Visit the Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls Iowa

Located at 304 West Seerley Boulevard in Cedar Falls Iowa is the Hearst Center for the Arts.

The Hearst Center offers several art classes for adults and children. They also have several art camps throughout the summer as well as art exhibits to explore while in the Cedar Valley.

James Hearst was born in 1900 on a farm in Black Hawk County. He was the oldest of four children and the family's values included hard work and education. James later married Meryl Norton who was one of six children. Meryl pursued a career in nursing and worked in a variety of locations including Alaska and Dubuque.

The couple were able to travel together throughout the house. James' death in 1983 left a large gift to the University of Northern Iowa which established the Meryl Norton Hearst Endowed Chair. The chair is actually currently in the College of Fine Arts and Humanities. James Hearst was a professor of Creative Writing at Iowa State Teachers' College (currently University of Northern Iowa) and began teaching in 1941. James published more than 600 poems during his lifetime, totaling 6 books.

The Hearst Center provides hundreds of works by local and regional artists. There are also many lovely exhibits for visitors to enjoy including exquisite prints by Rembrant, Picasso, Pissarro, Dali and Daumier.

There are also several events at the Hearst Center throughoutt he year. Musicians perform jazz music often. There also frequent dances and performers of every type, as well as poetry and literature readings.

The Hearst Center also facilitates lectures and discussions for the philosophical types to enjoy.

The workshops and classes offered at the Hearst Center provide many a variety of artistic opportunities. Artists will enjoy classes in drawing, painting, photography, ceramis, performance, creative writing and more.

There are also plenty of opportunities for little ones to draw and create. Instructors are often students at the University of Northern Iowa who dedicate their time to teaching children how to design, create and simply enjoy the wonders of art.