Grain Silo Muralist Begins Work in Fort Dodge
September 21, 2018
The Fort Dodge Public Art Coalition is excited to announce that Guido van Helten has arrived in Fort Dodge to install the mural on the 110’ grain silo located in the Northwest River District! The initial stages of his time in Fort Dodge will consist of additional outreach to finalize details and photography for his design, which will then lead to the installation of the artwork over the following weeks. If you’d like to learn of ways to get involved in his public art process, please see the contact details at the end of this document.
Some of Mr. van Helten’s other recently completed notable works include: Faulkton, SD, Portland NSW (Australia), Southern Cross University QLD (Australia), Sassoon Docks Mumbai and Goa (India).
“It’s exciting to be back in Fort Dodge.” says Mr. van Helten. “I’m ready to begin the work, but first I’d like to take some time to refine the design. I’ll be exploring the community, doing some outreach, and documenting my time through photos which will then serve as the inspiration for the final work.” Mr. van Helten’s works are created through photography. The images portrayed are done so through the photographs he takes in order to document and provide an authentic representation of the community.
The Grain Silo Mural project was devised out of the City’s Northwest River District Revitalization Plan. The Fort Dodge Public Art Coalition has lead the effort, but would like to thank the Art Connoisseurs and Visionaries who sponsored this project: Catherine Vincent Deardorf Foundation, America’s Best Communities, Iowa Arts Council, Ann Smeltzer Charitable Trust, Fort Dodge Community Foundation, Allers Architects, Walmart, Fort Dodge Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kallin-Johnson Monument, Amigos Bar & Restaurant, Availa Bank, C&S Products, Citizens Community Credit Union, CJ Bio America, Fort Dodge Ford/Toyota, Gunderson Funeral Home, New Cooperative, Northwest Bank, Steve Kersten, and Susan Ahlers Leman and Rod Leman.
More information on the Grain Silo Mural project can be found on the Fort Dodge Public Art Coalition’s Facebook page ‘Fort Dodge Public Art’ and website (www.fortdodgepublicart.org). These pages will also include a live video feed with time-lapse capability to track the exciting process of the mural installation.
For media inquiries or to learn about ways of getting involved, contact the Coalition via email at fortdodgepublicart@gmail.com, via facebook to ‘Fort Dodge Public Art’, or call Carissa Harvey at (515) 576-4551 X1244.
For questions regarding the artist contact Margot Strasburger, mail@guidovanhelten.com or (803) 348-3794.