Waterloo Center for the Arts

09/01/2026

Today is the first day to view our newest exhibition, Scott Robert Hudson: New Work.

Scott Robert Hudson: New Work
Forsberg-Riverside Galleries
September 1-November 8, 2026

Gallery Talk and Opening Reception:
Thursday, September 17, 5:30-7:30pm

For four decades, Scott Hudson has been immersed in artistic practice, engaging in the socio-ecology of phenomenon and place. The content of this expressionistic drawing exhibition ranges from the cave paintings in France and the Mars Rover Opportunity, to a solstice moon experience in the ancient Bristlecone Pines in California’s White Mountains. Hudson earned a B.A. in Studio Art from California State University, Chico, and spent five seasons fighting wildland fires for the U.S. Forest Service. His work is collected in the Minneapolis Institute of the Art, and his archive has been collected into the Institute for Art + Environment at the Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, NV.

Image: Scott Robert Hudson, Spirit in a Cave, bobcat brush, ivory
black watercolor, and India ink, 2010-2021

08/29/2026

It's Pride Day!! Don't forget to visit our Phelps Youth Pavilion crew as they will be hosting some really fun activities at today's Cedar Valley Pride Fest!

Make a silly paper shaker and create your own pride crowns... and the best part is that you can receive HALF OFF admission price for you and your whole family to the Phelps Youth Pavilion tomorrow Sunday, August 30 with the presentation of your Cedar Valley Pride Fest wristband! This offer is only valid on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Let's have some fun!

08/28/2026

Have you stopped in to the WCA to see this new exhibition?

To Scale: Architectural Motifs
Located in the West Gallery

Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat | 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday | 1:00-5:00pm

A WCA collection exhibition featuring a wide range of media, all of which delights in the designs, patterns, and rhythms as well as the volumes and contours of the world’s great architecture. On view will be an exquisite series of metal artworks by University of Iowa Professor Emeritus Kee-Ho Yuen, some miniature surrealist paintings by Des Moines-native Doug Shelton, a ceramic tile attributed to the Frank Lloyd Wright School, and some mixed media paintings by Waterloo cultural luminary Lavern Madlock.

Image: Teotihuacan Cloisonné, acrylic and sand on canvas over Masonite / 2019.0050 / WCA Purchase, Ex-collection National Bank of Waterloo.

08/27/2026

If you're an artist looking for a great fall show to attend, this is for you!

Calling All Artists!

The Waterloo Center for the Arts invites you to apply for an artist booth in our annual Holiday Arts Festival. Deadline to apply is quickly approaching. Please apply by September 11!

Holiday Arts Festival
Saturday, November 14 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday, November 15 | 9:00am - 4:00pm

Set Up Highlights:
- All mediums welcome and emerging artists are encouraged to apply (Inquire about sponsorships).
- Average attendance for the festival is around 2000-2500!
- Early setup is available with extra hands for loading, unloading, and booth-sitting.
- Onsite dining options available for purchase
- Artists are expected to participate both days.
- Overnight security will be provided.

Booth sizes:
Small: $50, 8' X 8' or smaller (sponsorships available)
Standard: $100, 10' X 10'
Large: $200, 10" X 20'

To maintain the highest level of quality and variety of original artwork all artists must apply annually. The application fee is $15 (non-refundable).

IMPORTANT DATES
September 11, 2026 | All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m.
September 18, 2026 | Artists notified of jury results.
October 6, 2026 | Show acceptance and booth reservation deadline.
October 16, 2026 | Artists deadline for cancellation.

Apply Here: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14783

Calling All Artists!

The Waterloo Center for the Arts invites you to apply for an artist booth in our annual Holiday Arts Festival. Deadline to apply is quickly approaching. Please apply by September 11!

Holiday Arts Festival
Saturday, November 14 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday, November 15 | 9:00am - 4:00pm

Set Up Highlights:
- All mediums welcome and emerging artists are encouraged to apply (Inquire about sponsorships).
- Average attendance for the festival is around 2000-2500!
- Early setup is available with extra hands for loading, unloading, and booth-sitting.
- Onsite dining options available for purchase
- Artists are expected to participate both days.
- Overnight security will be provided.

Booth sizes:
Small: $50, 8' X 8' or smaller (sponsorships available)
Standard: $100, 10' X 10'
Large: $200, 10" X 20'

To maintain the highest level of quality and variety of original artwork all artists must apply annually. The application fee is $15 (non-refundable).

IMPORTANT DATES
September 11, 2026 | All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m.
September 18, 2026 | Artists notified of jury results.
October 6, 2026 | Show acceptance and booth reservation deadline.
October 16, 2026 | Artists deadline for cancellation.

Apply Here: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14783

08/26/2026

Our Phelps Youth Pavilion crew will be hosting some really fun activities at this weekend's Cedar Valley Pride Fest!

Make a silly paper shaker and create your own pride crowns... and the best part is that you can receive HALF OFF admission price for you and your whole family to the Phelps Youth Pavilion on Sunday, August 30 with the presentation of your Cedar Valley Pride Fest wristband! This offer is only valid on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

See you at the fest!

08/24/2026

Fall classes, workshops and adjacent seasonal family events are starting at the Waterloo Center for the Arts with registrations beginning Tuesday, September 8. Take a class, get creative and fill your cozy fall with new experiences. Choose from ceramics, needle-felted fall decor, glaze a ceramic jack-o-lantern, jewelry making, printmaking and more for the whole family to explore! Children ages 2-4 who participate in a class or workshop will receive free admission to the Phelps Youth Pavilion on the day of their class and classes for children ages 5-13 have an optional discount of $10 per student available for dual session registrations!

This fall is packed with fun family friendly events that range anywhere from engaging artist receptions to shopping extravaganzas like the annual Holiday Arts Festival on November 14 & 15 to memorable holiday-themed children’s activities with the Phelps Youth Pavilion. Families can sign up for Trick-or-Treat: The Adventures of Little Boo, Cookies and Cocoa with Santa and Frosty, or the year-end Noon Years Party for Kids!

Did you know? If you become a WCA member, you’ll receive 20% off of your class registrations! Families will also be eligible for free admission to the Phelps Youth Pavilion any time they’d like to play among many other great benefits.

Pre-registration is required for all classes and Phelps Youth Pavilion events. Visit www.waterloocenterforthearts.org for more information on events, art and classes or call the Waterloo Center for the Arts at (319) 291-4490 to register on or after September 8 or reach out now and to become a WCA member today!

08/18/2026

Stop in this week to check out this exhibit.

Join the Otto Schoitz Foundation this Wednesday or Thursday to see The Community Crate mobile housing exhibit.

Join the Otto Schoitz Foundation this Wednesday or Thursday to visit The Community Crate mobile housing exhibit while it’s in Waterloo.

• August 19–20
• 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Waterloo Center for the Arts

Learn more about Redlining, Eviction in Iowa, ALICE and so much more that people experience right here in Iowa regarding housing.