CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Hundreds of supporters streamed through the doors of the former Arthur School as the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy hosted an open house at its new location.
Executive Director Heather Wagner greeted visitors to the school, 2630 B Ave. NE, on a summer-like day on Friday, March 28, 2025.
The nonprofit had been searching for a place to consolidate and grow their music classes and other offerings, but nothing stood out until they came upon Arthur Elementary School, which closed at the end of the school year in 2024.
Executive Director Heather Wagner gets a hug during the open house for the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy on March 28, 2025. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Built in 1914 and opened in 1915, both Arthur and Garfield Elementary, 1201 Maplewood Dr. NE, consolidated, with students attending the new Trailside Elementary School, across the street from Arthur.
The Cedar Rapids School Board approved the sale of Arthur to the nonprofit arts academy last year, while Garfield was sold to a developer.
Established in 2007, the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy offers after-school arts programming for students in Eastern Iowa schools and human service agencies.
As part of the purchase of Arthur Elementary, the group paid $130,000 to the school district, with another $130,000 being provided in programming, including for students now attending Trailside and Johnson Elementary.
Wagner said the building will be made ADA accessible, including the installation of an elevator, with a $2 million capital campaign underway. Donations can be made on the nonprofit’s website: EasternIowaArtsAcademy.org
Colorful artwork brightens the walls at the new headquarters for the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Historical elements of the school, such as original woodwork and hardwood floors, are being saved, while new colorful artwork brightens hallways throughout the building.
Visitors were treated to performances by the group’s Rock Academy, and toured classrooms that will now house art classes and more, including a community room that offers a food pantry and other items for families in need.
The arts academy had been leasing one building and is selling its former locations at 1841 and 1847 E Ave. NE.
Related: Eastern Iowa Arts Academy prepares to reopen at Arthur Elementary
See more from the open house, below:
What an amazingly, inspirational story!
I know Heather and her wonderful team have been dreaming about this day for a long time.
What a Blessing!