an artist
either,’” he says. “‘Some people took him seriously, (some critics)
thought he was an amateur, partly because he was using the Midwest as
his inspiration.<br /> <br /> ‘I thought it would be interesting to
explore, ‘what does it mean to be a composer like myself, coming from
Iowa,’ and also, ‘what are some of those hidden secrets in that
painting’ — to explore that in a musical way.’”<br /><br /> As reported in the <em>Hooplanow</em> article, the result is a musical rendition of Wood and <em>American Gothic</em>.<br />
<br />
“Daugherty’s
musical artwork paints sonic images in three movements, beginning with
“On a Roll,” which he describes as ‘a rollicking melody with colorful
orchestration,’ evoking the rolling hills of Jones County, so prevalent
in Wood’s paintings.<br />
<br />
The middle section, “Winter Dreams,” is
inspired not only by Wood’s black-and-white lithographs, but also by the
bleak winters of Willis Daugherty’s rural Iowa youth, marked by soaring
snowdrifts. It features the haunting sounds of alto flute and violins.<br />
<br />
The
final movement, “Pitchfork,” reflects the dour look of the duo in
“American Gothic” and Wood’s wit. Daugherty kicks up the tempo with
‘very fast and very, very way-out bluegrass music.’ He calls it ‘a
window into my contemporary musical vision of ‘American Gothic.’ ”<br />
<br />
To view and listen to Daugherty and violinist Luke Witchger perform a preview of the final movement of the composition <a data-cke-saved-href="http://bcove.me/7xwzwpma" href="http://bcove.me/7xwzwpma"><em>click here.</em></a><br />
<br />
At
Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Ottumwa, Orchestra Iowa will also perform
Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “The Rock” and Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7 in D
Minor in addition to Daugherty’s “American Gothic.” For ticket and
additional information to the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City performances <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.orchestraiowa.org/Events/20130505/179/American-Gothic.aspx" href="http://www.orchestraiowa.org/Events/20130505/179/American-Gothic.aspx"><em>click here</em></a>. For additional information to the performance at Bridge View Center <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bridgeviewcenter.com/index.php/events.html" href="http://www.bridgeviewcenter.com/index.php/events.html"><em>click here</em></a>. Remember, the concert at Bridge View is free.<br />
<br />
<strong>Time to make plans for June at the American Gothic House Center</strong><br />
<br />
As mentioned last week, there are three events at the Center that are rapidly approaching.<br />
<br />
In
conjunction with “American Gothic Days” in Eldon, the American Gothic
House Center is holding an art contest, a 5K run/walk and a 20-plus mile
bike ride. Registration for the run/walk and bike ride can be done on
the day of the event (the run /walk on Saturday, June 8 and the bike
ride on Sunday, June 9) but to save a few bucks early registration is in
order.<br />
<br />
If registered for the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/5ksignup.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/5ksignup.htm"><em>5K run/walk</em></a> and the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/bike.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/bike.htm"><em>20-mile bike ride</em></a> by May 24, registration is $15; afterwards the fee is $18. Click on either event for more information and the entry form.<br />
<br />
As
for the art contest, there is no entry fee but the artwork must be
submitted with entry form by Tuesday, June 4. For more information and
the entry form <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/artsignup.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/artsignup.htm"><em>click here.</em></a><br />
<br />
Brian Chambers<br /> Media Coordinator<br /> American Gothic House Center<br /> 641-652-3352<br /> wapellocountymediacoordinator@gmail.com<br /><br /> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The
American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent
through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an
endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the
Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment
funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the
weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American
Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the
valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to
our fund drive. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE">Click here</a> to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm">website</a> for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!</span></span><br />
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic</span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="style12">300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com" href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com">theamericangothichouse@gmail.com</a></span></span></span></div>
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American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-39078884035568261172013-04-25T12:30:00.002-05:002013-04-25T12:30:39.893-05:00Spring has sprung, the grass riz…<img align="left" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/77eba071033bb50420e8ed482fa111f6/image/jpeg" height="201" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/77eba071033bb50420e8ed482fa111f6/image/jpeg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); float: left; height: 201px; margin: 14px; width: 220px;" width="220" />Nothing Gold Can Stay<br />
<br />
<em>Nature's first green is gold,<br /> Her hardest hue to hold.<br /> Her early leafs a flower;<br /> But only so an hour.<br /> Then leaf subsides to leaf.<br /> So Eden sank to grief,<br /> So dawn goes down to day.<br /> Nothing gold can stay.</em><br />
-Robert Frost<br /><br />
One month ago I wrote in this space about spring finally arriving. How
foolish. In the past four weeks we have had wind, snow, torrential rains
and biting cold worthy of a January morning. So much for spring. But
things are finally changing. Maybe.<br /><br /> Frost’s poem is one I recite
when spring is noticeable to the eye, which it is now. It is one of two
poems that cross my mind this time of year (more about the other one
later).<br /><br /> I was introduced to this poem a few years ago and was
struck by the paradoxes it presents: “green is gold…leaf’s a flower.”
