Artist: Paul Bobrowitz About: From the beginning, found objects have been the sprouted seeds inspired by nature that became my art. Rocks have been integrated into my work as symbolic of nature, often as a counterweight showing how all mankind actions affect the world around us. As industrial scrap was included in my work, the sculptures became more linear, abstract, and contemporary. Fountains and kinetic sculpture added movement and sound to the pieces. Themes and stories emerged as some works became more intricate, and my life’s experiences became more evident in the compositions. Relationships have emerged as one central theme for the greater body of my work. Man’s relationship to the environment, nature, and the effects we have on each other. It is the message of caring for the environment by upcycling, transforming it to sculpture that inspires thought, emotions and communication.

Sculpture Information: "Note" depicts a treble clef and refers to the importance of music in our lives.

Artist: James Haire About: I have been a working artist for over thirty years creating figurative bronze sculptures. The inspiration for my work comes from a wide variety of sources. I enjoy trying to capture the numerous aspects of the human spirit. Many of my sculptures have been commissioned and I have placed numerous sculptures in public settings throughout the country.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "A young rough and tumble boy reads a book, proving there is a book for Everyone."

Artist: Peter Gray

About: A steel sculptor with a multi-disciplinary science background, Peter Gray explores the intersection of art and science dealing with evolution, mutation and the natural world. Biological processes can be seen as forms of art. He uses steel because it is a strong versatile material. Art can be a powerful tool for social change. His work often deals with issues of social justice and environmentalism. Art has the power to connect people and to create a sense of community. His work can create a dialogue between the viewer and the sculpture exploring ways we can connect with the natural world.His large-scale public sculptures are in the permanent collections of sculpture parks, midwestern cities, California, two Chicago public schools, Chicago State University, a CTA subway station and a UC mini-park.

Sculpture Information: "Agua Dorada" was created to emphasize the importance and value of our need and perception of water. We have reached a point in many regions of the United States and the world where water has the value of gold and life without it is perilous. The concept for this sculpture is a riff on the “black gold” oil-based products we have been using and burning since 1859. Even though oil has enhanced many aspects of our lives, it has led to irreparable environmental damage and issues.

Artist: Bill McGrath About: I took up metal sculpture about 12 years ago after being heavily involved in bringing art into my community as city manager. Because of this interest, I primarily make sculpture for outdoor, public viewing. I create sculpture to lure people into looking at the use of materials, shapes, shadows, and colors in a manner different from what they are used to. Whether or not a piece has "meaning" it stimulates the brain to try to comprehend it and I find this kind of stimulation exciting and beneficial. Making sculpture for outdoor viewing extends the energy used to understand it, as once in a public place, the entire community has to deal with it. If I'm lucky there may be a few benches nearby where conversation may ensue regardless of whether it's about the piece. Public sculpture is also a place where children can be exposed to safe, large fabrications that they don't understand, and this provides an opportunity for a shared family experience. 

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. Angles, Shadows, Reaching explores the relationships among simple repeating right angles in what is a monolithic, monochromatic object.  This requires closer observation and a deeper relationship with how the piece works, which is my goal.  People want to move around it, to peer through the different openings to see different patterns. I want the observer to have to “figure out” the piece. This piece also creates a parade of different shadows in the sun.

Artist: Craig Snyder About: Steel. Copper. Aluminum. Metals that I love to cajole and inspire until they become art. It's not easy — they slumber as regular industrial materials, but usually with a little coaxing, and words of encouragement... Yet sometimes its just heat, beat, twist, bend and hammer them into a sculpture. Mostly abstract and contemporary art. I focus on site-specific environmental art and design that truly makes a statement. It's serious. It's fun. It's fire-shaped metal sculpture. 

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. Sky and water are inextricably linked.  Swirls of roots and currents connect us to the earth. Made of steel with a rich blue patina and cedar done in the shou sugi-ban style from Japan.

Artist: Sam Spiczka About: Inspired by natural bone forms, rural technology, and geometric structure, I have produced a distinctive body of work that is both modern and intensely primal, public yet deeply personal. Born and raised in rural Minnesota, I became captivated by metal early on through the experience of working at my family’s welding shop. Though I briefly studied art and philosophy at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, my true education has come from Nature, the example of past sculptors, and the craftsmanship of my father. My award winning sculptures have been exhibited internationally – including at the Seolbong International Sculpture Park in Icheon, South Korea, the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and Franconia Sculpture Park in Taylor’s Fall, MN – and can be found in many public and private collections.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. “When I look at a natural creation, be it a bone, shell or tree, I am struck by the anomalies and variations found in an object that appears symmetrical at first glance.  The perfection that life aspires to is forced to adapt into a more irregular and complex form when it encounters an indifferent environment.  Yet the ideal still lies just below the surface.  It is a whisper only our mind can hear.  My sculpture is inspired by this conflict between an ideal state and an imperfect reality.  In it can be found both the chaos of growth and the geometry of perfection.”

Artist: Ben Pierce

About: Ben Pierce is a veteran and Missouri native who found an outlet for his internal struggle by creating sculpture. “ I have been living with depression for many years (way before I began making art). Only recently have I begun to speak openly about it with friends and family. A lot of mental illness is suffered in silence- I am choosing to use my art as a way to help others speak up. Maybe someone will hear about this or read this and feel HOPE. You are not alone! Or through my openness about depression it will allow others to not suffer alone by giving them courage to seek help or confide in someone. Maybe this can open that conversation for them. My art/sculptures possibly would not have been created if it weren't for my need to externalize what I go through inside. I hope you find your own voice and can endure any obstacle that comes your way”.

Sculpture Information: I wanted to create a sculpture that was both true to my design aesthetic, functional, and identifiable as a bench so people would instantly recognize and utilize the design, hopefully elevating the normal bench sitting experience by at least a little.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026.

