Join us for the opening of "Midwest Icons" on Thursday, September 18, 5 to 7 pm in the Stanley Gallery.

Grant Wood, best known for "American Gothic" (1930), grounded his art in the landscapes and people of Iowa, while Benton’s sweeping murals and dynamic depictions of labor and rural life reflected his Missouri roots. Curry, who grew up on a Kansas farm, brought dramatic intensity to his portrayals of heartland scenes such as "Tornado Over Kansas" (1929).

Together, these artists celebrated Midwestern life and values during the early 20th century, creating images that resonated with a nation searching for identity during the Great Depression.

Their vision was supported and complemented by secondary artists who also portrayed everyday American experiences. Marvin Cone, a close collaborator of Grant Wood, was celebrated for his cloud studies and sensitive renderings of Midwestern skies. Figures such as John Bloom, Nellie Gebers, Arnold Pyle, and others connected to the Stone City Art Colony helped extend the reach of Regionalism.

Their efforts not only brought widespread attention to Midwestern culture but also helped define a distinctly American style, one that celebrated community, landscape, and the everyday resilience of ordinary people during one of the nation’s most challenging eras. Midwest Icons features the Muscatine Art Center’s permanent collection.