Which is not really a paradox, rather the truth. Some, but not all,
trees and shrubs (the forsythia for example) have a show of gold for a
short time, or as Frost states, “only so an hour.” Others, such as the
magnolia tree, start with a flower which soon turns into a leaf. I find
the way Frost captures spring compelling, but it is his parallel to Eden
that draws me in.<br /><br /> His reference to Eden sinking in grief intrigues me. Upon study I found Frost was referring to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felix_culpa" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felix_culpa"><em>felix culpa</em></a>,
loosely translated as “fortunate fall.” Meaning that an unfortunate
event, or a series of them, leads to a better outcome. In Biblical
theology the fateful circumstances of Adam in the Garden of Eden in the
long run caused good to happen.<br /><br /> Such as with spring. The gold
and flowers are pleasing to the eye, but only last a short while as they
succumb to the leaf which provides shade for the plant allowing it to
live.<br /><br /> The poem also speaks of life. To put this thinking into
practice I will use the birth of a child as an example. When born, the
child is new and fresh, but, as any parent that has guided a child to
adulthood knows, it isn’t for long. It seems this precious time lasts,
in Frost’s words, “only so an hour.”<br /><br /> Grief, not as severe as
Eden’s perhaps, also exists. Children cause and suffer grief, but, as
every parent knows, this heartache, in the form of whatever it may be,
also builds character and helps mold and shape the child. Although
difficult to navigate at the time this grief results in a “fortunate
fall,” eventually leading to a better person and a more-rounded adult.
At least that is the hope.<br /><br /> In my interpretation the only line in
the poem that does not offer hope, but speaks volumes about life, is
the last, “Nothing gold can stay.” Flowers, gold buds and dawn, as well
as life, is not forever. In time all come to an end—at least for awhile.
Sad, but real. However the poem doesn’t make me sad, rather it provides
incentive to pay attention to the early buds and flowers of spring and
to drink in life, hug my children and grandchildren, revel in their
accomplishments and appreciate what I—they—have been given. Ah, the
power of a poem.<br /><br /> To lighten the mood, earlier I mentioned
another poem that crosses my mind this time of year. Actually it is not a
poem, but rather a ditty. I remember it playing on the radio sometime
in the 70s and it has stuck with me since:<br /><br /> “Spring has sprung, the grass has ris, I wonder how my spark plug is?”<br /><br />
I know, silly, and not exactly literary. I believe it was an ad by a
spark plug manufacture to prompt homeowners to replace the spark plug on
the lawnmower before the mowing season starts. I have no idea how
effective it was but it stuck with me. The things one remembers.<br /><br /> <strong>Upcoming events:</strong><br /><br />
There will be more on this in later posts but a heads up is in order in
case anyone wants to make plans. On Friday, May 24 from 6 p.m. to 7
p.m. a special exhibit opening is planned for “Parodies of a Portrait:
American Gothic’s Place in Society.” As most know. American Gothic
continues to be one of the most parodied paintings in the world.
“Parodies of a Portrait” explores the history of these parodies and how
this iconic painting is interpreted in society.<br /><br /> On June 8 and 9,
in conjunction with American Gothic Days in Eldon, the Center will
sponsor an art show, a 5k run/walk and a 20-plus mile bicycle ride.
