On the web this week...a Grant Wood Essay

Lane Brooks posted a neat little essay on Grant Wood to her blog "LIFE: CO-OPERATIVE--ART, ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN." She chose to write about Grant Wood because of the similarity between the times.

"You may ask, Grant Wood -- really? Why? It's true that I have a list of varied artists to write about and most aren't as traditional or realistic as Mr. Wood. It's also true that his national mega-popularity ended some years after the Great Depression . . . which actually fostered it. Ding Ding. It seems to me that we just may be living in a similar time as when Mr. Wood was painting."

This next link is to a photographers page on Flickr. He called his image of the American Gothic House Iconic. It's a very nice black and white photo taken at sunrise.

Upcoming events:

• Saturday, April 24 - Grant Wood Bus Trip to Cedar Rapids, Anamosa and Stone City sites
• Friday, May 28 - New Grant Wood Exhibit Opening at the American Gothic House Center
• Friday-Sunday, June 11-13 - Gothic Days
  • American Gothic House Art Contest
  • 5K Walk / Run
  • Bike Ride
  • and much more!

On the web this week..."Goth-egg Parody and Story Telling"

An American Gothic Egg Parody won third prize and $300 (sound familiar) at the Iowa Egg Council's annual contest last year. Read the story and see a picture of the parody on the Dennison, Iowa News site. The egg is on display in the Dennison Library for the month of March.

"The idea initially came to her, Wietzel said, as a play on words “gothic” to “goth-egg.”"

This next piece has a bit of story telling to it about "American Gothic" and another famous American painting. If you were to tell the American Gothic story, how would you tell it?

"As the artist tells it he was in the chair braced with a few shots of whiskey waiting for the Novacain to do its numbing, studying Doc McKeeby’s face. He remembers thinking how his dentist must stare into teeth all day the way his neighbors stare down rows of corn all behaving themselves. Folks do a lot of staring here in Iowa. Byron McKeeby says to relax, then yanks out the misbehaving tooth."

Don't forget this Saturday's Spring Cleaning Sale! If you have any "American Gothic" gifts to buy, Saturday is the day to do it!

Upcoming events:

• Saturday, March 20 - Spring Cleaning Sale at the American Gothic House Center


• Thursday, March 25 - "When Tillage Begins: The Stone City Art Colony" lecture presented by Kristy Raine at the Eldon Library Hall at 7 pm


• Saturday, April 24 - Grant Wood Bus Trip to Cedar Rapids, Anamosa and Stone City sites


• Friday, May 28 - New Grant Wood Exhibit Opening at the American Gothic House Center


• Friday-Sunday, June 11-13 - Gothic Days
  
  
  
  • American Gothic House Art Contest
  
  
  • 5K Walk / Run
  
  
  • Bike Ride
  
  
  • and much more!

On the web this week..."One goodbye is anothers hello"

If you haven't heard yet, the big American Gothic sculpture called "God Bless America" by J. Seward Johnson that were once in Key West, have left Chicago and are being installed in Mesa, AZ! Mesa seems very excited to have the sculpture. On their website you will find a short video of them installing it. You can also find out just how much it cost to bring it to town. The following quote is from the artist.

""I want to invite us all to look back at these images and discover what we've learned since they first became icons to us, and how our understanding or point of view may have shifted since then," Johnson was quoted as saying in a DMA press release. "Would they be embraced in the same way if they came to us today? Would we view them with more cynicism or can we still see purity at this stage of our social maturity?""

Folks from Chicago seem a bit sad to see it go. The first link has a video clip of people visiting the sculpture in Chicago and anther vido clip about the painting. The second link has a neat photo of the sculpture head and sholder pieces.

"Sadly, the American Gothic statues that graced Pioneer Court next to Tribune Tower for lo these many months has been dismantled and sent on its way. It was one of the best things Chicago has had going for it in the way of public art since the cows - even if some art critics bristled (at both)."

"All that's left of one of the Chicago's top public art attractions this morning is a bare platform."

On the web this week..."Kids and Art"

I discovered a teacher's blog for a 4th grade class in Waukee, Iowa. What I enjoyed about reading this short blog post was not simply that they were studying Grant Wood. The enjoyment came from reading the bits of information the kids learned and from seeing their creativity come through in their artwork.

"Last Thursday Connor's mom was nice enough to come talk to us about Grant Wood. We learned a lot about his life and his style of painting."

I'm also pleased to pass on a link to the Iowan article by Beth Wilson that was published in the January/February 2010 issue about the American Gothic House Art Contest. We have a copy of the magazine at the center, but for those of you who haven't had a chance to see and read it, I encourage you to check it out. It is a two page spread with some pictures of last years first place winners.

Life Immitates Art: American Gothic inspires in Eldon.

On the web this week..."Please Touch The Art"

For the blind, an art gallery can be a disappointing experience...until now.

"In July 2009, the Iowa Department for the Blind unveiled a public art installation created by Colorado-based tactile artist Ann Cunningham. Spread throughout the building's first and fourth floors, the seven pieces of artwork allow those who cannot see paintings experience them through touch. "

On another note, for those of you who live in the area, don't miss out on our annual Soup Smorgasbord this Saturday, February 13 from 11 am - 1 pm to be held at the Eldon KD Center on the 119th anniversary of Grant Wood's birthday. See the press release below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Soup Smorgasbord Celebrating the 119th Anniversary of Grant Wood’s Birthday

Eldon— Join the American Gothic House Center for some belly filling soup and soul satisfying company Saturday, February 13 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Eldon KD Center.

The homemade soup smorgasbord will offer many to choose from, such as potato cheese, chili, chicken and rice, ham and bean, broccoli cheese, and vegetable beef. On the side, you will find a variety of freshly baked breads, crisp vegetables and crackers.

In celebration of the 119th anniversary of Grant Wood’s birthday top it off with a piece of birthday cake while sipping on a hot cup of coffee.

Free will donations benefit exhibits for the American Gothic House Center.

