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ArchiTREK Ale & Architecture: Dubuque’s Urban Renewal

DuMA and Heritage Works partner to present a series of walking tours of Dubuque architecture that will provide insights into Dubuque’s historic buildings.

Ale and Architecture consists of 90-120 minute walking tours of bars in the historic upper and lower Main Streets. Patrons will make 2-3 stops in bars along the route and can purchase their own drinks at each stop.

This evening walking tour will look at the urban renewal impact on Dubuque’s Main Street, this tour will begin at 6:00pm in the Riverboat Lounge.

Get tickets online.

Call the Museum at 563-557-1851 if you have any questions, or if you are unable to use the online form.

Kick off to DubuqueFest

Dubuque Area Writer’s Guild kick off to DubuqueFest. Featuring Facing Diversity: LGBTQ+ Stories.

Maybe it’s in the Water, Mississippi Musings

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Maybe it’s in the Water, Mississippi Musings
Growing up just outside the Quad Cities, in a tiny rural town, I often felt the rest of the world was outside my reach, and I’d never surface from the waves and waves of corn. I think I’d learned to resent my Midwestern roots because I’d been told the most exciting culture and art were on the coasts of the States. Since immersing myself into the museum field, I’ve grown to appreciate and fervently stand by the need for art museums in Midwestern communities, and how the Midwest fosters incredible talent and creativity. The Figge Art Museum, located in Davenport, IA, has one of the largest collections of Haitian art in the country, right there in my own community. That’s just one of several fantastic museums located in my home, and the culture and art has always been there. The last thing I want is for everything to be condensed and concentrated on the coasts. We need art here, and everywhere.
Since beginning my internship here in Dubuque, I’ve sensed a feeling of home here. DuMA, like the Figge or any Midwestern art museum, is a treasure within the community. Whether it be an exhibition opening or an event, you see familiar faces celebrating art. Like the Quad Cities, Dubuque is an old river community, with a rich history and so many stories to tell. The people are kind and nobody feels like a stranger. I think that’s one of my favorite parts of growing up in the Quad Cities- you’re not just a face in the crowd, you’re a friend, and if you have but one thing in common, it’s your home by the Mississippi. Maybe it’s the people that make the Midwest so special. Or maybe it’s in the water.
By Katherine Hellberg, Intern at Dubuque Museum of Art

Second Saturday: ART in the PARK Snow Sculpting Event

Beat the winter blahs with a very special February Second Saturdays event!

Three professional snow-sculpting teams will compete to see who can carve the best snow creation, including a team from Dubuque who participated in last year’s U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition. The carving begins on Wednesday, Feb. 7, and ends at Noon on Saturday, Feb. 10, as the public event beings.

Join the Winter fun on Saturday, at Washington park directly in front of the Museum, and vote for your favorite sculpture. There will be both a “People’s Choice” award and a juried winner, announced at 3:45 PM.

But the fun isn’t only for the professionals! On Saturday, community members may try their hand at some sculptures of their own, either individually or in teams. Tools will be provided. Note that there will be a limited amount of snow-blocks available for carving.

In addition to the outside festivities, Second Saturdays continues inside the Dubuque Museum of Art. Take a break to warm up with some light refreshments and fun family art activities.

Please remember to dress warmly if you are planning on participating!

In the event of inclement weather, please contact the Dubuque Museum of Art at 563-557-1851 or call 563-580-2485 for event schedule changes.

This event sponsored by the City of Dubuque Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, and is supported by in-kind contributions from Sundown Mountain, Spahn & Rose Lumber Company, and JaMar Pattern, Inc., McCoy Trucking, and is a sanctioned WinterFun. Inc. contest.

Second Saturdays at DuMA are sponsored by Mediacom.