About Bluff Strokes Art Center
Mission
We make space for art — for art learners, art lovers, and art makers.
Vision
To provide high quality art education and to support artists throughout their journey.
Background
Bluff Strokes was founded by Wes Heitzman in 2014 under its original name “Mississippi River Art Workshops.” The organization has attracted a growing group of artists who travel, take workshops, and participate in paint outs and other art events. 2024 marks the 7th paint out bringing over 55 artists to Dubuque for a week of painting Dubuque’s unique vistas. Bluff Strokes joined forces with Pigeon Art Center Inc in early 2024. The joint project is Bluff Strokes Art Center, and we hold our own non-profit status.
Bluff Strokes Art Center Board of Directors & Staff
Jillayne Pinchuk, President
Deb Otto, Secretary
Sarah Conlon
Erin Dragatto
Wes Heitzman
Anna Thier
Rachel Daack, Executive Director
Bluff Strokes Paint OUt Committee
Wes Heitzman, Chair
Karen Cavanagh, Treasurer
Renee Meyer, Secretary
Katey Casper
Sue Davis
Dawn Eikamp
Tasha Lippold
Morgan Kohlwes
Paul Opperman
Deb Otto
Jillayne Pinchuk
Timeline/Key Events
Nov 2014 Mississippi River Art Workshops founded under Dubuque County Fine Arts Society.
Jun 2015 First plein air workshop; John Preston, “Painting the Mississippi Plein Air.”
Oct 2016 First Urban Sketching Workshop; Kathleen Newmann, "Urban Sketching in Dubuque." Collaboration with Dubuque Heritage Works.
Oct 2016 First Bluff Strokes Plein Air Paint Out
Jun 2017 Plein Air Painters of Dubuque (PPODS) launched out of summer workshop
May 2018 Mississippi River Art Workshops name changed to Bluff Strokes.
June 2018 First outreach projects launched at Dubuque Food Pantry and Boys/Girls Club.
2024 Bluff Strokes merges with Pigeon Art Center Inc to become Bluff Strokes Art Center
Acknowledgements
Clarke University – Clarke has graciously and repeatedly provided their art studio for Bluff Strokes workshops.