Artist: Riley Jones, ASPHATE, Limsone About: Graduated from Rock Island High School. Riley is the daughter of Jerry and Kathy Jones of Rock Island.

Details: Created by 16-year-old Riley Jones, in collaboration with professional muralists Dana Harrison (Limone) & Brandon Warner (ASPHATE), the new mural is an adaptation of Jones’s artwork originally titled "Black Pride." A winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition, the original piece was selected by US Representative Cheri Bustos to be displayed at the US Capitol in the summer of 2021.

Artist: Hilde DeBruyne About: Born in Belgium to a family of artists, Hilde DeBruyne possesses the innate ability to transform clay and metal  into organic, timeless works of art. The daughter of sculptor Paul DeBruyne, her childhood home was a museum of artifacts spanning the globe from African masks to remnants of Gothic cathedrals. And so developed a love for meaningful and beautiful things. She studied Art History and Archeology at the University of Ghent. It became her passion. Her rather abstract organic work reflects nature and the authenticity of the cycle of life. Her artwork has been in public and private collections and international exhibits. Hilde lives with her family in Iowa, USA

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "Bloom: is a contemporary sculpture of an abstract organic flower. It is part of the Botanical Series. Flowers speak a universal language and are able to put a smile on people's faces."

Artist: Kristin Garnant About: With a background in graphic arts I have dealt with the design and construction of books, black and white photography, letterpress and offset printing. I have used portions of my design background to create pieces in metal. The distinct quality of steel and the combinations of textures reveal unique compositions much like the layering of fine handmade papers. Reinterpreting ideas in metal can turn the most ordinary form on its head and give it a distinctly new identity. I enjoy envisioning this transformation and witnessing all the twists and turns that often take the piece into a completely different realm from the one I had planned on. It is this creative unfolding of each piece that has captured my interest in this form.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. This towering work cascades eight feet down in shimmering ribbons of light catching stainless steel. It is constructed of 5 panels of equal dimensions.

Artist: Paul Bobrowitz About:  From the beginning, found objects have been the sprouted seeds inspired by nature that became my art. Rocks have been integrated into my work as symbolic of nature, often as a counterweight showing how all mankind actions affect the world around us. As industrial scrap was included in my work, the sculptures became more linear, abstract, and contemporary. Fountains and kinetic sculpture added movement and sound to the pieces. Themes and stories emerged as some works became more intricate, and my life’s experiences became more evident in the compositions. Relationships have emerged as one central theme for the greater body of my work. Man’s relationship to the environment, nature, and the effects we have on each other. It is the message of caring for the environment by upcycling, transforming it to sculpture that inspires thought, emotions and communication.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. Paul Bobrowitz: Collaborative Community is about people striving, and how we need one another so we can discuss and work together so we can reach common goals.

Artist: Tommy Riefe About: Riefe was born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1991, and currently living in his hometown. He attended the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Art, Washington University, in St. Louis (MFA Fellow, 2017) and studied at the University of Northern Iowa (BFA, Art History and Sculpture, 2014). Since then, he has been group exhibitions at the Kemper Art Museum in St. Louis, and in outdoor shows in Knoxville, Tennessee; Hutchinson Kansas; Mankato, Minnesota; Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Riefe has public sculptures in the collections of Fort Dodge, IA (2021), Hutchinson, KS (2021), Lakewood, MN (2019), Iowa State University (2018), Minnesota State University (2018), Laneken, Belgium (2018), Cedar Falls, IA (2017) Rock Island, IL (2016), and Sioux City, IA (2016) 

Sculpture Information: Riefe’s art has been driven by his interests in perception, space, and time. He strives to make art relevant by facilitating interactive and insightful experiences. Art, for him, is a way of spurring curiosity, dialog and creating a sense of place. Riefe’s work spans from intimate objects to large exterior site-specific sculptures. His practice uses form and material to connect viewers to the present moment.

Artist Name: Don Horstman About: As a sculptor and painter, I present simple, bold concepts that are easily comprehended. This same theme carries over in my jewelry which I like to call body armor. My art is sometimes created from industrial scrap which brings new life to the castoff of industry. My sculpture has been exhibited in many city-sponsored outdoor exhibits and purchased by private collectors. My work is in several museum collections.

Sculpture Information: Horstman offers a representation of texture, light, mass and translucent space in the minimalist tradition. His work reflects human interactions and emotions. The movement of water is seen throughout this sculpture.

Artist: Kristin Garnant About: As an artist, I fluctuate between interdisciplinary ways of working; at times, focusing on public art with the fabrication of outdoor landmarks; at other times, by constructing artifacts within found material compositions and multi-media installations. Such fluctuation allows for a wide range of expressive capabilities, stretching from the creation of lasting monumental sculptures to transitory moments. The reference of historical and geologic documentation is often apparent in my work, whether through sedimentary layering represented in sculptural form, the accumulation and erosion of text and imagery across surfaces, or the melding of seemingly disparate conglomerate materials and objects.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. This work gives the viewing public an opportunity to attempt a bit of fancy footwork, if so inspired. A very basic dance step diagram is enlarged and cut into 11 gauge steel. This instructive piece teaches a simple move that can be performed by young and old while also being a visually interesting work.

Artist: Sam Spiczka About: Inspired by natural bone forms, rural technology, and geometric structure, I have produced a distinctive body of work that is both modern and intensely primal, public yet deeply personal. Born and raised in rural Minnesota, I became captivated by metal early on through the experience of working at my family’s welding shop. Though I briefly studied art and philosophy at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, my true education has come from Nature, the example of past sculptors, and the craftsmanship of my father. My award winning sculptures have been exhibited internationally – including at the Seolbong International Sculpture Park in Icheon, South Korea, the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and Franconia Sculpture Park in Taylor’s Fall, MN – and can be found in many public and private collections.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. “When I look at a natural creation, be it a bone, shell or tree, I am struck by the anomalies and variations found in an object that appears symmetrical at first glance.  The perfection that life aspires to is forced to adapt into a more irregular and complex form when it encounters an indifferent environment.  Yet the ideal still lies just below the surface.  It is a whisper only our mind can hear.  My sculpture is inspired by this conflict between an ideal state and an imperfect reality.  In it can be found both the chaos of growth and the geometry of perfection.”

