Iowa West Foundation Awards $3 Million In Grants & Initiatives
July 22, 2024
About IWPA
In 2004, the Iowa West Foundation funded a community-wide public art master planning process that included a 19-member steering committee comprised of citizens, government representatives and Foundation leaders. The master planning process resulted in the designation of more than 50 sites for potential placement of public art in the City of Council Bluffs and became the IWPA initiative — Iowa West Public Art. This process and the resulting Public Art Master Plan were based on elements of successful public art programs throughout the world.
In spring 2007, Council Bluffs rededicated historic Bayliss Park. The event was highlighted with the unveiling of the park’s new fountain and new performance pavilion, both of which were created by renowned artist Brower Hatcher and funded by the Iowa West Foundation. Hatcher’s work in Bayliss Park represents the first of many installations in the community-wide public art program.
Today, because of this unique initiative, Council Bluffs is home to an outstanding public art collection created by artists who have made their mark worldwide. Full copies of the Public Art Master Plan are available from the Iowa West Foundation or at the Council Bluffs Public Library.
Iowa West Public Art
Visitor Information
Explore Public Art
Visit Council Bluffs and see how public art is integrated into the fabric of the community. Stop in the heart of downtown at Bayliss Park and enjoy Brower Hatcher’ s Wellspring fountain. Take in entertainment at the Mid-America Center and see three unique aluminum pieces by Bill King. While you’re there, don’t forget to pose with Jonathan Borofsky’s Molecule Man.
Walking Tours
Whether you’re on foot, on your phone, or at home, you’ve come to the right place to explore public art.
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Get started with an IWPA guide to public art. You can use this map to explore IWPA art sites at your leisure. You can also discover some of the great public art throughout Council Bluffs.
Organizations or groups can order brochures for self-guided tours. Send us an email and be sure to include the approximate date of your tour, brochure quantities, and mailing address.
Artists and Artworks
Jonathan Borofsky
Molecule Man
Ed Carpenter
Gateway
Dan Corson
Rays
Mark di Suvero
Big Mo
Tom Friedman
Looking Up
Brower Hatcher
Bayliss Park Wellspring and Oculus
Jun Kaneko
Rhythm
William King
Circus Interstate Sunrise
Deborah Masuoka
Haymarket Rabbits
Albert Paley
Odyssey
