University Museums provides opportunities for students to experience art in a way that they can learn about Iowa State’s history as well as learn about different types of art.

“It’s important for incoming freshman especially who are discovering campus to learn what kind of assets this campus has; the museums are one of those hidden gems,” said Allison Sheridan, program coordinator at University Museums. “You could go up to a work of art and have an interpretation. I could go up to it and have a completely different interpretation and we’re both right. You’re necessarily never going to be wrong.” 

University Museums consists of the Brunnier Art Museum, Morrill Hall and the Farm House Museum. University Museums also includes the Anderson Sculpture Garden as well as the largest collection in the nation of on-campus art. University Museums kick off this fall semester with exhibitions that teach students about wildlife and the relationship between Christian Petersen, his wife Charlotte, and their daughter Mary.

The first is an exhibition titled, “In Pursuit of Wildlife Conservation: The Art of Jay N. Darling and Maynard Reece.” Jay Darling was a cartoonist for The Des Moines Register, Pulitzer Prize winner and creator of the original Duck Stamp for the Federal Duck Stamp Program. Maynard Reece was mentored by Darling and has followed in his footsteps by winning five Duck Stamp awards. There will be a reception held from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, Aug. 29, at the Brunnier Art Museum in the Scheman Building on the second floor. The event is free and open to the public and includes remarks from President Leath, Maynard Reece and Lynette Pohlman. The exhibition will be available for viewing until Dec. 20. 

Another exhibition entitled “Through Charlotte’s Eyes” is an exhibition about the relationship between Christian Petersen, his wife Charlotte and their daughter Mary. This is an exhibition where “you see the influence that Christian Petersen’s family has on his art,” Sheridan said. The exhibition is located at Morrill Hall in the Christian Petersen Museum. Along with this exhibition, in September, Mary, Christian Petersen’s daughter will be sharing memories about her father and his work. This event is free and will be open to the public. 

The Farm House Museum is an exhibition within itself and each semester has a new theme for decoration. This semester the theme is Art Nouveau and consists of Tiffany Style lights as well as other decorations from the style. The Farm House is a three story house and is the oldest building on the Iowa State’s campus. It has been occupied by presidents, vice presidents and farmers, and was even used as a classroom.

To learn more about the University Museums and its hours, visit its website or stop by at any time. All exhibitions and events are free and open to the public. 

For email alerts you can sign up by texting ISUMUSEUMS to 2282 and photos can be uploaded to social media using #ISUPUBLICART.