McGregor to unveil two new Public Art Installations during Fall Art Festival
Local artist Shawna McLeod brings color, creativity, and a fresh sense of place to downtown McGregor through the City's Creative Places Initiative.
McGREGOR, IOWA – Visitors to downtown McGregor during the Fall Art Festival, October 10–11, will have something new to discover as the City unveils two original public art installations created by northeast Iowa artist Shawna McLeod of McLeod Paint & Design.
The installations, both designed for McGregor's Landing, represent an exciting step in the community's efforts to incorporate art and creativity into its public spaces, enhance the visitor experience, and establish new opportunities for community gathering and connection.
Two Distinct Works, One Creative Vision
The first installation, the Creative Places Gateway, features six original, hand-painted art panels incorporated into a welcoming gateway arch structure. Together, the panels create a colorful and distinctive entrance that celebrates artistic expression while establishing a recognizable sense of arrival at McGregor's Landing.
The second installation, the McGregor's Landing Signature Canvas, is an impressive 10-foot-by-20-foot hand-painted mural inspired by the natural beauty, cultural character, and creative spirit of the Mississippi River community. Designed as a portable visual centerpiece, the canvas will serve as a colorful backdrop for concerts, festivals, markets, and other gatherings at McGregor's Landing.
Both works were commissioned from McLeod, a rural Luana native and graduate of MFL MarMac Community School District. After earning her degree in Art Education from the University of Northern Iowa and spending 15 years teaching middle school art, McLeod transitioned to full-time creative work in 2026 through her business, McLeod Paint & Design.
Her connection to the region adds special meaning to the projects, bringing locally rooted artistic talent into the heart of McGregor's evolving downtown.
Creative Placemaking in Action
The installations are part of the City of McGregor's Creative Places Initiative, a community-driven effort directed by a committee of local volunteers committed to exploring how art, culture, and creativity can contribute to the community's future.
McGregor was selected to participate in Iowa's Creative Places Accelerator program, an initiative designed to help communities leverage their unique cultural assets to strengthen local identity, encourage collaboration, enhance quality of life, and support economic vitality. For McGregor, that work includes exploring ways to activate underutilized spaces, encourage community interaction, and develop distinctive experiences that appeal to residents and visitors alike.
Public art is an emerging element of McGregor's placemaking efforts. Beyond adding visual interest, installations such as the Gateway Arch and Signature Canvas can help transform everyday spaces into recognizable destinations, inspire curiosity and conversation, and create a stronger sense of connection to place.
The projects also demonstrate how collaboration between local volunteers, municipal leadership, and regional artists can translate creative ideas into tangible community improvements.
An Invitation to Experience Something New
The two installations will make their public debut this weekend during the Fall Art Festival in downtown McGregor. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the festival, experience the new artwork firsthand, and discover how creativity is becoming part of the community's evolving landscape.
The City hopes these installations will serve not only as additions to McGregor's Landing, but also as inspiration for future public art and creative placemaking opportunities throughout the community.
