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Experience the event at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art galleries

Ed Condran

The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.

It will be a runway like no other when the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art hosts the "Art in Motion Fashion Show."

The unique event, which is slated for Friday, April 25, will feature the designs of local fashion designers Judy Bales, Gyan Shrosbree and her mother Kathy Shrosbree. Models will bring to life the designers' inspired creations on a runway winding through the art-filled galleries. The fashion show was inspired by the CRMA's exhibition, "All Dressed Up and Down," which can be experienced through May 18.

Bales, who has had her garments displayed at the CRMA in previous exhibitions, is looking forward to models, as opposed to mannequins, sporting her clothing. Bales' designs often utilize reclaimed or recycled materials, which are made unrecognizable by repetition or restructuring.

"My work, though created from man-made materials, alludes to the transcendent beauty of nature," Bales said. "I am amazed at the ability of man-made materials to take on organic form when manipulated in ways for which it was not intended when manufactured."

If you go

What: Art in Motion Fashion Show

When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 25

Where: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids.

Cost: $40

Tickets: RSVP by Tuesday, April 15 at (319) 366-7503 or [email protected].

With more than 30 years of experience in diverse artistic endeavors, including fiber art, fashion art and as a public art designer, Bales has a unique vision. Bales has shown on the runway at Omaha Fashion Week 11 times. The common denominator for Bales fashion is fiber.

"Fiber is an integral part of our lives from the cradle to the grave," Bales said while calling from her Fairfield, Iowa home. "We are wrapped in fiber, as in cloth, at birth and again upon death. Our entire lives are permeated with not only clothes, but bedding, towels, interior decor or functional objects, architectural elements such as awnings ... For decades I have worked in non-traditional materials, such as wire or plastics, but in fiber processes, such as sewing, looping and improvisational weaving."

Kathy Shrosbree is also expert at sewing. The trained furniture designer stitches together her daughter's art, which is dubbed "paintings that move." The Shrosbrees' designs feature bright colors and an abstract flavor, with two-dimensional sculptures that suggest a painted canvas that has been taken from a gallery well and draped onto a human form.

"We really enjoy what we're doing together," Gyan Shrosbree said.

Not every child works with their parents, but the Shrosbees enjoy creating with each other.

"The dynamic is fabulous," Gyan Shrosbree said. "We are so similar and different in all the right ways. We know each other so well and have a lot of the same interests and inspirations. My mom is so precise and a total perfectionist. Everything she makes is refined and beautiful. She understands me and is able to work with my fast and loose ways and not squash those ways, but instead complement them. We have fun working together and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do this. Every time we start a new series, I am ecstatic that we get to do it again."

After receiving her bachelor’s in painting from the Kansas City Art Institute and her master’s in painting from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Gyan Shrosbree thought she would work in the fashion industry, but the business side wasn't for her.

"I was very clearly an outsider in that world," Gyan Shrosbree said. "I realized quickly that I was much less practical and more interested in playing the fashion game with no real fashion rules. The second I was truly exposed to the field, I was more interested in creating alternative fashion spaces and places as opposed to the traditional fashion world with all of its practical concerns and what I felt to be restrictions and rules that didn’t apply to galleries or museums."

Kathy Shrosbree looks forward to working with her daughter each day.

"It's a total blast," Kathy Shrosbree said. "We work so well together. I love seeing her paintings come off the wall and inhabit bodies."

It's no surprise that her daughter became a painter.

"Gyan has been drawing and painting since early childhood, and it was very apparent that it was a form of expression that came naturally to her. She has been surrounded by art and artists her whole life, so the environment was an encouraging one for someone who had the inclination toward the practice."

Even though Bales and the Shrosbrees have had mutual admiration for many years, the “Art in Motion Fashion Show” is their first collaborative endeavor. Will the trio work together again?

"I certainly hope so," Bales said.

The trio would make for intriguing guests for a show like "Project Runway." However, Bales is not angling to be part of such a program, at least not at the moment.

"Oddly, I am not a personal fan of reality fashion shows because of what I perceive as superficiality and sometimes almost meanness," Bales said. "However, all my friends love them, and I think the pressure and challenge of being part of such a competition can be a catalyst for a tremendous boost for a young designer's career. And Gyan and I had a recent conversation where she described the support the designers have for each other and the values of the challenges that are given. So, I may need to give them another look."

