University Museums announces Fall 2025 education programs and events

Education Programs and Events, August through December 2025

Art Walk: Titans of Iowa State

Aug. 27, noon-1 p.m 
Carver Hall, North Courtyard

Step into history with museum docent Steve Petska and meet the Titans of Iowa State! Throughout Iowa State’s storied history, several figures have stood tall in their research, leadership, and achievements to the University. Explore the art that honors their legacies—and see how they continue to shape Cyclone pride today.

50 Years of Art and Education with Lynette Pohlman

Sept. 7, 2-3 p.m. 
Brunnier Art Museum, 295 Scheman Building

Lynette Pohlman, Warren and Beverly Madden Endowed Director and Chief Curator, University Museums, will reminisce about the highs and lows of the last 50 years of University Museums and the unique path she has created to make art a place of importance and education on the Iowa State University campus.

Curator's Tour: Christian Petersen's "Unknown Political Prisoner"

Sept. 9, 5-6 p.m. 
Reiman Gallery, 0003 Morrill Hall

Join University Museums curators for a closer look atThe Unknown Political Prisoner, one of Christian Petersen’s most powerful wartime works of art. Learn how this sculpture, once submitted to an international competition, fits into his artistic legacy and how it was recently brought to life in a newly carved version now installed in the Anderson Sculpture Garden.

Art Walk: Agronomy Hall

Sept. 10, 3:10-4 p.m.

Iowa State has long been at the forefront of agronomy — advancing agriculture through science, innovation, and technology. This legacy is brought to life through the public art in and around Agronomy Hall. Join University Museums for a guided tour exploring how these works of art reflect the evolution of modern agriculture and Iowa State’s vital role in shaping its future.

Explore! Glass in the Garden

Sept. 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
Anderson Sculpture Garden, between Morrill Hall and the Hub

Explore the wonderous world of glass! Activities and crafts for children and families will focus on the uniqueness of glass while surrounded by sculptures and nature in the Anderson Sculpture Garden. Activities geared towards K-5 ages; all are welcome! Outdoor event weather permitting. Funded by the Kathy and John Howell Art Enrichment Program.

Beth Lipman: Middle of the Story

Sept. 17, 5:30-6:30 p.m. 
Christian Petersen Art Museum, 1017 Morrill Hall

Beth Lipman explores history and humanity through material culture, creating laid tables and installations that reference people and placemaking over time. University Museums presents Hive Mind, her new major public artwork on central campus, reflecting the past, present, and future of Iowa State University’s research and community.

Funded by the Kathy and John Howell Art Enrichment Program.

Museum Meetup: Women's Domestic Artistries

Sept. 18, 6-8 p.m. 
Farm House Museum, 601 Farm House Lane

Home is where the heart is – and it’s also where the art is! Come to the Farm House Museum to create quilt patterns and learn embroidery inspired by the current exhibition, Women’s Domestic Artistries. Free treats provided.

50th Anniversary Celebration

Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m. 
Brunnier Art Museum, 295 Scheman Building

Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen and Lynette Pohlman invite you to University Museums’ 50th Anniversary Celebration! Dress business casual or in 1975-inspired attire, and enjoy an evening of festivities. The event is free, open to the public, no RSVP is required.

Art Walk: Blueprints of Life

Sept. 24, noon-1 p.m. 
Advanced Teaching and Research Building, North entrance

How do you classify an organism? What makes up an ecosystem? Learn through the public art of Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences departments! This guided tour reveals how art and science combine to tell the story of biological structures and organisms in bold, visual ways.

Artist Lecture: Karen LaMonte

Sept. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m. 
Christian Petersen Art Museum, 1017 Morrill Hall

With a career spanning three decades, artist Karen LaMonte has explored sculpture through various media, drawing on themes such as beauty, gender, and nature. Inspired by societal perceptions of beauty, in this lecture the artist will share insights into her creative process. Funded by the J.W. Fisher Endowed Artists Residency
Fund.

Austin Eischeid and the New Perennial Movement Sample Garden

Oct. 1, 5:30-6:30p.m. 
Morrill Hall

The now 1-year-old New Perennial Movement Sample Garden in the Anderson Sculpture Garden is full of beautiful perennials, thoughtfully designed by ISU alum Austin Eischeid. Join Austin for a lecture followed by a stroll through the garden.

Gain insight into the process behind this new section of the garden, and what it takes to select and create a work of art in garden form. Funded by the Kathy and John Howell Art Enrichment Program and the J.W. Fisher Endowed Artists Residency Fund.

