Local Treasures
Almost a year ago today, there was considerable controversy over the possible loss of an incredible work of art. I’m referring of course to Jackson Pollock’s masterwork Mural, 1943 University of Iowa Museum of Art Gift of Peggy Guggenheim, 1959.6, preserved as a cornerstone of the University of Iowa Museum of Art’s collection and featured on the cover of our symphony programs. Our intent then, as now, was to point out that there is great art in our area worth celebrating, sharing, supporting and preserving. This was brought home again this past weekend when we showcased the considerable talents of a local pianist made good, Conor Hanick, alongside another local musical treasure, all but overlooked in our area. Thanks to the Iowa Masonic Museum and Library, we brought to light the incredible autograph collection of music written by Jean Sibelius in his own hand complete with one of his most signature melodies “Finlandia” (a work we fittingly performed at the end of our program). Such an artifact is of such national importance to the Finnish people, that the mind boggles as to how and why it has found a home right here in Eastern Iowa. It is but another example of how our area is more than just about corn and caucuses, or football and state fairs (mmm…deep fried butter). We should relish in the notion that we are uniquely lucky to have such a deep mosaic of incredible art and artists right at our fingertips, and as a result a quality of life that I would put up against many other areas in the country. I was struck by what Bill Krueger of the Masonic Library said to me back stage before we went on for a pre-concert discussion. What good is a museum, or a work of art, or even a performance if it is not shared with people? It is the sharing of our local heritage and culture that brings a museum (or symphony) to life. The fact that we can celebrate great artists fostered and nurtured by our local culture like Conor, and that we have the opportunity to appreciate art and artifacts of global significance right in our own backyard tells me that we have ample reason to be proud of our area, and that those who blow through our state on I-80 don’t know what they’re missing.