Artist: Peter Gray About: A steel sculptor with a multi-disciplinary science background. He explores the intersection of art and science dealing with evolution, mutation and the natural world. Biological processes can be seen as forms of art. He uses steel because it is a strong versatile material. Art can be a powerful tool for social change. His work often deals with issues of social justice and environmentalism. Art has the power to connect people and to create a sense of community. His work can create a dialogue between the viewer and the sculpture exploring ways we can connect with the natural world. His large-scale public sculptures are in the permanent collections of sculpture parks, midwestern cities, California, two Chicago public schools, Chicago State University, a CTA subway station and a UC mini-park. 

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. A fun piece that continues my focus on water.  In this case rain water is captured by the troughs and flows towards the lower sections.  When it is not raining the colorful balls appear to drop from one level to the next.

Artist: James Haire

About: I have been a working artist for over thirty years creating figurative bronze sculptures. The inspiration for my work comes from a wide variety of sources. I enjoy trying to capture the numerous aspects of the human spirit. Many of my sculptures have been commissioned and I have placed numerous sculptures in public settings throughout the country.

Sculpture Information: "The Enchantment of Reading" was originally created for a children's section of the Addison, Illinois Public Library. The daughter of a librarian who worked at the library was the model. I wanted to create a playful piece that children would relate to.

Artist: Anna Modeland About: I’m a 34-year-old artist and Art has always been a huge part of my life. I started drawing at a very young age and have progressed in other forms of art media since then. Sixteen years ago, I started working with metal in my dad’s machine shop after he taught me how to manipulate metal, weld, and plasma cut to make the ideas in my head come into the real world and on public display. I have participated in many public sculpture displays and can't wait to do more! Art is a universal love language. It's all encompassing, yet so personal-whether it's through the stick figure boy and girl you drew on a napkin on your first date or through the design of the hand-crafted diamond you proposed with. Through the photo you took of your newborn's feet on the day you took her home or through the music you cry to when you give her away at the end of the isle. Art is made through the hands, the heart and the soul. A person's life is shown in their art.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "Revered as the universal symbol of longevity and health, the mighty mushroom is a comforting and welcoming sight for the country and city fold alike.  American poet Emily Dickinson, from The Mushroom is the Elf of Plants, wrote, “The mushroom is a celebration of one of nature’s most fascinating life forms, as well as the tricksters, rebels and nonconformists they represent.”  Opting for a natural patina, Farmhouse Toadstool Town is my latest creation for a simple and elegant addition to nature’s purest beauty."

Artist: Kirk Seese About:  Besides my insatiable desire to design, fabricate, deliver and install art to the public… wherever I can, whenever I can, as much as I can, the following poem best describes my interest in public art: Open love letter to public art: What I love about you, public art, is that you are meant for everyone You require no entry fee, cover charge or special invitation. Set free from the galleries, museums and private homes of the past. You're out there, in the wild, unapologetic, yet vulnerable, and for everyone to see! You must be strong, durable, able to withstand all types of weather, public scrutiny and the test of time! You can be interactive, kinetic or stationary, and come in so many forms, In all shapes and sizes. You invite discussion, and bring the world of visual arts to people’s everyday lives. For all these reasons and many more, I will adore you for the rest of my life! Hopelessly smitten

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "The Feather is my debut sculpture design, after spending four years designing themed climbing walls in the active family entertainment industry for a company called ClimbZone, and almost twenty years painting public and private murals for my own business, BB Murals. It is a direct response to the years of representational work I’ve been doing.  I wanted to create something that was not based in reality, had no reference point and seemed to come from a different planet.  Something unique.  Something that came from inside.  Art for art sake."

Artist: Peter Gray About: At his Metal-i-Genics Studio in Chicago, Gray captures the aesthetics of genetics, microbiology, and physics in bronze and steel sculptures. His goal is to create something that has both an aesthetic value as a sculpture and then also leads to further questioning by the viewer.

Sculpture Information: Traditionally, we have annual remembrances for those long past. HOWEVER, this year we are thrust into a reality where we have many to remember for their sacrifices NOW, not later. So please think of them as you look at my Flame of Remembrance.

Artist: Hilde DeBruyne About: Born in Belgium to a family of artists, Hilde DeBruyne possesses the innate ability to transform clay and metal into organic, timeless works of art. The daughter of sculptor Paul DeBruyne, her childhood home was a museum of artifacts spanning the globe from African masks to remnants of Gothic cathedrals. And so developed a love for meaningful and beautiful things. She studied Art History and Archeology at the University of Ghent. It became her passion. Her rather abstract organic work reflects nature and the authenticity of the cycle of life. Her artwork has been in public and private collections and international exhibits. Hilde lives with her family in Iowa, USA

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "Flight" is a contemporary sculpture in mild steel. It is part of the "Migration- series" the artist started exploring in 2018. A feeling of poetry, movement and melancholy in "Flight" invites the viewer to take a moment of contemplation."

