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.

Green fence with metal plaque at the front gate of the Grant Wood Art Colony property mentioning the donors.

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.

Brandon Coley Cox, printmaking fellow, leaning over working on a piece of art

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. 

Artist Grant Wood seated in a gallery looking away from the camera with three people viewing pieces of art on display in the background.

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

Ada Friedman stands in front of an autumn tree

Ada Friedman

Title/Position
Painting and Drawing Fellow, 2025-2026
Elizabeth Claire Rose stands in a garden

Elizabeth Claire Rose

Title/Position
Printmaking Fellow, 2025-2026
Kyle Marshall headshot

Kyle Marshall

Title/Position
Interdisciplinary Performance-Dance Fellow, 2025-2026

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.”

Joni Kinsey, Professor Emerita in the UI School of Art, Art History, and Design

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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.