Grant Wood (1891-1942) is one of the most celebrated American artists. His regionalist style incorporated rural life in the Midwest with a touch of humor and use of quasi-mythological subjects. His iconic "American Gothic," is one of the most popular works in all of western art.
Grant Wood was born in rural Jones County, east of Cedar Rapids. His father died when he was ten years-old, so his mother moved the family to Cedar Rapids. He spent most of his life in Cedar Rapids with the exception of studies in Europe and military service. This virtual geocache will take you to three important locations in the life of Grant Wood and are all close in the downtown area.
The posted coordinates: From 1922-1935, Grant Wood lived with his mother in the carriage house which he converted into his studio. "American Gothic" was painted at the studio in 1930, along with many other famous works. Known by its ficticious address of 5 Turner Alley, this studio has been preserved and is available for tours. Admission is free during regular Studio hours thanks to a grant from the Esther and Robert Armstrong Charitable Trust. Please note that while the Armstrong visitor Center (ground floor) is handicapped accessible, the Studio on the second floor is not. Grant Wood Studio Hours: Open from noon until 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays with free docent-guided tours from April-December. Tours begin on the hour and half hour during these times. The Grant Wood Studio is owned and operated by the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art.
Virtual Stage 01: The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art houses the largest collection in the world of works by Grant Wood, and portions of the collection are always on display. The Museum is open most afternoons until 4 pm, but is closed on Mondays. Admission to the museum is often free during the summer, and is a minimal cost at the other times of the year. The hours and admission fees can be found at crma.org.
Virtual Stage 02: The Memorial Window was designed by Grant Wood on a commission from the Cedar Rapids Veterans Memorial Committee in 1929. Wood included some interesting features in the window, including wider lines near the top to keep the proportions even when viewing from the ground level. The glass was manufactured in Munich, Germany and Wood traveled there to personally supervise the project. Inspired by late Gothic, and Northern Renaissance style paintings, the window honors the sacrifices of all veterans. The window is best viewed from the inside. The building is open Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and is free to view.
To get credit for this Virtual Geocache, please visit all three important locations and answer the questions. You do not have to enter any buildings nor do you have to pay any admission to answer the questions. You may email or message the owner. Any found logs without providing the answers will be deleted. Please do not include your answers in the log.
1) At the posted coordinates. In front of the entrance to the studio there is a fountain. What is the name of the chapter?
2) At the CRMA building to the right of the north entrance there is a sculpture. What is the title and year of the scultpure?
3) At the Memorial Window there is a memorial in front of the building memorializing the raising of the flag by Marines at Iwo Jima. On the east side of the pedestal what is the second word in the second line?
Pictures are always welcome, but please do not include any spoilers.
If you would like to visit other Grant Wood locations separate from this virtual try:
1) The American Gothic house in Eldon, Iowa.
2) The Grant Wood burial site in Anamosa, Iowa. The family plot stone has a large lion on top.
3) Stone City, Iowa. The location of the Grant Wood Stone City Art Colony. Also a replica of the American Gothic house is in Stone City.
4) The Rest Area on I-380 Northbound just south of Cedar Rapids. The rest area includes replica gothic windows and information about Grant Wood inside.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.