Artist: Paul Bobrowitz About: From the beginning, found objects have been the sprouted seeds inspired by nature that became my art. Rocks have been integrated into my work as symbolic of nature, often as a counterweight showing how all mankind actions affect the world around us. As industrial scrap was included in my work, the sculptures became more linear, abstract, and contemporary. Fountains and kinetic sculpture added movement and sound to the pieces. Themes and stories emerged as some works became more intricate, and my life’s experiences became more evident in the compositions. Relationships have emerged as one central theme for the greater body of my work. Man’s relationship to the environment, nature, and the effects we have on each other. It is the message of caring for the environment by upcycling, transforming it to sculpture that inspires thought, emotions and communication.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "Focal Point," explores themes of growth, convergence, and the interconnectedness of nature and art. The organic, almost plant-like form of the sculpture suggests a process of unfolding or emergence, while the central void represents a point of focus, integration, or potential.  The reflective surface of the stainless steel further emphasizes this interconnectedness, as the surrounding environment and the viewer's own image become part of the artwork, suggesting that we are all connected to a central point or source. 

Artist: Ben Pierce About: Ben Pierce is a veteran and Missouri native who found an outlet for his internal struggle by creating sculpture. “ I have been living with depression for many years (way before I began making art). Only recently have I begun to speak openly about it with friends and family. A lot of mental illness is suffered in silence- I am choosing to use my art as a way to help others speak up. Maybe someone will hear about this or read this and feel HOPE. You are not alone! Or through my openness about depression it will allow others to not suffer alone by giving them courage to seek help or confide in someone. Maybe this can open that conversation for them. My art/sculptures possibly would not have been created if it weren't for my need to externalize what I go through inside. I hope you find your own voice and can endure any obstacle that comes your way”.

Sculpture Information: "Growing Up" pays respect to my family history and lineage of bricklayers. My father is a 3rd generation bricklayer and I spent a lot of time as a kid on the jobsite. I would play in sand piles that were used to mix with the Portland cement and water to make the mortar. I remember climbing up on the scaffolding and watching my dad as he laid bricks. Using or mimicking a plant-like form, to show growth. Placing the bricks inside a circular shape on a form that is largely angular highlights the brick to showcase their value. As the form grows, the bricks are an integral part- just like in my own growth and childhood.

Artist: Kirk Seese About: Besides my insatiable desire to design, fabricate, deliver and install art to the public… wherever I can, whenever I can, as much as I can, the following poem best describes my interest in public art: Open love letter to public art: What I love about you, public art, is that you are meant for everyone You require no entry fee, cover charge or special invitation. Set free from the galleries, museums and private homes of the past. You're out there, in the wild, unapologetic, yet vulnerable, and for everyone to see! You must be strong, durable, able to withstand all types of weather, public scrutiny and the test of time! You can be interactive, kinetic or stationary, and come in so many forms, In all shapes and sizes. You invite discussion, and bring the world of visual arts to people’s everyday lives. For all these reasons and many more, I will adore you for the rest of my life! Hopelessly smitten

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "The form itself spins when provoked, adding to the excitement and wonder."

Artist: Ben Pierce About: Ben Pierce is a veteran and Missouri native who found an outlet for his internal struggle by creating sculpture. “ I have been living with depression for many years (way before I began making art). Only recently have I begun to speak openly about it with friends and family. A lot of mental illness is suffered in silence- I am choosing to use my art as a way to help others speak up. Maybe someone will hear about this or read this and feel HOPE. You are not alone! Or through my openness about depression it will allow others to not suffer alone by giving them courage to seek help or confide in someone. Maybe this can open that conversation for them. My art/sculptures possibly would not have been created if it weren't for my need to externalize what I go through inside. I hope you find your own voice and can endure any obstacle that comes your way”.

Sculpture Information: “It’s Going to be Okay” is a steel sculpture with two oculus shapes painted with Macropoxy paint in bright colors. This piece is part of the artist’s “Balance Series,” a series of sculptures where Pierce combines unpolished steel with painted steel to achieve a playful balance of shapes and textures.

Artist: Don Horstman About: As a sculptor and painter I offer a representation of texture, light, mass and translucent space in the minimalist tradition.  My art is sometimes created from industrial scrap which brings new life to the castoff of industry. 

Sculpture Information: "Just Visiting" was inspired by the annual migration of the monarch butterflies from Canada to their wintering grounds in Mexico; and their congregating in Mexico's oyamel fir trees of Michoacan and Mexico states.

Artist: Fredrick Napoli About: I received my B.F.A. from the University of Illinois in Chicago in 1970 where I studied under Jerald Jacquard.  There I assisted in the installation of Jerald Jacquard’s large-scale sculpture at various locations in downtown Chicago and participated in student art school shows. I returned to earn a teaching certification in Art Education in 1978.  With this certification I began working with both normal and handicapped children including adults at “St. Vincent DePaul Settlement House” and “North Center for Handicapped Children”.  Here I taught art and participated in various cultural, learning, and recreational activity programs for handicapped adults. As a graduate sculpture student, I attended Southern Illinois University and was an assistant in the studio of Professor Thomas Walsh.  I have participated in student and alumni shows and local art fairs.  I currently maintain a studio space in an artist’s community in the downtown Chicago area.  We have worked together to construct a formal gallery space for public presentations of our art. I have been producing large scale public sculpture since 2011, which has been displayed throughout the United States.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "“Learning to Fly” was created as the second edition to my “Learning Curve” series of sculptures.  It is part of a series of curvilinear pieces that manipulate space to represent motion through implied momentum, positive and negative spatial juxtaposition, and tension and release. In terms of abstract imagery this sculpture can be perceived as a representation of the form and movement of a living creature engaging in the challenge of flight. The shapes are chosen to represent wings and the motion of air as it provides the needed lift for flight."

Artist: Chris Wubbena About: As an artist, I fluctuate between interdisciplinary ways of working; at times, focusing on public art with the fabrication of outdoor landmarks; at other times, by constructing artifacts within found material compositions and multi-media installations. Such fluctuation allows for a wide range of expressive capabilities, stretching from the creation of lasting monumental sculptures to transitory moments. The reference of historical and geologic documentation is often apparent in my work, whether through sedimentary layering represented in sculptural form, the accumulation and erosion of text and imagery across surfaces, or the melding of seemingly disparate conglomerate materials and objects.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "Listen, inspired by classical figurative sculpture along with geologic and Neolithic rock formations, takes a closer look at the individual, the person, and the weight they assume.  The abstracted figurative form exists in a state of perpetual action and reaction as its stainless-steel body constructs and twists under a large, painted, rock-like mass.  The painted, layered histories accumulated atop the figurative form expresses the here and now with the use of applied text and imagery."

