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Christina ShaverThe small Quad Cities area town of Aledo is getting lots of attention on the silver screen, thanks to two film projects from producer Christina Shaver. -
Fresh FilmsBackers of Rock Line Studios -- to be built at 5th Avenue between 20th and 22nd streets, just blocks from the Fresh Films offices at 428 19th St. – have raised about $9 million so far, for the long-planned $12-million project. It’s led by Fresh Films, an Emmy-nominated film production and training organization, founded in 2002 with national reach and headquartered in the QC, that creates kids and family film and TV shows while training young people for jobs in film and growing digital content.
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A surfer engineer creates a surfboard using 10,000 cigarette butts that becomes a catalyst for political activism for protecting the health of our oceans.Reflection Speakers: Taylor Lane, Ciggy Board creator, and Ben Judkins, Filmmaker -
In this episode of Talking Art, theater artist Ashley Becher discusses her work as a director, performer, and creative leader in the Quad Cities. Currently directing Circa 21’s Lucky Stiff and serving as Mainstage Artistic Director at Junior Theatre, Ashley reflects on her career journey and the collaborative power of theatre. -
In a very divisive, violent world, we could all use more peace, love and understanding, and Rock Island’s Rita Melissano is just the person to help provide them. -
The new, multi-site, month-long festival in Iowa City centers on Afrofuturistic art, fashion, literature, media and community dialogue. -
Welcome to the 2026 Quad Cities theatre season. Kicking it off is Circa 21’s current production, Lucky Stiff, with book by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, which will make you forget all about those sub-zero temperatures outside. It features mistaken identities, a dog-loving caseworker, and a shooting-prone mistress. -
The reintroduction of beavers into the English countryside brings environmental benefits along with problems to the landowners. More information at qcenvironmentalfilmseries.org.
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The Dubuque Museum of Art is hosting an event showcasing the works of Diné (Navajo) artist, Will Wilson, in conversation with 20th century photographer Edward Sheriff Curtis (1868-1952). -
Grant Faulkner will be at Beaverdale Books in Des Moines on Jan. 23 to promote “something out there in the distance,” a novel written in the flash fiction style. -
The prestigious James Beard Awards, which recognize culinary excellence in the U.S., released its list of 2026 semifinalists. It includes a bakery in Iowa City, a cocktail bar in Des Moines and chefs at two Des Moines restaurants. -
This episode of Talking Art features visual artist David Zahn, whose paintings and sculptures are currently on display at the Quad City Arts exhibit in Rock Island. David discusses his creative process, from early drafts to finished works, and reflects on the importance of patience, revision, and experimentation in art-making. The conversation offers insight and encouragement for emerging artists, emphasizing that strong work often develops through multiple iterations before reaching its final form.
