Blanden Art Museum

[Abby Brown] In the middle of this historic neighborhood in Fort Dodge sits something unique. An art museum! It was created in 1932 by a man who was unique himself. He had a curious balance of business savvy and artistic talent that we can still enjoy today.

(Map marking Webster County in north-central Iowa.)

Charles Blanden lived in Fort Dodge a long time ago. He and his wife, Elizabeth, collected art and felt it was an important part of life. When his wife passed away, Charles, who had moved out of Iowa decades before, chose Fort Dodge as the location to build the Blanden Memorial Art Museum. It was a tribute to his art-loving wife. People can visit the museum for free. There's a lot to see, including exhibits by local artists, young artists, pieces created by artists from around the world, and even some of Blanden’s own personal art collection.

(A portrait of Charles Blanden, a stern-faced older man with short, white hair wearing a bowtie and a dark suit.)

Throughout his career, Charles Blandon was a banker, a businessman and a politician, all occupations that require shrewd, analytical thinking. But this art museum is an illustration of his creative side. Blanden didn't just collect and appreciate art. He wrote art too, poetry. That's right, poetry is a form of art. Here's a really good one.

A song the grass sings.

The violet is much too shy, The rose too little so; I think I'll ask the buttercup if I may be her beau.

When winds go by, I'll nod to her And she will nod to me, And I will kiss her on the cheek As gently as may be.

And when the mower cuts us down, Together we will pass, I smiling at the buttercup, She smiling at the grass.

Charles Blanden wrote several books of poetry. Whether a painting or a collection of words, art is something that Charles Blanden wanted to ensure everyone could enjoy. He used the wealth he gained in his business dealings to keep appreciation for art alive. As it is here at the Blanden Memorial Art Museum in Fort Dodge.

Every county in Iowa is painted with artistic stories. It's been really cool exploring Webster County's creative side.

Funding for FIND Iowa has been provided by The Coons Foundation, Pella and the Gilchrist Foundation.