Who: American Gothic House Center
What: Grant Wood Birthday Soup Smorgasbord
When: Saturday, February 13, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Eldon KD Center
Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

On the web this week..."Board to Vote on Gothic House"

This week an article appeared in the Ottumwa Courier by Cindy Toopes titled "Board to vote on Gothic House." The article begins as follows:

"Rather than create an entity to operate and maintain the American Gothic House Center, the Wapello County Board of Supervisors and the Eldon City Council have decided they can do it together."

This statement created a bit of confusion in the community, so I decided to write about it this week to set your minds at ease. In short, this really isn't anything new.

The Wapello County Board of Supervisors and the City of Eldon established a 28E Agreement back in 2006/2007 just prior to the opening of the American Gothic House Center. What the Board voted on this last week was a revised draft of that same agreement. The City of Eldon is set to vote on it in February.

After two and half years of operation, it was discovered that the City and County were not interpreting certain parts of the agreement the same way. The original 28E Agreement wasn't able to clearly answer certain questions that came up, so it was decided to have a committee review the agreement and make the necessary changes.

The revised draft not only cleared up these issues, it also put into effect the establishment of a fund that both Wapello County and the City of Eldon will contribute to annually for future major building repair and maintenance needs.

Other issues that were resolved are as follows: the City will plow the driveway and parking lot, the County will be responsible for all special landscaping needs (think flowers, bushes and trees), the City will mow the lawn on a regular schedule, and the County will pay the City water / garbage utility.

On the web this week...Grant Wood's Studio

This week I want to bring your attention to an article written several years ago called "Where Grant Wood Lived and Worked" by Michael Judge of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Michael did such a great job describing 5 Turner Alley, Grant Wood's stuio and home for several years, I decided to share it with you.

"Once inside the studio, visitors are greeted by gentle arches and an abundance of natural light pouring in from oversized dormer windows and a magnificent cupola above. In perhaps the most dramatic modification to the hayloft, Wood replaced the metal vents of the cupola with six arched windows, adding height, a flood of light from above, and a cathedral-like appearance to the center of the small studio. The walls, a rustic plaster complete with trowel marks, bathe in light. "

I found the article above as I was searching for information to help me put together this years bus trip. This year we travel north to Grant Wood's roots.

On Saturday, April 24 at 9:00 am, we will travel on Ottumwa Transit buses to Cedar Rapids, Anamosa and Stone Ctiy, Iowa. The itinerary is as follows:

Discover Grant Wood Country Bus Trip Itinerary
Saturday, April 24, 2010, 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM

9:00 AM – Leave from the American Gothic House Center.

11:00 AM – Eat sack lunch on bus. Bring a sandwich, and if you like, something to share for a sack lunch on the bus.

11:30 AM – Cedar Rapids Museum of Art for a docent-led tour of the following exhibits:

Grant Wood: In Focus
Permanent Collection
This single-gallery installation traces Wood’s entire career from his youthful creations until his death in 1942. It will serve as an overview of the artistic achievements of this important American painter.

The American Century
Permanent Collection
This exhibit demonstrates many of the movements and interests of art in America in the twentieth century, the century in which American art came to dominate the art world.

Less is More: The Vogel Gift of Minimal and Conceptual Art
January 23 - May 2, 2010
He was a postal clerk. She was a librarian. With their modest means, the couple built an important contemporary art collection—best known for its minimal and conceptual works. In 2008, the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art was selected by the Vogels to be the Iowa recipient of a collection of 50 works as a part of The Dorothy and Herbert Vogel Collection: Fifty Works for Fifty States initiative. Less is More will exhibit the entire Vogel gift to Iowa for the first time.

12:30 PM – Travel Time

12:45 PM – Grant Wood Studio with docent-led tour of studio:
Grant Wood’s home and studio was located at 5 Turner Alley from 1924 to 1935. Near downtown Cedar Rapids the studio is owned and operated by the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, which houses the world’s largest collection of works by Grant Wood. Grant Wood (1891-1942) was a prominent member of the Regionalist movement. His most famous painting, American Gothic, was painted in this studio in 1930.

1:45 PM – Travel Time

2:30 PM – Grant Wood Gallery: Photos of the Grant Wood Art Colony in Stone City and framed illustrations from Farm On The Hill are on display. An original chair designed by Grant Wood sits in one corner. A large collection of American Gothic parodies are on display as well as a life size cut out of American Gothic offering a fun photo op. The film “Early Life of Grant Wood” is available for viewing in a room that seats twenty. (Larger groups can be divided with a tour guide talking about his life and works in the main room.) The Gallery is staffed completely by volunteers.

3:05 PM – Travel Time

3:15 PM – Antioch Country School: Visit the school where Grant Wood attended until fourth grade. See a completely restored country school. Once ubiquitous across Iowa's landscape, one-room country schools are quickly disappearing. Luckily, many have been reused as country school museums, giving us a lesson in Iowa's educational history.

3:45 PM – Travel Time

3:50 PM – Anamosa Riverside Cemetery: See the burial sites of Grant Wood, his sister Nan Wood Graham and their parents Francis Maryville Wood and Hattie Weaver Wood.

4:00 PM – Travel Time

4:10 PM – St. Joseph’s Church & Stone City Quarry: A guide will tell you the story of the church and Stone City—its beginning as a company town to serve the needs of the quarry and its connection to native artist Grant Wood. From the church, tour the Stone City Quarry. See how the dolomite limestone quarried here is mined and find out why it’s so unique. If time permits we will visit some of the old buildings in Stone City.

5:30 PM – Dinner at the General Store and Pub: Enjoy a wonderful buffet style dinner in this historically restored General Store. Dinner is all-you-can-eat, and will include Chicken Marsalis, Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Rolls & Butter, Chocolate Cake, Coffee and Tea.

6:30 PM – Travel Time

9:30 PM – Arrive back in Eldon

Trip Fee: $45.00 - Fee includes Ottumwa Transit bus fare, bus driver gratuity, entry fees for the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Grant Wood's Stuio, Grant Wood Gallery of Anamosa, Antioch Country School, St. Joseph's Church, Stone City Quarry, Anamosa/Stone City area on-bus tour guide, dinner at the General Store and Pub in Stone City, which includes meal, drink, tax and gratuity.

