Wood's legacy anchors our future

By The Gazette Editorial Board

July is looking a lot like Grant Wood Month in Cedar Rapids.

During the annual Freedom Festival's Fourth of July weekend, the famed artist's restored Lady of Peace and Victory stained-glass window was rededicated at Veterans Memorial Building.

And on Monday, the formal announcement of the Grant Wood Cultural District was held at the loft apartment where Wood painted his iconic “American Gothic.”

How fitting that his name anchors the walkable district that includes his home/studio at 810 Second Ave. SE and much of the downtown. Wood's international fame has brought much attention to the Cedar Rapids area during and after his career.

Wood was one of us. Born in Anamosa, a Cedar Rapids Washington High School graduate, he spent much of his life in this town and area, including many of his most creative years.

The cultural district designation does more than honor Wood's memory. It calls attention to the many talented local artists who work here.

It calls attention to many major attractions within the district, including the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, with the world's largest collection of Wood's work; the restored, proud home of Theatre Cedar Rapids; the Paramount Theatre, for which post-flood restoration and expansion plans are unfolding; the U.S. Cellular Center, scheduled for a major face lift and convention center addition; and many night life and other businesses.

Vanessa Solesbee of the Cedar Rapids Downtown District pointed out Monday that a cultural district designation means you already have many established cultural venues and activities.

Yet with marketing of the cultural district as it continues to evolve and improve, the appreciation and visibility of various art and entertainment forms, tourism and economic benefits should only increase.

What's more, the Wood Cultural District complements the adjacent, existing New Bohemia/Czech Village Cultural District - which is on the cusp of realizing several major improvements, including streetscaping, a renovated CSPS arts and entertainment venue, and a relocated and expanded National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

Synergy between the districts will multiply the benefits - a varied inventory of historical, cultural and entertainment options that not only define us but help businesses and the downtown thrive.

Thank you, again, Grant Wood.