STUDENT STORIES
Hear from our Journalism and Mass Communication students as they help tell the story of Grant Wood. In these reflection pieces, students share what Wood’s legacy means to them and how they chose to illustrate his narrative.
Jasmyn Tran, Class of 2026
I’ve come to understand that Wood’s story is far richer and far more difficult than I ever realized. I learned about the mistreatment he faced, both because of his artistic style and his identity, and how those struggles shaped not only his work but also his legacy.
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Josh Studer, Class of 2026
My involvement has been a cornerstone of my practical development. Engaging with his legacy required stepping out of my comfort zone and meeting individuals passionately dedicated to preserving Iowa’s cultural heritage. I will undoubtedly use these tools, along with my new perspective, throughout my professional career, long after my college graduation.
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Joe Hickman, Class of 2026
I think more Iowans should know about Grant Wood. Having him from Iowa brings a connected feeling that we both grew up in the same area. To know I’m walking where he walked feels so surreal. It should be something Iowa is proud of. I think the University of Iowa should be proud to have hosted a world-renowned artist within its faculty.
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Gloria Kosir, Class of 2026
I learned about Grant Wood by walking through 1142 E. Court St., understanding more through each addition he made to the property. I saw the plant to which he once tended, still green under the care of Jim Hayes, and felt the sun through the sunroom panels.
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Mackenzie Fenwick, Class of 2026
The GWLP gave many of us the opportunity to produce meaningful work
we were proud of and to experiment with work we were interested in. I had the opportunity to be on the GWLP’s social media team, where we were given full rein to do whatever we wanted, within reason, of course. To say we had fun is an understatement.
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Elizabeth Smith, Class of 2026
The funny thing about art is that I don’t believe these pieces are all they seem. Simply put, art is whatever one wants it to be. Artists don’t spend hours on paintings or lithographs solely just to create beauty. It is true that they have talent and drive and creativity, but it can also be argued that art is created for the most narcissistic of purposes.
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Georgia Catlett, Class of 2026
I also think more Iowans should know about Grant Wood—not just because he’s famous, but because of what he represents. His work shows that you don’t have to leave your Midwestern roots to create something big or special. There’s value in the everyday, and there’s value in where you come from. I think that’s a message a lot of students could benefit from hearing, especially in a humble state where it can feel like everything important is happening somewhere else.