Reservations will be accepted as long as space allows, but please sign up by Friday, April 9 if you can.

Maximum Group Size = 40 people

On the web this week...Recreating the Apron

This week we revisit an old story--the story of the American Gothic Ad--with a deeper look into the creation of the costumes.

"The problem of matching the pinafore fabric was also solved by Jessica, as she supplied me with a recreated swatch of the print and suggested a company called Spoonflower, who create custom fabric, to reproduce it for me. The resulting fabric was brilliant. Jessica also supplied us with photographs of the Gothic House in exchange for the completed black dress and pinafore...."

Also found on-line this week is a review of one of our favorite Grant Wood books, "Grant Wood and Little Sister Nan." This book, which can be found in our gift shop, provides you with a better understanding of Grant Wood's sister, Nan--the female model for his painting "American Gothic."

"This book adds a dimension to the woman in American Gothic. At age eighty three, Nan said the painting saved her life from being drab. Even though she didn't think the 'painted' lady looked anything like her when it was first displayed, she had now decided that: 'We look a lot alike. She's really become me.'"

On the web this week...

I stumbled upon a neat on-line resource this week. It is a Google site called "OSUN." It searches the web for PDFs, PowerPoints and Word Documents about the subject of your choice. Check out this link for a PDF search on Grant Wood. Like any on-line research, you will still have to sieve through some unwanted content, but you will find a lot of useful information you couldn't have found otherwise.

The second site I want to share came from one of my volunteers. It is an older article that was written in 2005. Most amazing is the picture of the house! You can check it out HERE.

This may be my last post for the year, so I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!

On the web this week...

The American Gothic House made the KTVO news!

The holiday season is coming alive across the Heartland. By Matt Buhrman Saturday, December 05, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. ELDON, IOWA -- A number of events are held in Eldon, Iowa during the first weekend in December. The town is famous for the American Gothic House, as depicted in Grant Wood's 1930 painting. READ MORE and SEE VIDEO CLIP

The PBS show "Saddle Up With Dennis Brouse" Episode 205 airs on IPTV this Saturday morning, December 12 at 8:00 am. READ MORE about the show on the IPTV website. If you don't get a chance to watch the show live, stop by the Visitor Center. We have a copy to play in our media room!

To round out this week with some more video clips, here are a couple of ads that were recently created--one using our "American Gothic" and the other made by the same group of the worlds first most parodied painting, the "Mona Lisa."

Christmas in Eldon this Weekend

Eldon— There may not be snow on the ground, but the first weekend in December brings Santa and other Christmas festivities to Eldon with the entire community working together for the celebration. Saturday, December 5 hosts a day full of activities, including the Christmas Tree Wanderland, Rock Island Depot, Christmas Dinner, Gingerbread Houses for the Kids, Santa, and a Soup Supper to complete the day.

The McHaffey Opera House hosts the annual Christmas Tree Wanderland with over 100 trees decorated by community organizations and individuals. The event will take place on Friday, December 4 from 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday, December 5 from 9 am to 7 pm; and Sunday, December 6 from 11 am to 3 pm. Complimentary snacks will be served and the gift and goody booth will be open for holiday shopping.

The Eldon Depot will open its doors for the weekend as well. Here you will find toy trains running and the Depot decorated for the Christmas Holidays. Enjoy coffee and cookies and a chance to win a door prize. It will open Friday, December 4 from 5-9 pm; and Saturday, December 5 from 9 am to 9 pm.

Join Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (G.A.T.E.) for a traditional Christmas Dinner at the KD Center on Saturday, December 5 from 11 am – 1 pm. Turkey with all of the trimmings, ham, mashed potatoes, salads and desserts will be served. Free will donation supports G.A.T.E. as it in turn supports the community of Eldon.

Bring the kids for a stop by the American Gothic House Center on Saturday, December 5 between 1-4 pm to decorate their very own Graham Cracker “Gingerbread” House. They will get their hands tastefully dirty while they create their own masterpiece. You might even be able to get a picture of them with it before it disappears into their bellies!

Here comes Santa Claus at the “Rock” Island Park in downtown Eldon on Saturday, December 5 from 2-3 pm for children ages 12 and under.

The day will wrap up with the Boy Scout Soup Supper at the KD Center from 5-7 pm.

Don’t miss out on Christmas in Eldon!

When: Saturday, December 5, 2009

Where: Eldon, IA 52554

Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

On the web this week...

Anybody speak French (I think)? This weeks find is a link to the following article: "Histoire culturelle: Vous avez dit icône? (American Gothic: The extraordinary odyssey of America’s most loved—and reviled—painting)" If you scroll down you will find it in English. I thought it was very neat to find our house and painting discussed and promoted internationally.

The story of American Gothic begins with a trim white cottage in Eldon, Iowa, that Wood, an Iowa-born artist with European training, spotted from a car window in August 1930.* He decided to paint the house—built in the“carpenter Gothic” style, which applied the lofty architecture of European cathedrals to flimsy American frame houses—along with “the kind of people I fancied should live in that house.” READ MORE.

On the web this week...

I have a few photos to pass on. This first one is called "Tourists at the American Gothic House," but it isn't of your typical tourist. You can check it out here on Flickr.

The second set of images are of a local Barn Quilt using our Gothic Window as a model. They will even take custom orders if you are interested in having your own.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend!

On the web this week...

This first link is to a well written essay about the American Gothic House and its significance. David K Leff visited this last summer. He is an essayist, poet and lecturer, and according to his blog, he likes to discover the commonplace world at hand, while exploring wonders hidden in plain sight. Here is "Stepping in the Picture."

