emerging iowa artists

The Emerging Iowa Artist Program presented by Principal^® is a juried showcase of promising visual artists that delivers a pathway into the established competitive career within the visual art industry. It aims to foster professional and artistic development while nurturing creative skills.

The program was launched in 2003 when G. David Hurd, Chairman and CEO of Principal Financial Group (now Principal), envisioned the next generation of artistry and artists. The program has provided opportunity for over 200 pre-professional artists. Some of our past artists include Ben Schuh (painter and muralist), Stephanie Brunia (photography, Iowa Arts Council Fellow), Katie Waugh (photography, sculpture, video). The EIA program is made possible by our Premier Partner, Principal. Principal is a global financial investment management and insurance company headquarterd in Des Moines.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected by the jury to exhibit at the 2020 Festival. We may be sidelined for the 2020 Festival, but you can still connect with these talented young artists. Follow this link to the Artist Gallery and select Emerging Iowa Artist from the dropdown "Medium" menu. Or you can click on the artist name below to go directly to their gallery page.

Roan Bacher, Iowa State University, Davenport, IA
Christian D'Cruz, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Ethan Edvenson, University of Northern Iowa, Runnells, IA

Adrienne Howell, Iowa State University, Des Moines, IA

Jamila Johnson, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

Kirsten Morford, Iowa State University, Earlham, IA

Jeremy Roy, Iowa State University, Grimes, IA

Rachel Trimble, Grand View University, Dubuque, IA

The Emerging Iowa Artist program is made possible because of the generous financial support from