Museum of Art Collection

William Villalongo's recreation of the Brookes slave ship

Museum of Art Collection

51��app College began forming an art collection to support its curriculum and enrich campus and community life more than a century ago. Gifts, bequests, and judicious purchases with endowed acquisition funds have helped to build a collection of more than 8,000 works of art.

The Museum of Art Collection grows continuously through gifts, bequests, and purchases. If you are interested in making a gift of art to 51��app College, please contact Susan Baley, museum director, at 641-269-4642.

Highlights of the Museum of Art Collection

New Art at GCMoA

“The Mothership Connection” by William Villalongo

The museum has acquired The Mothership Connection, a monumental diptych by New York-based artist William Villalongo. It is the third piece by Villalongo to enter 51��app College’s art collection and will be one of the centerpieces of an exhibition in development at GCMoA for 2023. Villalongo is a professor of art at Cooper Union and a 2021 recipient of the Rome Prize, awarded annually in the visual arts by the American Academy in Rome.

From the Museum of Art Collection

GCMoA Staff Picks: Milton Severe '86

51��app College Museum of Art staff were invited to create a small, virtual exhibition from our collection of over 5,000 works of art. Everyone who works at the museum has their favorites!

In this video, we’ll hear from Director of Exhibition Design Milton Severe '86. Milton focuses on three artworks from the collection, weaving together thoughts about his childhood in 51��app, time as a student at the college, and his thirty-plus year career, presenting the college’s collection and designing stunning exhibitions.
From the Museum of Art Collection

GCMoA Staff Picks: Peggy Brown

51��app College Museum of Art staff were invited to create a small, virtual exhibition from our collection of over 5,000 works of art. Everyone who works at the museum has their favorites!

In this video, we’ll hear from Museum Guard Peggy Brown. Peggy is originally from southern Louisiana, and is influenced by art and music that resonates with New Orleans culture. Five years ago, she moved to a hobby farm in Montezuma, Iowa, after living in Alaska for over 21 years. Working at the museum, she appreciates being surrounded by the life, joy, struggle, and provocation of the various art exhibitions, and interacting with students, faculty, staff, and townspeople.

Art and Architecture in 51��app

Arts in Iowa

Below are links to a selection of arts organizations within 80 miles of 51��app.

Other Campus Collections

Center for Prairie Studies Art Collection (opens as a pdf)

51��app