Exhibitions
With over three hundred works by local and regional artists, the Hearst Center Permanent Collection provides a fascinating perspective on Iowa, the Midwest and the nation.
For more information on exhibitions and the permanent collection, email
Curator/Registrar, Emily Drennan.
To propose exhibition or a gift to the permanent collection, view our Hearst proposal guidelines.
CURRENT
Gary Kelley in his studio.
Gary Kelley in his studio.
DECADES: WORKS BY GARY KELLEY
April 5-August 21, 2025
Public reception: Saturday, June 14 from 2:00-3:30 p.m.
How many of us knew what we wanted to do for a living in elementary school? Illustrator Gary Kelley did. We’ll explore the artist’s works from age 8 to 80. Visit the Hearst galleries to see a hand-picked selection of hand-made art, including some of his favorite monoprints, pastels, sketches, oil paintings… and maybe even a childhood drawing or two.
A screening of "Gary Kelley," a film by David O'Shields will be held Tuesday, June 17 at 7 pm. Both events are free and open to the public at the Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls.
Postcard image of exhibit
Postcard image of exhibit
CEDAR FALLS STUDENT ART EXHIBITION 2025
April 5-May 18, 2025
Join us for a public reception on Sunday, April 6 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
See what the kids are up to in this annual student art exhibition! The Hearst Center’s tradition of celebrating students and teachers continues this spring with an exhibition of work created in the art rooms of Cedar Falls Community Schools. Pottery, painting, and works on paper abound!
Title Wall of Exhibit
Title Wall of Exhibit
OUT OF THE BLUE BY LARRY ERICKSON
April-May 2025
Public Reception: TBA
Stop down to the Classroom Level Gallery to check out works by local artist, Larry Erickson.
“I have been involved with various mediums in my pursuit of making art for the last 50 years. I attended Hawkeye Institute of Technology in the Commercial Photography Program and later taught in the same photography program for 23 years.
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I preferred the immediacy photography provided to produce images over painting. The catch was I preferred the look of paintings even with my photography. I developed techniques in the darkroom that made my analog photographs look like watercolors, pencil sketches and old master’s paintings. The next progression was to combine oil painting backgrounds with my photographic images which truly made each piece a one of a kind. The next logical step was to concentrate on oil painting where it had all started. Being in the moment now involves a brush, paint and canvas and the pleasure I get watching my paintings “slowly” evolve. Inspired by Neil Young I’m calling the exhibit “Out of the Blue”.
HEY HEY, MY MY (Out of the Blue) what a long strange trip it’ has been.”
Cheers,
Larry Erickson
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Erickson’s series showcases his mastery of portraiture while expressing his profound admiration for iconic figures in 20th Century music. Blending gestural and rhythmic painting techniques, Out of the Blue is a vibrant celebration of rich, deep color and dynamic movement. His paintings pulse with the energy of the music that has shaped generations, making this series especially captivating for those who appreciate the fusion of visual and auditory art forms. --Cory Hurless, Cultural Programs Supervisor
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If you're interested in purchasing any of the works on display, please visit the front desk, and staff are happy to connect you with the artist.
A selection of works are for sale. Inquire about purchasing at the front desk.
UPCOMING
First Fifty Artists
First Fifty Artists
FIRST FIFTY: MADE IN 2025
June 12-August 21, 2025
Drop off date: Thursday, May 22, 2025, doors open at 9:00 a.m.
Public Reception: Thursday, June 12 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.!
New year! New work! Artists are cordially invited to create a work of art in 2025 and participate in the Hearst’s biennial First Fifty exhibition. Plan to line up with your artwork to be one of the fifty artists to be included in this non-competitive gallery exhibition. The artwork must be brought by the artist, be made in 2025, and be readyto-hang. For example, this means that framed work has hanging hardware affixed or that unframed work has clips or some other way to be hung. Video work is stored on portable drive for projecting or ceramics come with a description of your intention for viewing. Works must fit through the door and be non-perishable. Collaborations are welcome. We can’t wait to see you!
To ensure a positive and inclusive environment for all, we ask artists and visitors to refrain from any expressions of hate speech, violence, or behavior that could create a hostile or unsafe space for viewers of all ages. Together, we can celebrate creativity and dialogue while upholding a standard of respect and dignity for everyone.
Read the latest press release on this exhibition!
Online l Hearst Permanent Collection
John Page
View original etchings as part of the Hearst Permeant Collection.
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Gary Kelley l Sleepy Hollow
View the original pastels in the Hearst Permanent Collection as part of the 1990 novel, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Original Book Illustrations by Gary Kelley.
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Exhibition James Hearst Interpreting The Farmstead l The Hearst Legacy Site
View original works of art selected from the Hearst Permanent Collection, as part of this grant funded project.