Fine Arts Collection

Location: Hastings City Hall

Hours: Available for viewing during City Hall open hours
8:00-4:30, Monday-Friday

The Fine Arts collection in City Hall has accumulated gradually over many years. It consists mainly of donations by private citizens and artists. Particularly important as a collector was Hazel Jacobsen Theel who donated more than thirty-five pieces, including an outdoor sculpture, "Early Hastings," that sits in the front courtyard. All together over 130 art works by more than 50 artists are housed at City Hall.

The collection focuses on the art and artists of Hastings. The works display an artistic interest in the City's historic buildings, local geography and wildlife. The Mississippi and Vermillion rivers are the subjects of many works. Others depict local fauna and wildlife. Of course the Spiral Bridge and Le Duc mansion continue to capture the imagination of artists.

In age the works range from an 1888 oil painting by Minnie Voight, down to contemporary art of today. Many different mediums are represented, including oil, pastel, watercolor, photography, sculpture and pottery.

The Fine Arts collection is administered by the Committee for the Arts, made up of volunteer members from the community. The Committee operates on a small budget granted by the City. It strives to collect and preserve art works about Hastings for the appreciation and enjoyment of current and future generations.

The collection is available for viewing Monday-Friday from 8:00 -4:30. It is free and open to the public.

If you would like more information about the collection or the Committee, or wish to make a donation, please contact the Chairperson of the Arts Committee at City Hall, or John Grossman, HRA Director, 651-480-2350.