SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – One of Sioux City’s most famous artworks which once spent decades as a hidden treasure is now back home.
After over a year at the Midwest Art Conservation Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Grant Wood’s Corn Room Mural is back on display at the Sioux City Art Center.
The conservation center worked to remove darkened varnish that covered the murals panels, as it had been papered over at the Martin Hotel some time after it was originally painted in 1926.
The 100-year-old piece is the main attraction of the center’s Pasture to Present exhibition, which opened to the public Saturday, June 13, and features other artwork by the “American Gothic” artist as well as artists inspired by his artistic style.
Restored and clearer than ever
Todd Behrens, director of the art center, said he is happy the piece is back and looking better than ever.
“Now that it’s back, it’s nice to see it much clearer. It’s much more beautiful. You can actually see what he had in mind,” Behrens said. “What’s really important for us is that this is a great artwork, but it’s also an important part of Sioux City’s history. The fact that we still have it 100 years later, we get to celebrate it and it looks better than ever, it’s just such an exciting thing.”
The exhibition will be on display into December and the art center also plans to have several events in connection with it.
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