In the interim, the artists will focus on current projects. "But we're really looking forward to this event," Bales said. "It's going to be a lot of fun."

Led the school to 19 state tournament appearances and six Class 4A state championships

Jeff Johnson

The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.

CEDAR RAPIDS - Maybe you’ll see him again somewhere, some place, some time. In some gym.

Who knows?

Irregardless, let’s reflect on the legacy of Steve Bergman. Because it is immense.

The longtime and future hall of fame coach announced Friday afternoon he is stepping down as head coach at Iowa City West after 35 years. That’d be 35 incredibly successful years.

“This decision comes after much reflection. While I appreciate being given the option to continue as coach, I believe now is the right time to move on,” Bergman said in a statement released by the school.

Bergman led the Trojans to 19 state tournament appearances, nine championship games and six Class 4A titles. His overall record at the school was 623-194.

He is 666-235 in his 39-year head coaching career, with previous stops at Monticello and West Liberty. The win total ranks 10th all time in Iowa history.

West went 15-8 this past season.

“Coaching at West has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I am deeply grateful for the incredible support I’ve received,” Bergman said in a release. “I have had the pleasure of working with three assistants for 15 or more years: Gordon Rundquist, Nate Frese and Rick Hancox. Their hard work, along with so many other assistants, helped make possible the six state titles, three runner-up finishes, 16 confererence titles and countless wins.

“The hundreds of players that proudly wore the green and gold did all the hard work, and they and their parents deserve most of the credit. We have had longtime fans who have been with me for all or most of this journey. We built this program based on hard work, commitment and a love of the game.”

Well known for a tough-love coaching approach and an endearingly sarcastic demeanor, Bergman was virtually without peer when it came to teaching and coaching defense. He tutored many Division I college players at West, including Ali Farokhmanesh, who last week was named head coach at Colorado State.

Farokhmanesh thanked Bergman, among others, at his introductory press conference.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better coach for my four years,” said West all-stater Jack McCaffery, who is headed to Butler University to play.

“Berg is no doubt my favorite coach that I have had in my career,” said University of Iowa senior Even Brauns, who played at West. “Not only did he have one of the best coaching careers in the state, but he did so in a way that enabled guys to play to their potential. Berg pushed me in ways a coach never had. He demanded excellence from me every day because he believed in my talent more than I did at times. Coach will forever remain special to me, not only for the wins, but for the daily coaching and tough love that he gives to every player.”

Bergman, 66, thanked his family, especially his wife, Pam, for tremendous support. His four children all went to West, and his youngest child, Sophie, was a manager for the team this season.

“Coach Bergman is one of the finest basketball minds around and was always willing to talk basketball and help me out when I first arrived as the Iowa City West girls’ basketball coach,” said West Activities Director B.J. Mayer in a press release. “I cannot thank him enough for helping me and for all the contributions he has made to the basketball program and West High.”

“Berg and I were coaching colleagues for over 20 years,” said West Principal Mitch Gross. “He demanded excellence, and the results he achieved spoke for themselves. His teams consistently reflected his high standards, discipline, and passion for the game. As principal, I greatly appreciate all that he has done for our school. He has left a lasting legacy at West High that will be hard to replicate.”

When contacted Friday afternoon, Bergman said in a respectful way that he wasn’t going to do any interviews right now, saying he wanted to let his press release statement stand as his thoughts. Part of his statement mentioned he wanted to continue in basketball in some capacity, and he was asked about that.

“I’m open to ideas,” he said. “I’m still interested in doing something. I just don’t know what that is.”

Comments: (319)-398-8258, [email protected]

As the weather gets warmer, the cravings for ice cream get stronger! Thankfully, a new ice cream stand is now open at Lindale Mall.

This week, Lindale Mall announced on social media that Scoops Creamery has officially started welcoming customers to their new stand inside the mall, right across from Pretzelmaker near the escalator. The new business' official website reads:

"Indulge yourself in fresh, house made ice cream. Mix it up just the way you like with a variety of mix-ins. From chocolate chips, Oreos, and Reese's, to fresh bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, we've got something that'll hit the spot!"

Some of the signature creations on the menu at Scoops include Banana Caramel Pecan Craze, Chocolate Dream, Peanut Butter Fantasy, Cake Batter Brownie Perfection, and Did Someone Say Birthday Cake.

