"Grant Wood: Seriously Silly" by Tara Templeman
Gain insight into the Linn County History Center's newest exhibit that focuses on the humor and satire of Grant Wood's genius.
Tara Templeman is the Curator and Collection Manager at The History Center, a role they have loved for six years. They received two Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico, graduating Cum Laude with a certificate in Museum Studies. They received a Master’s of Science, Museum and Field Studies from the University of Colorado. Templeman's passion for the museum field is in storytelling. While much of their formal training has been in collections management, they are most interested in getting people excited about history through quirky programming and relevant exhibitions. Templeman's currently serves as the President of the Iowa Museum Association and History Day Chair for Leadership for Five Seasons.
"Midwest Identity: Grant Wood’s Main Street" by Barbara Feller
Author Barbara Feller has been lucky enough to travel, live, and make friends in many locations around the world. She nevertheless truly believes in the adage, “There’s no place like home.” Born in the Bronx, Barbara grew up in central New York and spent six years teaching in Attleboro, Massachusetts before settling in Iowa with her husband, Steve. She continued teaching in Cedar Rapids public schools, stopped to raise two incredibly wonderful daughters, Heidi and Ray, and then continued her teaching career as an educator in local museums. For five years, Barbara was lead educator and volunteer coordinator for Grant Wood’s studio at Five Turner Alley. While working there, Barbara met authors, art historians, staff and visitors who all stirred her thirst for learning even more about the artist. To date, this has resulted in her authoring three books. This latest one, Memorial Masterpiece, shares the little-known story behind Grant Wood’s creation of the stained-glass window in the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Cedar Rapids.