Mosaic map of Iowa leaves EV History Center seeking ‘the rest of the story’

A piece of re-homed Iowa art has people at the English Valleys History Center (EVHC), North English, scratching their heads and inviting the public to put on their sleuthing caps.

In December of 2021, an original work of art was trucked from the VFW in Iowa City to the History Center after Scott Romine, who serves as vice president of the center, was asked by a friend if that organization would be interested in displaying the unique creation.

The five-foot-tall by nine-foot-wide mosaic in the shape of the state of Iowa is created from small pieces of ceramic tile portraying historical and cultural attractions. It had been attached to a wall in the Iowa City VFW Hall for many years until the VFW tackled a remodeling project. The mosaic map had to go.

“I was told by the quartermaster at the Iowa City VFW that they discussed cutting it up and throwing it in the landfill, but since he knew about our history center, he asked if we would like to have it,” Romine says. “We believe it is now ours to display or do with as we choose.”

The VFW commander and his crew trucked it to North English on a flatbed, noted EVHC president Dave Jackson.

“It is so heavy it takes about five hefty souls to move it,” he adds.

The mosaic map has been welcomed at the history center and there are no plans to get rid of it.

“We find it quite interesting,” Romine says.

But no one knows anything about it.

“No one thus far has been able to tell us who created this work of art, and we’re not able to identify every graphic that is shown,” Romine says. “That has generated many wonderful discussions so far as we try to understand it.”

He is reaching out not only to share this unique piece of art with area residents, but also in hopes of connecting with someone who can reveal more about it, including who made it, when they made it and what inspired them.

“I suspect there were many hands involved,” Romine says. “It seems far too complex with too many small tiles to imagine one person creating the entire thing. At this point, we would very much like to know who created this mosaic and when.”

“We're anxious to learn about ‘the rest of the story’ of this artwork history mystery,” Jackson adds.

Initial searches for more information have turned up nothing.

“Social media on a statewide history internet group has netted no results to this point,” Jackson says. “I figured there would be some sort of artist's signature on the piece but we have found nothing to date. Since the piece was hanging in Iowa City at the VFW hall since the 1970s, it is possible it may have originated from a University of Iowa art student or group of students, perhaps a project. I checked with art faculty there and they do not seem to know.”

Anyone who would like to view it more closely or share insight as to its origins, may contact Romine at (319) 660-0225 or sromine@netins.net.

Comments: Melinda.Wichmann@southeastiowaunion.com