With funding support from the �鶹��Ƶ network and the JPB Foundation, following a grant application made by the Office of Outreach and Engagement, the City of Webster City will add a new public art piece in their downtown district. This public art piece incorporates dynamic elements powered by solar energy, as both an aesthetic and functional component of the installation with the intention of helping local businesses and residents better understand the potential for solar as a renewable energy source in Webster City.

The sculpture was also designed to reflect Webster City’s history and identity. The inspiration and design best articulated by the artistâ€s early description of the concept:

“I was looking for a distinctive feature of the Webster City area and settled on framing this project around the Boone River. The structure of this sculpture takes the meandering shape of the river as found on a map and turns this into a stylized physical structure made from ground stainless steel that emits light. The “river structure” will be elevated and become the back of a winding seat that crosses the site diagonally. The canopy over head is a based on the Webster city street plan. The river will project light of green and blue hues onto this metal screen “canopy”.

This project celebrates the Boone River by creating a sculpture made from stainless steel that is visually pleasing during the day and night. While the lights and sounds of this sculpture will operate during the day, in the evening the blue and green LED light will be stunning as it reflects off the ground stainless steel surfaces. This project will activate the site and create a destination where local residents can relax and engage the sculpture and space.

On-site installation and a ribbon cutting ceremony were held in August 2019.

Artist Ali Hval was selected by the Office of Outreach & Engagement to design and install a mural for an exterior wall located in downtown Clinton. She recruited fellow artist and MFA student Marina Ross to provide assistance. The project was made possible by a collaboration between two university outreach and engagement programs, Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) and Arts Share.

The completion of their mural was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 6th, 2017. A permanent plaque was added to the mural and includes Hval’s artist statement, which reads: “This design is an abstraction of the Sunset on the Mississippi River. Just as a river connects cities to one another, this mural connects people to the City of Clinton.”

UI Art faculty member Tameka Norris served as faculty advisor for the project.

With the smart phones and tablets, the City of Mason City aims to provide a community portal to attractions, services, and resources that will serve both resident and visitors. A Mason-City focused mobile app will guide users to various attractions within the community, help cycling enthusiasts navigate the cityâ€s bikeway system and trails, direct users to nearby restaurants and businesses, and much more. Through the mobile app, the City will provide residents with a user-friendly form of communication to promote civic engagement opportunities and even help identify maintenance issues throughout the city.