An Evening of Creativity and Community with Art on the River Opening Reception, Aug. 9

July 24, 2024

The public is invited to the opening reception of the 2024-25 Art on the River, the City of Dubuque’s annual temporary public art exhibit, on Friday, Aug. 9, from 5 – 7 p.m. on the patio of the Grand River Center, 500 Bell St.

The theme for this year’s exhibition is “Culture & Conversation,” with 11 works selected that speak to the artists’ ability to enlighten, educate, and affect communities and culture. Culture is learned. Culture is adaptive. Culture is shared. This exhibition aims to provoke conversations that serve to connect us across divides, help us overcome barriers, and foster economic growth and community prosperity.

The reception is free to attend, family-friendly, and open to the public. In case of inclement weather, reception activities may be scaled back and held indoors at the Grand River Center.

Reception activities will include:

5 – 5:30 p.m. – Social hour featuring live music by saxophonist Anthony Collins Jr., with light hors d’oeuvres served and a cash bar available.
5:30 p.m. – Welcome by Mayor Brad Cavanagh, spoken word performance, and artist acknowledgments and awards presented by City staff.
6 – 7 p.m. – Live performances by Adams Dance Connection, local DJ Enoc Sanchez, and 3D art-making demonstrations along the Riverwalk by local artists.

Throughout the evening, the Dubuque Camera Club, Dubuque Urban Sketchers, and Plein Air Painters of Dubuque will be set up along the Mississippi Riverwalk to capture festivities on paper, canvas, and in photos. Adams Dance Connection will offer instruction in cultural dance styles for your participation and enjoyment.

As has become a tradition, the Art on the River reception will include interactive activities that highlight Dubuque-based creatives. This year’s event will incorporate live art-making demonstrations stationed along the Riverwalk by artists who work in 3D materials and processes.

In conjunction with Art on the River, August in Dubuque kicks off with a robust lineup of other arts and culture-related activities including:

Taste of Summer on Thursday, Aug. 8, from 6 – 9 p.m. at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium; free event
46^th Annual DubuqueFest Arts Festival on Saturday, Aug. 10, and Sunday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Washington Park; free event
Music in the Gardens featuring a tribute to Creedence Clearwater by Fortunate Sons on Sunday, Aug. 11, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens; free event

Art on the River is part of the Dubuque City Council’s ongoing efforts to foster diverse arts and cultural experiences that will improve the social and cultural vibrancy of the community. Since its inception, the program has featured 165 sculptures representing the work of 109 artists at the Port of Dubuque. A 90-acre riverfront campus welcomes 200,000+ visitors each year with features like the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, the Grand River Center, Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, Diamond Jo Casino, the historic Dubuque Star Brewery, Dubuque Shot Tower, and the Port of Dubuque Marina.

More information is available at www.cityofdubuque.org/artontheriver or by contacting Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator Bonnie Spurling at bspurlin@cityofdubuque.org or 563-690-6059.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Bonnie Spurling, Arts & Cultural Affairs Manager
563-690-6059, bspurlin@cityofdubuque.org