Art Exhibitions

OPENING

CEDAR RAPIDS MUSEUM OF ART

Framing the World: The Photography of Linda & Robert Scarth

Photographers are careful observers by inclination and training. Robert Scarth and his late wife, Linda, come from academic backgrounds where their observational skills were honed. Their interest and skill developed early and evolved to emphasize photographing the natural world. Largely self-taught, they have taken classes at universities where they worked, along with the Kansas City Art Institute and the Armidale College of TAFE in Australia where they once lived. This exhibition displays a wide variety of the subjects the Scarths have photographed over the years: flowers, insects, birds, and other animals, all demonstrating the couple’s fascination with the beauty, fragility and resilience of the natural world. Saturday (1/13) to April 29.

COE COLLEGE

Faculty Exhibits

New works created by Coe’s art professors will be on display Saturday (1/13) to Feb. 3 in the Marvin Cone and Eaton-Buchan Galleries at Sinclair Auditorium. Included are digitally-produced objects and video installations by Josh Thorud, titled “Trust me, I’m on TV,” and “Saccharine,” by Jennifer Rogers, exploring the sweet, sticky world of kitsch. Opening reception: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday (1/12), in Sinclair lobby, gallery talks by both artists at 6 p.m. Admission to the reception and exhibitions are free and open to the public; 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids; regular gallery hours are 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

ONGOING

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM OF IOWA

Endless possibilities

Trace Iowa’s African American history from its origins in western Africa to the present — through slavery, the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement.

If Objects Could Talk

See how everyday objects turn into invaluable historic records in this temporary exhibit. Each object, photograph and document has a story to tell about Iowa’s history and the contributions African Americans have made to the state. To July 27; 55 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids.

CEDAR RAPIDS MUSEUM OF ART

Figure Study: The Body in Art

Celebrating diversity in both body type and artistic media, this exhibition illustrates how central the human form has been to world of art. To Jan. 14.

Malvina Hoffman: A Sculptor’s Journey

Drawing from the museum’s collection of works by 20th century sculptor Malvina Hoffman, this two-gallery exhibition explores her lengthy and varied career as a sculptor of the human form. Through Aug. 31, 2018.

Page-Turner: Books and Reading in Art

This exhibition includes objects created out of books, books from artist’s collections, name plates and book illustrations. Through March 31; 410 Third Ave. SE.

CSPS HALL

Large galleries: “Frenetic Pause,” a major exhibit of sculpture, installation and prints by Des Moines artist and architect Levi Robb. Commons Gallery: aerial photography from Caleb Howard of Calcam fame. Digital Gallery: “The Divine Comedy,” atmospheric video by Stephen W. Evans of Iowa City. 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids.

GILDED PEAR

A Rainbow Colored Dream!

Annual solo exhibition from Mary Zeran of Cedar Rapids. She is the recipient of several awards and honors and her works are in numerous public and private collections as well as many notable corporate collections. In speaking of this exhibit, Zeran said she “dreamt of exploring colors I’d always feared and mixing new ones I’d never seen. I had hopes that it would be a bold visual jump. Instead, the small increments and minor gradations captured my eye. I delved deep into layers, creating more unfamiliar patterns. Painted multicolored dots that run and beautiful expanses of patterned strips — I dared to form new relationships with these cuts and shapes.” To Jan. 19; 808 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids.

HERBERT HOOVER NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Cuba: Photographs

“Cuba: Photographs from the Streets of Havana & Vinales,” is a collection of photographs taken by 16 artists following the United States’ easing of travel prohibitions in 2016. With contributions from local photographer Diana Borash, these images have been touring the United States. One of our closest neighbors, Cuba has been the subject of controversy and curiosity for decades. “Hoover is widely recognized for his global influence. Even if he didn’t travel to the country it remained important to him for a variety of reasons,” park Superintendent Pete Swisher said. To Feb. 28, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, 110 Parkside Dr., West Branch; open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

MAQUOKETA ART EXPERIENCE

In the face of illusion

Rose Frantzen presents intimate portrayals of individuals in dialogue with optical illusions, suggesting ways we might misperceive others and even ourselves. To Feb. 10; Maquoketa Art Experience, 124 S. Main St., Maquoketa, with additional work at Old City Hall Gallery, 121 S. Olive St., Maquoketa. Free admission. Information: Oldcityhallgallery.com/illusion or call Charles Morris, (563) 321-0727.

NATIONAL CZECH & SLOVAK MUSEUM & LIBRARY

The Art of Accessories

Beaded bags, decorated shoes, fanciful hats and jewelry, including 22 pins on loan from the collection of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. To Feb. 11, Petrik Gallery. CLOSED: Jan. 8 to 19.

VESTERHEIM MUSEUM

Rocks and Hard Places: Emigration through the Lens of Knud Knudsen

This exhibit explores emigration through first person accounts, family histories and the black-and-white photography of Knud Knudsen (1832-1915), considered one of Norway’s most important photographers. Through Sept. 23, 2018, 523 W. Water St., Decorah. See more photos at The Family Care Clinic and Pulpit Rock Brewery, both in Decorah.

Koselig

This immersive exhibit of “living room” environments lets visitors explore how Norwegians survive winter; to April 22. Events: Koselig Cake Break, 3:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through April 22. Nordic Noir Film Nights, 7 p.m. Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, museum’s Main Building; Scandinavian crime films, featuring an introduction and discussion led by members of the Luther College Nordic Studies Program; films and details at Vesterheim.org Koselig Board Game Nights, 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 23, Feb. 27, March 27, museum’s Main Building; bring a game to share.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Black Earth Gallery, Cedar Rapids 

“BITEme” is an open-call juried exhibition inviting submissions exploring everything and anything about food. All styles and media are welcome. Judges Joel Kane and Chef Monkut Sayasit have been working in culinary industry in Cedar Rapids for a total of 33 years. Eligible artists: ages 18 and older and must ship work from within the United States. Submission fee: $25 for three images; additional images are $10 per image. Submission deadline: midnight Feb. 6. Details: Blackearthgallery.com