Events & Programs
View all upcoming live concerts, literature/poetry readings,
exhibition openings, and more below.
Email Programs Coordinator to propose an event at the Hearst Center.
Nature Quest, in collaboration with the CFPL, kicks off May 6, 2025! More info!​
Red House Studios: Located next door to the Hearst Center, this facility offers studio space to artists. We announce open lease opportunities on this site and our social media. Thanks to the UNI Art Department for their continued partnership in awarding a recent graduate a sponsored space at the Red House.
Upcoming
All events listed below are free, unless otherwise noted requiring pre registration via Civic Rec.
APRIL
FREE! BUSINESS OF ART SERIES
Thursdays in April from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Pre-registration is not required. This popular speaker series from the Hearst is back for its second year. Whether you’re just starting out with an interest in business or looking to expand, creatives of all stages are welcome to attend, learn, and share. Plan to attend one or all of these sessions!
April 3: Start Your Arts Business, Essential Steps from Amy Dutton of the Small Business Development Center at UNI (SBDC).
April 10: Storefronts, Festivals & Booths…Oh My! Hear from Wild Sky Studio owner and artist, Hanna Thuesen.
April 17: Advice For Literary Artists: Finding & Applying to Grants, Residencies, & Fellowships with Dr. Hannah CarrMurphy, 2024/25 James Hearst Writer-InResidence.
April 24: Build Your Social Media Empire, advice from artist Cecelia Hotzler. May 1: Creatives Mixer! Open format for local creatives to connect and exchange resources.
EKPHRASTIC POETRY WITH THE HEARST COLLECTION
Tuesdays, April 8-22 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Unlock Creativity Through Poetic Responses to Art. Ekphrasis, originating in ancient Greece, is the art of describing a subject with vivid detail. This series is perfect for visual artists, arts appreciators, and writers! Participants will: •Explore rarely seen artworks from the Hearst Permanent Collection. •Practice visual learning techniques to deepen art appreciation, critical thinking, and strengthen your own creative writing. •Develop skills to describe your own art to patrons or potential buyers. Led by our 2024–25 James Hearst Writer-in-Residence, Dr. Hannah CarrMurphy, this series invites you to create your own ekphrastic poems, guided by expert instruction.
Space is limited! Preregistration required. Register now!
HYBRID! FINAL THURSDAY READING SERIES
Open mic starts at 7:00 p.m. & featured author talk begins at 7:30 p.m.
Visit FTRS website for links to attend virtually. Join us for a community open mic followed by a discussion with a featured author. The Final Thursday Reading Series is a collaboration of Final Thursday Press, the Hearst Center, the UNI College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences, and the UNI Department of Languages and Literatures. This event takes place on the final Thursday of each month.
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April 24: Bao Phi| Bao is the author of the poetry collection Sông I Sing (Coffee House Press) and the children’s book A Different Pond (Capstone Young Readers), a Caldecott Honor book.
ARTS RETREAT: CREATING DEEP TIME
Saturday, April 26 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Join the EarthWhispers Abbey sisters, Sue Schuerman and Felicia Babb, for a threehour free workshop designed for anyone needing a creativity refresh. If you enjoy journaling and using your cell phone camera to create resonating moments, this workshop is for you!
This workshop involves improving your creativity with more spontaneity through: •Photography and writing prompts
•Sharing your creative work
•Commenting and inspiring each other Using the Hearst Center garden and galleries as sources to nourish and refresh your creative spirit in the company of other wild minds, the EarthWhispers Abbey sisters will help you see and appreciate our world.​​
RED HERRING THEATRE PRESENTS: THE LACY PROJECT
Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Written by Alena Smith; Directed by Ahmad Madlock; Sponsored by Jones Law Firm, Mike and Rita Waggoner, and the Friends of the Hearst.
Synopsis: Her mother’s photographs turned Lacy into an icon of childhood innocence and beauty. Now, on the night of her 22nd birthday, Lacy must navigate between image and reality, sex and friendship, self-indulgence and responsibility. This wild tragicomedy presents a portrait of a young woman held captive by her own childhood, and a vivid picture of a generation unable to grow up.
MAY
TASTY TALKS ON ART AND DESIGN WITH ROY BEHRENS
Wednesdays, May 7-21 from 10:00 a.m.-noon
Join us for a series of three lectures by writer, designer, artist, and UNI emeritus faculty, Roy Behrens. Topics include furniture design and artist Frank Lloyd Wright, the deceptive use of perspective in art, and the rise of artificial intelligence in the creative world. For lecture topics and more, check out this flyer.
*Snacks are provided
Instructor: Roy Behrens
Fee: Free for Friends of the Hearst members. Donate at the minimum level of $50 to become a member and give back to the arts. Call 319.273.8641 to register.
OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH GET UP! GET DOWN!
Thursday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us in the Hearst Sculpture Garden! Get Up! Get Down! is an instrumental jazzy funk band formed in 2022 by drummer Don Colton and guitarist Jon Chamberlain. Joined by Devin Ferguson on bass and Simon Harding on woodwinds and keyboards. Their repertoire includes original tunes as well as covers from some of the biggest names in jazz-funk, such as Lettuce, Soulive, The Meters, John Scofield, Medeski Scofield Martin and Wood, and Herbie Hancock.
CEDAR FALLS COMMUNITY THEATRE AND HEARST CENTER PRESENT...GORILLA THEATRE
Tuesday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m.
The stakes will be high and there will be no net in an unscripted comedy event called… Gorilla Theater. Two improv teams will meet in a comedy showdown to determine which team captain will go home with Bingo the Comedy Gorilla! This is a totally improvised show with lots of audience participation – everything you see will be performed for the first and for the last time! It will be bananas!
OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH CARTER GUSE
Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us in the Hearst Sculpture Garden! Welcome back singer/songwriter, Carter Guse to the Hearst Center. He is a performer who excites audiences with stories and songs ranging from the 50’s through today’s hits. BYO lawn chair, beverages, and snacks
JUNE
FILM SCREENING OF GARY KELLEY DOCUMENTARY
Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Directed by David O’Shields, this documentary explores the artist’s successful and prolific career while sticking close to his Iowa roots to share with local audiences.
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MICHAEL CONRAD & CHRISTOPHER MERZ JAZZ DUO
Tuesday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m.
The Mike Conrad / Chris Merz Duo plays a mix of original compositions, lesser-known jazz works, and tunes from the Great American Songbook that have often been given a creative twist. These University of Northern Iowa Jazz Faculty members take a dynamic and highly-interactive approach to the piano/saxophone duo format
AMERICAN FOLK LYRICS PERFORMANCE
Thursday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Join Hearst Writer-In-Residence Hannah Carr-Murphy and friends as they delve deeper into iconic American folk song lyrics by Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and more. Dr. CarrMurphy is a poet with a rich background in literary outreach and music performance. A proud UNI Alumna, she holds a BA in English, a BM in Instrumental Music Performance, an MA in Community Music, and a PhD in English.
CEDAR FALLS JOINS GLOBAL MAKE MUSIC DAY
Saturday, June 21
On this year’s Summer Solstice, Cedar Falls becomes the first city in Iowa to officially celebrate Make Music Day, a worldwide festival of music open to all. Hosted by the Hearst Center for the Arts, this free event will feature live performances at multiple locations, from downtown streets to local parks. Highlights include diverse local musicians, a collaborative community song project, and invitations to bring an instrument and join the fun. Don’t miss this day of music, creativity, and community! Follow us for updates on the schedule at makemusicday.org/cedarfalls.
OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH MOORS & MCCUMBER
Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m.
A vocal harmony duo fifteen years in the making, Moors & McCumber have done more than just endear themselves to fans - they’ve built a genuine community. Bridging the gap between classic folk rock and present-day Americana, they write heartfelt songs directly inspired by life’s experiences.
JULY
PARTY ON THE PATIO
Thursdays in July from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Music sponsored by Friends of the Hearst
Come jam with us to local live acoustic music on the patio. Thank you to Second State Brewery and FitPop for refreshments.
July 10: California & Sunnyside
July 17: Ally Bagenstos
July 24: Four Count
July 31: Just a Bit Outside​
ARTISANS IN THE GARDEN & SUMMER EXPO
Sunday, July 13 from 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Celebrate and purchase art from local artisans showcasing their crafts. Participate in art activities from all ages with The Northeast Iowa Weavers and Spinners Guild; “Do a Little Weaving on a Little Loom” piece, Thursday Painters; wood slice painting, Uncle Stinky; blacksmithing, Hearst Ed Crew; sidewalk chalk, and clay on the patio with our Ceramic Lab Tech, Amythest. A new addition to this event, the Hearst invites the community to donate gently used art and craft supplies for swapping during the Artisans event. Listen to music from Nick Sorenson and enjoy food for purchase from Taco Life Food Truck. Follow our social media for continued exciting updates on this event.
NEW! JOIN THE HEARST ART SUPPLY SWAP MEET!
Sunday, July 13 from 1:00-3:30 during Artisans in the Garden
Do you have art supplies gathering dust? Maybe you stocked up on materials for a project, only to move on to something new? Now’s your chance to give those supplies a second life and find something fresh to inspire you! The Hearst Art Supply Swap Meet invites the community to donate gently used art and craft supplies, which will be available for swapping during Artisans in the Garden event. Bring an item (or a few!) you no longer use and trade it for something you will. No items to swap? No problem—make a goodwill donation to support The Hearst’s classroom programs and take part in the fun!
​What to Donate? We welcome new or gently used art and craft supplies, including:
• Paints, brushes, markers, and crayons
• Yarn, knitting and crochet tools
• Old canvases, frames, and mats
• Paper, stamps, scrapbook supplies
• Ceramics tools, glass supplies, quilting and sewing fabric
• Spotlights and props for paintings
​All items should be reusable and in working condition—please avoid expired or dried-out materials, and refrain from donating recycled household items like toilet paper rolls or egg cartons.
Donation Drop-Off Prior to the Event:
April 1–July 13, 2025: Drop off your supplies at The Hearst during open business hours, please do not leave items outside the building without checking in with staff.
July 13, 2025: During Artisans in the Garden, bring your own items to swap or make a goodwill donation to support The Hearst’s art programs. Let’s keep creativity flowing and supplies in the hands of artists! Mark your calendar and join us for a day of artistic exchange.
CEDAR VALLEY CHAMBER MUSIC OUTREACH PIANO RECITAL
Tuesday, July 22 at 6:00 p.m.
Pianist Peter Miyamoto performs selections from “Goyescas” by Enrique Granados (1911). The work of the Spanish artist Francisco Goya inspires this suite for piano. This work is usually considered to be one of the two crown-jewels in Spanish piano repertoire along with the Iberia Suite of Isaac Albeniz.
AUGUST
FRIENDS ANNUAL CELEBRATION WITH MUSIC BY BRAD & KATE
Thursday, August 7 at 6:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Friends of the Hearst
Let’s celebrate the special projects and events made possible through community support and Friends memberships! Enjoy a concert in the Sculpture Garden featuring local folk-pop duo Brad & Kate. La Calle and Try Piefood trucks on site. Bring a chair and your favorite beverage. Everyone welcome!