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 famous for having the biggest collection of Haitian art outside of Haiti itself! This center is also home to the Phelps Youth Pavilion, a fun place where kids can learn about art by doing hands-on activities. Plus, it has the Black Hawk Children's Theatre, where young actors shine. You can also see a special collection of artworks by the famous American artist Grant Wood here. The center's motto is "Stimulating inquiry, provoking dialogue and connecting people through the arts," which means they want to make people curious, talk about art, and bring everyone together through creativity.
Explore the Art Galleries
The Center has many different types of art. You can find art from the American Midwest, beautiful American decorative arts, and folk art from all over the world. They have a really important collection of Mexican folk art, and the largest public collection of Haitian art anywhere outside of Haiti!
Here are some of the main galleries you can explore:
- The Forsberg Riverside Galleries: This area shows art from the American Midwest. It also features American crafts and amazing art from Haiti and the Caribbean.
- The Law-Reddington Galleries: Here, you'll find new and exciting art shows that change often. There's also a theater space in this gallery.
- The Reuling Feldman Galleries: This gallery holds a very large part of the center's Haitian art collection. It's a great place to see many pieces from Haiti.
- The Watkins Grand Foyer: This large entrance area also hosts changing art exhibits. You'll often see something new here.
- The Langlass Loft Gallery: Located up high, this gallery also features 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 is used for exhibits that connect with the local community. It often shows art made by people in Waterloo.
- The Longfellow Concourse: This long hallway connects different parts of the center. It includes the Waterloo Community Playhouse and the Black Hawk Children's Theatre. You can also see changing art exhibits and enjoy a view of the Cedar River.
- The Urban Galleries: These are special art displays found in storefronts around downtown Waterloo. They bring art out into the city!
- West Gallery: Like some other galleries, this one also features art exhibits that change regularly.
- The Block-Loomis Concourse: This area has changing art exhibits that are especially chosen with children in mind.
- Riverloop Sculpture Plaza: This outdoor area is a great spot to relax. It has seating and cool sculptures from the center's permanent collection.
Other Cool Features
Outdoor Fun at the Center
The Riverloop Amphitheatre is a big outdoor space. It can hold up to 3,000 people! In the summer, it's a popular spot for outdoor concerts and other events. You can even rent it for your own special gatherings.
Mark's Park is a fantastic outdoor waterpark and playground. It's open in the summertime and is completely free for kids to use! The park is named after Mark Young, a resident of Waterloo who sadly passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2003. It's a fun way to remember him.
