May 6, 2021

CEDAR RAPIDS MUSEUM OF ART

410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

“The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art is a museum in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. The museum is privately owned and was established in 1905. The museum acquired the old Cedar Rapids Public Library building after the library moved into a new location in 1985.” Wikipedia

I had read that the CRMA had the largest collection of Grant Wood’s work, what I didn’t realize is that the vast majority of the museum is dedicated to the work of Wood and his close friend Marvin Cone, both of whom lived and worked in the Cedar Rapids area. I’m not complaining, I found the art stunning and learned a lot about the influences on Wood’s work. There were some other exhibits, including one showcasing the work of printmaker Mauricio Lasansky, one exhibiting art from ancient Rome, and an entertaining exhibit of American Gothic parodies. But, Wood’s work outshone everything else.