Artist: Stuart Morris About: Stuart Morris received an MFA degree as an Iowa Arts Fellow from the University of Iowa. He taught design and fine art courses at the University of Iowa and the University of Miami and ran Conjure Design before coming to UWSP in 2002 where he teaches courses in graphic design and foundations. Stuart continues to work professionally as a designer and artist. His work has been awarded and exhibited regionally, nationally and internationally.​​

Sculpture Information: "Lloyd's Trek" was dedicated on August 8, 2010 in memory of Lloyd Schoeneman, an artist and arts administrator who served as Quad City Arts' community liaison and director of public visual arts for 22 years, until his death in 2001. Although it was originally intended to be placed on Second Street near the entrance to Quad City Arts along with trail markers and planted trees, the sculpture's location in an active public space better reflects Schoeneman's commitment to a partnership between the arts and the community. (The sculpture can be readily viewed from the Quad City Arts Center through the gallery's large north windows.) The piece's blend of whimsy and sophistication also seems to capture the spirit of Schoeneman's own artwork. The concept of "Lloyd's Trek" was determined through the creative input and donations of numerous friends and colleagues over the course of several years. The relationship between the Mississippi River and local industry is expressed in Lloyd's Trek through the use of industrial materials - weathered metal sheets and concrete - and the aqua-colored waves that circumscribe the sculpture's middle section. The waves are patterned with reflective rectangular forms that enliven the surface but also feel like spikes or large rivet heads. A small welded patch that cuts through the continuous waves seems to further speak of the impact of industry on the river. Yet, this shape - inaccessibly placed far over our heads - also suggests a sealed door, hinting that something is hidden within. A few years after the dedication, Lloyd's wife, Megan Quinn worked with students to create ceramic tiles to add further dimension and interest to the "legs" of the sculpture.

Artist: kirk Seese About: Besides my insatiable desire to design, fabricate, deliver and install art to the public… wherever I can, whenever I can, as much as I can, the following poem best describes my interest in public art: Open love letter to public art: What I love about you, public art, is that you are meant for everyone You require no entry fee, cover charge or special invitation. Set free from the galleries, museums and private homes of the past. You're out there, in the wild, unapologetic, yet vulnerable, and for everyone to see! You must be strong, durable, able to withstand all types of weather, public scrutiny and the test of time! You can be interactive, kinetic or stationary, and come in so many forms, In all shapes and sizes. You invite discussion, and bring the world of visual arts to people’s everyday lives. For all these reasons and many more, I will adore you for the rest of my life! Hopelessly smitten

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. This interactive, kinetic sculpture acts as a giant magnifying glass, except sunbeams pour through the colored lens as the viewer swivels the rings into position to catch the light, casting a stained glass reflection on the ground, or anything else it hits.
Made from Plasma cut 1/4” steel plate and a 1/2” thick piece of circular, clear acrylic with designs directly printed on using a large format flatbed printer, this piece is sturdy and meant to be enjoyed outdoors by the general public.
Magnify instantly becomes an education tool as it demonstrates the concepts of transparency, light reflection and refraction, even the physics of mobility with it’s rotating top. 
It immediately draws the viewers attention begging to be touched and handled. 

Artist: Tim Adams About: My Midwestern roots and a career as a Registered Landscape Architect have influenced my designs. Natural landforms and native plants are the starting points for my sculpture concepts. The native trees, shrubs, and perennial plants I work with daily, and the rugged weather of the Midwest provide my inspiration. Often my works are an abstract representation of natural grasses, trees, or shapes that occur in nature. My goal is to make inclusive and accessible public art, that creates a sense of wonder, or a new perspective. To foster sustainability, I strive to incorporate recycled metals and repurposed materials when practical. My pieces are designed and constructed to be stout, long-term installations with little or no maintenance needed. My primary mediums are weathered steel, stainless steel, and painted steel, brushed aluminum, fluorescent plexiglass, native limestone, and LED lighting. I have a full-scale fabrication studio and continually use new materials as my art evolves.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "These giant grasses are majestic in their stature and graceful in their simplicity.  Their swaying and rustling in the wind seem like an effortless performance, but below the surface, these plants give shelter to habitat in every season and their ability to live on little water and in marginal soil is a tribute to nature’s wisdom. The arc of the stems attempts to mimic the graceful movement of the plant and its ability to withstand brutal weather through bending and adapting.  Miscanthus reminds us of the beauty as well as the robustness of nature."

Artist: Peter Gray About: Peter Gray is a steel sculptor with a multi-disciplinary science background. He explores the intersection of art and science dealing with evolution, mutation and the natural world. Biological processes can be seen as forms of art. He uses steel because it is a strong versatile material. Art can be a powerful tool for social change. His work often deals with issues of social justice and environmentalism. Art has the power to connect people and to create a sense of community. His work can create a dialogue between the viewer and the sculpture exploring ways we can connect with the natural world.His large-scale public sculptures are in the permanent collections of sculpture parks, midwestern cities, California, two Chicago public schools, Chicago State University, a CTA subway station and a UC mini-park.

Sculpture Information: Peter Gray is a steel sculptor with a multi-disciplinary science background. He explores the intersection of art and science dealing with evolution, mutation and the natural world. Biological processes can be seen as forms of art. He uses steel because it is a strong versatile material. Art can be a powerful tool for social change. His work often deals with issues of social justice and environmentalism. Art has the power to connect people and to create a sense of community. His work can create a dialogue between the viewer and the sculpture exploring ways we can connect with the natural world.His large-scale public sculptures are in the permanent collections of sculpture parks, midwestern cities, California, two Chicago public schools, Chicago State University, a CTA subway station and a UC mini-park.

