top of page

G. David Hurd Innovator in the Arts

G. David “Dave” Hurd was an extraordinary man with an extraordinary heart. He loved his city of Des Moines. He loved the Arts Festival and was passionate about its success. Dave was an innovator. He was the person in the room who always asked, “Why not?”

 

The Des Moines Arts Festival proudly presents the G. David Hurd Innovator in the Arts to honor Dave's legacy. This annual recognition to an individual or organization honors Dave’s passion for making our community a better place to live and his passion that drives innovation, community-building and opportunity.

Dave Hurd_edited.jpg

G. David “Dave” Hurd

Jill Wells

2025 G. David Hurd Innovator in the Arts

Jill Wells, a 2005 graduate of Drake University, is an American artist, advocate, and mentor based in Iowa. Her work explores the intersection of accessibility, disability, inequality, race, and history, utilizing tactile and Braille-infused public art. A key achievement in her career is the creation of Iowa’s first multisensory tactile mural at Martin Luther King Elementary School in 2023, as well as the state’s first 3D Mural Model Project. Her innovative use of tactile elements and Braille has sparked meaningful conversations and positioned her as a leader in inclusive art.

​

Jill was selected as the 2025 G. David Hurd Innovator in the Arts for embodying Dave’s visionary spirit - challenging her community to push boundaries, mentoring young people, and leveraging her artistic talent to address deeply personal issues in public ways. Her work invites viewers into dialogue, encouraging greater awareness of human connection and interaction.

​

Visit jillwellsart.com

00698DMAF 5292025 Preview Celebration_AlanJacobss.jpg

Stephen King, Trudy Holman Hurd, Jill Wells, Marsha Aldridge

Past Recipients

Seso Marentes, 2024

Chris Vance, 2023

Hoyt Sherman Place, 2022

ArtForce Iowa, 2021

Girls Rock! Des Moines, 2019

Bravo Greater Des Moines, 2018

Chaden Halfhill, 2017

Larissa Kabel, 2016

Our Sponsors
bravo-gdm-rac-rgb-01_3x.png
Corporate Logo Color.JPG
principal_full_rgb.png
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Spotify

info@desmoinesartsfestival.org

Friday, June 27, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday, June 29, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Photography on this website is by Alan Jacobs,
Cameron Seitz, Cedar Halfhill-Boone, Dwight Tomes, Finn Huggins, Keely Rosenberg, Madeleine King, Rae Ann Bochanyin, Scott Bruxvoort, Steven Volk
Special appreciation to Joe Countryman (dec).

©1998-2025 by Des Moines Arts Festival, Inc.

Privacy Terms

bottom of page