Five things to do in Iowa City include an art gallery and a play
Before the chaos of the Thanksgiving weekend settles in, enjoy a weekend of exploring plays and museum exhibits in Iowa City. From a new play created by a University of Iowa student to the U of I’s main library exhibit in its final month, there is plenty to do.
Here are five things to check out this weekend in Iowa City:
Hey Buddy, I’m Billy
"Hey Buddy, I’m Bill," is the U of I’s main library exhibit for the fall semester, with only a few more weeks to see the exhibit. "Hey Buddy, I’m Bill" tells the story of Bill Sackter, the namesake of Wild Bill’s (formerly Wild Bill’s Coffee Shop) in the University of Iowa School of Social Work. From his early life in Minneapolis to his 44-year institutionalization for an intellectual disability to his years of friends and fame in Iowa City, the exhibit shares a glimpse into Bill’s life and legacy.
Admission to the exhibit is free, allowing guests to stop by between the hours of 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Fridays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
More: The “Hey Buddy, I’m Bill” exhibit reintroduces Bill Sackter to the Iowa City community
"Pleasure Play" at The Artifactory
"Pleasure Play" is a brand-new work by UI MFA playwright Eli Campbell. When Maeve’s mother shows up at their place of work, Maeve must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice to reconnect. Meanwhile, the life they’ve built with their partner, Gracie, seems to be descending into a fantasy state. There are two showings at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17 and Nov. 18, with tickets for $10 for students and $15 for adults.
Nolte Academy’s "Anastasia Jr."
Under the direction of Broadway star Devon Stone, The Nolte Youth Theatre is performing "Anastasia Jr." at the James Theatre. The show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. With four different shows during the weekend and tickets available for $15.
More: The newly established Iowa Conservatory sets the stage for a new high school experience
Stanley Museum of Art: "Homecoming"
Check out the Stanley Museum of Art’s permanent collection, which has more than 16,000 artworks from modern art to indigenous art. Spend a day exploring the recently reopened museum.
Admission to the Stanley Museum of Art is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The Drawing Salon at the Stanley Museum of Art
This free workshop, led by Robert Caputo, an Iowa City-based painter and sculptor, allows attendees to focus on drawing artworks from the museum’s collection. Each session will focus on a different artwork. The sessions will begin with an introduction and discussion of the selected work. Participants will be encouraged to pursue their visions and to take inspiration from the artworks in the gallery. Register for the workshop here.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@presscitizen.com
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Five things to do in Iowa City this weekend from plays to museums
