Recent Press Release

Alliant Energy Foundation to help American Gothic House Center

Find out how Grant Wood found his home in Eldon

MADISON, WI – May 2, 2008 – Travelers come from far and wide to see the house that inspired Grant Wood to paint his famous American Gothic. The Alliant Energy Foundation is providing funding to help others learn how Wood found this out-of-the-way home.

The American Gothic House Center is developing educational exhibits about Grant Wood, the American Gothic and their connection to Eldon, Iowa. The multi-year initiative will focus this year on the story of how Grant Wood came to Eldon. The exhibit will be on display through April 2009.

“The new summer exhibit at the American Gothic House Center will tell the stories of Edward Rowan and John Sharp and the role each played in helping Grant Wood find the house he used as the background in his most famous painting, American Gothic,” says Jessi Strom, Administrator of the Center. “Residents of Eldon are proud of our cultural history and with Alliant Energy Foundation support; we can share our history with others.”

The Alliant Energy Foundation is committed to helping to improve the quality of life – now and in the future in the communities where Alliant Energy has a presence. The Foundation supports health and human service programs, education endeavors, civic activities, cultural and arts initiatives and environmental efforts.

Media Contact: Nancy Craig (319) 786-4788