Davenport’s Figge Art Museum Marks Centennial With Special Exhibit
For a century, collectors and donors have helped shape the Figge Art Museum’s collection, turning it into a cultural center for the Quad Cities and beyond. Beginning Saturday, Sept. 13, the Figge (225 W. 2nd St., Davenport) presents 100 Years of Collecting, an exhibit celebrating the gifts that have made the museum what it is today.
The Figge’s story started in 1925, when former Davenport mayor Charles August Ficke donated 334 works of art to create the Davenport Municipal Art Gallery, which later became the Figge Art Museum (in 2005). In the years that followed, gifts from C.T. Lindley, Clara L. Brandt, and Mr. and Mrs. Philip D. Adler strengthened the collection, especially in American art, according to a museum release.
In the 1960s, Dr. Walter E. Neiswanger’s donation helped establish the Figge as a leading center for Haitian art. More recently, gifts of photography from Brent Sikkema and a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary works from Linda and J. Randolph Lewis have shaped the museum’s character and kept it relevant for future generations.
Ralph Blakelock
Moonlight, Late 19th Century
Oil on canvas
City of Davenport Art Collection, Gift of Clara L. Brandt , 1931.4
“Each gift tells a story, not only about the art itself but also about the people who believed in building a museum for this community,” Figge executive director Melissa Mohr said in the release. “This exhibition is a celebration of their vision and generosity.”
100 Years of Collecting celebrates the museum’s most important gifts, featuring a mix of American, Haitian, Spanish Colonial, and contemporary art that together illustrate a century of collecting and community support.
“We’ve been part of this community for nearly 40 years, and it means so much to give back in this way,” Dr. Randy and Linda Lewis said in the Figge release. “Knowing these works will remain at the Figge, enriching its collection and inspiring families and future generations, makes this gift a lasting legacy we are proud to leave behind.”
The celebration doesn’t stop with the exhibition. In honor of the Figge’s 100 years of collecting, the museum is inviting community members to take part in the “Adopt an Artwork” initiative. By adopting a work of art featured in the exhibition, donors have the unique opportunity to connect with a piece of history while helping sustain the Figge’s mission of bringing art and people together. Each adoption supports the care and preservation of the museum’s collection, ensuring these works will be around for many years to come.
Friedel Dzubas
Arcadian Hope No.3,
Acrylic on canvas
Gift of Linda and J. Randolph Lewis , 2024.31.2
“Adopting a work of art is a meaningful way to join the museum’s story,” said Figge director of development Sara Morby. “Just as past donors built this collection, today’s supporters help carry it into the future.”
Supporting sponsors for this exhibition are Pepsi Cola Bottling of Davenport, The Current Iowa, and Hotel Blackhawk. Contributing sponsors include Bill and Chris Gallin, John Gardner and Cathy Weidman, and TBK Bank.
A free companion program will be held Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. in the museum’s John Deere Auditorium, “C.A. Ficke and the Birth of a Museum.” Historian Dr. William Roba will present on the enduring legacy of Charles A. Ficke in Davenport.
100 Years of Collecting will be on view through Jan. 11, 2026. For more information on the exhibition or to adopt a work of art, visit figgeartmuseum.org or contact Sara Morby, Director of Development, at 563-345-6637 or smorby@figgeartmuseum.org.
Il Genovesino Miradori
Sacrifice of Isaac, 17th Century
Oil on canvas
City of Davenport Art Collection, Gift of C. A. Ficke , 1925.2
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