After customers decide on their size (Baby Bear, Mama Bear, or Papa Bear), ice cream flavor, and mix-ins, they can choose how they want their creation served: in a bowl, a waffle cone, or a chocolate-dipped waffle cone. Scoops Creamery also offers smoothies, shakes, and frappes.

Scoops Creamery is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. During business hours, you can place an order in advance online on the Scoops Creamery website HERE.

Looking for more delicious ice cream and other frozen treats across the Corridor? Here are some of your other great options in Linn and Johnson County:

The Best Places to Get Ice Cream in the Corridor (Updated 4/2/25)

We all know that there are plenty of Dairy Queens across the Corridor, as well as Culver's, Coldstone, Baskin Robbins, Orange Leaf, and Aspen Leaf locations. But, there are lots of other options, too! Here are some of the other places you can grab a frozen treat in Linn County and Johnson County:

Want to keep up to date with the latest in local and music news? Download our app! It's completely free and not only will you be the first to know about breaking news, but we'll also keep you updated on concerts and other events coming to the area. You'll also have exclusive opportunities to win tickets. What are you waiting for? Get the free app today.

Corridor Bars & Restaurants With Awesome Outdoor Patios

Who doesn't love patio season?! Here are some of the great patios in the area where you can dine and/or drink when the weather is warm... big, small, and everything in between!

Neighbors worry about $15M project’s impact to surrounding area

Grace Nieland

Why you can trust The Gazette

The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.

CEDAR RAPIDS — The developers of a proposed 92-unit apartment complex hope to meet the demand for workforce housing in southwest Cedar Rapids.

Talon Development, based in Sioux Falls, S.D., intends to erect the two-building complex in the 3300 block of Stone Creek Circle, near the intersection of Williams Boulevard SW and Highway 30. The project — estimated at $15 million — would create a mix of one- and two-bedroom rental units.

“The state of Iowa and the city both have published the need for workforce housing, and this project can help meet that need,” said Bob Smith, Talon’s vice president of development. “Following that logic, we looked around and decided that this lot was a good fit and location.”

The Cedar Rapids City Planning Commission recently voted to recommend the rezoning necessary for the project to move forward, although the change would require final approval from the Cedar Rapids City Council at a future meeting.

Smith said the project would further be contingent on the reception of the state-issued workforce housing tax credits that Talon Development intends to pursue this summer.

Pending necessary approvals, Smith said the goal would be to break ground on the project later this year with a construction timeline of 14 to 18 months. Once complete, monthly rental payments would fall between $885 and $1,145 per unit.

“What we’re doing is having this be a market-rate project that would be available for rent to all people in the city,” Smith said. “... It’s not income-restricted” like a project supported by low-income tax credits.

In addition to the 92 rental units, preliminary site plans also call for equivalent parking, an on-site property management office, dog park and additional green space.

The Stone Creek Circle development would be Talon’s first in Cedar Rapids, although the company in 2021 constructed the Boulevard Apartments in Marion.

That 99-unit complex near the intersection of First Avenue NE and Collins Road NE was funded in part by workforce housing tax credits and since has been recognized by the Iowa Finance Authority for its innovative approach to community housing.

Project draws neighbors’ concerns

Despite that record, the proposed Stone Creek development drew concerns from neighboring residents who spoke at the recent city planning commission meeting.

Six people spoke against the proposed zoning change, all of whom lived at the neighboring Prairie Gardens Cooperative. The cooperative, located at 3550 Stone Creek Circle SW, is an affordable housing cooperative for those 62 and older.

Residents expressed concerns that the construction of the proposed apartment complex would lower the cooperative’s sales during the construction period and lower the property value of the area by increasing traffic and overall population density.

“We’re really concerned about how our building fits in with this (proposal),” said co-op resident Bill Hopp. “... If we’re going to be set up across the road from a 90-unit apartment building, that’s not really what retired people are looking for.”

Speaking before the commission, Smith recognized the cooperative’s concerns but reiterated Talon Development’s belief that the proposed apartment complex would be a good fit with the surrounding area.

He highlighted the project’s relatively short construction period and Talon’s track record for high-quality, Midwest development. Further, he said tenants would be held to rental agreements requiring appropriate conduct and cleanliness standards.

The area also is home to an assisted-living facility and a dental office. Neither sent representatives to speak at the planning commission’s meeting.

Stakeholders will have another opportunity to address any outstanding questions or concerns when the rezoning request comes before the City Council on April 22.

Comments: [email protected]

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