Illustrations from North Polk Middle School art students are incorporated in the rings of the sculpture "Whispers of Nature." 

JESTER PARK NATURE CENTER OPENS AUG. 5

Polk County’s three major ecosystems—prairie, woodlands and wetlands—are represented in a sculpture at the new Jester Park Nature Center, which hosts its grand opening Sunday, Aug. 5, from 1 to 5 p.m.

The sculpture "Whispers of Nature," is the work of Reinaldo Correa, architecture lecturer at Iowa State University. Correa’s design was selected from more than 25 submissions.

"Iowa continually surprises me with its beauty," Correa says. "When you think of whispers, you don’t notice them at first—they’re subtle. But if you focus and hone in on the experience, you start to grasp the things we take for granted."

The 12-foot-tall, tree-like sculpture features three rings, representing the local ecosystems. A fourth ring near eye level encourages visitors to reflect upon Iowa’s ecological history, as well as their own conservation efforts. "Art is sometimes taken for granted and seen as an amenity," Correa observes. "But art can relay a story and allow us to think about our role in different themes and narratives."

Part of a design "materials board" for Teddy Maroons suggests the colors and character of the place, coming to Ingersoll Avenue.

MORE ON TEDDY MAROONS
By Wini Moranville

Chris Diebel and Kolby Jones, partners in Bubba—Southern Comforts, will open Teddy Maroons this fall at 23rd and Ingersoll (in the new mixed-use structure called the Soll). But of course, you know that already from following me on my All Things Food DSM Facebook page, where I broke the news last week.

Here’s a little more to the story:

• Yes, the name of the venue is a play on the rivalry between Theodore Roosevelt High School and Dowling Catholic High School.

• No chef has been named as yet, but Diebel promises an elevated take on American bar-grill food, including salads that "aren’t just an afterthought." (I’m holding you to that, Mr. Diebel!) Weekend brunch will also be served.

• The 40-seat bar will feature 16 beers on tap as well as a cocktail program highlighting fresh-squeezed juices.

• While there will be big-screen TVs in the bar, the 88-seat dining room will be TV-free. So much the better to enjoy the big, cozy booths with five-foot high-back dividers and the massive 12-foot glass windows that will wrap around the place. "This is not a typical dark tavern,"  Diebel says. A 50-seat patio will open next spring.

• Diebel described an interior decor inspired by geometric patters and an "East Coast prep school" color palette and vibe. Check out the mood board (above) he shared with me for a peek.

Follow @TeddyMaroons on Facebook and Instagram for updates.