Artist: Kirk Seese About: Besides my insatiable desire to design, fabricate, deliver and install art to the public… wherever I can, whenever I can, as much as I can, the following poem best describes my interest in public art: Open love letter to public art: What I love about you, public art, is that you are meant for everyone You require no entry fee, cover charge or special invitation. Set free from the galleries, museums and private homes of the past. You're out there, in the wild, unapologetic, yet vulnerable, and for everyone to see! You must be strong, durable, able to withstand all types of weather, public scrutiny and the test of time! You can be interactive, kinetic or stationary, and come in so many forms, In all shapes and sizes. You invite discussion, and bring the world of visual arts to people’s everyday lives. For all these reasons and many more, I will adore you for the rest of my life! Hopelessly smitten

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. In a future where technological advancements have seamlessly integrated robots into every facet of human life, the Multi-Purpose Assist Droid stands out as a revolutionary tool with endless capacity. Powered by cutting-edge solar skin and electromagnetic levitation technology, this droid is designed for unparalleled versatility and efficiency.On distant planets, it plays a crucial role in constructing habitats, utilizing its robust adaptability to withstand harsh environments. Moreover, its ability to collect and analyze off-world samples makes it invaluable for scientific exploration and research, paving the way for new discoveries and advancements. The multi-purpose assist droid is not just a tool, but a transformative force, reshaping the possibilities of human achievement across multiple domains.

Artist: Chris Plaisted About: His sculptures evoke emotions drawn from his experiences traveling and observing the world. These sculptures are mainly welded steel construction. He also uses copper, wood, concrete, and other metals. The work is primarily abstract but often includes figurative elements. His work has appeared in dozens of large-scale outdoor shows across the country and also in galleries. Christopher resides in New Milford, CT, with his wife, two children, and Leonidas, the dragon.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR, a tongue-in-cheek large-scale abstraction of a pedestrian walking sign and the writing in your rearview mirror."

Artist: Matt Miller About: Matt began his education with the intent to become an architect but soon realized he loved the building process even more than the design. He said, “I had worked in construction for many years, you think I would have realized this a little sooner.” He changed his major to art education with a minor in architectural design and found his direction in life. Teaching now for several years, Matt enjoys the constant connection with art. He can be found in his classroom teaching art as well as creating. “I think for me to be a successful art teacher, I must first be an artist.” He continues to educate beyond the walls of his room, in other classes and the community.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "When I stopped doing things, I started filling my time with what I found truly important."

Artist: Tim Fry About: As humans, our never-ending dreams consist of growing and always reaching upward. It is interesting that nature too moves in this way. This sculpture was designed to have kinetic motion. The upper section sways gently in the wind.”

Sculpture Information: As humans, our never-ending dreams consist of growing and always reaching upward. It is interesting that nature too moves in this way. This sculpture was designed to have kinetic motion. The upper section sways gently in the wind.

Artist: Tim Adams About: My Midwestern roots and a career as a Registered Landscape Architect have influenced my designs. Natural landforms and native plants are the starting points for my sculpture concepts. The native trees, shrubs, and perennial plants I work with daily, and the rugged weather of the Midwest provide my inspiration. Often my works are an abstract representation of natural grasses, trees, or shapes that occur in nature. My goal is to make inclusive and accessible public art, that creates a sense of wonder, or a new perspective. To foster sustainability, I strive to incorporate recycled metals and repurposed materials when practical. My pieces are designed and constructed to be stout, long-term installations with little or no maintenance needed. My primary mediums are weathered steel, stainless steel, and painted steel, brushed aluminum, fluorescent plexiglass, native limestone, and LED lighting. I have a full-scale fabrication studio and continually use new materials as my art evolves.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "Reflective is an abstract representation of the reflective state of observing, contemplation, and solitude.  The piece has a large "eye" that represents the seeing of a reflective person. While the stainless steel ribbon literally reflects the daylight as it hits the piece.  Reflective attempts to portray the state of a quiet meditative state which allows us to wisely observe the world around us and understand our place in it."

Artist: Paul Bobrowitz About: From the beginning, found objects have been the sprouted seeds inspired by nature that became my art. Rocks have been integrated into my work as symbolic of nature, often as a counterweight showing how all mankind actions affect the world around us. As industrial scrap was included in my work, the sculptures became more linear, abstract, and contemporary. Fountains and kinetic sculpture added movement and sound to the pieces. Themes and stories emerged as some works became more intricate, and my life’s experiences became more evident in the compositions. Relationships have emerged as one central theme for the greater body of my work. Man’s relationship to the environment, nature, and the effects we have on each other. It is the message of caring for the environment by upcycling, transforming it to sculpture that inspires thought, emotions and communication.

Sculpture: "Seasonal Celebration" evokes the joy people often feel during while participating in various seasonal celebrations-from summer picnics, to Halloween, to all varieties of yearly religious observations-the ability to celebrate bonds us together as human beings.

Artist: Chris Plaisted About: His sculptures evoke emotions drawn from his experiences traveling and observing the world. These sculptures are mainly welded steel construction. He also uses copper, wood, concrete, and other metals. The work is primarily abstract but often includes figurative elements. His work has appeared in dozens of large-scale outdoor shows across the country and also in galleries. Christopher resides in New Milford, CT, with his wife, two children, and Leonidas, the dragon.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "Skuldelev outlines the sail and hull approaching and the churning water in this abstract sculpture. Below are the imagined monsters of the sea. The Skuldelev ships are five original Viking ships recovered from the waterway of Peberrenden at Skuldelev, north of Roskilde in Denmark."

