Visitor’s Guide

“GREAT MONARCH SKYWAY”
An Exhibition from David Richmond
Mar 31-May 12

David Richmond is a professor emeritus of art at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. During his professional career as a teacher and artist, he has employed a diverse array of experiences as a graphic designer, photographer, and visual storyteller.  

Professor Richmond has a Master of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts from The University of Iowa School of Arts and Arts History. He has taught graphic design at Dickinson State University in North Dakota and art, graphic design and photography at Simpson College. 

With The Monarch Skyway Project, Professor Richmond seeks to celebrate the role of pollinators in the circle of life. To that end, he has partnered with the Warren County (Iowa) Conservation Board to erect an 11-ft sculpture at the Annett Nature Center in southern Warren County. The sculpture is composed of 94 glazed ceramic tiles featuring abstract imagery of Monarch Butterfly wings, bee hives and wasp paper. His method of work is electronic collage.

Professor Richmond’s goal with The Monarch Skyway Project is to educate the community at large—especially students—as to the crucial role that butterflies, and other pollinators play in the agricultural ecology. “At times we fail to remember how critical these insects are to the growth of the food we eat. But their numbers are declining, and we can play a vital role in stemming that decline. That role begins with awareness.” The Monarch Skyway Project consists of promoting sculpture with surrounding butterfly gardens that will promote awareness and include an educational element for better understanding of how to promote a health butterfly population which will promote a healthy environment.

All items are for sale.