What began as a blank wall in Nikulski Financial’s newly constructed Bettendorf offices has been transformed into the Quad City Arts Showcase and a scholarship fund for local artists for years to come.
Nikulski Financial, located at 4275 Ontario Drive, will unveil the Quad Cities Art Showcase at a free open house from 5-7 p.m., Friday, July 14, at its offices. The community is invited to attend and enjoy the art display.
Brian Nikulski, the firm’s owner and a certified financial planner, was looking for suggestions on how to decorate the new office when he reached out to David Anderson, a well-known Quad Cities artist and painter. Touring the space, the idea came up to fill the entire space with local art works as opposed to buying a single piece of art.
“This is great for local artists to get exposure by being in the office of Nikulski Financial, Inc.,” Mr. Anderson said in a news release. “Just think about it. Would we have recognized the brilliance of a local artist like Grant Wood, who is from this area, when he was creating his artwork?”
The pair decided on a collection featuring the Quad Cities and Mr. Anderson recruited his friend and fellow artist Pat Beréskin, owner of Beréskin Gallery, to create the collection with regional artists.
“This is truly a win-win situation,” Mr. Anderson said. “Local artists get recognition from being featured at Nikulski Financial, Inc.’s office, the local community can enjoy viewing the pieces on display, and the money paid for all of the artwork is benefitting local artists and a scholarship fund for future artists.”
It was Ms. Beréskin’s idea to use the proceeds to create a scholarship fund so young artists can continue to learn and enhance their skills.
“We couldn’t be happier with all the work from the artists and we are so proud that they were all made by artists native to our area,” Mr. Nikulski said. He also invited the community to attend the open house to view all the pieces, meet some of the artists and enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
“This is truly special what Nikulski Financial, Inc. did here and we hope the people of the QCA will go enjoy the more than 50 beautiful paintings,” Ms. Beréskin said. “I bet you will find a new favorite artist after going to the opening.”