On a recent trip to Iowa I visited a familiar place to which I’d never been. Though it’s hidden on a back road in the sleepy town of Eldon, it’s a place most Americans and many people around the word would recognize almost instantly. READ MORE

This second piece comes from Jolen Whitworth from Leeds, England. She visited earlier this week, and shared that she had written a poem inspired by "American Gothic." This may not be what you would think of when thinking of our favorite painting, but it is interesting to see the different inspiration it produces. Here is "A Murder of Crows (Through the Crosshairs)."

Marblesque eyes along the copper horizon. READ MORE
*Note about the poem - a "murder" is what a group of crows is sometimes referred to as.

On the web this week...

This first blog entry was in response to the blog entry I shared last week.

Grant Wood, American Gothic. 1930, oil on board.

My fellow art history blogger N.C. recently wrote an excellent post on Grant Wood's ubiquitous American masterpiece. It inspired me to feature it myself.

This is probably the American Mona Lisa, or at the very least Edvard Munch's The Scream. You've seen this pose parodied inThe Rocky Horror Picture Show, on Green Acres, and if you've ever been to Washington, DC on postcards featuring the President and First Lady (whomever they may be at the time). It's disgusting; wait about five hundred years and someone will take a print of American Gothic, draw a mustache on the wife and give it a catchy title that implies that the farmer has a hot ass. (If you're one of those smart alecks who's crying out "Hey, that's his daughter, not his wife!" then your concern will be addressed soon.) READ MORE

This next blog entry wasn't posted this week, or even just discovered this week, but I thought you might enjoy it as well.

AMERICAN GOTHIC PARODIES
A COLLECTION OF PARODIES OF THE 1930 GRANT WOOD PAINTING, AMERICAN GOTHIC, BASED ON MY GRANDMOTHER'S COLLECTION. SHE USED TO TAPE THEM UP IN HER BASEMENT AND ASKED ME TO SHARE THEM WITH THE WORLD.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009
Mortgage Foreclosure American Gothic

SEE IMAGES

On the web this week...

KTVO came out and did a short story on our Halloween Party this weekend, and a blogger chose "American Gothic" for her blog "Inadvertently Art."

Festivities were held around the American Gothic House in Eldon, Iowa on Saturday.

By Matt Buhrman

Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 10:04 p.m.

ELDON, IOWA -- The iconic house is a prominent feature in Grant Wood's 1930 painting, "American Gothic," and today the structure is a historic landmark. Throughout Saturday afternoon, young trick-or-treaters took part in games and enjoyed an array of treats. READ MORE.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2009

Grant Wood fills you with questions.

All right, if you tell me you have never seen this picture, or at least a reference to this picture... you either are lying are live in a shoe box. If you just haven't seen it, here's your chance. I present to you.....American Gothic, enjoy as you will never be the same. READ MORE.

A New Dentist/Sister American Gothic Combo

“It felt like a very historic event,” Jeff says.

“We had a real nice day,” Justin says about the trip to Eldon, Iowa, where they stood in front of the restored house Grant Wood had seen in 1930 and used as the backdrop.

After they dressed in period clothes available at the house, photographer Mike Schlotterback lined them up just so. He even had Justin rest the pitchfork on a piece of wood so it would be the right height.

“She’s a short little thing,” Justin chuckles about his co-model. “You know, in American Gothic that woman is pretty tall. So she stood on a box.”

Click on the link to read the full article

Governor Culver honors Grant Wood with Iowa Award today

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver will travel to Iowa City for a special ceremony honoring Grant Wood as the latest recipient of the Iowa Award. Governor Culver announced in August that the Anamosa-born legendary artist Grant Wood, who died in 1942 at the age of 50, would be receiving the award.

“The Iowa Award is our state’s highest civilian honor, and goes to those individuals who embody what it means to be an Iowan,” said Governor Culver. “Through his work, Grant Wood was able to capture the spirit and beauty of our state, and shared that image with the world. Grant Wood is a true Iowan who never lost his love for our state, and I am proud to honor him with the Iowa Award.”

One bloggers visit to the house in pictures and words.

GOVERNOR CULVER ANNOUNCES GRANT WOOD TO BE ‘IOWA AWARD’ HONOREE

IOWA CITY –At a morning ceremony at the historic Grant Wood home in Iowa City, Governor Chet Culver announced that the 2009 “Iowa Award” will be presented in memory of Anamosa-born legendary artist Grant Wood. Wood, who died in 1942 at the age of 50, is best known for his representations of rural Midwestern life. His masterpiece “American Gothic” is one of the most-viewed works of art in the world.

“Grant Wood’s work continues to speak to countless Iowans and Americans,” said Governor Culver. “Grant Wood is an American icon who stayed true to his Iowa roots. It is my pleasure to announce the 2009 ‘Iowa Award’ in his memory.”

Governor Culver made the announcement of this year’s Iowa Award recipient in Iowa City, where Grant Wood spent much of his life. The award will be officially presented in honor of Grant Wood at a formal ceremony later this fall.

The Iowa Award represents the state’s highest citizen award. The Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation, which was established in 1948, created the award to honor past and present Iowans who exemplify the virtues of citizens in our state. Each honoree is selected by the Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation, which is composed of the Governor, Treasurer of State, Attorney General, President of the Board of Regents, former Governors who have remained residents of Iowa, and citizen trustees.

Below is a list of Iowa Award recipients:

1951 President Herbert Hoover (engineer, humanitarian, author, and U.S. President)

1955 Jay N. Darling (cartoonist, conservationist, Pulitzer Prize winner)

1961 Dr. Frank Spedding (educator, chemist, worked on the first atomic bomb)

1961 Dr. James Van Allen (educator, physicist, rocket space exploration)

1966 Henry A. Wallace (U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Vice President of the United States)

1970 Mamie Eisenhower (First Lady, wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower)

1975 Dr. Karl King (composer, bandmaster)

1978 Dr. Norman Borlaug (crop geneticist, worked to end world hunger, Nobel Peace Prize winner)

1980 Monsignor Luigi Liguitti (director, National Catholic Rural Life Conference)

1984 George Gallup (founder of the Gallup Poll)

1988 Meredith Willson (composer, musician)

1992 Carrie Lane Chapman Catt (leader in suffrage movement and for world peace)

1996 Simon Estes (international opera singer)

1999 Maurice Lasansky (artist, educator)

1999 John Atanasoff (physicist, mathematician, educator, inventor of the first electronic digital computer)

2001 John Ruan (innovative entrepreneur, philanthropist, World Food Prize sponsor)

2002 George Washington Carver (internationally renowned scientist and humanitarian)

2005 Robert D. Ray (Governor, statesman, mayor, university president, lawyer, insurance executive)

2006 Harry Hopkins (Presidential advisor)

2009 Grant Wood (artist)

Lt. Gov. Patty Judge Visits

We just left Eldon, where we had a nice visit at one of the most famous houses in the world...