Details about that weekend’s activities can be found at the website: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/index.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/index.htm"><em>www.AmericanGothicHouse.net.</em></a><br />
<br />
Brian Chambers<br /> Media Coordinator<br /> American Gothic House Center<br /> 641-652-3352<br /> wapellocountymediacoordinator@gmail.com<br /><br /> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The
American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent
through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an
endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the
Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment
funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the
weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American
Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the
valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to
our fund drive. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE">Click here</a> to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm">website</a> for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="style12">300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com" href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com">theamericangothichouse@gmail.com</a></span></span></span></div>
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American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-13641589725956523392013-04-18T13:31:00.001-05:002013-04-18T13:31:27.354-05:00Eldon Public Library turns 100<img align="left" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/80c72f4c0c4d8bf44c13d63b0c886949/image/jpeg" height="149" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/80c72f4c0c4d8bf44c13d63b0c886949/image/jpeg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; height: 149px; margin: 14px; width: 216px;" width="216" />This Saturday, April 20, the Eldon Public Library turns the century mark and it will not go unnoticed by library staff and the city of Eldon.<br /><br /> On Nov. 23, 1912 the cornerstone was laid for the present-day library and on May 9, 1913 a formal dedication was held at the Christian Church to christen the new building and usher in an era of public institutions dedicated to knowledge and learning.<br /><br /> In this day we have a tendency to take the local library for granted, as most have been an institution for well over 100 years. But in the waning years of the 19th century and the early days of the 20th this was not the case, as public libraries were considered an indulgence of sorts the country as a whole had not yet wholly endorsed. But thanks, in part to Andrew Carnegie, libraries were moving from a luxury to necessity.<br />
<br />
The legacy of Andrew Carnegie is etched in the public’s mind as the person who decided to use his wealth to benefit the masses. And to do this, he decided to build libraries in towns small and large across the country. Public libraries, free to the citizens of all ranks and social orders, to provide learning opportunities theretofore not readily available.<br /><br /> Nationwide Carnegie contributed funds to build 1,419 libraries for a total cost of $41.5 million. Iowa was an early recipient of the funds with Fairfield receiving the first grant in the state in 1892. This was remarkable as Fairfield was the first town west of Pittsburgh, Penn. to receive such a grant. There were many more to follow.<br /><br /> A total of 101 libraries were built in Iowa using Carnegie funds. Although Iowa wasn’t the leading builder of Carnegie libraries (it ranked sixth nationwide in the total built) it may not have been that high if it wasn’t for the progressive reputation Iowa is known for.<br /><br /> According to the <em><a data-cke-saved-href="http://clip.grad.uiowa.edu/" href="http://clip.grad.uiowa.edu/">Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project</a> </em>based at the University of Iowa, at that time Iowa had become the 10th state to pass legislation allowing towns to establish and maintain libraries through taxation, a vital measure providing a means to create and sustain libraries.<br /><br /> Another progressive piece of legislation that, according to the project was instrumental in establishing libraries on Iowa, was allowing women to vote on “yes” or “no” issues in 1894—26 years before the 19th Amendment allowed voting rights to all women. This vote was critical in Iowa as women’s organizations often led the movement to establish a library.<br /><br /> To digress. A woman voting is something else we take for granted in society, but in the first 100-plus years of our country it was a revolutionary thought. Somewhat ironic considering all Americans at one time were considered revolutionaries. <br /><br /> Casual research did not reveal if a women’s organization was instrumental in establishing a library in Eldon but, given the evidence that women were prime movers in founding libraries, one can rest assured there were women on the front lines of the movement.<br /><br /> Eldon opened its first library in 1906 and in 1911 the local library association (established in 1908) appealed to Carnegie for funds to help construct a building. In turn he donated $7,500 to the effort and two years later Eldon had the building that has stood for 100 years and has served countless citizens.<br />
