The Grant Wood Art Colony builds on the spirit of innovation that defined Grant Wood’s time at the University of Iowa. Just steps from where he lived and worked, we cultivate a space where artists and scholars converge—advancing creative expression, honoring a pioneering artist of American Regionalism, and shaping the next generation of artistic and academic excellence.
Fellowship Application Window Open
The Grant Wood Fellowship application windows are now open. Review of the Interdisciplinary Performance-Theatre Fellowship applications begins January 15 and review of the Printmaking and Painting & Drawing Fellowships applications begin February 1. Visit the Fellowship page to learn more.
The Colony
The three pillars of the Colony—fellowship, research, and community engagement—are all carried out adjacent to the home Grant Wood owned and lived in while teaching at the University in the 1930s.
The Fellowship program
This fellowship merges artistic practice with academic engagement in an immersive environment. It honors Grant Wood’s legacy—melding hands-on creation, teaching, and community engagement—while enriching the cultural life of Iowa City.
The Inspiration
After painting one of the most recognizable images in the world, American Gothic, Iowa native Grant Wood joined the University of Iowa faculty. These final years of Wood's life were among his most productive and turbulent, and his influence can be felt today via the Grant Wood Art Colony at the UI.
Meet the current fellows
Living, working, and creating together
"...Grant Wood was at the forefront, celebrating local culture for what it was, what it had been, and what it could be.”
News
Piecing history together: original Grant Wood window drawings reassembled for documentary
Celebrating Robert Rauschenberg: Dance, Art, and Collaboration at Hancher
Here’s how Cedar Rapids schools came to own Grant Wood, other known artists, work
PS1 presents Iowa Art Field, a multi-site installation art project, Oct. 30 - Nov. 8
Support the Grant Wood Art Colony
Be a part of the University of Iowa’s historic commitment to creative work. Your support helps to continue the research, progress, and artistic opportunity made possible by the Grant Wood Art Colony.