Curator's Tour: Arsenic and Old Lace

Oct. 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m. 
Farm House Museum, 601 Farm House Lane

Victorian life was full of poisons – from arsenic and strychnine to cyanide. Roll up those lacey sleeves to delve beyond the beauty into the more dangerous side of the Victorian household with Farm House Museum curator Allison Sheridan. In conjunction with the current exhibition Women’s Domestic Artistries: 1860-1910.

Visual Histories: University Museums and Ames History Museum

Oct. 5, 2-3 p.m. 
Christian Petersen Art Museum, 1017 Morrill Hall

Join a weekend event exploring Beth Lipman’s new sculpture Hive Mind, which weaves together stories of Iowa State and Ames community members. Experience the indoor exhibition Beth Lipman: Middle of the Story and the outdoor sculpture while hearing from curator Adrienne Gennett and Ames History Museum staff. Open to all interested in Ames history and University Museums, this event is funded by the Kathy and John Howell Art Enrichment Program.

Family Weekend Open House

Oct. 11-12, 1-4 p.m. 
Christian Petersen Art Museum, Farm House Museum, and Brunnier Art Museum 

Weekdays too busy for a museum visit? Don’t miss your chance to explore all three University Museums locations and their exciting fall exhibitions during Open Houses  this Cyclone Family Weekend! Free admission.

Cyclone Family Art Walk

Oct. 12, noon-1 p.m. 
Memorial Union, North Exterior at the Fountain of the Four Seasons

Come see how art tells the story of family, identity, and connection at Iowa State! Join University Museums for a guided walking tour of Iowa State’s public art collection during Cyclone Family Weekend! Discover highlights from the Art on Campus Collection across central campus and experience artworks that celebrate the importance of family and the vibrant, generational spirit of Cyclone pride.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan of Iowa State, this engaging tour offers a unique opportunity for students and their families to connect with the university’s rich cultural landscape.

*This event is first-come, first-served and attendance may be capped on site to maintain a quality experience.

Torture and Transcendence: Monument to the Unknown Political Prisoner

Oct. 14, 6-7 p.m. 
Christian Petersen Art Museum, 1017 Morill Hall

In 1952, amid the Cold War, an international competition invited artists to create a monument themed The Unknown Political Prisoner. Among thousands of entries was Christian Petersen, Iowa State College’s artist-in-residence, who rarely entered competitions. His submission provides insight into the intersection of aesthetics, politics, and personal conviction during this tense historical period.

This lecture, presented by art historian Dr. Lea Rosson DeLong, analyzes Petersen’s sculpted entry, explores the reasons it was rejected, and compares it to the winning design. Petersen’s interpretation was unusual for its time, emphasizing the physical impact of torture while also reflecting on the role of the human spirit in the context of human rights abuse. Although his Monument to the Unknown Political Prisoner was rejected, this lecture proposes renewed consideration today and explores Petersen’s little-known submission within the broader framework of this Cold War competition.

Art Walk: Horticulture Hall

Oct. 15, 3:10-4 p.m. 
Horticulture Hall, Main Entrance

Stop and smell the flowers—metaphorically, of course! Join University Museums for a guided tour of the vibrant indoor and outdoor public artworks at Horticulture Hall. Rooted in both art and nature, explore stories of plant science and the horticultural pioneers who helped it flourish at Iowa State.

Explore! Be a Collector

Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
Brunnier Art Museum, 295 Scheman Building

Explore how to build a collection! Whether it is art or rocks, everyone is a collector. Activities and crafts for children and families will focus on how and why to start your own collections. Activities geared towards K-5 ages; all are welcome!

Prussian Blue: A Victorian Cyanotype Workshop

Oct. 21, noon-3 p.m. 
Farm House Museum, 601 Farm House Lane

Cyanotype printmaking is a technique steeped in a fascinating history of scientific discovery, creative rebellion, and feminist artistry from the Victorian Era. Learn about the history of cyanotypes and create your own during this 3-hour come-andgo workshop. *This event is weather permitting, a rain date will be announced two days prior if needed.

This program is generously funded by Donald Larew in memory of Neva M. Petersen and Gladys Hamlin.

Museum Meetup: Exploring Glass!

Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m. 
Christian Petersen Art Museum, 1017 Morrill Hall

I spy…a table made of glass! Spot the unexpected inBeth Lipman: Middle of the Story at the Christian Petersen Art Museum! Join us for a fun scavenger hunt and etched glass activity inspired by the exhibition’s stunning glass installations. Explore the gallery and enjoy free treats while you're here! Funded by the Kathy and John Howell Art Enrichment Program. 