<br /> To honor this milestone the <em><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.eldon.lib.ia.us/" href="http://www.eldon.lib.ia.us/">Eldon Public Library</a></em> will hold an open house this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be refreshments available and craft building for the younger patrons is scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. At 1 p.m. Dr. Shana Stuart, director of the Carnegie Libraries in Iowa Project at U of I, will make a presentation to mark the occasion.<br /><br /> In the words of T.S. Elliot, “The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.” So stop by the library this Saturday and not only wish it a Happy Birthday but celebrate the future of our country. And maybe check out a book.<br />
Brian Chambers<br /> Media Coordinator<br /> American Gothic House Center<br /> 641-652-3352<br /> wapellocountymediacoordinator@gmail.com<br /><br /> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to our fund drive. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE">Click here</a> to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm">website</a> for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> Our Mission: Integratin</span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="style12">300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com" href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com">theamericangothichouse@gmail.com</a></span></span></span></div>
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American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-49754982224522713952013-04-10T11:56:00.001-05:002013-04-10T11:56:23.780-05:00Where the tall corn grows<em>“Wood was painting what he longed for, an agrarian paradise where
the land took care of her own before the machine came to torment her;
further, this was an America without urban centers and thus free of the
social complexities of mass unemployment, crowded conditions, factories
and industry.”</em><br /><br /> - <em>Going Back to Iowa: The World of Grant Wood</em><br /> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA98/haven/wood/landscape.html" href="http://xroads.virginia.edu/%7EMA98/haven/wood/landscape.html">University of Virginia American Studies Program</a><br /><br />
Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it? Many would agree; others not so much.
A world without malls, convenience stores or McDonald’s? How would we
survive? But there was a time when it was quite possible to survive, in
fact thrive, without the amenities (and aggravations, I might add) that
we have today.<br /><br /> It is obvious when viewing the works of Grant
Wood that he lived in a dream world, a world where machinery wasn’t
invented yet, smokestacks didn’t line the horizon and societal ills
common today were nowhere to be found, and he painted this world in his
landscapes.<br /><br /> This Sunday, an opportunity exists to gain a closer
look into Wood’s world as Laural Ronk, director of the Bluffs Arts
Council, and Dick Miller, chairman of the Bluffs Arts Council Corn Room
Restoration Committee, will give a presentation at the Eldon Library
Hall from 2 to 3 pm on the efforts to recover what is left of one of
three Grant Wood murals.<br /><br /> <img align="left" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/66cac6d9d961663d15c65de2916c911f/image/jpeg" height="191" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/66cac6d9d961663d15c65de2916c911f/image/jpeg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; height: 191px; margin: 14px; width: 216px;" width="216" />To
provide some history: In 1926 hotelier Eugene Eppley, commissioned Wood
to paint four murals in dining rooms of his hotels in Sioux City,
Waterloo, Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs.<br /><br /> “Three of the murals
were `corn murals' (one in each hotel). They were painted to fill the
room. The corn murals were supposed to make viewers feel as if they were
sitting in an Iowa field with tall stalks of corn, rolling hills and
barns dotting the horizon. The mural is a typical example of the kinds
of landscape visible in the surrounding countryside.” - <a data-cke-saved-href="http://thebluerider.blogspot.com/2009/07/connecting-pieces-of-grant-woods-corn.html" href="http://thebluerider.blogspot.com/2009/07/connecting-pieces-of-grant-woods-corn.html"><em>Art Talk</em></a><br /><br />
Two of the Corn Murals were in the Sioux City and Cedar Rapids hotels
and are preserved in their entirety and on display in Sioux City Art
Center and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. The third, the mural in
Council Bluffs at the Hotel Chieftain, wasn’t as lucky.<br /><br /> In 1970
when the hotel was in the process of being converted into apartments the
new owners, upon being told the murals were unsalvageable, allowed
