This public art is located inside the lobby of the MCSA at 312 Iowa Avenue, Muscatine.

I was asked by Scott Dahlke to make some paintings to sell at auction to benefit the opening of the peer drop-in center, a place people can go to talk with counselors about any struggles they may be having.

I chose to study famous artists who themselves struggled with mental illness, substance abuse, and racial inequality. The artists are as follows: Vincent Van Gogh, Luis Wayne, Salvador Dali, and Jean Basquiat.

“A Sunny Day” is my take on Van Gogh’s “A Starry Night.” It is a colorful scene set in Muscatine, featuring the town and our riverfront statue, The Harvest.”

One thing I learned by doing this project is how undervalued these artists were until they passed away, and how many talented people deal with things that are out of their hands and create something beautiful!

So, remember to keep looking up!