In the Gallery
The Words He Cannot Say
Leo Bird
Exhibition Dates: July 1-30, 2025
Artist Reception: Friday, July 11 // 5-8pm
Leo Bird, an artist and writer from Ames, Iowa, created the graphic memoir The Words He Cannot Say to share his journey of navigating autism, bullying, and self-discovery with the help of supportive people in his life. Through honest storytelling and a distinct visual style influenced by contrast and simplicity, Leo explores themes of fitting in, growth, and empathy—offering insight not just into autism, but into the universal human experience. His work transforms life into art, inspiring kindness, courage, and reflection in his audience.
Bio
Leo Bird learned how to write textual stories in the vein of JD Salinger, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald in 2011 through a Writing Short Stories class at Pella, Iowa’s Central College. His singing skills that he acquired from singing in bands in high school (2006) prepared him for performing at open mics in 2018. A year later, the funniest part of a story where Leo used a drawing to illustrate the difference between two dorm room set ups inspired him to create drawings for his other stories.
Up Next:
Do You Understand or Are You Curious?
Aidan Krell
Exhibition Dates: July 31-August 27, 2025
Artist Reception: Friday, August 1 // 5-8pm
About the show:
Aidan Krell courageously experiments across mediums, diving into unfamiliar materials and techniques to explore philosophical concepts within contemporary community life. Combining traditional methods like oil, watercolor, and ink with new tools, each piece becomes a visual deep-dive where creative risks and intellectual curiosity collide. This collection celebrates the beauty of jumping into the unknown, where failures become breakthroughs and authentic exploration takes precedence over perfection.
Mini Gallery
A smaller, more intimate extension of our Main Gallery showcasing local, emerging artists.
July 2025
Artscapes
This special exhibit features artwork created by participants in our Artscapes program — a creative outlet offered to local therapy groups, senior living communities, and adult day-hab organizations.
Artscapes encourages joy, choice, and self-expression through art, regardless of experience or ability.
All artwork is for sale, and proceeds go directly back into supporting this meaningful program.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the power of creativity and community.
featuring:
Burlington Hope Haven
Bickford Assisted Living
Wapello Hope Haven
Klein Center
Friedenheim Community
Oakview Nursing & Rehab
Addington Place
Vincent Kier
Ella Fox
Mini Gallery Showcase
Up Next:
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In the Mini Gallery
Youth Art Show | July 15-30
Artist Reception: Friday, July 18 // 5-8pm
Deadline to drop off artwork + entry form: Saturday, July 12
• Open to any artist ages 5-12.
• Limit - two pieces per artist.
• Includes any original work in any media, 2-D or 3-D, no larger than 16"x20".
• We prefer pieces to be framed and/or hangable with a secure wire. D-rings attached to the back is preferred but not mandatory.
• Please be sure to label the back of your artwork with your name and title.
• Art Center will handle sales. We take a 25% commission from the sale price. Checks from any sold artwork will be mailed out in early August.
• All unsold artwork MUST be picked up between 7/31-8/2. We have limited storage space, please be considerate and pick up by deadline.
2025 Gallery Schedule
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Get the kids involved with our Gallery Scavenger Hunt!
Giving kids an appreciation for art encourages exploration, self expression, logical thinking, self-esteem, imagination, and creativity. We’ve made up a fun little scavenger hunt for your family to do together at the Art Center! Just stop by the front desk anytime for the scavenger hunt.
