About Richard J. Tapia

Richard J Tapia, I am the author of this book, Art in Small Places.

People ask me why I wrote this type of book, and I say, because I felt it needed to be done. I felt this part of Iowa, where my wife and I live is filled with a somewhat ignored life, the life of art and its artists. I have lived in Iowa off and on since 1975. In my time here I have experienced it as a land and a people filled with an energy for creativity. I have encountered musicians, poets, artists, writers and so much more. For years I wondered why there exists this dynamic element in a state fill with mostly corn. I have my theories as to why, but that is a story for another time.

I also wrote this book because of a negative review about Grant Wood, his art colony and the whole area of art called Regionalism. Writing the book was my way of defending where I live, despite Iowa’s politics and being a place known for farms, pigs and corn I have found it to be so much more. So, I wrote the book.

However, I am a retired transplant from Texas. Over the years I’ve come to have a deep appreciation of this state, its people and the amazing creativity displayed in all things artful.

I am also a Vietnam veteran, served from 1970 to 71, and a returned Peace Corps volunteer, served from 1984 to 1986. Upon my return from the Peace Corps, I attended Mt. Mercy College as an art - art education and political science major and I had incredible professors.

Again, creativity was everywhere but was and has always been subtle, quiet and never boasting of its greatness.

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