Artist: Tim Adams About: My Midwestern roots and a career as a Registered Landscape Architect have influenced my designs. Natural landforms and native plants are the starting points for my sculpture concepts. The native trees, shrubs, and perennial plants I work with daily, and the rugged weather of the Midwest provide my inspiration. Often my works are an abstract representation of natural grasses, trees, or shapes that occur in nature. My goal is to make inclusive and accessible public art, that creates a sense of wonder, or a new perspective. To foster sustainability, I strive to incorporate recycled metals and repurposed materials when practical. My pieces are designed and constructed to be stout, long-term installations with little or no maintenance needed. My primary mediums are weathered steel, stainless steel, and painted steel, brushed aluminum, fluorescent plexiglass, native limestone, and LED lighting. I have a full-scale fabrication studio and continually use new materials as my art evolves.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "Starburst interacts with the natural elements of nature. The silver “rays” of  “Starburst” catch and reflect the sun while the center piece turns in the wind. The irony of the piece is the use of metal objects which are man-made interacting with the natural world."

Artist: Kyle Fokken About: I am a mixed media sculptor who combines a diversity of imagery into sculptural hybrids that explore cultural contexts between people. I use vintage toy and ‘folk art’ aesthetics to explore the passing down of cultural values between generations. I make artwork that tantalizes the eye and invites the audience to linger and look deeper at the work and reflect on what we believe about ourselves.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. The title “Sum Pig” is a play on the spider web statement in “Charolette’s Web”  and the interdependency of monetary systems around the world. This 'piggy bank' is comprised of castings of multiple coins that I’ve collected from around the world.  It stands astride a mock altarpiece referencing the façade of Wall Street but also alluding to the ‘Golden Calf’ from the Old Testament Bible story. 

Artist: Michael Young About: A Chicago artist specializing in site-specific public sculpture and light-based work. For over thirty years, Young’s customized artwork and design have appeared in numerous public and private collections across the United States and abroad. Highlights include permanent exhibition design for the National Smithsonian Air and Space Museum along with corporations, schools, and private collections. From concept to installation, Young’s aesthetic reflects the values and interests of each sculpture’s site and surrounding community. Having studied science - primarily botany and ecology – while obtaining a Bachelor’s degree at University of Wisconsin at Madison, Young’s work with organic-forms suggests the interdependence of environmental elements.

Sculpture Information: When designing sculpture, I always remember that each viewer will have an individual, emotional response to the piece. Because I want that response to be positive, I frequently use birds in my work – both as imagery and as symbol. The idea of birds swooping up and taking flight is incredibly uplifting, lending an inspirational feel to the sculpture.

Artist: V. Skip Willits About: I took up metal sculpture about 12 years ago after being heavily involved in bringing art into my community as city manager. Because of this interest, I primarily make sculpture for outdoor, public viewing. I create sculpture to lure people into looking at the use of materials, shapes, shadows, and colors in a manner different from what they are used to. Whether or not a piece has "meaning" it stimulates the brain to try to comprehend it and I find this kind of stimulation exciting and beneficial. Making sculpture for outdoor viewing extends the energy used to understand it, as once in a public place, the entire community has to deal with it. If I'm lucky there may be a few benches nearby where conversation may ensue regardless of whether it's about the piece. Public sculpture is also a place where children can be exposed to safe, large fabrications that they don't understand, and this is provides an opportunity for a shared family experience.      

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "Sometimes I like to write on my work. I use a brush and oil stick. No commands, nothing profane. Just lines from a poem or a song I've been humming in the studio while I work.  In this case I created pod shapes by stitch welding together odd  pieces of plate steel. This created lines of demarcation for writing sections of text."

Artist: Anna Modeland

About: Throughout her childhood, Anna Modeland enrolled in every art class she could take at Boone High School in Iowa. She was passionate about drawing and sketching. As the daughter of a self-taught machinist and metal worker, she’d been exposed to welding for most of her life. At 18, the most influential person in her life, her father, taught her how to weld. “I’ve always been fascinated by my father and his career,” Modeland said. “He’s the most interesting and talented man you’ll ever meet.” Ever since he taught her to weld, she has never stopped creating sculptures.

Sculpture Information: I chose this piece because, as the national bird, the eagle embodies the strength and freedom of our country, especially through these tough times. It’s a reminder that through war, hatred and racism, and a panic inducing pandemic, we can all still stand tall, spread our wings and choose to rebuild this place that we call home.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026.

Artist: B. Thomas Lytle About: Lytle was born in Galesburg and raised Henderson, IL. He studied art and art education at Eastern Illinois University followed by graduate studies in Intaglio printmaking at Governor’s State University near Chicago. He then taught high school painting and drawing for eight years in the Chicago suburban towns of Lansing and Calumet City before moving back to the Galesburg area. Thomas retired from Galesburg High School in 2009 after teaching sculpture, drawing and design. He operates Studio 214 near his home in Knoxville.

Sculpture Information: In rapt conversation, two women sit huddled on a bench in downtown Davenport. One draws back with her mouth comically agape, stunned by the words being spoken by the other. B. Thomas Lytle, captured this interaction with hammered and welded Cor-ten steel. Although the facial expressions and body language of the two women are true to life, the figures are unnaturally proportioned. They're 51 inches in height - about as tall as a seated person - but their heads are relatively tiny, their arms pipe-thin, and their bodies elongated.

