Available to hire
Hello, I’m Nancy L. Purington, a multidisciplinary artist based in Iowa City. My artistic practice explores river landscapes, water, and nature through painting, textile-based works, and public art collaborations. I enjoy translating natural phenomena and environmental themes into visual stories that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and engage with their surroundings.
I love connecting with communities through art, public projects, and teaching. I pursue opportunities that weave science, environment, and culture into visual narratives, and I’m committed to mentoring, collaboration, and creating accessible art experiences for diverse audiences.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Public Art Advisory Committee Member at City of Iowa City
December 31, 2021 - December 31, 2021Member (and Chairperson) of the Public Art Advisory Committee
Project Proposal Development Grant Writer at Community Center for Arts and Culture on the Mississippi River
December 31, 2005 - December 31, 2005Wrote grant proposals for Iowa Great Places project
Executive Director at Arts Iowa City
December 31, 2002 - December 31, 2002Executive Director of Arts Iowa City
Treasurer, Board of Directors at Arts Iowa City
December 31, 2003 - December 31, 2003Treasurer of Arts Iowa City's Board of Directors
President of the Board of Directors at Arts Iowa City
December 31, 1999 - December 31, 1999President of Arts Iowa City's Board of Directors
Public Art Advisory Committee Member and Chairperson at City of Iowa City
December 31, 1999 - December 31, 1999Member and Chairperson, Public Art Advisory Committee
Concept Narrative Designer at Public Art Consultant / City of Iowa City
December 31, 1997 - December 31, 1997Downtown Streetscape Project: Iowa Avenue / Literary Walk
Co-Author of Public Art Program Proposal at Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
December 31, 1997 - December 31, 1997Public Art Program Proposal; Resolution became State of Iowa's first municipal Public Art Program
Member, Arts/Business Partnership Committee at Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
December 31, 1998 - December 31, 1998Representing Arts Iowa City, a 501(c)(3) arts agency
Creative Artist Planning Project (CAPP) at Iowa Arts Council
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1989Community think tank for literary, performing and visual artists
Artist in the Schools at IAC/NEA
December 31, 1986 - December 31, 1986Teaching and artist engagements in Clinton, IA
Artist in Residence at UIHC (University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics)
December 31, 1986 - December 31, 1986INDIAN SUMMERS / WINTER WALKS
Artist in the Schools at IAC/NEA
December 31, 1988 - December 31, 1988Engagements in Marengo, IA
Solo Artist Residency at Wittier Library & Gallery
December 31, 1987 - December 31, 1987Residency in Storm Lake, IA
Artist in the Schools at IAC/NEA
December 31, 1987 - December 31, 1987In Wilton, IA
Artist in the Schools at IAC/NEA
December 31, 1986 - December 31, 1986In Clinton, IA
Artist in Residence at UIHC
December 31, 1986 - December 31, 1986UIHC residency project
Comet, Moon and River at Iowa Artisans Gallery
December 31, 1986 - December 31, 1986Art project residency
Water, Land and Sky at Marvin Cone Gallery, Coe College
December 31, 1985 - December 31, 1985Exhibition/Residency
River Themes at LeClaire Line Gallery
December 31, 1985 - December 31, 1985Exhibition/Residency
How I Saw Iowa and the River at Great River Bank & Trust
December 31, 1985 - December 31, 1985Exhibition/Residency
Spring Meditations at Hayles Gallery
December 31, 1985 - December 31, 1985Aspen, CO
35th Annual Iowa Artists at Des Moines Art Center
December 31, 1983 - December 31, 1983Exhibition participation
34th Annual Iowa Artists at Des Moines Art Center
December 31, 1982 - December 31, 1982Exhibition participation
Paper/Fiber V at Clapp Recital Hall, University of Iowa
December 31, 1982 - December 31, 1982Exhibition
33rd Annual Iowa Artists at Des Moines Art Center
December 31, 1981 - December 31, 1981Exhibition participation
32nd Annual Iowa Artists at Des Moines Art Center
December 31, 1980 - December 31, 1980Exhibition participation
31st Annual Iowa Artists at Des Moines Art Center
December 31, 1979 - December 31, 1979Exhibition participation
Paper/Fiber II at Old Brick
December 31, 1979 - December 31, 1979(Best in Show Award)
30th Annual Iowa Artists at Des Moines Art Center
December 31, 1978 - December 31, 1978Exhibition participation
Public Art Consultant at City of Iowa City (Iowa Avenue / Literary Walk)
December 31, 1999 - December 31, 1999Concept narrative designer and public art consultant for civic art projects and streetscape initiatives in downtown Iowa City.
Art Consultant at Hansen Lind Meyer A/E
December 31, 1994 - December 31, 1994Desert Images: Ancient/Future project at Mike O'Callaghan Federal Hospital, Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, NV (Public/medical art consulting).
Artist in Residence at Wittier Library & Gallery, Storm Lake, IA
December 31, 1987 - December 31, 1987Solo artist residency focusing on interdisciplinary visual work and community engagement.
Artist in the Schools at IAC/NEA programs
December 31, 1987 - December 31, 1987Art education outreach program participation through IAC/NEA funded engagements in schools.
Education
MFA at The University of Iowa
January 11, 2030 - November 3, 2025BFA at The Kansas City Art Institute
January 11, 2030 - November 3, 2025MFA at The University of Iowa
January 11, 2030 - November 3, 2025BFA at The Kansas City Art Institute
January 11, 2030 - November 3, 2025Qualifications
Iowa Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Service Award/Arts Advocacy
January 1, 1989 - November 3, 2025Council on Teaching Award, The University of Iowa
January 1, 1984 - November 3, 2025Fine Arts Council Grant, The University of Iowa
January 1, 1983 - November 3, 2025Iowa Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Service Award/Arts Advocacy
January 1, 1989 - November 3, 2025Major Artist Grant, Iowa Arts Council
January 1, 2007 - November 3, 2025STAR Award (Service to the Arts in our Region)
January 1, 2000 - November 3, 2025Creative Artists' Grant, Iowa Arts Council
January 1, 1988 - November 3, 2025Council on Teaching Award, The University of Iowa
January 1, 1984 - November 3, 2025Fine Arts Council Grant, The University of Iowa
January 1, 1983 - November 3, 2025Council on Teaching Grant, The University of Iowa
January 1, 1982 - November 3, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Government, Professional Services
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