The QCBJ devotes the Newsmakers series to looking back on some of the biggest and most noteworthy stories we covered in 2025 across the Quad Cities region. Each story also includes a small update on the topic or news event. The stories are not ranked, but rather, appear in chronological order.
The original story ran May of 2025
The Figge Art Museum continues to light up the night in downtown Davenport.
That’s because the light-based artwork — called Evanescent Field — has been lighting up the Davenport skyline since it was unveiled during a “Glow Up” party celebration on May 17.
The light display consists of more than 5,000 linear feet of lights on the museum’s exterior. The $4 million project, designed by internationally acclaimed artist Leo Villareal, is the largest public art installation in Iowa. It is now transforming the Figge and the Quad Cities skyline into a vibrant new Midwest landmark, according to Figge leaders.
Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, recently said the light display will be an economic driver for the region, bringing in more visitors and money to the local economy. He added that the Evanescent Field lights will set the Quad Cities apart from many other communities.
“It’s really damn cool. … This is going to elevate and amplify our story,” he added.
“The work was designed specifically for the Figge’s architecture and will continue to evolve endlessly — the light sequences never repeat — creating a living experience that responds to time, light, and the Mississippi River,” said Lacey Skorepa, the Figge’s director of communications and marketing.
She added: “Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as both mesmerizing and a proud new symbol for our community.”
Now part of Figge’s permanent collection, the art piece represents the realization of a vision more than two decades in the making.
“We’re thrilled to see how Evanescent Field has become a source of pride and wonder for the community and a new landmark of art and innovation for our region,” said Ms. Skorepa.
— Dave Thompson