Artist: Chris Plaisted About: His sculptures evoke emotions drawn from his experiences traveling and observing the world. These sculptures are mainly welded steel construction. He also uses copper, wood, concrete, and other metals. The work is primarily abstract but often includes figurative elements. His work has appeared in dozens of large-scale outdoor shows across the country and also in galleries. Christopher resides in New Milford, CT, with his wife, two children, and Leonidas, the dragon.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. This piece is called Wind in the Waves and is part of a series inspired by elements like fire, water, and various storms, embodying the theme "Flow of Wellness." Each piece reflects a unique personality, symbolizing the journey toward balance and well-being. Crafted from welded steel and painted in reflective shades of blue, this artwork captures the essence of tranquility and restorative energy. I intricately cut the details from a 4" x 8" sheet of steel using a plasma torch, then meticulously welded them together. After sandblasting the surface to create texture, I applied a variety of blue tones to create a shimmering effect that dances in the light, inviting viewers to reflect on the calming power of nature and the importance of nurturing wellness in our lives.

Artist: Sunghee Min About: Currently based in the Twin Cities, Sunghee Min is a metal artist who specializes in public art sculptures. Sunghee Min was born in and grew up in rural South Korea and later moved to San Francisco, California to study sculpture and installation art at the Academy of Art University. After graduating in 2000, she established her art career as a metal sculptor in San Francisco’s Bayview Arts District. Since moving to Minnesota in 2016, she has been focusing on making public art. She creates large scale sculptures suitable for public outdoor places, and her sculptures convey a sense of joy, playfulness, and welcoming. Many of her works are designed to be highly visible, in tall vertical shapes inspired by ancient totem poles which one of their purposes is to welcome the residents and visitors. Sunghee’s work is process-driven, using manufactured metal sheets, bars, and other shaped products in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, she builds her objects cumulatively by jointing smaller elements into larger structures. Sunghee’s works are constructed solely by herself, utilizing structural elements to build volume with minimal material in order to keep her process sustainable.

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. Tree is a vertical sculpture made of stainless steel, with its design inspired by the three directions in which a tree grows. The rectangular shapes at the top and bottom symbolize the upward and downward growth of branches and roots, while the central circle represents the outward expansion of the trunk. Additionally, Tree emphasizes the accessibility of trees, reflecting an important aspect of public art. I created this piece specifically for display in an accessible public space.

Artist: Kirk Seese About: Besides my insatiable desire to design, fabricate, deliver and install art to the public… wherever I can, whenever I can, as much as I can, the following poem best describes my interest in public art: Open love letter to public art: What I love about you, public art, is that you are meant for everyone You require no entry fee, cover charge or special invitation. Set free from the galleries, museums and private homes of the past. You're out there, in the wild, unapologetic, yet vulnerable, and for everyone to see! You must be strong, durable, able to withstand all types of weather, public scrutiny and the test of time! You can be interactive, kinetic or stationary, and come in so many forms, In all shapes and sizes. You invite discussion, and bring the world of visual arts to people’s everyday lives. For all these reasons and many more, I will adore you for the rest of my life! Hopelessly smitten

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026. "Tree Branches is another adaptation of the Feather design, although more complex as I stray from the singular post and add “branches” sprouting from a main “trunk”. In keeping with the Feather panel style, I use geometric shapes lined in black, with fields of swirling and fading colors inside.  These colors repeat themselves in a kaleidoscope fashion, emanating from the center of each panel, and are symmetrical.  They have a strong tie-dye or wax batik look.  A very organic and psychedelic feel, warm and inviting."

Artist: Michael Young. When designing sculpture, I always remember that each viewer will have an individual, emotional response to the piece. Because I want that response to be positive, I frequently use birds in my work – both as imagery and as symbol. The idea of birds swooping up and taking flight is incredibly uplifting, lending an inspirational feel to the sculpture.

“I started out as a child, building tree houses and various objects. Creating became a critical part of my life. Later I excelled at art and became interested in light and discovered film. At Columbia College, I continued my studies, eventually finding myself at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Immersing myself in the abstract and the practical, I learned and unlearned aspects of my art. Over the last 30 years, I have continued to work on my sculptures both large and small in a host of materials. My work has been sold internationally. One of the highlights of my career was being commissioned by the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to create an entryway sculpture and mural to commemorate the museum’s anniversary. Working in the Sedgwick Studio (Chicago) over the last twelve years has helped me to mature as an artist, collaborating and making the objects necessary to my life.”

This sculpture is part of Quad City Arts Public Sculpture leasing Program and will be on display through May, 2026.

Artist: V. Skip Willits About: The welding technique I use to create most of my work is a skill I began learning at age ten from my father who worked in a welding shop. He taught me everything, from the characteristics of materials such as steel, cast iron and aluminum to the various welding techniques; arc, TIG, MIG, torch, etc. In 1983, I produced and installed my first major public sculpture. Since that time I’ve continued to make things. Yearly, I participate in numerous exhibitions and produce commissioned work across the United States, Canada and Europe. I live and work, happily, on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Sculpture Information: This corten steel sculpture resembles tightly closed seed pods full of potential to burst and scatter their seeds to the breeze where they will begin a haphazard journey to destinations unknown while the parent plant stays rooted in place.

Artist: Matt Moyer About:  I have been making and exhibiting public sculpture for almost 20 years. My work is owned publicly in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa and exhibited nationally. My work is inspired by industrial manufacturing. It has a decidedly blue-collar feel due to my upbringing in Moline, IL. I am inspired by pumps, plows, factories, crops, and our natural environment, as well as the people who maintain all of them.

Artist: Joseph Gagnepin About: Joseph started drawing at the age of three when his childhood doctor taught him how to draw Mickey Mouse and inspired him to go into cartooning. He graduated from the Chicago Academy for the Arts High School and spent two years at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Along with creating his many acclaimed and commissioned art works, Joseph is part of a carving team, “The Starvin’ Carvists” that have won 1st and 2nd place at 2 International Snow Sculpting Competitions in Italy.

Sculpture Information:  “I love discovering synchronicities and where things fit together and share a poetry from different backgrounds,” says Joseph. In "Whimsey, Whirly, Wheelie" Joseph used old bicycle parts to create a fantastical bicycle and it's colorful rider.