anyone to come and take down the murals under the condition they were
not sold and the pieces would be restored. Later research revealed
segments of the mural were taken down and—for the most part—kept safe
and, in some cases, restored.<br /><br /> One might ask why the mural
segments, after all these years, are important as there are two other
complete murals elsewhere in the state. An answer can be found in an
entry concerning the murals from the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/7aa/7aa827.htm" href="http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/7aa/7aa827.htm">Traditional Fine Arts Association.</a><br /><br />
“Grant Wood's Corn Room Mural is historically important because it
shows that Wood was developing the ideas and approaches that would
become Regionalism several years before he produced his first
clearly-Regionalist works and achieved critical success with his
invention: Woman with Plants (1929) and American Gothic (1930)... Wood's
concerns with landscape, visible in the Corn Room Mural, remain a
constant reference point for his Regionalist works: it appears as the
background to Woman with Plants and in the famous house seen behind the
couple in American Gothic.”<br /><br /> <img align="left" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/8ca38d56fab7a6cb9f4ea12931e45c85/image/jpeg" height="107" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/8ca38d56fab7a6cb9f4ea12931e45c85/image/jpeg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; height: 107px; margin: 14px; width: 216px;" width="216" />To preserve this history, in 2008 the Bluffs Arts Council began a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bluffsarts.org/page27.asp" href="http://www.bluffsarts.org/page27.asp">campaign</a>
to raise funds to obtain the remaining pieces of Wood’s Corn Room Mural
painted for the Hotel Chieftain and restore them for viewing. Thus far,
27 segments of the mural have been identified and the Bluffs Arts
Council has obtained 11 of them, with several displayed in the lobby of
the Pottawattamie Courthouse in Council Bluffs.<br /><br /> So this Sunday
afternoon, for one hour, make a point to stop by the Library Hall and
hear what Ronk and Miller have to say. After all, they are devoting
their time and energy to preserve a piece of Grant Wood for future
generations. Something that is very dear to anyone associated with the
American Gothic House Center.<br /><br /> The presentation is sponsored by the American Gothic House Center and the Ottumwa Area Arts Council. Hope to see you Sunday.<br /><br />
Brian Chambers<br /> Media Coordinator<br /> American Gothic House Center<br /> 641-652-3352<br /> wapellocountymediacoordinator@gmail.com<br /><br /> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The
American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent
through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an
endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the
Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment
funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the
weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American
Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the
valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to
our fund drive. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE">Click here</a> to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm">website</a> for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!</span></span><br />
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic</span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="style12">300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com" href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com">theamericangothichouse@gmail.com</a></span></span></span></div>
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American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-83299782354781793482013-04-04T12:09:00.000-05:002013-04-04T12:09:00.976-05:00Egg Roll inside, but a success<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/index.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/index.htm" target="_blank"><img alt="American Gothic House Center" border="0" data-cke-saved-src="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/images/banner2.jpg" src="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/images/banner2.jpg" width="760" /></a></span></span><br />
<img align="right" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/74d9f039152b97124cd60eec154e2af2/image/jpeg" height="252" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/74d9f039152b97124cd60eec154e2af2/image/jpeg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: right; height: 252px; margin: 14px; width: 144px;" width="144" /><br />
Rain
did not deter the planned Easter activities last Friday, as over 175
children took part in the first annual Easter Egg Roll at “our White
House.”<br /><br /> Originally planned for the lawn at the American Gothic
House Center, steady rainfall forced the activities inside to the Eldon
Library Hall, adjacent to the library on the main thoroughfare in town.
