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Art on the River: Flow of Wellness
Eleven new sculptures have been selected for the City of Dubuque’s 19th annual temporary public art exhibit “Art on the River.” The 2025–2026 exhibit theme "Flow of Wellness" invites visitors to explore how art can transform personal and community well-being, with a focus on health, healing, and wellness.
The featured works reflect how art nurtures the body, mind, and spirit; celebrates nature’s restorative forces; the healing power of movement; and the soothing effects of light, sound, and color.
Sculptures span the length of the Mississippi Riverwalk in the Port of Dubuque. The exhibit will be displayed through late July 2026. A community jury panel selected the sculptures from a pool of 61 applications from 40 artists representing 11 states in the U.S., Germany, and India.
About the Sculptures
The panel chose 11 sculptures all of which are available for purchase with a portion of artwork sales retained to sustain the Art on the River program; Art on the River is currently funded through the City of Dubuque’s general operating budget.
Social FabricMatt Miller, Cape Girardeau, MOPurchase price: $14,500 Artist Statement Dimensions: 4’ x 3’ x 12’ |
Verdi's PathJames Cole, East Dubuque, ILPurchase price: $6,500 Artist Statement Standing six feet tall in vibrant green, it evokes the serenity of nature while inviting the viewer into a meditative space. The crescent plaque at the top represents a gateway to reflection, a symbol of transition toward well-being. Dimensions: 3’ x 3’ x 6’ |
Flow of Wellness IIIGail Chavenelle, Dubuque, IAPurchase price: $9,500 Artist Statement The design allows the “flow of wellness” to move through and around it, creating a dynamic representation of growth, connection, and sustainability. This flowing motion courses through the piece, reflecting vitality, resilience, and harmony with nature. Through its textured, powder-coated blue finish, the sculpture mirrors the sky and river, underscoring the deep connection between land, water, and the human experience. Together, these elements inspire viewers to see wellness as something that flows through and around us, sustaining life in its many forms. Dimensions: 6-7.5’H x 14-16”D x 32-40”W |
Stainless RiverSkip Willits, Camanche, IAPurchase price: $4,700 Artist Statement Additionally, with this sculpture made of recycled steel, the material has a history, a story. In this case, the steel came from the factory where my father worked for 40 years as a shop welder. He taught me everything I know about welding. Stories give people the recognition of interconnectedness. Dimensions: 2’ x 2.5’ x 10’ |
Sounds of the SeedMolly Spain, Des Moines, IAPurchase price: $11,000 Artist Statement The center cluster of wooden spheres represent this quiet, unassuming life force waiting to give. By suspending them from the steel ‘hull-like’ armature they can move and softly chime if provoked by the wind or a viewer. Often small and overlooked, the piece stands as a comparatively, monumental reminder of this powerful wellspring. Dimension: 7’H x 6.5’W x 6.5’D |
Oscill8Nicole Beck, Chicago, ILPurchase price: $15,000 Artist Statement The sculpture represents a vital integration with nature. Dimensions: 4’W x 6’D x 8’H |
The PollinatorKirk Seese, Lutherville-Timonium, MDPurchase price: $12,000 Artist Statement Dimensions: 8’H x 3’W x 2’D |
LupineTim Adams, Webster City, IAPurchase price: $11,500 Artist Statement Like the brilliant green color of spring, as we age, we too seem to blend into the “surroundings” of society. We may be muted, but our true brilliant core is ever present. Lupine, like most of nature, teaches us that we all play a role in the beauty and diversity of our communities and the bigger world. We often forget that we are part of a whole and that we have a purpose. The natural world has a way of evening the playing field. We all are awed by the mystery and wonder of the first spring days after the dark winter days. No matter our age, income, or background, we all can gather in nature and benefit from the beauty and calm. Dimensions: 4’ x 4’ x 12’ |
Homage to L’Homme Qui MarcheJohn Merigan, Newton, KSPurchase price: $14,500 Artist Statement There was a time when walking was the absolute most common way of travel. To make a journey was a significant undertaking. We take that for granted in the first world, as we do our very freedom. The very act of walking anywhere is a statement of freedom. Dimensions: 3’ x 6’ x 12’ |
Mineral Point SpinnerEvan Lewis, Mineral Point, WIPurchase price: $22,000 Artist Statement | |
Wind in the WavesChris Plaisted, New Milford, CTPurchase price: $5,000 Artist Statement Crafted from welded steel and painted in reflective shades of blue, this artwork captures the essence of tranquility and restorative energy. I applied a variety of blue tones to create a shimmering effect that dances in the light, inviting viewers to reflect on the calming power of nature and the importance of nurturing wellness in our lives. Dimensions: 4.5’H x 3’D x 3’W |
Contact Us
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Bonnie Spurling | email
Arts & Cultural Affairs Manager
Phone: 563-690-6059
TTY/TRS: 711 or 800-735-2942 (Relay Iowa)Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.