American Gothic Photo Workshop Rescheduled

The American Gothic Photo Workshop originally scheduled for Thursday, July 23 has been rescheduled to Thursday, July 30 at 7:00 pm. Come learn every nuance of taking the perfect reproduction of your own “American Gothic” photo or parody in front of the house. Learn why it is more important how and where the photographer stands than where the models stand—thus debunking the notion that there is a perfect spot for the couple to stand.

Step one in taking the perfect reproduction: Have the couple stand in the middle of the concrete circle. Step two: the photographer stands in front of the couple and physically moves forward or backward until the couple’s heads meet the roofline of the house. Sometimes it is necessary to squat as well depending on how tall the couple is. Step three: only after the photographer has the camera correctly positioned so that the house and the heads are in correct proportion does the photographer use the zoom to crop the image.

Remember to make sure that the window is in between the couples heads, check to make sure that the pitchfork is not in front of any ones face, and make sure you don’t crop off the peek of the house. Ideally, the bottom of the image will be about waist height just below where the gentleman grips the pitchfork. And most important, don’t forget to have fun!

Gothic Days one week away!

39th Annual Eldon Gothic Days

June 12-14, 2009

Announcing the Thirty-ninth American Gothic Days Schedule of Events!

Eldon— June 12-14, 2009 marks the thirty-ninth celebration of American Gothic Days in Eldon, Iowa. The slate of events includes some old favorites, such as Supper in the Park, Alumni Gathering, Little League Tournament, Used Book Sale, Parade, Craft Show, Quilt Show and Raffle, Free Kids’ Games, Barbequed Chicken Dinner, Kids’ Pedal Pull, Cardboard Boat Races and Mud Volleyball Tournament, as well as some more recent new comers over the last few years, such as a Buckskinner Camp Out, 5K Walk and Run, Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers, American Gothic House Art Contest, Knock Out Basketball Tournament, Antique Appraiser Show, 20 Mile Bike Ride and Ladies’ Nail Driving Contest. Read on for more details!

FRIDAY
Supper in the Park will be held Friday evening, June 12 from 5-7 pm at the “Rock” Park downtown. Dinner will feature Roasted Pork. No need to make reservations, just show up and contribute to the free will donation. All proceeds benefit Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (G.A.T.E.), a non-profit organization that supports improvement projects and promotion of Eldon.

The Eldon High School Alumni Gathering will be held at the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds Wapello Building on Friday, June 12 from 5-7 pm. Reservations are required. This meal is served by the Eldon TTT and is for graduates of the Eldon High School which closed in 1960. Students who attended and graduated from the school travel back to the area every two years to greet old friends.

There will be a Boys’ Little League Tournament beginning Friday, June 12 at 5:30 pm at the Eldon Ball Field and will continue on through Saturday, June 13. For more information contact Jason Day at 799-5204.

SATURDAY
Saturday, June 13 begins bright and early with a 5K Walk / Run beginning at the American Gothic House Center at 7:30 am. Registration will begin at 6:45 am. The route will take participants down the hill through the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds, along the Des Moines River, then back through town to the American Gothic House Center via the American Gothic Park and Trail. Parents are encouraged to take their small children with them using strollers. Registration is $18.50 and includes a t-shirt, a map of the route, medals for both men and women for first, second and third place winners for each age category and a trophy for the overall winner for men and women. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank, Kremer Funeral Home and Crossroad Graphics.

The Friends of the Library host their Used Book Sale again this year in the Library Basement from 9 am – 12 pm on Saturday, June 13.

Everything stops for the Parade on Saturday morning beginning at 10 am. This year the Parade will be announced by Lee Muntz of Fairfield. The Grand Marshall will be William Helmick with honored guests Juanita Sumner and Christine Stevenson. Allen and Rosie Morrison will ride in the parade as this year’s American Gothic couple. Other entries include the City Council and Mayor of Eldon, Drifters’ Classic Car Club, local business and church floats, Ottumwa and Fairfield Shriner’s, Baseball and Softball Teams, Scouts and Flag bearers, Eldon Alumni with their float and Cheerful Chuckles the Clown. If you would like to be in the parade, contact Linda Pool at 652-3326. All entries are welcome and there is no cost to enter. Entries will be judged that morning with the winners announced during the parade. All entries will receive a participation ribbon and there will be cash prize for first, second and third place. The parade will begin assembling on the street east of the Assembly of God Church at 9 am. The Assembly of God Church will host a hospitality room with bottled water and restrooms during this time.

The Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers will be at Franklin Farms from 10 am – 3 pm on Saturday. Come watch and see fly demonstrations of radio control float planes, sea planes, and land based airplanes.

The Craft Show continues to expand this year with displays of Frisbee Spin Art, Wood Burning, flags and clothing. Crafters will be on display along the “Rock” Park downtown from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday, June 13. If you would like to sign up for the Craft Show, contact Shirley Stacey at 652-3339. If you enjoy crafts, you might also enjoy the Quilt Show and Raffle at the KD Center from 10 am – 2:30 pm, with the drawing taking place for the Quilt Raffle at 2:30 pm. The Quilt was quilted by the In Stitches Quilt Club and donated to G.A.T.E. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. All proceeds go to support G.A.T.E. sponsored activities.

