Bluff Strokes Art Center History
Bluff Strokes Art Center emerged after Pigeon Art Center, Inc and Bluff Strokes combined in 2024.
Bluff Strokes has offered rich experiences for outdoor painters since 2014. As Bluff Strokes Art Center, will host the 7th Paint Out, 2024 October, and we will begin programming for year-round art education and artist support.
Our Timeline
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 2014
First Urban Sketching Workshop; Kathleen Newmann, "Urban Sketching in Dubuque." Collaboration with Dubuque Heritage Works. 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.
Jun 2018
First outreach projects launched at Dubuque Food Pantry and Boys/Girls Club.
2023
Pigeon Art Center Incorporated and obtained 501c3 status, offered summer life drawing sessions, wrote its business plan and pro forma. As they developed their mission and vision, the connection with Bluff Strokes surfaced.
2024
Bluff Strokes and Pigeon Art Center merged and became Bluff Strokes Art Center.