The Figge Art Museum opened its newly named John Deere Gallery on Tuesday, Feb. 4, to showcase rarely seen and internationally significant works of art.
The gallery includes pieces from the remarkable John Deere Art Collection including works that had been accessible only within Deere corporate facilities such as the John Deere World Headquarters in Moline.
The Figge and John Deere have a long history of collaboration, and this latest endeavor underscores their shared commitment to making art accessible, the Davenport museum said in a news release.
For example, the public is invited to celebrate the gallery’s opening at two free events this week:
- John Deere Art Collection Celebration – Thursday, Feb. 6. An evening of conversation, featuring light bites at 5 pm., and remarks at 6:30 p.m. by Figge Executive Director and CEO Melissa Mohr and Neil Dahlstrom, John Deere branded properties and heritage manager.
- Second Saturday – Saturday, Feb. 8 – A full day of free admission, hands-on activities, and family-friendly programming centered on the John Deere Collection.
“This partnership between the Figge Art Museum and John Deere signifies the power of partnerships rooted in shared values,” Mr. Dahlstrom said in the release. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate art that reflects our community’s rich cultural history while engaging visitors with diverse artistic voices.”
The John Deere Art Collection was established in 1965 by visionary Deere & Co. CEO William A. Hewitt. It reflects his bold and innovative spirit, embracing international and modern art movements alongside iconic American works, such as Grant Wood’s Fall Plowing.
That work is considered one of Mr. Wood’s masterpieces. Fall Plowing has been exhibited at top museums around the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City and the Kunsthalle Mannheim in Germany.
Works to rotate regularly
Going forward, artworks from the collection will regularly rotate through the John Deere Gallery and other galleries within the museum. That will ensure fresh opportunities for discovery and inspiration.
“This partnership exemplifies what the Figge is all about: connecting art and people in ways that engage and enrich our community,” Ms. Mohr said in the release. “We are thrilled to bring these extraordinary works to our galleries, sharing them with visitors from the Quad Cities and beyond.”
The opportunity to share works from John Deere’s Art Collection deepens the museum’s ability to tell meaningful stories about the intersection of art, industry, and culture, the museum release said. By featuring works that reflect both global artistic movements and the history of the region, this partnership demonstrates how art can inspire creativity, honor heritage, and connect audiences with diverse perspectives.
“The John Deere Art Collection offers a glimpse into an era when art, business, and culture intersected in powerful ways,” added Figge Co-Senior Curator Vanessa Sage. “We are delighted that John Deere has chosen to share its collection with the Figge, ensuring that it continues to inspire and enrich the lives of people in this region.”
As the Figge Art Museum enters its 100th year, the naming of the John Deere Gallery reflects its dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships that bring exceptional opportunities to the community, the museum said. By creating access to world-class art and educational programming, the Figge continues to serve as a cultural cornerstone for the Quad Cities.