Kids can participate in the Wards Backyard Circus hosted by Cheerful Chuckles the Clown at the KD Center from 11 am – 12 pm or take part in the Free Kids’ Games from 11 am – 1 pm at the KD Center.

The famous Barbequed Chicken Dinner will take place at the KD Center from 11:30 am – 1 pm, with hamburgers and side dishes available. You can also enjoy brats and hot dogs from the Pepsi Wagon or check out Cindy’s Cafe downtown.

The Buckskinners Camp Out is back for the day on Saturday on the Rock Island Train Depot Grounds, and the Rock Island Train Depot, McHaffey Opera House, and the American Gothic House Center will be open all weekend. More specifically, the American Gothic House Center will be open from 11 am – 5 pm on Saturday for an open house and exhibit for the American Gothic House Art Contest. See what area amateur and professional artists can do when inspired by the same house that produced “American Gothic.” Art work will be on display Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14. First and second place winners for each division win a cash prize for a total amount of $300, the same amount won by Grant Wood when he submitted his painting and won third place at the 1930 Art Institute of Chicago art show. This event is sponsored by G.A.T.E.

The Kids’ Pedal Pull is here again for kids of all ages at the KD Center. There will be a trophy for first, second and third place winners. Registration begins on Saturday, June 13 at 12 pm and the pedal pull begins at 12:30 pm. There is no charge to participate.

New this year for older children is a Knock Out Basketball Tournament. The competition will take place from 1-3 pm at the KD Courts. Contact Dustin LaRue at 799-3638 with questions.

Also new this year is an American Gothic Days Antique Appraiser Show styled after your favorite Antiques Road Show on Saturday, June 13 from 1-4 pm at the Wapello County Regional Fair Grounds Wapello Building. Bring your favorite two items per person to be appraised by one of the following appraisers: Richard Alexander, a Certified Appraisers Guild of America member with specialties in Country Store Collectibles and Advertising Items, Robert Keller with specialties in Coins and Currency, Dr. George Morris, an International Society of Appraisers member with specialties in Quality Antiques and Old Persian Carpets, Robert Norman with specialties in Art Work, and William Taylor with specialties in Coins and Currency, Military Collectibles and Small Antiques. Cost is $4 per item with a limit of two items per person.

The fun and sometimes hilarious Cardboard Boat Races will take place at the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds Lagoon at 4 pm with registration beginning at 3:30 pm. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners.

SUNDAY

American Gothic Bike Ride begins early Sunday morning of Gothic Days marking the second annual bike ride this year to Floris and back for 20 miles. For the adventurous and brave, continue on to the Highway 63 intersection before turning around for a 26 mile ride. The ride starts at 7:30 am on June 14, leaving from the American Gothic House Center. Registration is $18.50, and includes a t-shirt, a map and post-ride pizza. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank and Riverside Cyclery of Ottumwa.

The Mud Volleyball Tournaments continues once again, so stop by the KD Center on Sunday, June 14 at 1 pm to encourage your favorite teams. For more information, contact Lori Franklin or Mel Ostrander.

And last, but not least, try out your skill at the Ladies’ Nail Driving Contest, a new event for the ladies. $5 will give you a chance for a cash prize awarded to the first and second place winners. You can enter that day.

Who: Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon
What: 39th American Gothic Days
When: Friday-Sunday, June 12-14
Where: Eldon, IA 52554
Contacts: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net
Linda Durflinger, 641-799-5149
Shirley Stacey, 641-652-3339

Gothic Days one week away!

39th Annual Eldon Gothic Days

June 12-14, 2009

Announcing the Thirty-ninth American Gothic Days Schedule of Events!

Eldon— June 12-14, 2009 marks the thirty-ninth celebration of American Gothic Days in Eldon, Iowa. The slate of events includes some old favorites, such as Supper in the Park, Alumni Gathering, Little League Tournament, Used Book Sale, Parade, Craft Show, Quilt Show and Raffle, Free Kids’ Games, Barbequed Chicken Dinner, Kids’ Pedal Pull, Cardboard Boat Races and Mud Volleyball Tournament, as well as some more recent new comers over the last few years, such as a Buckskinner Camp Out, 5K Walk and Run, Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers, American Gothic House Art Contest, Knock Out Basketball Tournament, Antique Appraiser Show, 20 Mile Bike Ride and Ladies’ Nail Driving Contest. Read on for more details!

FRIDAY
Supper in the Park will be held Friday evening, June 12 from 5-7 pm at the “Rock” Park downtown. Dinner will feature Roasted Pork. No need to make reservations, just show up and contribute to the free will donation. All proceeds benefit Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (G.A.T.E.), a non-profit organization that supports improvement projects and promotion of Eldon.

The Eldon High School Alumni Gathering will be held at the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds Wapello Building on Friday, June 12 from 5-7 pm. Reservations are required. This meal is served by the Eldon TTT and is for graduates of the Eldon High School which closed in 1960. Students who attended and graduated from the school travel back to the area every two years to greet old friends.

There will be a Boys’ Little League Tournament beginning Friday, June 12 at 5:30 pm at the Eldon Ball Field and will continue on through Saturday, June 13. For more information contact Jason Day at 799-5204.

SATURDAY
Saturday, June 13 begins bright and early with a 5K Walk / Run beginning at the American Gothic House Center at 7:30 am. Registration will begin at 6:45 am. The route will take participants down the hill through the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds, along the Des Moines River, then back through town to the American Gothic House Center via the American Gothic Park and Trail. Parents are encouraged to take their small children with them using strollers. Registration is $18.50 and includes a t-shirt, a map of the route, medals for both men and women for first, second and third place winners for each age category and a trophy for the overall winner for men and women. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank, Kremer Funeral Home and Crossroad Graphics.

The Friends of the Library host their Used Book Sale again this year in the Library Basement from 9 am – 12 pm on Saturday, June 13.