Preservation and Manufacturing in Public Art: Sawyer Krotz and Jake Behrens

Oct. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m. 
Virtual (Zoom), register online

As part of Iowa State University’s Art on Campus Collection, University Museums conserves historic public art using traditional methods and new technologies like 3D modeling and scanning. Join museum staff, along with Sawyer Krotz and Jake Behrens, for a behind-the-scenes look at their recent History of Dairying conservation project.

Art Walk: Architecture and Design

Oct. 29, noon-1 p.m. 
Memorial Union, North Entrance near the Fountain of the Four Seasons

Across Iowa State’s campus, the Art on Campus Collection is woven into the very walls and windows of its buildings. From shimmering stained glass to striking bronze and carved stone, explore with museum docent Dana Schumacher the stunning details that bring life and history to some of ISU’s most iconic buildings.

Artists and Archives: Creating Contemporary Art from History

Nov. 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m. 
198 Parks Library

Join a collaborative discussion between University Museums and the University Library’s Special Collections and University Archives on how artists use archival materials to create contemporary art. Explore Beth Lipman’s process using Special Collections objects for the glass elements of her new public sculpture Hive Mind, tracing Iowa State University’s past, present, and future.

Funded by the Kathy and John Howell Art Enrichment Program.

Art Walk: Veteran's Day

Nov. 11, noon-1 p.m. 
Memorial Union, Gold Star Hall

This Veteran’s Day, join University Museums for a meaningful art walk honoring the service and sacrifice of Iowa State veterans. Explore Christian Petersen’s powerful war sculptures in the Memorial Union’s Gold Star Hall and the Anderson Sculpture Garden. This guided tour connects art with history and reflects on the legacy of Cyclone veterans.

Museum Meetup: 50 Years of Collecting and Preserving the Past

Nov. 13, 6-8 p.m. 
Brunnier Art Museum, 295 Scheman Building

Collections are housed everywhere, whether in museum display cases, ornate keepsake and jewelry boxes, and more. In honor of University Museums celebrating 50 years, join us at the Brunnier Art Museum with friends old and new to explore 50 Years of Collecting and Preserving the Past. Decorate your own take-home trinket box, supplies provided and enjoy free snacks.

Explore! 50 Years of Art

Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 
Brunnier Art Museum, 295 Scheman Building

Explore the history of art! Humans love to create, learn more about the long history of art made around the world. Activities and crafts for children and families will focus on the history of art and creativity. Activities geared towards K-5 ages; all are welcome!

Art Walk: Systems & Connections

Nov. 19, noon-1 p.m. 
Gerdin Business Building, East entrance

Explore the intricate networks that power our world in this guided art walk through the Gerdin Business Building and Curtiss Hall. From global commerce to renewable energy, discover art through the lens of business, ecology, and innovation to examine systems and infrastructures that connect us all.

Art Walk: Biorenewables Complex

Dec. 3, 3:10-4 p.m. 
Biorenewables Complex, Main Lobby

Stroll through Iowa State’s Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Department and discover public art that tells the story of Iowa’s rich agricultural history and innovation.

Mary Petersen: A Life Remembered Through Art

Dec. 4, 5-6 p.m. 
Virtual (Zoom), register online

Join University Museums for a virtual program exploring the life of Mary C. Petersen (1936–2024) and her lasting connection to Iowa State’s artistic legacy. Learn how her contributions and generous gift have helped preserve the work of her father, sculptor Christian Petersen, and shaped ongoing efforts to document his impact on campus and beyond.

Yuletide 2025: Winterfest Open House

Dec. 5, 5- 7 p.m. 
Dec. 6, noon - 3 p.m. 
Farm House Museum, 601 Farm House Lane 

Join University Museums’ interns and staff, in partnership with ISU Winterfest, to celebrate the holiday season at the Farm House Museum. On December 6, enjoy Victorian-themed crafts, holiday treats, tours of the historic home decorated for the season, and a chance to meet Santa. This festive, family-friendly event is a perfect way to kick off the holidays.

Event hosted by University Museums and the Ames History Museum. Sponsorship provided by Carol Pletcher.

Art for Mindfulness and Reflection

Dec. 11, noon - 1 p.m. 
140 Parks Library (Cyclone Support Central)

Need a break from the chaos? Join University Museums for a peaceful walk through the Parks Library to practice mindful looking and guided reflection. Experience select public artworks from the Art on Campus Collection and discover how “slowlooking” can help reduce stress and inspire self-reflection.

Art Walk: Botanical Beauty

Dec. 17, noon-1 p.m. 
Parks Library, Fourth Floor

When the weather turns cold and gray, step inside and rediscover the vibrant blooms of spring and summer. Join University Museums docent Steve Petska at Parks Library for a guided tour of public art celebrating plant life in all its forms — from delicate florals to lush prairie — in the Art on Campus Collection!