Celebration of Iowa’s art, history and culture features legendary Hollywood producer and Honorary Iowan Norman Lear
DES MOINES – Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds invite Iowans to attend the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs’ (DCA) third annual ‘Celebrate Iowa’ Gala Dec. 12 in Des Moines. The Celebrate Iowa Gala is a showcase of Iowa’s most iconic experiences in art, history, culture, entertainment and food.
Branstad and the First Lady are honorary chairs of the event.
During the gala, Norman Lear will be recognized for the 45th anniversary of his movie, “Cold Turkey,” being filmed in Greenfield, Winterset and Des Moines. He also produced television shows, including “The Andy Williams Show,” “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons,” and classic films such as “The Princess Bride” and “Stand by Me.” He recently released a new memoir entitled Even This I Get to Experience.
“The Celebrate Iowa gala offers attendees a wonderful opportunity to support and enjoy Iowa arts, culture and history,” said Reynolds. “As we travel across the state, Governor Branstad and I often hear from business leaders and young professionals about the importance of the arts, culture and quality of life initiatives in their communities. That’s why, we believe it’s important to continually showcase the many opportunities that are available everyone.”
The Gala menu includes cuisine and cocktails from across Iowa, including Ames, Burlington, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Indianola, Knoxville, LeClaire, Milton, Newton, North Liberty, Norwalk Pleasant Hill and Prairie City. Entertainment will be provided by 45 RPM Quartet, Jive for Five, Bob Dorr and The Blue Band, and a special performance by The Revival Center Church Choir to honor Norman Lear.
Gala attendees are encouraged to post photos on Twitter using hashtag #CelebrateIowa with Donna Reed and ‘American Gothic’ impersonators, and with a living Oscar statue in conjunction with guided tours of the State Historical Museum exhibition “Hollywood in the Heartland.” Guests will also get a sneak preview of a new exhibit, “Making Art Public,” commemorating the 35th Anniversary of Art in State Buildings, and the refurbished “Dream of Arcadia” painting by Gerard H. Nollen will be unveiled in the Museum’s “Saving Our Stuff” exhibition.
“We traveled to all corners of the state this summer, listening to Iowans and experiencing our state’s culture,” said DCA Director Mary Cownie. “This year’s Gala is a celebration all things Iowa and supports art, history and cultural initiatives in our state. We are so pleased Governor Branstad and the First Lady are serving as honorary chairs again this year, and we are thankful for their generous support.”
DCA’s ‘Celebrate Iowa’ Gala will be Friday, Dec. 12, from 7 to 11 pm at the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines. Visit www.culturalaffairs.org/gala or contact DCA at HistoricalGala@iowa.gov or call 515-281-8352for additional information.
Gala proceeds and donations through the Iowa Historical Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization, supports exhibitions and programs offered by the State Historical Society of Iowa and the State Historical Museum of Iowa.
