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State Historical Building Sculpture Shines Again
The
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs lit up the East Village of Des Moines June
29 with a dazzling display of light and color when it turned on the newly repaired
and restored Plains Aurora light sculpture.
The public unveiling brought the 32-foot glass block tower of light to life for the first time since 1988. The DCA also launched a fundraising campaign for the Historical Building’s other major public art work. Iowa City artist Shirley Wyrick previewed plans to convert Critical Juncture/Fluid Boundary—the fountain and alcoves on the southwest terrace—into Greenfall, a design using greenery to simulate a flowing waterfall.
Cork Marcheschi, who has a number of commissioned works across the U.S., Canada and Europe, was commissioned to create Plains Aurora by DCA and the Iowa Department of General Services.
The light sculpture’s repair and restoration costs about $160,000 and are being paid with private dollars from the Herrick Trust, a private contribution that fueled the fundraising campaign for construction of the State Historical Building. The donors intended any remaining funds be used for projects related to the building.
To contribute to the Greenfall terrace restoration, please contact Sarah McKiness at Sarah.Mckiness@iowa.gov or 515-281-6911.
Annual Fundraiser Bursts with Success!
This year’s Yankee Doodle Pops fundraiser is one for the history books. Formerly Stars Above Des Moines, or Picnic on the Patio, the event this year was still drawing phone calls for reservations the afternoon of the event.
More than 200 people attended the event July 1 to raise money for the State Historical Society and the Des Moines Symphony. Held on the upper outdoor terrace of the State Historical Building, the event treated guests to a gourmet meal courtesy of Barattas Italian restaurant while enjoying fabulous summer evening weather, the music of Paul Micich and the best seats in Des Moines to hear the Yankee Doodle Pops concert performed on the west steps of the State Capitol, followed by a dazzling display of fireworks.
Following the concert, Maestro Joseph Giunta joined the festivities and guests enjoyed dessert and champagne.