Everything stops for the Parade on Saturday morning beginning at 10 am. This year the Parade will be announced by Lee Muntz of Fairfield. The Grand Marshall will be William Helmick with honored guests Juanita Sumner and Christine Stevenson. Allen and Rosie Morrison will ride in the parade as this year’s American Gothic couple. Other entries include the City Council and Mayor of Eldon, Drifters’ Classic Car Club, local business and church floats, Ottumwa and Fairfield Shriner’s, Baseball and Softball Teams, Scouts and Flag bearers, Eldon Alumni with their float and Cheerful Chuckles the Clown. If you would like to be in the parade, contact Linda Pool at 652-3326. All entries are welcome and there is no cost to enter. Entries will be judged that morning with the winners announced during the parade. All entries will receive a participation ribbon and there will be cash prize for first, second and third place. The parade will begin assembling on the street east of the Assembly of God Church at 9 am. The Assembly of God Church will host a hospitality room with bottled water and restrooms during this time.

The Ottumwa Radio Control Flyers will be at Franklin Farms from 10 am – 3 pm on Saturday. Come watch and see fly demonstrations of radio control float planes, sea planes, and land based airplanes.

The Craft Show continues to expand this year with displays of Frisbee Spin Art, Wood Burning, flags and clothing. Crafters will be on display along the “Rock” Park downtown from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday, June 13. If you would like to sign up for the Craft Show, contact Shirley Stacey at 652-3339. If you enjoy crafts, you might also enjoy the Quilt Show and Raffle at the KD Center from 10 am – 2:30 pm, with the drawing taking place for the Quilt Raffle at 2:30 pm. The Quilt was quilted by the In Stitches Quilt Club and donated to G.A.T.E. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. All proceeds go to support G.A.T.E. sponsored activities.

Kids can participate in the Wards Backyard Circus hosted by Cheerful Chuckles the Clown at the KD Center from 11 am – 12 pm or take part in the Free Kids’ Games from 11 am – 1 pm at the KD Center.

The famous Barbequed Chicken Dinner will take place at the KD Center from 11:30 am – 1 pm, with hamburgers and side dishes available. You can also enjoy brats and hot dogs from the Pepsi Wagon or check out Cindy’s Cafe downtown.

The Buckskinners Camp Out is back for the day on Saturday on the Rock Island Train Depot Grounds, and the Rock Island Train Depot, McHaffey Opera House, and the American Gothic House Center will be open all weekend. More specifically, the American Gothic House Center will be open from 11 am – 5 pm on Saturday for an open house and exhibit for the American Gothic House Art Contest. See what area amateur and professional artists can do when inspired by the same house that produced “American Gothic.” Art work will be on display Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14. First and second place winners for each division win a cash prize for a total amount of $300, the same amount won by Grant Wood when he submitted his painting and won third place at the 1930 Art Institute of Chicago art show. This event is sponsored by G.A.T.E.

The Kids’ Pedal Pull is here again for kids of all ages at the KD Center. There will be a trophy for first, second and third place winners. Registration begins on Saturday, June 13 at 12 pm and the pedal pull begins at 12:30 pm. There is no charge to participate.

New this year for older children is a Knock Out Basketball Tournament. The competition will take place from 1-3 pm at the KD Courts. Contact Dustin LaRue at 799-3638 with questions.

Also new this year is an American Gothic Days Antique Appraiser Show styled after your favorite Antiques Road Show on Saturday, June 13 from 1-4 pm at the Wapello County Regional Fair Grounds Wapello Building. Bring your favorite two items per person to be appraised by one of the following appraisers: Richard Alexander, a Certified Appraisers Guild of America member with specialties in Country Store Collectibles and Advertising Items, Robert Keller with specialties in Coins and Currency, Dr. George Morris, an International Society of Appraisers member with specialties in Quality Antiques and Old Persian Carpets, Robert Norman with specialties in Art Work, and William Taylor with specialties in Coins and Currency, Military Collectibles and Small Antiques. Cost is $4 per item with a limit of two items per person.

The fun and sometimes hilarious Cardboard Boat Races will take place at the Wapello County Regional Fairgrounds Lagoon at 4 pm with registration beginning at 3:30 pm. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners.

SUNDAY

American Gothic Bike Ride begins early Sunday morning of Gothic Days marking the second annual bike ride this year to Floris and back for 20 miles. For the adventurous and brave, continue on to the Highway 63 intersection before turning around for a 26 mile ride. The ride starts at 7:30 am on June 14, leaving from the American Gothic House Center. Registration is $18.50, and includes a t-shirt, a map and post-ride pizza. This event is sponsored by Libertyville Savings Bank and Riverside Cyclery of Ottumwa.

The Mud Volleyball Tournaments continues once again, so stop by the KD Center on Sunday, June 14 at 1 pm to encourage your favorite teams. For more information, contact Lori Franklin or Mel Ostrander.

And last, but not least, try out your skill at the Ladies’ Nail Driving Contest, a new event for the ladies. $5 will give you a chance for a cash prize awarded to the first and second place winners. You can enter that day.

Who: Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon
What: 39th American Gothic Days
When: Friday-Sunday, June 12-14
Where: Eldon, IA 52554
Contacts: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net
Linda Durflinger, 641-799-5149
Shirley Stacey, 641-652-3339

Sprucing up the American Gothic House Center

Working on some landscaping plans for the visitor center. KTVO did a news story about it. Click on the link to read more.

Cardinal students help prepare seedlings for Gothic House project

ELDON — The dozen or so students from Cardinal High School spent the morning with pencils in hand, something that probably sounds so routine it’s not even worth commenting about...

Click on the link to read more.

Calling all troupes for a Native Iowa Flower Planting in Eldon

Eldon— This June when school lets out and you are wondering what to do with your long beautiful sunny days, consider packing your shovels, gloves, hat and a snack to help plant some native Iowa flowers at the American Gothic House Center.

Thanks to Ostrander Flowers & Greenhouses for getting the seedlings started, there are currently more plants than the center has hands to plant. Please consider organizing a group to help out and get a tour of the visitor center at the same time!

