Steads give $50,000 for support Maquoketa Art Experience renovations

Maquoketa natives Mary Joy and Jerre Stead have provided major funding for the renovation of the Maquoketa Art Experience at 124 S. Main St. in downtown Maquoketa.

Their $50,000 gift will support improvements including carpeting, paint and LED ceiling lights. The LED lights will provide energy cost savings, last longer, and offer directional lighting that will enhance the display of art for community enjoyment.

“The MAE board and supporters are thrilled and honored to receive this generous gift from the Steads,” said Bob Osterhaus, president of the MAE board of directors. “This kind of support goes beyond just the aesthetics of the space. It strengthens the foundation of the MAE, an organization that believes in lifelong learning, sustaining our cultural heritage, and appreciating the arts in our everyday lives.”

Aware of the organization’s renovation needs, Nancy Kilburg, MAE educational liaison, contacted the Steads as she became aware of their “roots” in Iowa, especially Maquoketa and their philanthropic kindnesses to many organizations. The Steads currently reside in Arizona.

The Steads both graduated from Maquoketa High School and have had a lifelong enjoyment of the arts, including band and vocal music, and sports. Jerre grew up in Delmar, and Mary Joy in Maquoketa. They attended the University of Iowa, where Jerre graduated. Mary Joy received an associate degree in medical technology in Minnesota later.

The MAE gift is just one example of the Steads’ decadeslong commitment to philanthropy. They have been dedicated volunteers and supporters of many causes and institutions, including the University of Iowa, its Henry B. Tippie College of Business, the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and several Jackson County organizations.

Jerre has led 10 public companies as chairman and chief executive officer over the last 41 years. He currently heads Clarivate PLC.

“Iowa and Maquoketa were the beginnings of our lives that we love so very much. It has a special place in our hearts,” Mary Joy said. “We also keep involved with Jerre’s businesses and many philanthropies and churches wherever we have lived,”

MAE’s art facility is located in a large space that was formerly four separate storefronts. The nonprofit organization was established in 2008 and is dedicated to arts education, fostering appreciation of the arts and to building community by engaging the residents of Maquoketa and surrounding areas in diverse creative activities.