Although a bit cramped, the kids didn’t seem to mind, as each moved from
station to station, all manned by G.A.T.E volunteers and local
townspeople.<br /><br /> Donna Jeffries was in charge at the Easter Egg Roll
station where lanes were marked with tape on the floor. Each child was
issued a large wooden spoon and a hard-boiled egg was placed in the lane
in front of them. On the command of “go” the contestants guided the
egg—using only the spoon for propulsion and steering—to the finish line
where all received a bag of candy. Besides candy, every bag contained an
American Gothic House bookmark and pencil.<br /><br /> <img align="left" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/279eddcf1bb819cc11ef1c6dd7b0204f/image/jpeg" height="214" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/279eddcf1bb819cc11ef1c6dd7b0204f/image/jpeg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; height: 214px; margin: 14px; width: 180px;" width="180" />At
the “bunny ear” table Nancy Teubel, Martha Bedford and plenty of
parents, helped the children glue and paste ears together. It was a
three-step process, with the first step fitting the band to the child’s
head. The second step was to glue the parts of the ears together, then
lastly staple the ears to the headband. As the afternoon passed the
library hall was a sea of bunny ears perched precariously on each
child’s head.<br /><br /> Pris Coffman, along with some help, guided the
children through making a Peek-A-Boo Chick. This was a rather elaborate
creation resulting in a hinged paper egg that, when tilted to one side,
revealed a baby chick.<br /><br /> <img align="right" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/0aa84a8ab96a15dc87970b00d9a972ab/image/jpeg" height="163" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/0aa84a8ab96a15dc87970b00d9a972ab/image/jpeg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: right; height: 163px; margin: 14px; width: 216px;" width="216" />Rumors
had it there were Secret Service agents at the hall (the only people in
attendance wearing black suits and sunglasses and talking into their
lapels) on a special mission from the White House to monitor the Egg
Roll and other activities. It is unconfirmed but word has it the Secret
Service were so impressed with the Peek-A-Boo Chick creations that
arrangements were made to have the same activity on the following Monday
at the White House.<br /><br /> <img align="left" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/f0fbd2dbeb104c3a06daa9be83afd7b5/image/jpeg" height="214" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/f0fbd2dbeb104c3a06daa9be83afd7b5/image/jpeg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; height: 214px; margin: 14px; width: 162px;" width="162" />No
Easter activity would be complete without the Easter Bunny and, sure
enough one was one hand. Originally the plan was to have children pose
with the Easter Bunny in front of the American Gothic House, but since
this wasn’t possible a facsimile of the house was used a backdrop for
the photos. Margie Stansberry assisted in taking pictures and everyone
received a 4x6 memory of the day. Paige Evans played the role of the
Easter Bunny and did it so well perhaps a career in acting is in her
future.<br /><br /> <img align="right" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/f283ff38df385bd692b86138f4975805/image/jpeg" height="147" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/f283ff38df385bd692b86138f4975805/image/jpeg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: right; height: 147px; margin: 14px; width: 216px;" width="216" />At
yet another station Cindy Shephard stepped away from her day job as
elementary principal and curriculum director at the Cardinal Schools and
read to all who gathered around. There was no report back from the
children as to how well their principal did, but if asked, I am sure
each would have glowing praise. After all, she is the principal.<br /><br />
All total 10 volunteers stepped in to lend a hand at the event, not
including those who helped in the pre-party logistics, such as bagging
125 sacks of candy, making 75 commemorative eggs and setting up the
hall. From this observer’s vantage point—and the Secret Service
agents—G.A.T.E and the staff from the American Gothic House Center can
consider the inaugural Egg Roll a success.<br /><br /><br /><br />
Brian Chambers<br /> Media Coordinator<br /> American Gothic House Center<br /> 641-652-3352<br /> wapellocountymediacoordinator@gmail.com<br /><br /> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The
American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent
through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an
endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the
Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment
funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the
weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American
Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the
valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to
our fund drive. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE">Click here</a> to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm">website</a> for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!</span></span><br />
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic</span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="style12">300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com" href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com">theamericangothichouse@gmail.com</a></span></span></span></div>
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American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1355345482601071853.post-55472169611926900672013-03-28T12:06:00.002-05:002013-03-28T12:06:41.786-05:00Shades of tan soon to be replaced—we hope<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/index.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/index.htm" target="_blank"><img alt="American Gothic House Center" border="0" data-cke-saved-src="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/images/banner2.jpg" src="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/images/banner2.jpg" width="760" /></a></span></span><br />
<img align="left" alt="" data-cke-saved-src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/e9a4c91b18c60337fbad8a5421d0d148/image/jpeg" height="216" src="https://staticapp.icpsc.com/icp/loadimage.php/mogile/616991/e9a4c91b18c60337fbad8a5421d0d148/image/jpeg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); float: left; height: 216px; margin: 14px; width: 216px;" width="216" />It
appears that spring might well be here. The temperature has become
tolerable, there is an absence of chill in the air and the birds have
been singing of a morning. It’s about time, after all April is across
the street.<br /><br /> Although slow in coming, I prefer a spring such as
the one we’ve had. I like to back into the season, having it approach
gradually as opposed to a winter coat one day and shorts the next. Last
year was a prime example of this and what can happen if spring comes too
quickly and early.<br /><br /> As you may recall, last March ushered in
80-plus degree days causing flowers to bloom early, farmers to plant
crops weeks before normal and, worst of all, required homeowners such as
myself to mow the grass. As far as I am concerned there should be a
Congressional mandate prohibiting lawn mowing before April.<br /><br /> Then
we all know what happened after the early spring—heat and lots of it.
