Waterloo Center for the Arts facts for kids
The Waterloo Center for the Arts is a cool art museum located in Waterloo, Iowa. It's a special place where you can see amazing art from all over the world. One of its biggest treasures is the largest collection of Haitian art found anywhere outside of Haiti itself!
This center isn't just for looking at paintings. It also has the Phelps Youth Pavilion, a fun spot where kids can get creative and learn about art by making their own masterpieces. Plus, it's home to the Black Hawk Children's Theatre, where young actors can shine. You can also find a special area dedicated to the works of famous American artist Grant Wood. The center's main goal is to get people thinking, talking, and connecting through the power of art.
Exploring the Art Galleries
The Waterloo Center for the Arts has many different types of art. You can find art from the American Midwest, beautiful American crafts, and folk art from various countries. They have a great collection of Mexican folk art. But their most famous collection is the world's largest public display of Haitian art. Here are some of the main galleries you can explore:
- The Forsberg Riverside Galleries: This area shows art from the Midwest, American crafts, and art from Haiti and the Caribbean.
- The Law-Reddington Galleries: Here, you'll find new exhibits that change often, and sometimes even a theater performance.
- The Reuling Feldman Galleries: This gallery holds a large part of the center's incredible Haitian art collection.
- The Watkins Grand Foyer: This grand entrance area also features changing art exhibits.
- The Langlass Loft Gallery: This gallery displays more Haitian art. It has a balcony where you can look down at the Watkins Grand Foyer and see downtown Waterloo.
- The Rotary Lichty Gallery: This space often features art created by people from the local community.
- The Longfellow Concourse: This long hallway connects to the Waterloo Community Playhouse and the Black Hawk Children's Theatre. It also has changing art exhibits and offers a nice view of the Cedar River.
- The Urban Galleries: These are special art displays set up in different storefronts around downtown Waterloo.
- West Gallery: This gallery also features exhibits that change regularly.
- The Block-Loomis Concourse: This area has changing art exhibits that are especially designed with children in mind.
- Riverloop Sculpture Plaza: This outdoor space has comfy seating and cool sculptures from the museum's permanent collection.
Fun Outdoor Spaces
The Waterloo Center for the Arts also has some great outdoor areas for everyone to enjoy.
The Riverloop Amphitheatre is a large outdoor stage area. It can hold up to 3,000 people! In the summer, many outdoor concerts and events are held here. It's a perfect spot to enjoy music under the sky.
Mark's Park is a super fun outdoor waterpark and playground. It's free for all kids to use during the summertime. This park is named after Mark Young, a resident of Waterloo who sadly passed away in 2003. It's a wonderful way to remember him and provide a joyful place for children.
