Four finalists have been selected for a collaborative mural project between the Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO) and Quad City Arts.
And now the public is invited to vote for their favorite concept at www.downtownbettendorf.org/blog/cast-your-vote-help-choose-bettendorfs-new-mural. Voting closes on Sunday, June 1.
The four finalists and their concepts are:
- Arches by William Gustafson. The concept of the mural is to show the viewer the time periods through the arches from the early years of Bettendorf to the present time with the distant Waterfront Convention Center, Isle Casino, the Celebration Belle and a child riding her bike to the new Interstate 74 bridge.
- Bettendorf, IA: Then & Now by Michael Ferrarell. To commemorate the City of Bettendorf then and now, he has arranged a series of native images bridging Bettendorf’s industrial and agricultural roots to its modern day self as a hub for leisure, recreation, families, and community.
- Special People in a Special Place by Atlanta Dawn. The stained glass-inspired tapestry of light and color reflects the heart of Bettendorf — its vibrant culture, its flowing landscapes, and the quiet beauty of nature.
- Spirit of Bettendorf by Jeremy Jarvis. This mural celebrates the rich heritage and forward momentum of Bettendorf, weaving together elements of its agricultural, industrial, and cultural identity.
More detailed descriptions by the artists listed on the online ballot here.
The winning design will be announced at DBO’s Be Downtown event Saturday, June 7.
Painting of the mural, which will be on the west-facing wall of a commercial building at 312 17th St., is scheduled to begin in June. An unveiling is planned for early July.
The new downtown mural aims to enhance community pride, beautification, and public awareness of the arts in downtown Bettendorf.
“This new mural will be a major step in adding to the vibrancy of downtown and encouraging visitors and Quad Citizens to stop and spend some time in our urban core,” said Ryan Jantzi, executive director of the DBO, an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. He added that the organization will continue to invest in art to enhance livability.
Quad City Arts, based in Rock Island, has been contracted by DBO to facilitate the project, and will work closely with the artist to meet the goals of the initiative. The arts advocacy organization was not involved in the selection process.
Ben Gougeon, director of community engagement for Quad City Arts, also expressed excitement noting that arts are an economic driver and improve an area’s quality of life.
