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.
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.
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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.
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Visit jillwellsart.com
Past Recipients
Jill Wells, 2025
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
Stephen King, Trudy Holman Hurd, Jill Wells, Marsha Aldridge