Main Street Washington

10/24/2026

🖼 GRANT WOOD LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE 🖼

Famous for American Gothic, but what about his early silverwork, rare book covers, and initial paintings?

On Saturday, Nov 7th, local collector Michael Zahs is opening his vault for a special pop-up museum at the Washington Public Library.

What to expect:
• Approx. 30 rare & early Grant Wood pieces on display
• Guided presentation and storytelling by Michael Zahs
• Light refreshments served
• 100% of proceeds support the Library Foundation & Main Street Washington

Choose between the 4:00 PM or 7:00 PM session! Tickets are $30.
🎟 Get your tickets now: https://givebutter.com/grant-wood-pop-up-museum-rn89ke

10/22/2026

When your director has a vision, amazing board members and a fabulous volunteer... magic happens 😂🎃🙌

Enjoy this little sneak peek video of our spook-tastic activities 🎃 We had a blast visiting businesses & wandering our boo-tiful downtown 👻

Huge thanks to Leppert Media for being on board and being absolutely fabulous (& not letting any of us fall over or run into anything 😂 wearing a pumpkin is no joke 😂)

If you caught us out and about, feel free to share pics!

10/22/2026

Trade the hustle for a relaxing afternoon in Downtown Washington!

Grab your favorite drink, stroll around the historic square, and explore our independent shops stocked with one-of-a-kind clothing, home decor, gifts, and seasonal arrivals.

Small-town charm, zero stress, and friendly faces behind every counter.

📍 Plan your afternoon trip to Downtown Washington, Iowa today!

10/21/2026

Did you know one of Iowa’s most extraordinary Grant Wood collections lives right here in Washington?

Join us on Saturday, November 7th at the Washington Public Library for an exclusive pop-up museum featuring ~30 rare, early-career works from the private collection of local historian Michael Zahs. Many of these pieces - including original lithographs, early paintings, dust jackets, silver piece, and rare artifacts - have never been displayed to the public!

Mr. Zahs will lead a presentation walking through the stories behind these historic pieces while light refreshments are served.

🎟 $30 / person
🕒 4:00 PM or 7:00 PM
📍 Washington Public Library, Washington, Iowa

Every ticket directly benefits the Washington Public Library Foundation and Main Street Washington’s Local Grant Fund. Seats are limited for both sessions; grab yours today before they're gone!

👉

Pop-up museum in Downtown Washington, Grant Wood art.

10/17/2026

If you need a signal (or an excuse), here it is 😘

The historic district is open and waiting for you to discover it.

See you soon!

10/17/2026

🚨 ATTENTION 🚨

We have an opening date for the bookstore 🙌😍🙌

November 7th at noon 🎊 Holiday open houses will also be going on so just go ahead and make plans to be in Downtown Washington, Iowa 😘😘😘

10/15/2026

Had a great time showing off our downtown district to Leadership Washington yesterday!

Thank you to all the business and building owners who let us tour their spaces with the group, we love showing the progress and potential here ❤️❤️❤️

Thanks for planning the afternoon with us Jenny Morgan Century 21 Trinity 🙌

10/13/2026

It's almost time to welcome 2 Bros to Downtown Washington 🙌🌮🙌

10/13/2026

Grant Wood Pop-Up Gallery
One day only in Downtown Washington, Iowa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
An eclectic private collection of original Grant Wood art will be on display in downtown Washington for one day only. The Grant Wood Pop-Up Gallery will feature works by the iconic Iowa artist and will be accompanied by a presentation by collector and historian Michael Zahs.

From farm scenes to dinner tables, the art provides a perspective of life in Iowa that many will recognize despite the near century that has passed since their creation. Zahs is known for his work on preserving early film history and artifacts, as seen in the international award-winning documentary Saving Brinton. Now, a portion of a private Grant Wood collection will be brought to the public to share a glimpse of an Iowa icon and how that art provides a view of Iowa’s history with presentation by Zahs.

With approximately 25 pieces under one roof, the pop up gallery offers a rare opportunity to see many creations from Grant Wood in one place. Paintings, book dust covers, illustrations, lithographs, a silver piece, and fabric will be on display at the Washington Public Library.

Attendees will view the gallery throughout the second floor of the library, followed by a brief presentation by Zahs. During the presentation, attendees will have a chance to sample foods crafted with recipes from Grant Wood’s family, including a potato salad he made regularly for Sunday dinners.

The Washington Library Foundation and Main Street Washington are pleased to present this first-of-its-kind event in downtown Washington. Tickets are $30 with proceeds being evenly divided between the Washington Library Foundation and Main Street Washington, which both strive to enrich the community of Washington.

WHEN: 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. Saturday, November 7th, 2026
LOCATION: Washington Public Library, 115 W. Washington St., Washington, IA 52353
TICKETS: https://givebutter.com/grant-wood-pop-up-museum-rn89ke