Dubuque Announces Huge Reception for New ‘Art on the River’ Exhibiton

The Dubuque Riverwalk might be the most enjoyable "free" activity the Tri-States offers, as it affords both tourists and residents a beautiful glimpse of the natural beauty of one of America's greatest rivers. 

One of the many delights about the Mississippi Riverwalk in Dubuque, as it's known, is the fact that every year, there are a plethora of art sculptures placed along the trail. This is part of the city's annual "Art on the River" exhibition. While some of these works are creations from people in Dubuque, several come from all around the country, including New York and Eau Claire, WI.

This week, the City of Dubuque invited the public to the opening reception of the "2024-25 Art on the River." This reception is set to take place on Friday, August 9th from 5-7pm on the patio of the Grand River Center, located at 500 Bell Street in Dubuque.

The theme for this year's exhibition is "Culture & Conversation," and features 11 works selected that "speak to the artists' ability to enlighten, educate, and affect communities and culture," per a press release from the City of Dubuque. The exhibition also looks to provoke conversations that bridge divides, help people across all walks of life overcome barriers, and "foster economic growth and community prosperity."

All are welcome to attend the reception. The City of Dubuque also added that in the case of inclement weather, the reception might be scaled back from its schedule of events and held indoors at the Grand River Center:

• 5 – 5:30 p.m. – Social hour featuring live music by saxophonist Anthony Collins Jr., with light hors d’oeuvres served and a cash bar available. 
• 5:30 p.m. – Welcome by Mayor Brad Cavanagh, spoken word performance, and artist acknowledgments and awards presented by City staff. 
• 6 – 7 p.m. – Live performances by Adams Dance Connection, local DJ Enoc Sanchez, and 3D art-making demonstrations along the Riverwalk by local artists. 

The Art on the River exhibition is something I think everyone should make time to experience, if only during a simple walk along Dubuque's gorgeous Riverwalk. The sculptures themselves are large and three-dimensional, some of which are even interactive.

Get our free mobile app

Since its inception, the program has featured 165 sculptures representing the work of 109 artists. The Port of Dubuque's 90-acre riverfront campus also boasts over 200,000 visitors a year.

Take a look at the photos of the "2023-24 Art on the River" works below, and pencil in a time to walk along the Mississippi Riverwalk to appreciate both the beauty of the art and the Tri-States as a whole. Read more about the upcoming reception for this year's exhibition on the City of Dubuque's website.