WATKINS GRAND FOYER
Enjoy One of Our Exhibitions While You Shop or Register for a class in the Watkins Grand Foyer
The Frank E. Watkins Grand Foyer Gallery is near the main entrance to our building by the main desk and World’s Window Gift Store. It features ongoing changing exhibitions, in addition to exhibitions that are planned to interpret and expand upon the permanent collection and focus on Midwest Art, American Crafts, and Haitian and Caribbean Art.
NOW DISPLAYING
Soul of Distinction
by Ethan Edvenson
On view March 25 - September 7, 2025
Ethan Edvenson is known for his mixed media drawings that explore themes of individualism, humor, transcendence, and eternity. Using gestural mark-making, surreal imagery, and narrative elements, his layered works invite viewers into intricate visual worlds. Soul of Distinction examines how humans transform under environmental forces, entertainment, comfort, and disengagement. Through figurative drawings, the work explores how we morph into beings that reflect our inner states – either thriving with purpose or fading into shadows of complacency and disconnection. It challenges viewers to confront the impact of the world around them by embracing intentionality, self-improvement, and personal choices.
Edvenson earned a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Northern Iowa in 2020. Since graduating, his work has been featured in multiple solo and group exhibitions across the Midwest. In addition to his visual art, he has also contributed to various book and film projects.
DOT DAY EXHIBITION
On view September 2-November 4
An invitational group exhibition celebrating International Dot Day, this presentation is a labor of love for the Waterloo Center for the Arts and collaborating entities. It is a tribute to North Tama vocal music educator Terry Shay and his wife Ellen Shay and the gifted citizens of the Cedar Valley who provided their own “dots” to the exhibition. All abilities, all ages, all interpretations, and all media were welcome in our call for artists. We hope you will be inspired by Waterloo’s own celebration of creativity and courage.
OPENING RECEPTION
Tuesday, September 16 | 5:00-7:00pm
Waktins Grand Foyer
Free Admission
COMING SOON
TURTLE WISDOM: PERSONAL, POLITICAL, PLAYFUL
by Betty LaDuke
On view September 30 - February 15
The works of Betty LaDuke have many times graced the walls of the Waterloo Center for the Arts. This new body of work is 21 shaped, carved, and painted wood panels that are based on artist sketches drawn decades ago during travels in African, Latin American, and Asian countries. The themes speak to dreams, dreamers, expectations, love, hope, nostalgia, and resilience. The exhibition is supplemented by major LaDuke paintings and prints from the WCA collection.