The list of over 30 native plant species to be added to the landscape include Brown Eyed Susan, Sky Blue Aster, Evening Primrose, Upland White Aster, Yellow Coneflower, Anise Hyssop, Mountain Mint, Prairie Blazing Star, Prairie Smoke, Showy Goldenrod, Butterfly Milkweed and much more.

In order to give these flowers a good chance for survival, the plantings will take place in the late afternoon. For troupes wanting to get a tour of the visitor center, these can be scheduled before the planting session.

Group trips to the visitor center include an introduction and discussion on the painting ”American Gothic,” a history of the house in the background, the story of how Grant Wood made his way to Eldon and the discovery of the house, showing of an educational film, and the opportunity for pictures in cut outs or costumes in front of the house.

Please contact the American Gothic House Center at 641-652-3352 for more information, or visit our website at www.americangothichouse.net.

• Who: American Gothic House Center
• What: Native Iowa Flower Planting
• When: To be scheduled for late afternoons between June 2-11
• Where: American Gothic House Center; 300 American Gothic St; Eldon, IA 52554
• Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

New American Gothic House Exhibit!

Eldon— This Friday, May 22 marks the opening of a new summer exhibit about the American Gothic House. The exhibit follows the house and the people who have lived in it through the years as well as the community support it has received to preserve it. The new exhibit was funded in part by grant monies received from the Alliant Energy Foundation.

Join us for an opening reception Friday, May 22 from 6-7 pm at the American Gothic House Center.

• Who: American Gothic House Center
• What: New Summer Exhibit
• When: Friday, May 22, 6-7 pm
• Where: American Gothic House Center; 300 American Gothic St; Eldon, IA 52554
• Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

A love of horses and history

ELDON — Dennis Brouse is the kid who grew up watching TV’s horses — Fury, Zorro’s Tornado, Roy Rogers’ Trigger and the Lone Ranger’s Silver.

Now he’s the adult who’s found a way to make money doing what he loves to do — work with horses...

Brouse and his team were at the American Gothic House Tuesday in Eldon to film a segment for next year’s season.

Click on the link to read more.

New York Times story on Gay Marriage in Iowa

"ELDON, Iowa — As of Monday, gay couples will be allowed to marry in places like this small town that once served as the background for Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” the painter’s famous depiction of stern, traditional Midwesterners."

Click on the title to see the rest of the story.

2009 American Gothic House Art Contest

Eldon—American Gothic House Center and Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon (GATE) join in sponsoring the fourth annual American Gothic House Art Contest during the 2009 American Gothic Days, June 12-14.

The art contest celebrates the American Gothic House used as the background in Grant Wood’s most famous painting American Gothic. Entries must include the American Gothic House in their work. The contest serves to promote greater awareness of the beauty of the little white board and batten house with its gothic window.

Submitted works will be returned. Minimum size is 8” x 10”—no maximum size. Contest is open to artists in the following five divisions:

• Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
• Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
• Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
• Adult Amateur
• Adult Professional

Prize money in the amount of $40 for 1st place and $20 for 2nd place will be awarded for each division, for a total of $300 in prize money—the same amount awarded to Grant Wood when he won third place for American Gothic at the art show at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Judging will take place Friday evening, with the exhibition planned for Saturday, June 13 from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday, June 14 from 1 to 4 pm at the American Gothic House Center in Eldon, Iowa.

Official entry forms are due by May 15. Artwork must be delivered by June 1. For entry forms, complete rules and further information, contact Jessica Strom; 300 American Gothic St; Eldon, IA 52554; 641-652-3352; aghc@iowatelecom.net.

GATE is a nonprofit community betterment organization and no entry fee will be sought from submissions or participants.

• Who: Gothic Area Tourism of Eldon; American Gothic House Center
• What: 2009 American Gothic House Art Contest
• When: June 12-14 during the 2009 Eldon American Gothic Days
• Where: American Gothic House Center; 300 American Gothic St; Eldon, IA 52554
• Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

Gothic May Brunch

Eldon—The American Gothic House Center is hosting its fourth annual American Gothic May Brunch Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 – 11:30 am at the Eldon KD Center.

This year’s entertainment is performer Beverly Graves from Pella, Iowa who will keep you smiling with her quick wit and humor. So after the meal, sit back and be ready to laugh while enjoying the “Many Faces of Beverly Graves.”

Come one, come all and come hungry! The menu includes Spinach Quiche, Dream Coffee Cake and a serving of fresh fruit served with Coffee and Ice Tea. Seating is limited, so advance reservations are requested! Tickets are available at the American Gothic House Center and are $6.00 per person.

• Who: American Gothic House Center
• What: American Gothic May Brunch
• When: Saturday, May 2, 10:00 – 11:30 am
• Where: KD Center; 300 KD Ave; Eldon, IA 52554
• Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net

"Grant Wood and Frank Lloyd Wright: Little Houses on the Prairie" lecture by Roy Behrens

Eldon— The American Gothic House Center received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, to host a free lecture on Grant Wood and Frank Lloyd Wright: Little Houses on the Prairie by Roy Behrens at 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 23 at the Eldon Library Hall.

Grant Wood and Frank Lloyd Wright had similar influences: Japanese-inspired aesthetic principles, the Arts and Crafts Movement and Gothic Revival architecture. During this slide-illustrated, 45-minute talk, participants are invited to explore the parallels between the works of Wood and Wright, and how artists express human values, whatever the medium.

Roy R. Behrens is a professor of Art at the University of Northern Iowa, he teaches graphic design and design history. He is an editor and writer for periodicals and books and his writings have been featured on Nova (PBS), Equinox (BBC), Living in Iowa (IPTV) and BBC Radio. His most recent book is False Colors: Art, Design and Modern Camouflage (2002).

A cultural resource for Iowans since 1971, Humanities Iowa offers many cultural and historical programs and grants to Iowa’s communities.

• Who: American Gothic House Center
• What: “Grant Wood and Frank Lloyd Wright: Little Houses on the Prairie” lecture by Roy Behrens
• When: Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 pm
• Where: Eldon Library Hall
• Contact: Jessica Strom, 641-652-3352, aghc@iowatelecom.net