116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Video: Grant Wood students celebrate famous namesake on 125th birthday
This year marks what would be native Iowan painter Grant Wood's 125th birthday, and throughout the school year Grant Wood Elementary will be celebrating this special birthday in many ways.
Wood, who grew up in Cedar Rapids, painted several world renowned works such as 'American Gothic,' 'Woman With Plants,' and 'The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.'
This month, second through fifth grade students will take a field trip to 5 Turner Alley where Wood's original art studio stands, as well as to the Veterans Stained Glass window that he produced in Cedar Rapids.
In September, students and families participated in multiple events as well, including a Grant Wood Walking Tour that started at Polk Elementary.
With many more activities to come, such as bicycle rides and dress up contests, the students will continue to be immersed in the life and art of their school's namesake. These activities are designed not just to celebrate the history of Grant Wood, but to explore his connection and influence on Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas.
Jessie Wardarski/The Gazette Volunteer Ann Sullivan of Cedar Rapids talks about famous Iowa painter Grant Wood's Cedar Rapids art studio and paintings Wednesday in front of a group of fourth-grade students from Cedar Rapids' Grant Wood Elementary. Grant Wood Elementary students are participating in activities throughout the school year to learn more about their school's namesake in honor of the 125th anniversary of the renowned artist's birth. This month, second- through fifth-grade students are taking field trips to 5 Turner Alley, where Wood's original art studio stands.
Fourth grader Nick Foreman,10, holds a copy of famous Iowa painter Grant Wood's piece 'American Gothic' while on a tour of the deceased artist's studio. The students of Grant Wood will be participating in many more activities throughout the school year to learn more about the artist and Iowa native in celebration of what would be his 125th birthday in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015. (Jessie Wardarski/The Gazette)
Fourth grader Emmy McCaffrey, 9, of Grant Wood Elementary looks at a photo of famous Iowa painter Grant Wood while on a tour of his art studio with her classmates. The students of Grant Wood will be participating in many more activities throughout the school year to learn more about the artist and Iowa native in celebration of what would be his 125th birthday in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015. (Jessie Wardarski/The Gazette)
A group of fourth grade Grant Wood Elementary students learn about famous Iowa painter and their school's namesake, Grant Wood, while on a tour of the deceased artist's studio. The students will be participating in many more activities throughout the school year to learn more about the artist and Iowa native in celebration of what would be his 125th birthday in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015. (Jessie Wardarski/The Gazette)
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