Visit the Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls Iowa

The Hearst Center offers several art classes for adults and children. They also have several art camps throughout the summer as well as art exhibits to explore while in the Cedar Valley.

James Hearst was born in 1900 on a farm in Black Hawk County. He was the oldest of four children and the family's values included hard work and education. James later married Meryl Norton who was one of six children. Meryl pursued a career in nursing and worked in a variety of locations including Alaska and Dubuque.

The couple were able to travel together throughout the house. James' death in 1983 left a large gift to the University of Northern Iowa which established the Meryl Norton Hearst Endowed Chair. The chair is actually currently in the College of Fine Arts and Humanities. James Hearst was a professor of Creative Writing at Iowa State Teachers' College (currently University of Northern Iowa) and began teaching in 1941. James published more than 600 poems during his lifetime, totaling 6 books.

The Hearst Center provides hundreds of works by local and regional artists. There are also many lovely exhibits for visitors to enjoy including exquisite prints by Rembrant, Picasso, Pissarro, Dali and Daumier.

There are also several events at the Hearst Center throughoutt he year. Musicians perform jazz music often. There also frequent dances and performers of every type, as well as poetry and literature readings.

The Hearst Center also facilitates lectures and discussions for the philosophical types to enjoy.

The workshops and classes offered at the Hearst Center provide many a variety of artistic opportunities. Artists will enjoy classes in drawing, painting, photography, ceramis, performance, creative writing and more.

There are also plenty of opportunities for little ones to draw and create. Instructors are often students at the University of Northern Iowa who dedicate their time to teaching children how to design, create and simply enjoy the wonders of art.

The Hearst Center in Cedar Falls Iowa also has an amazing garden surrounding the facility. With plenty of benches to simply enjoy the beautiful greenery, you'll wonder why you have never stopped before.

Sculptures by Iowa artists are delightfully creative and the surrounding flowers create a beautiful and picturesque setting.

The Hearst Center has an Art & Culture Board made up of seven citizens. The Board is responsible for developing and providing an arts and culture program based on the financial support coming from the City Council. Board members serve a four year term.

Those wishing to rent a room at the Hearst Center will discover a great setting for a birthday party or bridal shower.

The Hearst Center can accommodate groups from five to 150 for meetings or private functions. They specialize in hosting staff retreats and family and class reunions. There are also several music recitals held at the Hearst Center throughout the year.

There are also several opportunities to get involved in supporting the Hearst Center. Becoming a member of the Hearst Center or joining Friends of the Hearst will provide many opportunities to join hundreds of people who enjoy the celebration of art and creativity.

Members of Friends of the Hearst will have the privilege of receiving special invitations to members-only events, advance notice of exhibit openings, invitations to artists' receptions, members-only discounts on classes and workshops, and special savings on items in the gift shop.

There is also a tiered level of donations in order to become a Friend of the Hearst. Beginning at $100, members will receive the annual Friends of the Hearst collector's print.

There are also opportunities for volunteers to help out at the Hearst Center, making the community even more dedicated to art and creativity. For more information on the Hearst Center, you may visit ia-cedarfalls.civicplus.com.