About
Corning Center For the Fine Arts
In October 2004, several progressive members of Adams County began planning for the Corning Center for Fine Arts (CCFA), a nonprofit education organization dedicated to the creation of interdisciplinary arts. This group had a vision to enrich and renew the diverse social fabric of the area by creating a unique place where citizens and guests to Corning could gather to enjoy all that makes Corning a great place to live and visit.
With thousands of hours of volunteerism and planning, a vacant building in the downtown area was transformed into an art center with a large gallery including mezzanine viewing of a studio area. During this same time, two apartments were refurbished on the second floor of this building to correlate with an Artists in Residence program. After months of incredible work and amazing fundraising, CCFA opened it’s doors on September 30, 2005!
There are two gallery spaces at CCFA, Main Gallery & Atrium. The Main Gallery is over 1500 square feet and looks out onto Davis Avenue and historic downtown Corning Iowa. The Main Gallery exhibits the work of regional and national artists for retail sales and exhibitions.
The Atrium Gallery is a beautiful exhibition space that overlooks the studio and classroom area in the art center. Rotating exhibitions and works on display extend the programming into the Atrium Gallery from the Main Gallery. With its unique space, lighting and architectural dynamics, artists have exhibited a wide variety of two-dimensional work, small scale sculpture and site specific installations in the space.
The Artists in Residence program was unique in that it was one of only 40 similar programs in the country at that time. The center’s residency program strives to engage emerging mid-career and established artists with the physical space, technical assistance, and support to create new work.
Interaction between the artists, their work, and the public is promoted through exhibitions, lectures, seminars and other educational opportunities. CCFA’s Artists in Residence program continues today and is popular with artists from around the country.
Our gallery has a diverse collection of fine art from around the country showcasing original paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel and mixed media. CCFA is also home to a large amount of sculpture, pottery, prints, jewelry, wooden art items, home made cards and baskets. We offer special exhibitions and art classes and work closely with our local school districts for student art programs and shows. We are a full-service retail business offering phone and web orders, as well as free gift wrapping.
