Art Gallery
Quad City Arts “Art at the Airport”
Bimonthly Exhibit
The following artists incorporate their views of the world into their own art forms.
In addition to the airport gallery, the artist’s works can be seen and purchased online.
From July 1 – August 31, 2026, Quad City Arts presents abstract paintings by James Bowden and fused-glass art by Barbara Shultz-Hetrick.
Quad City Arts presents the work of two accomplished Midwest artists whose distinct styles invite viewers to slow down and look closer. Through James Bowden’s bold abstract paintings and Barbara Shultz-Hetrick’s luminous fused-glass artwork, the exhibition explores layers of color, form, and meaning that reveal new details with every viewing. This exhibit is FREE and open to the public. Due to ongoing airport renovations, visitors should follow posted signage to access the gallery.
James Bowden of Peotone, Illinois, is an abstract painter. He begins with small-scale studies that follow an intuitive and playful approach and then creates his final compositions on PVC board in a flat, hard-edge style. Of his work, Bowden says, “I set out to create a painting that has contradictory qualities. First, the painting communicates its energy instantly. Second, it has possible readings that only become apparent after the viewer has looked at the painting for a while. I feel the true reward is the pleasure of discovering allusive layers of vision in the same painting.”
Barbara Shultz-Hetrick of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a fused glass artist. Using the luminous properties of glass and a painterly sensibility, she forms mythological portraits that reveal and obscure details based on how light hits their surface. Her pieces depict gods, goddesses, and warriors from various mythos around the world. “I find glass to be a compelling medium,” Shultz-Hetrick says, “[It’s] one that conveys the energy and transcendent beauty of otherworldly beings while also expressing the ultimate fragility of their strength.”
While their work may at first seem to be an unlikely pairing, Bowden and Shultz-Hetrick both encourage their audience to pause and find hidden details in their work.
In addition to the airport gallery, the artist’s works can be seen and purchased online: www.shopquadcityarts.com/airport-gallery.
Quad City Arts’ Art at the Airport Gallery
Art at the Airport in The Quad Cities International Airport is easy to find. It to the right of the security checkpoint. The gallery never closes, and you will pay two dollars for the first hour of parking.
Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. Support for art exhibitions is provided by the Illinois Arts Council, The Cultural Trust, and T-Fiber. Quad City Arts Gallery is located at 1715 Second Avenue in the Arts and Entertainment District of Rock Island. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo 309-793-1213 X108, or by email.