Remembering Gary Kelley
Schedule
Thu, 25 Jun, 2026 at 06:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
304 West Seerley Blvd., Cedar Falls, IA, United States, Iowa 50613 | Cedar Falls, IA
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FILM SCREENING: GARY KELLEY DOCUMENTARYThursday, June 25 in Mae Latta Hall
Family and Friends Remember Gary at 6:00 p.m.
Film Screening at 7:00 p.m.
MAE LATTA HALL
The “Gary Kelley” documentary, directed by David O'Shields, explores the artist's successful and prolific career. Despite Kelley’s national and international acclaim for his work in illustration and painting, he remained relatively unknown to many Iowans. His story of success, peer recognition and sticking close to his Iowa roots are important to share with local audiences. For O’Shields and his creative partner, Tristan Bennett, the hope is that this film will be of interest to all Iowans, but especially young artists aspiring to creative fields. Gary’s story serves as testimony that artistic opportunities exist for talented, hard-working creatives right here in Iowa, and specifically the Cedar Valley—not just in Los Angeles or New York City. “Gary is a national treasure,” O’Shields said. “It is important for Iowans as well as viewers across the country to understand that and appreciate Gary’s extraordinary contribution to our collective culture. This is why Tristan and I made the film.” Born in 1945, Kelley grew up in Algona, Iowa, and attended the University of Northern Iowa to study graphic design. As an illustrator his work has appeared in Time, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, and other magazines. You may know his mural work featuring celebrated authors that appears in every Barnes & Noble bookstore. He earned more than 29 awards for his work. Gary recently passed, but his legacy will live on.
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Where is it happening?
304 West Seerley Blvd., Cedar Falls, IA, United States, Iowa 50613Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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