Iowa Life Artists
Across the state of Iowa, Iowa Life unveils the stories of the state’s most talented artists, offering viewers an intimate look at their creative processes and community impact. This series captures the essence of Iowa’s vibrant artistic scene, showcasing individuals whose work enriches the cultural landscape and strengthens community bonds. From visual artists and musicians to performers and artisans, each episode highlights how these creators contribute to the local fabric and inspire those around them.
Eric Gapstur - Cartoon Artist
Eric Gapstur is a talented author, illustrator and cartoonist based in eastern Iowa, where he resides with his wife and two sons. Known for his dynamic and engaging work, Gapstur has contributed to prominent comic book publishers such as DC and Image Comics, illustrating iconic characters like Superman and The Flash. His debut middle-grade graphic novel series, Sort of Super, marks a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to captivate younger audiences with imaginative storytelling and vibrant artwork with a commitment to creating compelling, age-appropriate content.
Gabriella Torres - Creative Placemaker
Gabriella Torres, an abstract painter and creative placemaker from Clinton, Iowa, is making waves as one of the 2023-2024 Iowa Artist Fellows. Known for her large-scale, vibrant abstract works exploring balance and connectivity themes, Torres is dedicated to transforming her hometown into a lively arts destination. Her community-based art initiatives, including the acclaimed *The Grove* outdoor installation, have revitalized neglected spaces in Clinton, fostering social engagement and artistic expression. Torres continues to inspire with her commitment to sustainable creative placemaking and her efforts to integrate art into the fabric of her community.
Jennifer Felton - Wood Carver
Jennifer Felton is a nationally acclaimed artist known for her intricate and lifelike carvings of birds and feathers. With over 15 years of experience, she masterfully blends mediums like tupelo wood, copper, paper and oil paint to achieve remarkable realism. Her dedication to capturing the essence of birds extends to her detailed wildlife drawings, where Felton skillfully portrays the emotion and movement of her subjects. Felton's exceptional talent has earned her top honors at the Ward World Carving Championship, where she advanced to the masters division in 2023 with multiple first-place awards.
Luther Bangert - The Juggler
Luther Bangert has turned his early fascination with juggling into a global performance career. Since discovering his passion at 19, Bangert has delved deeply into juggling, viewing it as dance and martial arts. His innovative approach blends precise techniques with organic body movements, creating a unique and expressive performance style. Over the past nine years, he has showcased his talents in 20 countries across four continents, including a notable performance with the Great Bombay Circus in India. Bangert holds a Guinness World Record for juggling the most balls while sword swallowing.
Iowa State University Fashion Show
Iowa State University hosts the largest student-run fashion show in the country, an impressive feat that underscores the university's strong commitment to fostering talent in the fashion industry. This annual event, organized by apparel, merchandising and design students, showcases various designs and collections, from avant-garde pieces to ready-to-wear apparel. The fashion show provides a platform for students to display their creativity and hard work, and offers invaluable experience in event planning, production and presentation. The ISU fashion show stands out as a premier event in the fashion calendar, drawing significant attention from industry professionals and the public.
As the vibrant tapestry of Iowa’s artistic community continues to evolve, the stories highlighted in Iowa Life offer a compelling glimpse into the creativity and dedication of its remarkable artists. Season 2 of Iowa Life will premiere on October 15 at 6:30 p.m., highlighting even more influential Iowans to inspire.