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The Blanden is more than a museum

The Blanden Memorial Art Museum, has been a landmark institution of fine arts and learning in the state of Iowa and Fort Dodge for 83 years. The museum’s collection is a world-class collection that inspires all who visit. It provides the community with cultural and artistic opportunities with exceptional art exhibitions, events and classes year round. The Blanden has stood the test of time and continues to be one of Fort Dodge’s cultural treasures and will continue to be an innovative landmark in the fields of Iowa. It’s growing to be more than a museum.

In 1932, the Blanden became the first municipal art museum in the state of Iowa. Placed in the historic Oak Hill area surrounded by the homes of those who would become some of the Blanden’s greatest patrons. Encouraged by a group of art enthusiasts, who had a vision and tenacity, Charles Blanden, former mayor of Fort Dodge, donated the funds needed for the construction of the museum. Blanden wished for the museum to be a memorial for his late wife, Elizabeth Blanden. Both Charles and Elizabeth Blanden grew to have a great appreciation for art and wished to share that love with others. The Blanden Memorial Art Museum became that outlet to share their love and passion of art. The Blanden continues this vision by developing new and exciting ways to share the fine arts with the community of Fort Dodge.

The Blanden’s collection is made up of more than 1,000 works of art and cultural artifacts from all over the world. The walls of the galleries are adorned with art that has been donated by local families throughout the years. The museum’s collection rivals any in the state of Iowa in terms of historical importance and scope. The Blanden Memorial Art Museum has many wonderful works from many different time periods and cultures from around the world. The permanent collection is displayed on rotation, along with art of contemporary artists, providing visitors fresh new visual art opportunities throughout the year. With three main galleries to exhibit art, there is something of interest for everyone who visits the Blanden.

One of the most wonderful things about the Blanden Memorial Art Museum is the community it serves. The Blanden welcomes all who wish to spend the day appreciating, learning and creating art. The museum has been a community center for more than 80 years. The Blanden has provide space and setting for many events over the years, encouraging individual expression and creativity in all its forms. Everyone is invited to be a part of the history. The Blanden offers art workshops for all ages and skill levels, as well as art history lectures and other events throughout the year. The Blanden continues to encourage the next generation of artists and will always continue to be a place of imagination, innovation and inspiration.

The Blanden’s success is also connected to the surrounding communities that it serves. It is a center that is a gathering space where people can come to visit, explore and learn. Take time to visit today and be inspired by the many things that the Blanden has to offer. Whether you want to take formal pictures using the museum as a backdrop, have a picnic lunch on the lawn, enjoy the landscape or disappear inside with your sketchbook and be inspired – the Blanden is part of the Fort Dodge community for everyone to enjoy.

Eric Anderson is director Blanden Memorial Art Museum.

The Blanden is more than a museum

The Blanden Memorial Art Museum, has been a landmark institution of fine arts and learning in the state of Iowa and Fort Dodge for 83 years. The museum’s collection is a world-class collection that inspires all who visit. It provides the community with cultural and artistic opportunities with exceptional art exhibitions, events and classes year round. The Blanden has stood the test of time and continues to be one of Fort Dodge’s cultural treasures and will continue to be an innovative landmark in the fields of Iowa. It’s growing to be more than a museum.

In 1932, the Blanden became the first municipal art museum in the state of Iowa. Placed in the historic Oak Hill area surrounded by the homes of those who would become some of the Blanden’s greatest patrons. Encouraged by a group of art enthusiasts, who had a vision and tenacity, Charles Blanden, former mayor of Fort Dodge, donated the funds needed for the construction of the museum. Blanden wished for the museum to be a memorial for his late wife, Elizabeth Blanden. Both Charles and Elizabeth Blanden grew to have a great appreciation for art and wished to share that love with others. The Blanden Memorial Art Museum became that outlet to share their love and passion of art. The Blanden continues this vision by developing new and exciting ways to share the fine arts with the community of Fort Dodge.

The Blanden’s collection is made up of more than 1,000 works of art and cultural artifacts from all over the world. The walls of the galleries are adorned with art that has been donated by local families throughout the years. The museum’s collection rivals any in the state of Iowa in terms of historical importance and scope. The Blanden Memorial Art Museum has many wonderful works from many different time periods and cultures from around the world. The permanent collection is displayed on rotation, along with art of contemporary artists, providing visitors fresh new visual art opportunities throughout the year. With three main galleries to exhibit art, there is something of interest for everyone who visits the Blanden.

One of the most wonderful things about the Blanden Memorial Art Museum is the community it serves. The Blanden welcomes all who wish to spend the day appreciating, learning and creating art. The museum has been a community center for more than 80 years. The Blanden has provide space and setting for many events over the years, encouraging individual expression and creativity in all its forms. Everyone is invited to be a part of the history. The Blanden offers art workshops for all ages and skill levels, as well as art history lectures and other events throughout the year. The Blanden continues to encourage the next generation of artists and will always continue to be a place of imagination, innovation and inspiration.

The Blanden’s success is also connected to the surrounding communities that it serves. It is a center that is a gathering space where people can come to visit, explore and learn. Take time to visit today and be inspired by the many things that the Blanden has to offer. Whether you want to take formal pictures using the museum as a backdrop, have a picnic lunch on the lawn, enjoy the landscape or disappear inside with your sketchbook and be inspired – the Blanden is part of the Fort Dodge community for everyone to enjoy.

Eric Anderson is director Blanden Memorial Art Museum.

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