In fact the ensuing summer was one of the hottest on record. The only
good that came out of it was the lawn mower went in storage for July,
August and most of September. To borrow from a cliché, every cloud does
have its silver lining.<br /><br /> Although I favor spring to approach
slowly, this year I am particularly looking forward to it as the Center
needs color. Over the winter I have been struck with the beauty of the
American Gothic House and the adjacent Center covered with a blanket of
snow with all color absent. Snow somehow transforms these two buildings
into safe, peaceful, and warm places that project an image fit for
canvas. However, between snows all that can be observed are shades of
tan.<br /><br /> Tan works well in the warm months when it is offset by
green grass, vibrant hues from the wildflowers and heavy green leaves on
the trees. But after the leaves fall and the wildflowers go dormant all
that remain are shades of tan. The buildings are a light tan, the mulch
in the wildflower garden is a darker shade of tan, the rocks that
surround the Center are varying shades of tan and the grass—also
dormant—is yet another shade of tan. Unless you are a fan of khaki
clothing this is a lot of tan.<br /><br /> Speaking of khaki, my first dress
uniform in the Army was the summer khakis. It remained my favorite
uniform long after it was taken out of service in the mid-1980s. What
made it appealing wasn’t the khaki coloring itself, it was the way the
color of the accompanying accoutrements—medals, the crisp yellow stripes
of rank outlined with green, the service medals pinned over the left
pocket and the black name tape over the right virtually gleamed against
the neutral hue of the uniform. It looked sharp. It reminds me of the
house and Center in spring, summer and fall.<br /><br /> In the cold months
the buildings are tall soldiers outfitted with crisp, starched uniforms
ready for inspection. But as any soldier that has stood an inspection
knows, the uniform—sans accoutrements—is like a painting, the blank
canvas of which the artist applies the color to make the whole. In the
soldier’s case the color is the stripes earned, the ribbons awarded, the
unit patch, the shiny black name tag. Once these are applied the
uniform—and the soldier—becomes whole.<br /><br /> Such as it is here at the
American Gothic House Center, the buildings are the blank canvas. The
color is the trees, flowers and visitors with their summer clothing
posing in front of the house for a photo in their own period uniforms.
It makes the place complete and brings a smile to the observer’s face.
It’s a good place to be. <br /><br /> Remember, the first annul Easter Egg
Roll at “our White House”—actually tan—will be held Saturday from 1 to 3
pm. In the form of eggs and children the grounds of the Center will
come alive with much-needed color. It’s about time.<br />
<br /><br />
Brian Chambers<br /> Media Coordinator<br /> American Gothic House Center<br /> 641-652-3352<br /> wapellocountymediacoordinator@gmail.com<br /><br /> <span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The
American Gothic House Center strives to become financially independent
through gift shop revenue, sponsorships, and by establishing an
endowment fund. Funds raised in this campaign will be used to match the
Iowa Cultural Trust Endowment Challenge Grant and will become endowment
funds to support the Center's annual operations. As a subscriber to the
weekly newsletter, you have already shown support for the American
Gothic House Center. I invite you to strengthen your role in the
valuable experience we provide the community by making a contribution to
our fund drive. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MYZBMPG48J4JE">Click here</a> to give your tax deductible gift, or head to our <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm" href="http://www.wapellocounty.org/americangothic/events/donate.htm">website</a> for more information. Thank you to all who have donated so far!</span></span><br />
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> Our Mission: Integrating the puzzle pieces of American Gothic</span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: times new roman,times,serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="style12">300 American Gothic St | Eldon, IA 52554 | 641-652-3352 | <a data-cke-saved-href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com" href="mailto:theamericangothichouse@gmail.com">theamericangothichouse@gmail.com</a></span></span></span></div>
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American Gothic Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10954148008070301163noreply@blogger.com0