The Figge Art Museum will host a “Glow Up” party to help mark the debut of a public art light installation at the museum.
The free public party will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Figge, at 225 W. Second St.
The event will help mark the opening of “Evanescent Field” — the largest public art installation in Iowa. Designed by internationally acclaimed artist Leo Villareal, the permanent light installation will transform the Figge and the Quad Cities skyline into a vibrant new Midwest landmark, according to Figge officials.
The celebration takes place on the Figge’s Bechtel Plaza and features live music, food trucks, interactive art making, family activities, and free museum admission. The evening culminates with the grand unveiling of “Evanescent Field” at 8:45 p.m., followed by a performance from indie rock icon Ben Kweller, fresh off a sold-out Chicago show.
Commissioned in honor of the Figge’s Centennial, “Evanescent Field” will be a one-mile-long, four-sided light sculpture that bathes the museum in constantly evolving color. Inspired by the movement of the Mississippi River, Mr. Villareal’s signature sequencing ensures the patterns never repeat.
After the lights go up, the celebration continues inside the museum with AfterGLOW at the Figge, a ticketed after-party from 10 p.m. to midnight, featuring DJ Clife, the Lavender Lux glow cocktail, light-up swag, and unbeatable views of Evanescent Field from the Figge’s glass-walled lobby and café. Tickets for the after-party are available for $25 at the door and include admission to the party and a glow cocktail.
Here is the schedule of events for the Saturday party:
- 7-7:30 p.m.: QCSO Brass Quintet (Quad City Symphony Orchestra).
- 7:30-8:30 p.m.: The Blackstones (local classic rock band).
- 8:45 p.m.: Unveiling of Evanescent Field.
- 9 to 10 p.m.: Ben Kweller.
Some of the other activities at the party will include: The Snap Wagon Photo Booth; face painting, balloon art, and caricature drawing; Community Canvas Project: contribute to a collaborative artwork for the Figge’s upcoming Chain Reaction exhibition; Quad City Botanical Center’s Plant Discovery Bus; Block-printing activity with Putnam Museum and Science Center; family fun project with Quad City Arts.
The public art light installation is the latest development for downtown Davenport. In the coming months, a four-season recreational area called Main Street Landing will be built in the downtown area. That 10-acre park will span between Main Street and the roller dams and will feature play areas, water features, a multi-use space for sports and much more. A ground-breaking ceremony was held for Main Street Landing in April.
“It will be one of the premier places in Iowa on Iowa’s front porch. … This will be the beacon of the Midwest,” Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said during a brief ground-breaking ceremony for Main Street Landing on April 3.
The Figge Art Museum is dedicated to bringing art and people together. Located on the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport, the Figge is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines. Its landmark glass building houses a renowned collection, engaging exhibitions, and community-centered programs. Admission is free on Thursday nights.
