Enjoy visual art, poems, short stories, cartoons, music, photography and more from readers.
From family to BLM to boudoir, Wezz de la Rosa captures special moments
Quad Cities photographer Wezz De La Rosa can often be found at Pride events like the Pride Party at Bass Street Landing 2022, capturing special moments like the cover shot of the Quad Cities all-female band Been There Done That performing live, or a pic of local drag legend Sinclaire Snaps hugging a young girl.
He also undertakes an annual photo effort to help document the area’s LGBTQ+ community by taking photos of everyday people he meets at LGBTQ+ events. And in 2020, De La Rosa focused on gathering members of the Quad Cities’ Black community holding variations of “Black Lives Matter” signs.
All the while, he’s also providing wholesome family portraits, classy corporate head shots, and tasteful boudoir shots, both indoor and outdoor. Check out a sample of his art here.
Graphic designer Danielle Ellis teams with actress Lakeia Hodges for somber photo shoot
After Hurricane Joaquin devastated South Caroline in 2015, artist and design professional Danielle Ellis headed to Johns Island with her camera and model Lakeia Hodges. The result was a photo essay juxtaposing a carefree young woman against the backdrop of nature's...
Iowa City rock vocalist Nikki Lunden Trotter finds solace in photography, too
Most people know of Nikki Lunden Trotter as the founder and lead singer for Natural Habits, an Iowa City rock band. But she’s also discovered a love of photography — especially the kind that helps express angst.
Explore three photo galleries from this prolific musician whose career spans more than 30 years and at least eight different combinations of musicians.
Former teacher discovers artist inside
CEDAR FALLS -- For more than 30 years, Lisa Breithaupt poured herself into teaching kids and teens about living healthy and working as a team. But when she retired from teaching physical education in nearby Dunkerton, another part of her emerged: an artist who...
“The Prophets Never Saw It Coming”
Max Brash stood in a bubble on the moon, ready to launch the most epic gender reveal party in the history of the human race. In front of him were nearly a hundred transparent monitors linked to his mission control – which was really just one person, his buddy Dave....
Jay Wallerich: “I’m Empty Reality”
Jay Wallerich, of Elizabeth Tate High School in Iowa City, earned third-place in the IC Speak's Page Poets competition. Enjoy their composition, "I'm Empty Reality." "I'm Empty Reality" by Jay Wallerich My mind leaks empty reality; Onto these pages it spills Freely,...
“I Can’t Imagine” — But I Must Try
By KENT MICK I can’t imagine how exhausted people of color are when it comes to America. I can’t imagine how exhausted my gay friends are when it comes to America. I can’t imagine how disgusted my Native American friends are when it comes to America. I can’t imagine...
Affirmation of the Unknown: “I Am”
"The thought of everything society expects from the 'American Dream' hit me. There are all these expectations that our generation almost can't meet -- or that we don't want to meet because we see that there could be a better way to live, a different way. So I examined...
Fairfield artist strives to honor all creative efforts
FAIRFIELD, IA -- "Art is the first brush stroke on a blank canvas." This all-encompassing nod to the value of all creativity is a key theme for Mia Story, a professional artist based in Fairfield whose work includes painting, poetry, graphic design and sculpture. With...
Artwork: Council Bluffs artist reaches new heights during pandemic
Artist Cait Irwin isn’t afraid to make statements with her art.